Dernières nouvelles pour Global X Copper Miners ETF (ARCA:COPX)

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The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) based on the securities in the underlying index. The underlying index is designed to measure broad-based equity market performance of global companies involved in the copper mining industry. The fund is non-diversified.

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TMC, the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMC#NASDAQ">TMC</a>), announced Monday that it will receive a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/g45947242/tmc-announces-strategic-investment-from-korea-zinc-a-world-leader-in-non-ferrous-metal-refining-an" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategic $85.2 million investment</a> from Korea Zinc Co., Ltd. through a private placement of 19.6 million common shares priced at $4.34 each. The stock surged as much as 16% following the news.
The deal also grants Korea Zinc a three-year warrant to purchase 6.9 million additional shares at $7.00 each. TMC&#8217;s board approved the transaction, which is expected to close on June 26, 2025.
Once completed, Korea Zinc will hold roughly 5% of TMC&#8217;s outstanding shares, becoming one of its largest strategic stakeholders.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/45796725/iperionx-rockets-23-after-securing-99m-defense-contract-for-domestic-titanium" rel="noreferrer noopener">IperionX Rockets 23% After Securing $99M Defense Contract For Domestic Titanium</a>
Korea Zinc plans to work with TMC&#8217;s U.S. subsidiary to process polymetallic nodules into refined metals, copper foil, and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM). The partnership will explore establishing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.
The collaboration stems from an ongoing agreement under which Korea Zinc is testing nodule samples supplied by TMC USA. Both companies aim to develop a vertically integrated pipeline for critical materials outside of China&#8217;s control.
The deal comes as TMC awaits regulatory approval for its commercial recovery permit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That process was accelerated following an April 2025 executive order by President Trump to fast-track seabed mining projects under existing U.S. law.
As the company prepares to release its pre-feasibility study later this year, TMC expects the Korea Zinc partnership to position it as a key supplier of secure, lower-impact metals for U.S. energy and infrastructure sectors.
Related ETFs: Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>), iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IFRA#NYSE">IFRA</a>).
Price Action: TMC shares are trading higher by 16.82% at $5.07 on the last check Monday,
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45949815/trumps-90-day-tariff-pause-more-of-a-political-tactic-than-a-trade-strategy-says-former-commerce-secretary-it-fits-the-congressional-timetable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s 90-Day Tariff Pause More Of A Political Tactic Than A Trade Strategy, Says Former Commerce Secretary: &#8216;It Fits The Congressional Timetable&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

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Korea Zinc Backs TMC In Bold $85M Push To Bypass China's Metals Grip

The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) released a comprehensive report evaluating the sector's role in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/canada" rel="noreferrer noopener">country's economy</a> and providing an outlook.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://mining.ca/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2025/05/MAC-Report_2025-final-1.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>, titled The Mining Story—Canadian Mining Industry Facts and Figures, sets the total value of mineral production at C$71.9 billion ($52 billion). The total GDP contribution was C$117 billion ($84.7 billion), around 4% of the national GDP.
"These numbers show the wealth that could come to Canada if we develop our mineral endowment," said MAC CEO Pierre Gratton. When mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction are included, the share of GDP rises to 5.1%.
Employment figures remained strong, with 430,000 direct jobs and 281,000 indirect ones, demonstrating the sector's high-quality employment footprint. However, Gratton cautioned against complacency. "Geopolitical challenges, national security concerns, the transition to a low-carbon economy and the basic need to build and sustain a strong economy in the face of tariffs will require far more mined materials than we currently produce," he said.
Gold and copper stood out as key minerals. Gold surpassed passenger vehicles as Canada's second-largest export, reaching a value of C$30.2 billion ($21.87 billion) and representing 4.6% of all merchandise exports. Its role as a safe haven asset during times of uncertainty boosted demand and helped Canada become a leading exporter.
Copper, whose cornerstone role in green energy technologies has been increasing, brought in C$38.9 billion ($28.17 billion). Production, which amounted to around 508,000 tons, is still historically low compared to highs from 2016, when production exceeded 650,000 tons.
Gratton clarified that Canada must improve investment conditions and streamline regulatory frameworks to accelerate mine development.
"To supply the resources that are needed, Canada must foster a more efficient investment and regulatory environment," he said, calling for better federal-provincial coordination, faster permitting, and enhanced Indigenous consultation to ensure mining projects are developed in a timely but responsible manner.
This push for regulatory efficiency has gained momentum in Ontario, where Premier Doug Ford's government introduced Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. Framed as a tool to cut through what Ford describes as "a maze of bureaucracy," the bill would enable the province to fast-track mining approvals by establishing special economic zones exempt from certain environmental regulations.
The Ford government argues that these reforms are critical to unlocking mineral wealth in areas like the Ring of Fire and improving Ontario's global competitiveness in mine development timelines. Critics, however, say the legislation reduces oversight too far.
"They're just using this as a pretext for doing what they wanted to do already and hoping that people won't notice that the two are not really connected," Jamie Kneen, co-founder of MiningWatch Canada, said, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-mining-bill-5-legislation-faster-approvals-1.7539045" rel="noreferrer noopener">per</a> CBC.
Despite claims that the bill will shorten approval timelines from four years to two, Keen said that economic factors—not just regulation—are often responsible for delays in mine development. He pointed out Generation Mining's (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GENMF#OTCQB">GENMF</a>) Marathon copper-palladium project, which paused for six years due to low prices. The mine was approved in 2022 but has yet to begin construction.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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Gold, Copper Drive Canadian Mining As Industry Pushes For Reforms

The global copper market could experience a notable surplus over the next two years, as analysts anticipate rising production and weakening demand owing to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/trade-war" rel="noreferrer noopener"> rising international trade tensions</a>.
The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) concluded its biannual meeting in Lisbon this week, revising the projections. It now expects a <a target="_blank" href="https://icsg.org/press-releases/#" rel="noreferrer noopener">surplus of 289,000 metric tons</a> in 2025, more than double the 138,000 surplus in 2024. For 2026, it forecasts a smaller but elevated surplus of 209,000 tons owing to concerns over the economic fallout from U.S. tariffs and reduced copper usage in key global markets.
ICSG attributes the widening surplus primarily to increasing mine and smelter output. Global copper mine production is forecast to grow by 2.3% next year to 23.5 million tons, with major contributions from the ramp-up of the Ivanhoe's (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVPAF#OTCQX">IVPAF</a>) Kamoa-Kakula Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rio Tinto's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, and the new Malmyz project in Russia.
In 2026, ICSG expects mine supply to grow by a further 2.5%, bolstered by new or expanded capacity in China, Chile, and Zambia and a recovery in Indonesian output. A wave of smaller operations in countries like Iran, Brazil, Eritrea, Greece, and Angola will also contribute.
The Group anticipates refined copper output will increase by 2.9% in 2025, driven by smelting expansions in China and new capacity in India, Indonesia, and the DRC.
However, 2026 could see a contraction of 1.5% in refined output due to tighter concentrate availability, particularly for primary electrorefining. Secondary refined production, which could grow by 6.4%, will partially offset that decline, as countries invest in recycling capacity to reduce dependency on mined copper.
ICSG also downgraded its copper usage growth forecasts, citing weaker global economic prospects exacerbated by trade policy uncertainty. Refined copper usage is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, down from a previous forecast of 2.7%, and slow further to 1.8% in 2026.
China, the world's largest copper consumer, is forecast to see demand growth fall from 2% this year to just 0.8% next year. Other major markets, including Europe, Japan, and the United States, are expected to remain subdued, leaving broader Asia as the main driver.
While structural trends such as energy transition technology and digital infrastructure support the long-term demand for copper, the ICSG believes that current trade disruptions dampen near-term consumption.
Copper inventories on global exchanges rose by 25% in the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a surge in holdings on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, further reinforcing the oversupply trend.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44988722/freeport-mcmoran-exceeds-q1-copper-sales-estimates-expects-lower-copper-costs-amid-tariff-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World's Largest Copper Producer Freeport Estimates Proposed Tariffs Could Raise US Cost Of Goods Purchased By 5%</a></li>
</ul>
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Global Tensions To Drive Two-Year Copper Surplus, Study Group Warns

