China’s base metals production exceeds the West’s estimates

Recent data released by China show that its base metals production is higher than estimated by Western analysts. In the first half of 1990, it produced 280,000 tonnes copper and 400,000 tonnes aluminum, up 12% and 14% respectively from the same period last year. The country ranks among the 10 leading producers of non-ferrous metals, says the August, 1990, issue of the monthly newsletter Metals and Mining, published by London-based Carr Kitcat & Aitken. China is seeking foreign partners to expand its copper and aluminum industry in the next three years, reports the newsletter. “Aluminum capacity is expected to reach 1.3 million tonnes from 810,000 tonnes at present, while copper smelter capacity should rise to 665,000 tonnes from 565,000 tonnes per year currently.”

Competing with Eastern Europe and the USSR for western investment, the Chinese have disclosed more details about their base metals industry. The flow of foreign capital into China has been checked since the Tiananmen Square massacre last year.