The economic situation has improved to such an extent that some curbs may be lifted when the government releases a review of the restrictions at the end of the month.
The CEO of world number two miner Rio Tinto said the quality of Chinese mining equipment is catching up and in some instances surpassing that of the major US manufacturers.
The spot market for copper is extremely tight with premiums over 3-month contracts touching 18-month highs and Indonesia's export ban adding uncertainty.