KoBold Metals, the mining startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is ready for a major expansion into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – a country with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities" rel="noreferrer noopener">vast commodity wealth</a>, including cobalt, copper, and lithium.
"KoBold is committed to significant investments in the DRC, potentially amounting to billions of dollars. Our goal is to harness the country's rich mineral resources responsibly and sustainably," Benjamin Katabuka, the firm's newly appointed Director-General in the DRC, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/3c5859db-2a46-4111-b823-865dc284c33b" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> to The Financial Times.
The United States has recently intensified its interest in securing African mineral resources to counter China's dominance. Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump's Senior Adviser for Africa, confirmed that the U.S. and the DRC have "charted a path forward" for a minerals partnership that could enhance American access to lithium, cobalt, and copper—resources critical for electric vehicles and energy storage.
KoBold Metals has shown keen interest in DRC's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44456007/gates-bezos-backed-startup-makes-move-for-dr-congos-lithium" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium deposits</a>, which could become one of the largest lithium mines globally if legal disputes are resolved. CEO Gerard Barron presented the goal to "responsibly and economically deliver the world's first commercial-scale nodule project."
However, the DRC remains a difficult jurisdiction. Security concerns, such as the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebels, disrupt mining operations, particularly in the eastern regions. Per recent reports, Blackwater founder Erik Prince might provide an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44885311/blackwater-founder-reaches-a-security-deal-with-dr-congo" rel="noreferrer noopener">initial security deployment</a> in the Katanga province.
Infrastructure challenges, including unreliable energy supplies, further complicate investment. "It's difficult to do business in the DRC," Katabuka acknowledged.
The DRC is the world's leading cobalt supplier and a major copper producer, two elements indispensable for EV batteries and green technologies. Yet, the country has faced criticism for human rights abuses and environmental concerns regarding its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining practices</a>, which NPR dubbed "modern-day slavery."
KoBold's Machine Prospector uses advanced data modeling and AI to systematically analyze geochemical, geophysical, and geological datasets, allowing faster, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.koboldmetals.com/news/robust-and-ethical-cobalt-supply-for-the-electric-vehicle-revolution/" rel="noreferrer noopener">more accurate identification</a> of mineral prospects without relying solely on manual methods. This approach could enable KoBold to develop new, ethical sources of cobalt that meet rising demand.
So far, the firm has raised over $1 billion, with the latest $537 million round with backers such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Equinor, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Standard Investments. The firm's leadership, including founder Josh Goldman, has hinted that KoBold may eventually go public, but for now, it remains privately backed and focused on long-term strategic mineral exploration.
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KoBold Metals Prepares Billions To Develop Ethical Sources Of Critical Metals In DR Congo

Mining may be down, but not out. The sector has been the worst hit since the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">new U.S. tariffs</a> were announced.
JPMorgan analyst Dominic O'Kane says, "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities">mining was best performing sector</a> exiting last 3 recessions," and he expects another sharp recovery to unfold after the slide.
With the sector already pricing in a worst-case scenario, the setup for a V-shaped bounce is taking shape.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Extreme Weakness, But What's Priced In?</h2>
Metals and mining have been the worst-performing sector since new U.S. tariffs were announced, shedding 13% just last week. That adds to an eye-watering 50% underperformance versus MSCI Europe since January 2023. But O'Kane argues the damage is largely in the price: mining stocks already discount a recession scenario, with commodity prices 15–20% below current levels—such as iron ore at $80/ton and copper at $7,500/ton.
Still, fair value estimates suggest that miners have a serious upside even if metal prices stay flat. JPMorgan sees more than 50% total shareholder return over a two-year horizon. Rio Tinto plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>), for example, offers >65% upside, Antofagasta plc (OTCPK: ANFGF) >50% upside and BHP Group Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>) >65% upside from current price levels.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44682458/coppers-rout-sees-a-massive-intraday-price-swing-fundamentals-havent-changed-expert-says">Copper&#8217;s Rout Sees A Massive Intraday Price Swing, &#8216;Fundamentals Haven&#8217;t Changed,&#8217; Expert Says</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Could Flip The Switch? China Stimulus In Q3</h2>
In the past three global downturns &#8211; 2009, 2016 and 2020 &#8211; miners bottomed ahead of the broader market and went on to outperform by roughly 100% in the next 12 months. This time, the catalyst could once again be China.
JPMorgan economists expect a RMB one trillion fiscal stimulus to be unveiled in the third quarter, which would align with the historical bottoming pattern of ~four months post-selloff.
In 2020, that timeline shrank to just one month as stimulus arrived fast and hard.
That said, this time is different: the expected 0.7% of GDP stimulus is far smaller than 2008's massive ~12% package, and no China property rescue is on the horizon.
Still, the setup remains favorable.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Play The Rebound: Stocks, ETFs</h2>
O'Kane's top stock picks are copper and gold-centric: Antofagasta and Lundin Mining Corp (OTCPK: LUNMF) lead his copper recommendations, while Rio Tinto offers a diversified bet with a high free cash flow yield.
On the gold side, Fresnillo plc (OTCPK: FSNPF), Hochschild plc (OTCPK: HCHDF) and Anglogold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) are rated Overweight.
Several ETFs offer targeted exposure to this thesis for US-based investors. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) and the iShares MSCI Global Metals &amp; Mining Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PICK#NYSE">PICK</a>) give broad access to copper and diversified miners.
Those seeking gold exposure can look to the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDX#NYSE">GDX</a>) or the iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RING#NYSE">RING</a>).
These vehicles provide exposure to many of the stocks JPMorgan favors and may be well-positioned for a recovery trade.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/03/44442794/gold-etfs-face-off-gld-vs-gdx-as-they-steadily-climb-amid-bullion-boom">Gold ETFs Face Off: GLD Vs. GDX As They Steadily Climb Amid Bullion Boom</a></li>
</ul>
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JPMorgan's Mining Stock Picks For A 'V-Shaped Recovery,' Analyst Sees 50% Returns Over Two Years

