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LME

The LME (London Metal Exchange) is the world's principal exchange for trading base metals such as copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, nickel and tin. It sets global benchmark prices used by producers, traders and manufacturers to price physical metal contracts and hedge exposure. The exchange operates through open-outcry trading on its ring alongside electronic and telephone trading, offering spot, forward and futures contracts of varying maturities. Its warehousing network, spanning numerous countries, underpins physical delivery and stock reporting that traders use to gauge supply and demand. LME prices for copper and cobalt are closely watched in coverage of mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other resource-rich regions, given their bearing on project economics and government revenue. Movements in LME prices influence investment decisions by miners such as Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining, and inform analysis from research houses including Fitch Solutions and BMI. The exchange competes with Comex in New York for pricing influence, particularly in copper. Owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing since 2012, the LME traces its origins to 1877, evolving from London's historic metal-trading networks established during the industrial era. It remains a critical barometer for the energy transition, given rising demand for copper and cobalt in electrification and battery technologies. Its price signals also affect resource nationalism debates in producing countries seeking greater value from mineral exports.

LME News


Zinc
LME zinc squeeze signals deepening supply risks for the West, Reuters says
3rd September 2026 By: Reuters

Another year of mine underperformance, record-low smelter treatment terms and a scramble for metal on the London Metal Exchange (LME). If you're thinking this is a description of the copper market,... 


Aluminium
Norsk Hydro's Alunorte ramps up production after deal with gas supplier
14th August 2026 By: Reuters

Norsk Hydro's Alunorte refinery in Brazil has started ramping up alumina production to full capacity after reaching a temporary agreement with its gas supplier, the Norwegian company said on... 


An image of a copper and cobalt mine in the DRC
No material impact anticipated for copper, cobalt market from DRC policy shift – BMI
12th August 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

A Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ministerial Order banning the export of copper and cobalt concentrates, which also introduces a new tax regime, is unlikely to have a material impact on either... 


Antofagasta's Los Palembres mine, in chile
Antofagasta to seek enviro approval for Encierro, Volcanes exploration in fourth quarter
3rd July 2026 By: Reuters

Chilean copper miner Antofagasta plans to submit environmental applications to broaden its exploration activities for its Encierro and Volcanes projects in the fourth quarter of this year,... 


China's copper exports boom on rising arbitrage, supply
13th November 2025 By: Reuters

Chinese copper exports are on pace to set a record in 2025, with October shipments set to exceed 100 000 metric tons for only the third time ever, as rising domestic supply and higher foreign... 


Copper breakout above $11 000 to be short-lived, Goldman Sachs says
Copper breakout above $11 000 to be short-lived, Goldman Sachs says
30th October 2025 By: Reuters

Current copper market fundamentals justify a price consolidation towards the top end of their $10 000 to $11 000 per metric ton forecast range, Goldman Sachs said on Thursday, while adding that any... 


Image of tin ore
Oropesa tin project, Spain
11th July 2025 By: Sheila Barradas

A definitive feasibility study has demonstrated the technical and economic viability of the project.  


An aluminium smelter
Goldman Sachs raises 2025 aluminum, copper price outlook
25th October 2024 By: Reuters

Goldman Sachs on Thursday raised its 2025 aluminum and copper price forecasts citing higher demand potential in top consumer China following stimulus measures. The investment bank hiked its 2025... 


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pqt: 0.043s - ct: 0.09s - 179pq - 2rq
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