First, after you read the below, and realize where the demand is going, then read The Fraser Institutes study of the "most friendly mining ares" in the world, located here:

http://www.fraserinstitute.org/uploadedFiles/fraser-ca/Content/research-news/research/publications/mining-survey-2010-2011.pdf

Canadian provinces hold 4 of the top 10 spots for second year running. And with BC Goverments mining friendly stance this will soon be five.

Ok on to Minmetals:

From their website:

It has also made great progress in overseas development in copper, alumina, lead and zinc which were in short supplies in China.

• A joint-venture company was established with CODELCO to purchase Chilean copper capacity of 840,000 tons of copper in next 15 years and to explore and develop its copper resources.
• Northern Peru Copper Co., Ltd, a listed company in Canada was acquired which owns copper deposits of 8 million tons in metal in Peru
• A copper purchase agreement for the year of 2009 were signed with KGHM Polish Copper Ltd which covers 50,000 tons copper cathodes under the long-term agreement and 8,000 tons of spot cargo.

One of the partner companies of China Minmetals is Jiangxi Copper Corporation. From their website:

• After stepping into 21st century, the company has embraced its fastest growth. The company’s cathode capacity grows from 200,000 to 900,000 ton per year;

• the company runs 8 mines, 3 smelters, 6 copper fabrication companies

• the company maintains the leadership in China’s copper industry, as well as a top 3 rank in global cathode producers.

• Profit in 1st half of 2011 increase 50% from corresponding 2010 period.

• Sales income which is primarily from copper cathodes rose from 4.72B to 60.58B RMB

OK GUYS/GALS

Asia's demand is HUGE, more aquisitions will be coming I'm certain. They need supply security.

Teck seems like small-fry. Bring on the big Asian deals. I'd actually prefer Xstrata (they also are on the LME board)

regards,

Fire