Copper experienced one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44663034/asia-in-freefall-hang-seng-posts-worst-drop-since-1997-europe-market-tumbles-oil-slips-gold-eases-global-markets-today-while-us-slept" rel="noreferrer noopener">most volatile trading days</a> in over 15 years, tumbling as much as 7.7% at the start of Monday's trading session in London.
Three-month contracts slid to $8,780 a ton as investors scrambled to reduce exposure—before staging a nearly $1,000 rebound in just over two hours—marking the largest intraday price swing since 2009.
"Metals are under significant pressure from dampened sentiment as the world braces for a possible recession and heightened geopolitical tensions that would threaten demand," Sabrin Chowdhury, head of commodities at BMI, said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/tariffs/2025/04/06/gold-falls-further-at-open-as-traders-assess-tariff-turmoil/" rel="noreferrer noopener">per</a> Bloomberg.
Copper's volatility recently surged as President Donald Trump's tariff threat hit both sides of the spectrum. The market rallied sharply in anticipation as the threat of copper being added to the list of targeted metals <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44498083/trumps-copper-tariffs-might-come-sooner-rather-than-later-insiders-warn" rel="noreferrer noopener">loomed in March</a>.
Traders raced to reroute shipments to the U.S., capitalizing on a premium in New York prices – even yesterday's selloff saw New York prices hovering much higher, around $10,000 per ton.
However, a possible recession quenched speculators' short-term thirst, as copper exceeded the broad sector decline before buyers stepped in to reverse the course. For Codelco chairman Maximo Pacheco, the logic behind the dip buying is obvious.
The fundamentals haven't changed at all," he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-07/codelco-boss-keeps-faith-in-copper-fundamentals-amid-market-rout" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>, citing sustained Chinese interest and a resilient U.S. market. China has been a notable copper buyer in times of price crunches, stepping in to recover the market in 2008 and 2020.
Codelco, the world's top copper supplier, plans to invest up to $5.6 billion in 2025 to rejuvenate aging mines and restore output to pre-2020 levels. The Chilean state-owned giant is also expanding into lithium, aiming to finalize a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/01/42840568/chiles-codelco-targets-turnaround-with-modest-copper-output-increase-and-strategic-lithium-ventures" rel="noreferrer noopener">key deal with </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/01/42840568/chiles-codelco-targets-turnaround-with-modest-copper-output-increase-and-strategic-lithium-ventures" rel="noreferrer noopener">SQM</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/01/42840568/chiles-codelco-targets-turnaround-with-modest-copper-output-increase-and-strategic-lithium-ventures" rel="noreferrer noopener"> by Q3</a>.
The tariff uncertainty dominated discussions at this week's CESCO conference in Santiago, where Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) CEO Kathleen Quirk warned that trade wars could "cause people to not invest, to not buy, to change their patterns and affect demand."
Last month, Quirk noted that tariffs could boost her company's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44271394/goldman-sees-copper-imports-frontrunning-tariffs-as-fcx-positions-to-benefit" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual profits by $500 million</a>, but she's well aware that the long-term industry outlook stretches beyond the short-term profit.
"All of us will rely on a market that will be growing in demand and not subject to these big recessions that we've seen over time," she said, according <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/freeport-mcmoran-ceo-flags-concern-over-global-growth-amid-us-tariffs-2025-04-07/" rel="noreferrer noopener">to</a> Reuters, recalling the effects of the Great Recession.
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</ul>
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Copper's Rout Sees A Massive Intraday Price Swing, 'Fundamentals Haven't Changed,' Expert Says

Copper is red-hot, and so are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs that track the industrial metal</a>. 
Prices rocketed to new records as traders responded to increasing talks of the U.S. imposing hefty tariffs on copper imports in the near future — several months before the schedule originally anticipated, according to Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the matter. 
The news rippled across global markets, sending U.S.-listed copper ETFs to record highs and fueling concerns of inflation and supply scarcity.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/03/44522702/blackrock-unveils-new-ishares-ibonds-etfs-for-fixed-income-investors">BlackRock Unveils New iShares iBonds ETFs For Fixed-Income Investors</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Copper ETFs Break Records</h1>
The copper price rally propelled ETFs tracking the metal to their highs. The $200.7 million United States Copper Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>) rose more than 3% on Wednesday before backing off, taking year-to-date gains to 30% (as of writing, YTD gains is 27%). The more volatile USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPXR#NYSE">CPXR</a>), which started in January and seeks to replicate twice the daily return of copper futures, reached another all-time high — 45% since it started. It has since retreated slightly and currently stands at 37.64% gains since inception.
Investors have been rushing into copper ETFs during the price spike. CPER experienced $18.5 million in net inflows from March 13 to March 25, according to etf.com, indicating sustained interest in the metal. Copper miner ETFs have also reaped benefits from the spurt. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>), which owns leading mining stocks, has risen 7.6% year-to-date, helped by improving copper prices and investor appetite for mining stocks.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Driving Force Behind The Fever</h1>
The copper tariff hype received traction following a report indicating President Donald Trump may impose a whopping 25% duties on import of all copper into the U.S. The gesture, allegedly sought to protect native production of minerals of paramount significance, forms a part of larger efforts toward diversifying American supply chains. Nevertheless, with the lengthy lead times necessitated to increase domestic mining capability, the short-term impact has been increased prices as vendors scramble to deliver copper into the U.S. prior to the imposition of tariffs, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-26/trump-may-implement-copper-import-tariffs-within-weeks?sref=TBDibEcD">reported </a>Bloomberg.
New York COMEX copper futures rose as high as 3.1% on Wednesday to a record high of $5.374 per pound before backtracking. The disparity between U.S. and world prices was stark — benchmark London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices temporarily dipped 2.2% to $9,893 a metric ton, widening the difference between the two markets to over $1,750 a ton. This arbitrage chance initiated a worldwide sprint to reroute cargoes to the U.S., leaving major consumer China short, per Bloomberg.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44523208/new-polen-capital-etfs-target-floating-rate-loans-high-yield-bonds">Polen Capital Introduces ETFs Target Floating-Rate Loans, High-Yield Bonds</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Trade Wars, Global Supply Constraints</h1>
Copper is the newest front in the Trump administration&#8217;s relentless trade wars. The prospective tariffs follow previous tariffs on steel, aluminum and other goods, which have had a supply chain-whipping effect around the world and increased U.S. manufacturers&#8217; input costs. The threat of fresh trade barriers has again instigated fears of inflation, as increased raw material prices could percolate down through to consumers and businesses.
Supply limitations also still keep the market tight, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/XCG-T/pressreleases/31551635/rising-copper-prices-boost-commodity-etf-amid-tariff-fears-and-china-stimulus/">noted </a>The Globe And Mail. Declining investments in new mining operations and refining capacity have kept the sector fighting to meet demand. Even if new copper production in the U.S. increases, it will be several years before it can significantly contribute to supply, so prices can remain high for the foreseeable future.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s Next for Copper and ETFs?</h1>
With tariffs on the horizon, weeks away at worst, copper&#8217;s run could yet have some life left in it. Confirmation of duties could boost U.S. copper prices to even higher levels, increasing the arbitrage differential with the global markets. Players will be interested to see how supply chains recalibrate and whether China&#8217;s stimulus measures continue to underpin demand.
For ETF investors, the rally highlights the metal&#8217;s pivotal role in electrification, AI infrastructure and renewable energy transitions. Whether through direct copper ETFs such as CPER or mining-related funds such as COPX, the metal&#8217;s rebound offers both opportunities and threats as geopolitical and macroeconomic trends influence its path.
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Photo: Jose Luis Stephens via Shutterstock

