Copper prices rose to a record peak on Monday, supported by speculative buying and as news of a zero-fee processing deal involving a ​Chinese smelter highlighted mine disruptions and potential shortages. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was ⁠up 0.6% at $11,955 a metric ton by 1100 GMT, having touched a record of $11,996. LME copper has ⁠surged 36% this year, largely on worries about problems at mines causing deficits next year. Those supply concerns were underlined on Friday when sources told Reuters Chilean ⁠miner Antofagasta and a Chinese smelter agreed on a zero processing fee for 2026 ... (full story)