Copper rallies on mine supply fears, China's return from holiday

Copper prices climbed on Thursday, buoyed by speculation of Chinese buying following the National Day holiday and worries over supply from major mines. The London Metal Exchange's benchmark three-month copper surged 0.96% to $14,614.5 per metric ton by 3 AM GMT, marking its highest level in nearly two weeks. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most-traded copper contract climbed 1.41% to 111,120 yuan ($16,577.40) per ton.

Analyst Craig Lang noted that Chinese buyers might restock after the holiday, with low inventories and supply risks fueling the rally. Mine strikes in Chile heightened supply concerns, with workers at Centinela copper mine striking over a stalled union agreement and supervisors at BHP's Escondida mine rejecting a contract offer, potentially leading to a strike.

The lack of supply from the US has traders tapping overseas stockpiles ahead of possible tariffs on refined copper imports. The LME cash-to-three-month copper spread widened to an $89.06 backwardation, indicating worries about near-term availability. LME zinc also rose 1.22% amid increased trading. Aluminium prices fluctuated, with LME aluminium up 0.51% and SHFE aluminium falling 1.17%. Other LME metals showed mixed gains and losses, including lead, nickel, and tin.