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CPXR

Red-Hot Copper: ETFs Soar On Tariff Speculation, Supply Squeeze

Wall Street&#8217;s recovery from its recent technical correction paused for a breather on Tuesday, as investors awaited more clarity on tariff developments and digested a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44475192/consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-since-2022-as-inflation-tariff-worries-grow">downbeat consumer confidence report.</a>
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 92.9 in March, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44475192/consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-since-2022-as-inflation-tariff-worries-grow">its lowest reading since late 2022</a>. The Expectations Index plunged to 65.2 — a level not seen since 2013 — reflecting growing pessimism. The report cited rising prices, especially for eggs and tariff-affected goods, as key concerns. Inflation expectations also climbed, from 5.8% in February to 6.2% in March.
The S&amp;P 500 and Dow were flat on the day, while the Nasdaq 100 edged slightly higher, supported by gains in cybersecurity stocks.
Copper took center stage, jumping over 2% to hit new record highs. Demand is surging in both China and the U.S., fueled by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44476803/copper-breaks-records-on-china-stimulus-tariff-hype-these-stocks-are-riding-the-wave"> policy stimulus and tariff-related shifts.</a>
Shares of Freeport McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>), the largest U.S. copper miner, rose 3.3%, extending gains in 10 of the last 11 sessions. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) climbed 2% to a three-month high.
Elsewhere, market moves were subdued. Gold gained 0.5%, silver advanced 1.8% and oil dipped 0.4% after Monday's 1.2% jump driven by Venezuelan sanctions.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) posted a modest 0.4% gain.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day % chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>20,256.36</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,619.75</td>
<td>0.1 %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,770.02</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,101.68</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 1:00 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) inched 0.1% higher to $575.17.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) flattened at $425.79.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.4% to $492.89.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) eased 0.2% to $208.51</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Communication Services&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) outperformed, up 1.2%; the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>)&nbsp;lagged, down 1.7%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>
<ul>
<li>CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) climbed 4% after BTIG analyst Gray Powell upgraded the stock to Buy, setting a price target of $431. The analyst cited expectations of robust revenue growth heading into fiscal 2027. Cybersecurity peer Zscaler Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>) also rose 2.5%.</li>
<li>Cloudflare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</a>) rose 2.2% after receiving a double upgrade to Buy from Bank of America Securities, with a price target raised to $160.</li>
<li>United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) tumbled 4.6%, hitting early-February lows despite a lack of headlines.</li>
<li>AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) rose 2.1% after Goldman Sachs raised the stock price target from $29 to $31. </li>
<li>Gamestop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) is slated to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/03/44466706/gamestop-q4-earnings-preview-will-video-game-retailer-unveil-bitcoin-purchase"> report earnings after the close</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Photo: Mer_Studio via Shutterstock

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SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Wall Street Pauses For A Breather, Miners Rally As Copper Notches All-Time Highs: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

Copper just blew past record highs, dismissing recent recession fears as stimulus optimism in China and potential U.S. tariffs spark a rush <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities">into the red metal.</a>
Copper futures traded at the New York Mercantile Exchange rallied 1.6% to $5.17 per pound on Tuesday, notching historical records. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">What's Fueling Copper's Relentless Climb?</h1>
Often dubbed &#8220;Dr. Copper&#8221; for its reputation as a proxy for global industrial health, the metal has surged as traders bet on a brighter economic outlook in China and react to tariff risks.
"Tariff threats, tightening supply, and stimulus-fueled optimism for an economic rebound in China have underpinned a rally in copper," said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. 
&#8220;Beijing's pro-growth agenda is beginning to show up in the economic data, evidenced by recent better-than-expected retail sales, industrial output, and fixed-asset investment,&#8221; he added.
Turnquist indicated markets are already "front-running" the potential copper tariff ordered under former President Donald Trump's direction, even though an official recommendation isn't expected until later this year.
Bloomberg data shows that between 100,000 and 150,000 metric tons of copper are en route to the U.S., the highest inbound volume on record. That flood of demand has pushed the COMEX copper premium over LME copper to its highest point ever, indicating intense physical buying interest in the U.S. market.
David&nbsp;Goldman, head of trading at Novion Global, also pointed to dollar weakness as a factor boosting copper prices. 
&#8220;Whilst LME&nbsp;copper&nbsp;is up around 14% from the start of the year, COMEX prices have seen a 27% jump, prompting traders and producers to move supplies to the US,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;The price squeeze is also being replicated on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, where the front month spread is trading at levels not seen since December 2023.&#8221;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">China&#8217;s Recovery and Strategic Buying Add Fuel to the Fire</h1>
Adding further momentum is a shift in tone out of Beijing. Goldman Sachs analyst Daan Struyven said, "China sentiment has turned notably more positive" thanks to the government's focus on boosting household consumption, lower-than-expected U.S. tariffs and a surge of investor excitement around artificial intelligence.
Importantly, Struyven flagged reports that China's State Reserve Bureau plans to replenish copper stockpiles in 2025. While not purely opportunistic, this buying could cushion any price-sensitive demand drop in China. 
"We remain structurally bullish," said Struyven, who sees the LME's ongoing tightening and strong electrification trends driving prices higher in the months ahead.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Copper Chart Breaks Out — And So Do The Stocks</h1>
The price move has also broken a key technical level. 
According to LPL Financial's Turnquist, copper futures have surged past the highs of 2021–2022, completing a "head and shoulders" bottom pattern that hints at more upside ahead. 
Speculative flows are also favoring the bulls. Hedge funds and other large speculators have largely unwound their short positions, while long bets have picked up in recent months, supporting the momentum.
That enthusiasm has spilled into equity markets. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>), one of the world's largest copper producers, has climbed 13% in March, on track for its best monthly performance in a year. Southern Copper Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCCO#NYSE">SCCO</a>) is also up 12% over the same period, riding the wave of investor optimism.
Traders looking for broad copper exposure may consider the Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>), which has historically showed strong rallies April. Over the past 15 years, the ETF has gained an average of 4.5% during the month — its strongest seasonal trend of the year.
Read Next: •<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44463509/ukraines-recovery-depends-on-sustainable-investment-experts-call-for-trilateral-minerals-deal"> &#8216;Ukraine&#8217;s Recovery Depends On Sustainable Investment,&#8217; Experts Call For Trilateral Minerals Deal</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

SCCO

Copper Breaks Records On China Stimulus, Tariff Hype: These Stocks Are Riding The Wave

Copper prices have surged above $10,000 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange (LME) for the first time since October. On LME, copper has gained 14% year-to-date, while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/copper" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. copper futures</a> surged 26%.
The price differential widened to $1,200 per metric ton, creating arbitrage opportunities. Since copper futures result in physical delivery on maturity, buyers have scrambled to move supplies into the U.S.
Between 100,000 and 150,000 metric tons of copper will arrive in the U.S. in the coming weeks, potentially surpassing the monthly import record of 136,951 tons set in January 2022.
Leading commodity traders, including Trafigura, Glencore, and Gunvor, have aggressively rerouted shipments, with additional warehouse space being secured in New Orleans and Baltimore to handle the influx.
Still, the 12% differential between the domestic and foreign copper prices is around half of anticipated copper tariffs.
On February 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive action directing the U.S. Commerce Department to investigate copper imports on national security grounds. Leading institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, responded, predicting a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/03/44271394/goldman-sachs-sees-copper-imports-increasing-tariffs-as-fcx-positions-to-benefit" rel="noreferrer noopener">25% tariff</a> on imported copper by year-end.
"Copper's rise is being driven solely by supply concerns surrounding the potential for universal tariffs to be placed on all imports of copper into the US," Natalie Scott-Gray, a senior metals demand analyst at StoneX, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/neilksethi/status/1902053890079535258" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>, warning about the high reliance on foreign copper.
According to ING, in 2024, the U.S. imported <a target="_blank" href="https://think.ing.com/articles/industrial-metals-monthly-us-copper-tariff-risks-pull-more-metal-to-the-us/" rel="noreferrer noopener">850,000 tons</a> of refined copper, excluding scrap. Chile was the largest supplier, accounting for 41% of imports, while 27% came from Canada.
Despite efforts to increase local production, output has steadily declined, falling 3% in 2024 after an 11% drop in 2023. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>), the largest U.S. producer, has faced declining ore grades, environmental regulations, and permitting challenges, limiting the ability to ramp up domestic supply.
The firm's CEO, Kathleen Quirk, has called for Trump's administration to classify copper as a critical mineral, anticipating a $500 million windfall from tax credits tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. Quirk sees Freeport's domestic production growing by 8%, targeting an output of 225,000 metric tons, none of which will be exported.
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Copper Surges As Arbitrage Opportunity Drives US Imports

