From 2022 to 2026, annual copper smelter capacity is expected to grow at an average rate of around 3% per year. As ever, China’s economy and investment strategy is seen as key. Capacity development linked to Chinese overseas investments, mainly in Africa, continues although, domestically, smelting capacity is growing at a slower pace than before.
Over the period 2022 to 2026, annual copper refinery capacity is expected to grow at an average rate of around 2% per year. ICSG says the growth in capacity for both electrolytic refinery and electrowinning is projected to average 2%. About 84% of the growth in global refined capacity until 2026 is expected to come from electrolytic refineries.
KEFI Gold and Copper plc (LON:KEFI) is an exploration and development company focussed on gold and copper deposits, primarily in the highly prospective Arabian-Nubian Shield.