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China smelters raise assistance for Q4 copper processing charges

China's top copper smelters chosen Tuesday to a little raise a cost guidance for fourthquarter processing charges, 3 individuals with understanding of the matter said.

At a meeting by the China Smelters Purchase Group (CSPT). in Shanghai, participants agreed upon assistance costs for copper. concentrate processing treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs). at $35 per metric load and 3.5 cents per pound, the sources stated.

The guidance rate for the third quarter was set at $30 per. metric heap and 3 cents per pound - a nine-year low.

TC/RCs, a key source of income for smelters, are paid by. miners when they sell concentrate, or semi-processed ore, to be. refined into metal.

They are a gauge of availability for copper concentrates. used in the production of refined copper. A lower charge signals. less supply, which started with the December closure of First. Quantum's Cobre mine in Panama.

Spot TCs index examined by Shanghai Metals Market stood. at $4.68 per lot on Friday.

CSPT, including more than 10 top copper smelters,. holds quarterly meetings to discuss market conditions and give. price assistance for near-term area market.

(source: Reuters)