Editor&#8217;s Note: The headline has been updated for clarity.
Goldman Sachs forecasts a surge in U.S. copper imports soon, driven by expectations of tariffs from President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">administration</a>.
Per Reuters' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/goldman-sachs-anticipates-surge-us-copper-net-imports-2025-03-11/" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>, the investment bank expects a 25% duty on copper imports by year's end, incentivizing stockpiling to frontrun the legislative. As a result, U.S. net copper imports could surge by 50-100%, adding between 200,000 to 300,000 metric tons to domestic inventories by Q3.
If this projection materializes, U.S. copper stockpiles could swell from 95,000 tons to as much as 400,000 tons or around half of global reported inventories – leaving the international market at historically low inventory levels.
For 2025, Goldman sees a 180,000-ton global copper deficit as growing demand for electrification, economic stimulus measures in China, and slow mine growth materialize. The bank sees the supply imbalance more pronounced in the second half of the year as a catalyst for higher prices.
"We maintain our forecast that the LME three-month price will average $10,200 per ton in Q3 2024 and see the impact of inventory dislocation predominantly in timespreads," the bank noted. Current three-month copper contracts on the London Metal Exchange were trading at $9,528.50 per ton as of Wednesday morning.
The largest U.S. copper producer, Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>), could benefit from this scenario, particularly if copper is classified as a critical mineral.
In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/ceraweek-freeport-sees-500-million-annual-boost-if-trump-declares-copper-2025-03-10/" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a>, CEO Kathleen Quirk expressed optimism that the Trump administration could make this move soon, unlocking the federal tax incentives to support domestic production.
"Having the incentives and clarity around those would be a big plus for the domestic copper industry," Quirk said. Such a designation would enable Freeport to claim more than $500 million annually in tax credits tied to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Freeport-McMoRan operates seven copper mines across the U.S. and one of two domestic copper smelters. The firm doesn't export any domestically produced copper, making it a key supplier in any scenario restricting imports.
However, production costs in the U.S. are higher than in Freeport's international operations due to lower ore grades, making policy support a crucial factor.
Per the <a target="_blank" href="https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20250122679192/en/2360933/1/FCX_250123_4Q_2024_Earnings_Release.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest guidance</a>, the company expects its U.S. copper production to increase by 8% in 2025, with further growth in subsequent years. Opportunities include doubling the concentrator capacity at its Bagdad operation in Arizona, which could add 200-250 million pounds of copper annually.
Quirk also hinted at a possible <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44216408/dr-congo-explores-a-minerals-for-security-deal-with-the-us" rel="noreferrer noopener">return to the Democratic Republic of Congo</a>, where Freeport previously owned the Kisanfu copper-cobalt project before selling it to China Molybdenum in 2020. "We would be interested in going back for the right opportunity," she said, adding that Freeport would seek to be the operator of any project if it re-enters the DRC.
Price Watch: Freeport-McMoRan has declined 5.28% year-to-date. The stock is up 1.56% to $36.44 premarket at the last check on Wednesday.
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Goldman Sachs Sees Copper Imports Increasing Ahead Of Tariffs As FCX Positions To Benefit (UPDATED)

China's metal markets are waking up post-Lunar New Year, and JPMorgan analyst Dominic O'Kane is tracking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities">some eye-catching trends</a>.
Copper and iron ore prices are at four-month highs, steel output is the strongest since 2021, and base metal inventories are running at record-low seasonal levels. 
The takeaway? A tight physical market could be setting the stage for a bullish move—if China's demand kicks in.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43603930/tech-stocks-surge-steelmakers-jump-on-trumps-25-tariffs-copper-hits-9-month-highs-whats-driving-markets-monday">Tech Stocks Surge, Steelmakers Jump On Trump&#8217;s 25% Tariffs, Copper Hits 9-Month Highs: What&#8217;s Driving Markets</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copper's Mixed Signals</h2>
Copper prices have climbed 5% in the last two weeks to around $9,500 per ton, but China's domestic demand isn't quite keeping pace. JPMorgan points out that physical copper demand is lagging seasonal norms, reflected in a 20% drop in China's copper premia. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43432736/copper-stocks-on-shaky-ground-jpmorgan-analysts-say-tariffs-deepseek-cloud-outlook">Copper Stocks On Shaky Ground, JPMorgan Analysts Say: Tariffs, DeepSeek Cloud Outlook</a>
Still, O'Kane notes that global macro forces—like a strengthening yuan and anticipation of U.S. metal tariffs—are helping keep LME copper elevated. With inventories at five-year lows, JPMorgan sees copper climbing to $10,400 per ton by the fourth quarter of 2025.
For investors looking to capitalize, United States Copper Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>) and Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) offer exposure to copper's momentum.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Iron Ore Rallies Amid Supply Disruptions</h2>
Iron ore prices have surged 10% since January to $105 per ton, fueled by cyclone-related supply hits in Western Australia. While steel rebar demand in China took a weather-related dip, steel production is running at the fastest pace since 2021. JPMorgan is watching China's annual National People's Congress (March 5) for potential policy support that could further boost steel and iron ore markets.
Investors eyeing the iron ore trade might look at VanEck Steel ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLX#NYSE">SLX</a>) and iShares MSCI Global Metals &amp; Mining Producers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PICK#NYSE">PICK</a>) for broad exposure.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Aluminium &amp; Zinc: Low Inventories, Limited Demand</h2>
Aluminium and zinc inventories are at multi-year lows, signaling tight supply. However, demand remains sluggish post-New Year, with aluminium inventories rising by 110kt last week. JPMorgan projects aluminium prices at $2,763 per ton for 2025, but stronger demand signals are needed for a sustained rally.
For those bullish on aluminium, iPath Series B Bloomberg Aluminum Subindex Total Return ETN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JJU#NYSE">JJU</a>) offers direct exposure.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investors Await Next Big Move</h2>
China's metal markets are in flux—tight supplies and record-low inventories are colliding with sluggish post-holiday demand. 
JPMorgan's O'Kane sees China's upcoming policy moves as a key catalyst for the next leg in metal prices. 
With copper and iron ore already running hot, investors should keep an eye on ETFs like COPX, SLX, and PICK to position for the next big move.
Read Next: 
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iPath DJ-UBS Aluminum Subindex Total Return ETN

China's Metal Markets Are Stirring - Here's What It Means for Commodity Investors

