The attitude of the metal consuming industry is in contrast to their ongoing messages about the need to improve access to raw materials in Europe and to eventually develop new policies at EU and national levels to facilitate supply.
Some European recycling companies report difficulties in selling copper to European smelters. If sales are possible, payment conditions, delivery schedules and discounts imposed on the suppliers are considerable. Such a situation exists for copper/ precious metals mixes as well as rare earth metals.
For aluminium, the situation seems slightly less serious, albeit quite difficult for some lower grades.
In light of the recent EU Commission Communication regarding the challenges to commodity markets and on raw materials, Eurometrec wishes to state that the European recycling industry is ready and prepared to fulfil its role as the most significant raw material supplier and calls upon the metals consumingindustry to review their current procurement policy in support of it’s regular and ongoing suppliers.