The David Lin Report Chokehold On This Asset Would Be 'Cataclysmic To The World' | Olav Langelaar
May 16, 2025
Olav Langelaar, VP of Corporate Development at Gladiator Metals, sheds light on the precarious state of the copper market, revealing how China's grip on smelting capacity poses severe supply risks. He discusses the urgent implications of this for global economics and emphasizes the potential cataclysm if mining constraints continue. Langelaar also shares insights on his company's high-grade Yukon copper project, spotlighting an impressive 7 to 10% copper surface discovery, and outlines strategic responses to rising operational costs.
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China's Copper Smelting Dominance
- China dominates 53% of the world's copper smelting capacity, controlling refined copper supply globally.
- This gives China leverage over global copper availability, creating systemic supply risks.
Consequences of China Export Ban
- If China bans refined copper exports, the global economy would face severe disruption.
- The world's smelting capacity surplus can only temporarily mask structural concentrate shortages.
Copper Supply Deficit Outlook
- A copper supply deficit is projected by 2027-28 due to mine depletion and slow project development.
- Mine development timelines have grown from 3 to 17 years, causing lag in production to meet demand.