The energy transition is reshaping the global mining industry, with demand for critical minerals expected to surge over the coming decades. A shift toward renewable energy and electrification drives demand for commodities like copper, nickel, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/23/07/33233340/rare-earth-elements-explained" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare earth elements</a>.
According to BDO's Annual Mining Report, the demand for key energy transition minerals will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/insights/industries/natural-resources-and-energy/annual-mining-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearly triple by 2030</a> and quadruple by 2040.
Copper remains a cornerstone of the transition, as it is the only critical mineral vital for all clean energy technologies, such as solar, wind, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, and power grids.
While copper prices hit a record high in mid-2024, they later softened due to weak demand from China's property market. In 2025, forecasts suggest continued price constraints due to high inventories despite the long-term positive outlook.
Merger and acquisition activity has surged – with mining giant BHP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/05/39068033/time-runs-out-for-bhp-deal-49-billion-acquisition-of-anglo-american-proves-too-complex-to-solve" rel="noreferrer noopener">unsuccessfully bidding</a> for Anglo American and launching a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/40031488/bhp-to-unlock-south-american-copper-riches-partners-with-lundin-for-filo-acquisition" rel="noreferrer noopener">joint venture</a> with Lundin. Meanwhile, sector leader Freeport-McMoRan is opting for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/41098074/freeport-mcmoran-sticks-with-organic-growth-takes-advantage-of-geodiversity" rel="noreferrer noopener">capex-driven internal expansion</a>.
Nickel, a metal essential for battery technologies, has faced a turbulent period. In 2024, an oversupply from Indonesia and China led to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/07/39749321/bhp-halts-nickel-mine-were-not-able-to-overcome-economic-challenges-driven-by-oversupply" rel="noreferrer noopener">mine closures</a>, including those operated by Glencore and BHP. However, a rebound is expected in 2025 as supply surpluses narrow and demand for EV batteries remains strong.
Despite the forecasted price stabilization, industry players remain cautious, with some automakers shifting towards alternative battery chemistries that reduce dependence on nickel.
Zinc, another key transition metal used in wind and solar infrastructure, experienced a sluggish first half of 2024 due to subdued industrial activity but rebounded later in the year thanks to Chinese stimulus measures.
In 2025, BDO expects the demand to strengthen as renewable energy projects ramp up. Still, supply constraints and logistical challenges may continue to drive price fluctuations.
The rare earth element market is also in focus as countries look to diversify their supply chains since the U.S., China, and Myanmar account for 92% of global production.
President Donald Trump's recent remark shows the importance of this group of metals, which is vital for producing magnets.
"We're looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they're going to secure what we're giving them with their rare earths and other things," he said,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/trump-says-he-wants-ukraine-supply-us-with-rare-earths-2025-02-03/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> per</a> Reuters.
Looking forward, despite opportunities created by the energy transition, BDO notes a pressing demographic challenge.
Per McKinsey's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/metals-and-mining/our-insights/has-mining-lost-its-luster-why-talent-is-moving-elsewhere-and-how-to-bring-them-back" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a> of Canadian mining companies, 70% of people between 15 and 30 years old would not consider working in mining. Meanwhile, between 2016 and 2022, the number of mining engineering graduates in the U.S. fell by 41%.
While the industry tries to reverse the trend by integrating advanced technologies and enhancing sustainability efforts to create a more attractive work environment – closing the skills gap remains a key. To drive the next phase of mining evolution, the future workforce will need expertise in automation, AI, and environmental management.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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Photo via Shutterstock

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Critical Metal Demand To Triple By 2030, But Demographics Pose Risks

Chile has rejected the proposed $2.5 billion Dominga iron and copper mining project. Andes Iron, a domestic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mining" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration and mining company</a>, aimed to establish two open-pit mines and a seaport near the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
However, the regulators rejected the project again, citing environmental concerns for an area home to a unique mix of species, including Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and endangered parrots.
The mines were expected to extract 12 million tons of iron and 150,000 tons of copper annually for 22 years, generating 1,400 jobs in a country that is the world's top copper producer.
In 2017, socialist President Michelle Bachelet's administration first rejected the project, leading to the resignation of two top ministers. In 2019, the Chilean Supreme Court ordered a reevaluation, and under the current government of President Gabriel Boric, the project was rejected again in January 2023.
This latest decision by Chile's Committee of Ministers follows an environmental court's mandate to revisit that ruling.
The project's potential impact on biodiversity influenced their decision. The committee noted a lack of a credible mitigation plan, particularly for the burrowing parrot, whose habitat and food sources were inadequately assessed.
"It was not possible to determine or evaluate the real impact on these species," the committee stated.
As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/chile-rejects-environmental-permit-dominga-copper-iron-mine-2025-01-08/" rel="noreferrer noopener">per</a> the Reuters report, Andes Iron criticized the ruling, accusing the government of bias since the nearby Cruz Grande port received environmental approval.
"The action of the Committee of Ministers sets an unfortunate precedent never seen before in the history of Chile in terms of environmental permits," the company said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dominga.cl/andes-iron-llama-al-comite-de-ministros-a-respetar-fallo-de-justicia-ambiental/" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.
Despite continuously rejecting this prospective project, Chile remains committed to growing its copper output. State-owned miner Codelco recently showed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/guidance/25/01/42840568/chiles-codelco-targets-turnaround-with-modest-copper-output-increase-and-strategic-lithium-ventures" rel="noreferrer noopener">signs of a production turnaround</a> and is raising $1.5 billion in bonds to fund its capital expenditure plans.
After spending between $4 and $5 billion last year, these expenditures could reach nearly $6 billion in 2025, aiming to push the copper output toward the goal of 1.7 million tons per year by the decade's end. The financing deal, sourced by Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co., and Banco Santander, is expected to close by January 13.
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Photo via Shutterstock

Chile Rejects Dominga Project Once Again, Taps Debt Market To Help Its Copper Growth

KoBold Metals, the AI-driven mining startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has secured $537 million in its Series C funding round. The latest funding round gives the Berkeley-based company a valuation of $2.96 billion and fresh capital to pursue ambitious goals in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical minerals sector</a>.
Durable Capital Partners LP and T. Rowe Price funds led the round, alongside contributions from existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz Growth, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Mitsubishi Corporation, as well as new players like StepStone Group and WCM Investment Management.
This latest injection brings KoBold's total fundraising to $1 billion. The funds will accelerate exploration, develop high-potential projects, and enhance its R&amp;D capabilities.
KoBold's innovative approach relies on artificial intelligence to locate deposits of vital minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel. The company's proprietary technology aggregates data from sources like satellite imagery and historical drilling reports to create a detailed "Google Maps" of the Earth's crust, pinpointing untapped resources that traditional methods might miss.
Using this technology, KoBold discovered a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/36940360/kobold-metals-announces-historic-copper-discovery-in-zambia" rel="noreferrer noopener">substantial copper deposit</a> in Zambia's Copperbelt. The Dumbwa target, part of the Solwezi project, exhibited promising results, including drilling highlights of 16 meters at 1.24% copper. KoBold's $2 billion Mingomba site is set to produce at least 300,000 tons annually by 2030, making it Zambia's largest copper operation.
"About 40% of the new capital will go toward advancing existing projects into production, with Zambia receiving the lion's share," KoBold's CEO and co-founder Kurt House <a target="_blank" href="https://www.koboldmetals.com/news/mining-startup-kobold-metals-valued-at-2-96-bn-after-closing-537m-series-c/?aid=01" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> to the Financial Times.
With 60 active projects across continents, including partnerships with mining giants like BHP and Rio Tinto, the firm is ready to reshuffle the industry. House noted they plan to aggressively expand the team, particularly seeking data scientists, while expanding into new jurisdictions such as Finland and Botswana. The company also aims to go public within three to five years.
Despite changes in U.S. political leadership, House expressed confidence in bipartisan support for critical mineral initiatives. "There is very broad bipartisan support for diversifying [the] supply of critical minerals because this is a national security priority," he said.
U.S. foreign policy is aiding companies like KoBold. President Joe Biden's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/10/41416913/bidens-farewell-to-africa-strategic-motives-behind-first-and-only-presidential-visit" rel="noreferrer noopener">last official trip</a> to Angola discussed revitalizing the Lobito railway line to facilitate mineral transport across Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thus, firms like KoBold would benefit from better infrastructure while bolstering Western access to strategic resources and reducing reliance on China-dominated supply chains.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/01/42759408/gold-prices-to-climb-7-in-2025-amid-trumps-return-to-white-house-and-geopolitical-tensions-momentum-is-taking-back-over" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gold Prices To Climb 7% In 2025 Amid Trump's Return To White House And Geopolitical Tensions: ‘Momentum Is Taking Back Over'</a></li>
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Photo via via Shutterstock

