Singapore 07/09/2016 - China’s Aluminium Corporation of China (Chinalco) has started construction of a 400,000-tonnes-per-year copper smelter in Ningde in southern Fujian province.
The project mananged by Chinalco Southeast Copper - a joint venture between Chinalco and the Fujian government - officially commenced construction on September 2, Chinalco said on Monday.
Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2018.
The project is an important part of Chinalco’s strategy to strengthen its copper business and expand its presence in the coastal area, Chinalco said.
An agreement to build the project was signed between Chinalco and the Fujian government a year ago.
Chinalco is focused on aluminium but also has stakes in Yunnan Copper Group and Chinalco Luoyang Copper Co.