Chile state copper commission Cochilco forecast on Thursday that 2017 copper production would be 5.6-million tonnes in the South American nation, a 0.8% rise from 2016.
The body also predicted 2017 average copper prices of $2.64/lb in 2017, slightly higher than its previous estimate of $2.60, due to greater-than-expected demand in key market China. The average price for the metal in 2018 will likely rise to $2.68, Cochilco said.