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Bill Gates And Jeff Bezos Backed Mining Startup Raises $537 Million, Targets Going Public In Few Years

As the green transition accelerates, demand for copper has surged, driven by its critical role in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs), and power grids. Despite companies scrambling to launch new mines, the shortage of copper could reach millions of metric tons by 2035, prompting scientists and engineers to explore <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/aluminum">alternatives like aluminum.</a>
Aluminum shares many of copper&#8217;s desirable properties, including high conductivity and corrosion resistance. The Earth's crust contains as much as 8.1% aluminum, which forms in bauxite ore, making it the most abundant metal on the planet. Meanwhile, copper deposits form through the mineralization of primary ore deposits deeper below the surface, making them harder to find and extract and less abundant.
Aluminum&#8217;s applications extend beyond EVs to power grids and renewable energy systems, like overhead power lines, solar panel frames, and wind turbine components. While subsea cables and critical transformer windings still favor copper for its superior conductivity and resistance to fatigue, aluminum&#8217;s role in renewable energy is growing.
Per Auke Hoekstra, a researcher from the University of Eindhoven, &#8220;almost all copper in electric vehicles can be replaced by <a href="https://www.shapesbyhydro.com/en/material-properties/how-we-can-substitute-aluminium-for-copper-in-the-green-transition/">aluminum</a>, from the motor windings to the wire harness.&#8221; However, despite its lighter weight, which makes it advantageous in fuel efficiency, aluminum has just 60% of copper&#8217;s conductivity.
Furthermore, aluminum production is energy-intensive, requiring between 13 to 15 megawatt hours to produce one metric ton of molten aluminum. Additionally, aluminum has higher creep rates and oxidation tendencies, imposing design restrictions and material treatment challenges. 
Therefore, copper remains the material of choice for high-demand scenarios requiring durability and compactness, such as underground power lines, high-voltage transformers, and dense circuit boards.
In 2022, a team of researchers led by Keerti Kappagantula of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory worked on <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/cooking-conductive-alternative-copper-aluminum">increasing</a> aluminum's conductivity through simulations that altered the metal's structure, removing or rearranging individual atoms. Still, Kappagantula's recent <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&amp;user=-ixY5zAAAAAJ&amp;view_op=list_works&amp;sortby=pubdate">work</a> indicates that the focus has switched to graphene, a carbon allotrope and the strongest material ever measured on the microscopic scale. 
The material's popularity is notably present in the  U.S. Department of Energy's ongoing multi-million-dollar <a href="https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2023/stage-2-winners-of-a-manufacturing-prize-are-supercharging-u-s-industries.html">competition</a> to develop conductivity-enhanced materials. Three out of seven competitors focus on copper-composite materials, two of which include graphene.
By introducing graphene, researchers aim to reduce resistance at the atomic level, unlocking new efficiencies while preserving copper&#8217;s inherent advantages. In a Net Zero world, there are two options: increase copper supply or maximize efficiency.
The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) has underperformed the market year-to-date, returning 13.40%. Its P/E ratio is 10.90x, well below the S&amp;P 500 30.4x ratio.
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Aluminum Falls Short As Copper Substitute, Says Pacific Northwest Lab

As the world hurtles toward an electrified future, the copper market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/copper">stands at a crossroads</a>. 
Insights from JPMorgan analysts Patrick Jones, Greg Shearer and Bill Peterson paint a complex picture: short-term hurdles for copper prices, but a glittering long-term outlook driven by electric vehicles and evolving supply dynamics.
This could seem as good news for those invested in United States Copper Index Fund ETV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>), Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>), iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICOP#NASDAQ">ICOP</a>) for the long-term.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EV Boom: Supercharging Copper Demand</h2>
The electric vehicle revolution is set to electrify copper demand. JPMorgan predicts copper usage in EVs will more than double from 1.4 million metric tons in 2023 to 3 million by 2030. While some worry that technological advances like thinner copper anode foils could dampen demand, the analysts argue otherwise. 
Larger EV sizes and a pivot toward lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries — which are more copper-intensive — are expected to drive long-term growth.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41337566/trump-2-0-trade-policies-could-hit-copper-stocks-harder-warns-jpmorgan-analyst">Trump 2.0 Trade Policies Could Hit Copper Stocks Harder, Warns JPMorgan Analyst</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Technologies: Leaching A Lifeline?</h2>
Leaching technologies are generating buzz, but can they revolutionize copper supply? Not yet, say the analysts. While projects from major miners like Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) and BHP Group Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>) are on the horizon, these advancements are unlikely to offset supply declines before 2030.
At best, leaching could add 550,000 metric tons annually, just 2% of global supply.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scrap &amp; Recycling: The Unsung Hero?</h2>
Recycling is a crucial cog in the copper machine, accounting for about 17% of refined supply in 2024, up from 14% in 2020. JPMorgan forecasts scrap supply will grow by 5-6% annually, faster than historical rates, yet insufficient to bridge the long-term deficit. Recycling alone won't solve copper's supply crunch.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Near-Term Risks, Long-Term Rewards</h2>
JPMorgan warns of near-term risks from macroeconomic pressures, particularly a potential devaluation of the Chinese yuan to 7.8 to 8.0 per U.S. dollar. This could lead to a 12-15% dip in copper prices, presenting headwinds for equities. However, the analysts remain bullish on the long-term trajectory, underpinned by a looming supply-demand gap.
Their picks? 
Lundin Mining Corp (OTCPK: LUNMF) leads in EMEA, while Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECK#NYSE">TECK</a>) tops the Americas. Asia-Pacific favorites include Zijin Mining and Merdeka Copper, with caution advised on Jiangxi Copper and Sandfire Resources.
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Image: Shutterstock

ICOP

Copper's High-Wire Act: Can EVs, New Tech Power The Metal's Next Big Surge?

