Freeport has a temporary exemption from a nationwide ban on exports of mined copper, but it faces a cliff-edge scenario in May.

China's largest copper buyers expect to pay a premium of around $90 per metric ton next year.

Vale is not seeking new partners for its Base Metals unit following a recent equity sale, CEO said.

Prices for zinc are down 16% so far this year following last year's slump in demand from China.

Mopani bidders are Sibanye, Zijin, and IHC-linked investor, according to Reuters.

The world's largest copper producer said the blaze occurred Sunday in the aging mine's concentrator plant, where work is underway to extend the productive life of the mine by decades.

He Jinbi and his company Maike Metals have been the focus of legal action by creditors.

Copper got 53% of votes in an informal poll at the LME Seminar.