Global copper smelting activity slid in February, partly because of Lunar New Year holidays in China.

Chile's nationwide total production fell 7% in January to 425,700 tonne.

Norilsk makes 17% of the world’s “Class 1” nickel, which is more suitable for batteries and can be sourced in large quantities from only a few other locations.

Brixlegg copper has very low emissions because it is made using recycled metal as feedstock and hydropower for energy, the firm said.

Government agencies have been ordered to push state-owned buyers to scour markets for materials including oil and gas, iron ore, barley and corn to fill any potential gaps.

Aluminum prices bolted to a fresh record peak on Wednesday as investors worried that logistics difficulties would block metals supplies due to tough sanctions on major producer Russia.