Copper stocks, like Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCX#NYSE">FCX</a>) and Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECK#NYSE">TECK</a>), may face another turbulent period if Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">returns to office.</a>
JPMorgan analyst Bill Peterson warns that Trump 2.0&#8217;s trade policies could deal an even more significant blow than his first term.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump 1.0 Vs. Trump 2.0: Higher Stakes, Bigger Tariffs</h2>
During Trump&#8217;s presidency, the 2018 trade war slapped a 25% tariff on Chinese imports, leading to a sharp downturn in metal prices and causing global mining stocks to fall by over 10%.
Copper, a key indicator of global economic health, was hit hard as fears of slowing demand and higher costs rippled through the markets. The United States Copper Index Fund ETV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>) serves as a performance barometer for copper as a commodity. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) tracks the equity of copper miners, with its top holdings including KGHM Polska Miedz SA (OTCPK:KGHPF), First Quantum Minerals Ltd (OTCPK:FQVLF), Teck Resources and Freeport-McMoRan.
Peterson said that if Trump returns to the White House, his proposed Trump 2.0 policies could increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 60%, a significant escalation that would amplify trade tensions.
He suggests that while China&#8217;s share of U.S. imports has dropped from over 21% in 2018 to under 14% in 2023, the sheer size of the tariff increase could lead to even more significant disruptions in global copper demand, potentially increasing the impact by 40%.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/10/41176539/vale-plans-to-expand-copper-output-invests-184m-for-domestic-critical-minerals">Vale Plans To Expand Copper Output, Invests $184M For Domestic Critical Minerals</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Great Copper Rollercoaster: Boom, Bust, Repeat?</h2>
Comparing the two periods, Trump's 2016 election win initially buoyed copper stocks, with investors optimistic about deregulation and infrastructure spending. 
However, the optimism quickly faded as the trade war unfolded in 2018, causing copper prices and related stocks to plunge. A similar pattern could unfold under Trump 2.0: a post-election boost followed by another painful downturn if tariffs escalate, according to the analyst.
Adding further uncertainty, Peterson points to upcoming Federal Reserve rate cuts.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">History&#8217;s Lesson: Copper Tariffs Are Trouble</h2>
Historically, industrial metals like copper have underperformed following rate-cutting cycles, with the Bloomberg Industrial Metals Index typically falling 6% on average within nine months of cuts. 
Despite being long-term bullish on copper due to structural demand, Peterson advises caution in the near term, as macro risks remain significant.
The lesson from Trump 1.0 is clear: tariffs led to a steep decline in copper equities, and Trump 2.0's aggressive stance could trigger a similar or even worse outcome for the sector.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/10/41295764/copper-rebounds-as-chinas-stimulus-boosts-market-sentiment-but-us-elections-loom-large">Copper Rebounds As China&#8217;s Stimulus Boosts Market Sentiment, But US Elections Loom Large</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

KGHPF

Trump 2.0 Trade Policies Could Hit Copper Stocks Harder, Warns JPMorgan Analyst

After correcting over 22% since its peak at $5.08 per pound in May, copper finally found its footing after China announced significant stimulus measures. The market is now awaiting Saturday&#8217;s comments from China&#8217;s Finance Minister Lan Fo&#8217;an, who could clarify the stance on further infrastructure spending and commodity demand, which would be positive<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/copper"> for copper prices</a>.
However, this rebound is not rooted in supply-side constraints. Chilean state miner Codelco reported a 10.1% increase in copper production in August, alleviating immediate concerns about shortages.
From a performance standpoint, copper miners have had a strong year. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) is up 25.7% year-to-date, outpacing the S&amp;P500, tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which has gained 22.54%.
Still, JPMorgan warned that U.S. elections could introduce significant volatility into the metals markets. 
"Metals markets aren't pricing in significant risk premiums for trade-related outcomes, like higher tariffs, despite this being a concern raised by clients," JPMorgan's Executive Director of Mining Equity Research Dominic O'Kane wrote in a note,<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-10/jpmorgan-says-european-miners-underpricing-us-election-risk"> according</a> to Bloomberg.
The investment bank also downgraded Anglo American (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAUKF#OTCQX">AAUKF</a>) from Overweight to Neutral but set its new price target slightly higher, at £23.35 ($30.50). The British multinational miner made headlines earlier this year when BHP's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/05/39068033/time-runs-out-for-bhp-deal-49-billion-acquisition-of-anglo-american-proves-too-complex-to-solve">failed $49 billion bid </a>marked a short-term peak in copper prices.
Yet, despite the decline since the peak in May, the long-term bullish thesis about electric vehicles (EVs) remains intact.
Copper's role in EV production—used in wiring and batteries—solidifies its position in the green energy transition. According to Rho Motion,<a href="https://rhomotion.com/news/china-first-country-to-sell-over-a-million-evs-in-a-month/"> EV</a> sales in the U.S. and Canada continue to grow around 9% year-to-date, and while there has been some volatility in quarterly sales this year, the overall growth trajectory is strong.
IXM's head of refined metals, Tom Mackay, noted that demand for copper in EVs remains healthy despite short-term uncertainties, Reuters reports.
On the technical side, copper is still not in the clear. The metal established a low on Aug. 7, following a broader market selloff. Since then, it rose from $3.95 per pound to a new high of $4.67. Currently, it remains between $4.40 and $4.60, where a decisive break of these levels would open the doors to a more significant move—a feat that might play out after the November elections.
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

AAUKF

Copper Rebounds As China's Stimulus Boosts Market Sentiment, But US Elections Loom Large

U.S. metals and mining stocks posted their strongest one-day rally of 2024 on Tuesday, driven by China&#8217;s unexpected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/41003814/chinese-stocks-jump-as-central-bank-unveils-major-stimulus-to-spur-economy-a-step-in-the-right-direc">and substantial monetary easing. </a>
The People&#8217;s Bank of China&#8217;s (PBoC) stimulus measures, including cuts to the reserve requirement ratio and repo rates, boosted global demand for raw materials, sparking a surge in metal prices and mining stocks.
The SPDR S&amp;P Metals &amp; Mining ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XME#NYSE">XME</a>) surged 4.2%, marking its best one-day performance since November 2023. The move reflected heightened optimism in the sector, which benefits heavily from demand in China, the world's largest consumer of raw materials.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart: Metals &amp; Mining Stocks Mark Best Day In Almost A Year</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="371" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190-1024x371.png" alt="" class="wp-image-563348" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190-1024x371.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190-300x109.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190-768x278.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190-1536x556.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24101235/image-190.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent092424&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a></figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Precious, Industrial Metals Shine</h3>
Gold prices hit yet another fresh record on Tuesday, rising 0.3% to $2,638 per ounce, the highest in history, as the metal benefited from expectations of higher liquidity from global central banks. 
The People&#8217;s Bank of China&#8217;s 50-basis-point cut to the reserve requirement ratio is expected to boost bank lending, while the reduction in key interest rates provides relief to heavily indebted sectors. This move is also seen as a strong signal that further monetary easing may be on the horizon.
Silver jumped 1.2%, while copper saw an even bigger rally, surging over 3%. The broad gains in metals prices were driven by expectations of increased Chinese demand, as the country&#8217;s easing measures are aimed at stimulating domestic economic activity.
Last week, the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by 50 basis points to 4.75%-5%, offering another strong tailwind to metal commodities. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mining Stocks, ETFs Post Gains</h3>
Mining-related stocks and ETFs are enjoying strong performance Tuesday. The Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COPX#NYSE">COPX</a>) climbed over 6%, reflecting the sharp increase in copper prices, while the Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIL#NYSE">SIL</a>) rose 2%.
Here's a look at the five strongest performers within the SPDR S&amp;P Metals &amp; Mining ETF stocks on Tuesday
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>1-Day Return</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>)</td>
<td>$15.72</td>
<td>+10.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/METC#NYSE">METC</a>)</td>
<td>$11.04</td>
<td>+8.83%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCC#NYSE">HCC</a>)</td>
<td>$59.94</td>
<td>+7.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>)</td>
<td>$36.78</td>
<td>+7.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLF#NYSE">CLF</a>)</td>
<td>$12.74</td>
<td>+7.36%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 10:30 a.m. ET Photo via Shutterstock. </figcaption></figure>

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