Top Chinese Copper Smelter Cuts Output to Combat Low Fees

A leading Chinese copper producer is cutting run rates and bringing forward planned maintenance as a plunge in processing fees and cut-throat competition force producers to scale back some operations.

Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co.’s Jinlong Copper Co. and Chifeng Jintong Copper Co. have reduced processing of concentrate by 10%, according to people familiar with the situation. In addition, the plants are using more scrap amid a shortage of ore, said the people, who asked not to be named.