China’s Sinomine Resource Group has temporarily halted operations at its Tsumeb copper smelter in Namibia, citing a global shortage of copper concentrate.

The move reflects growing pressure on non-integrated smelters, as global smelting capacity has expanded more rapidly than concentrate supply in recent years, tightening the market. The Tsumeb smelter has an annual capacity to process 240ktpy of concentrate, producing blister copper containing up to 60kt of copper. It has historically treated concentrates from countries including Chile, Peru, and Bulgaria. In 2024, Tsumeb produced 33kt Cu, with a further 6.2kt Cu recorded in Q1 2025. Looking ahead, Sinomine plans to upgrade the facility to enable recovery of multiple critical minerals, including germanium and zinc.

The shutdown underscores broader challenges in the copper concentrate market. Earlier this year, Glencore idled its PASAR smelter in the Philippines due to similar feed constraints. That closure created a refined copper shortfall in Southeast Asia, driving up regional cathode imports.

If further smelters are forced to close amid ongoing concentrate tightness, refined copper imports may increase globally, potentially placing upward pressure on prices.