The annual gathering of the global metals community in London at LME Week included representatives from the breadth of the supply chain, with discussions centering around current trends in metals markets and outlooks for the year ahead.

ESG and the green transition was a principal focus at LME Week 2023. The London Metals Exchange stated at the beginning of the week that it is working with various organisations, including producers, to increase the sustainability credentials of the metals traded in its system.

However, it was copper that formed the basis of many sector discussions. At the LME Metals Seminar on Monday, copper was overwhelmingly the top bet for base metals in 2024. Following analyst presentations on the six base metals traded on the LME, attendees were asked to vote in a poll on which base metal is likely to have the most upside in 2024. Copper received 53% of the vote, with tin second receiving 23%.

Despite current price weakness across all base metals due to several factors, there remains a projected deficit in long term copper supply as it continues to be a key player in the green transition. Demand is projected to outstrip current production levels and expansion plans.

As a result, Citibank analyst, Max Layton, remarked that the LME copper price could jump from today's $8,100 to between $12,000 and $15,000 in 2025 in line with continued demand. Miners with defined copper resources and strong ESG credentials are vital in the push to meet net zero comittments.