Zambian Copper Smelters' Extended Shutdowns

Two of Zambia's largest copper smelters, International Resources Holding===Mopani Copper Mines and China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group===Chambishi Copper Smelter, are scheduled for extended maintenance shutdowns later this year. International Resources Holding===Mopani Copper Mines will close for 40-45 days between August and mid-September, while China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group===Chambishi Copper Smelter will shut down for about two months through August. These closures will further squeeze global Copper output and supplies of Sulfuric acid, a critical chemical for processing Copper and Cobalt. Zambia's own Sulfuric acid stocks are depleted, leading to tightened export controls. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a major Copper and Cobalt producer, is already facing chemical supply disruptions due to the Iran war and reduced Zambian exports, prompting mines to consider output cuts. International Resources Holding===Mopani Copper Mines is also operating below capacity due to underinvestment and a shortage of copper concentrate, exacerbated by its majority owner International Resources Holding's concurrent development and mining activities.