Copper Rises to Resistance as Supply-Side Issues Heat Up

Copper prices are seeing some upside movement as supply-side issues intensify. Codelco's Andina mine in Chile saw workers go on strike after mediation talks fell through. This adds to labor tensions in the major copper-exporting country, with workers at BHP Group's Escondida mine still negotiating a new contract as a possible walk-off looms. Meanwhile, workers at a JX Nippon Mining & Metals owned mine, also in Chile, went on strike this week.

Prices are now at a descending trendline formed off the July swing high after rising off the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement. Moreover, the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) looks to be providing a degree of confluent resistance. Breaking above the trendline may open the door for an extension higher.