The price of copper on the London Metal Exchange has risen over 27% so far this year, in large part due to China-led demand and accompanying US inventory depletion. Since 2001, the price of the metal has increased approximately five times. By 2009, copper supply will still be limited and price will remain high. China is the world's biggest copper user, with consumption expected to reach five million tons in 2008. In addition, China' s hosting of the 2008 Olympics will give rise to an "Olympic boom" that will boost domestic consumption.

"China Industry Research and Investment Analysis: Copper Mining and Dressing Industry, 2008" , just published by Reports From China, is an invaluable asset for anyone who wants to invest in the copper mining or dressing industries, to import into China, to partner with one of the key Chinese corporations, or to compete in the segment. The report provides in-depth analysis and detailed insight into the copper mining and dressing industries, market drivers, key enterprises and their strategies, as well as technologies and investment trends.

"China' s domestic consumption, investment and import of copper are all expected to maintain rapid growth in 2008," said Lan Lin, CEO of Reports From China. "China has the capacity to produce 1.5 million tons of refined copper and more than 1.8 million tons of processed copper products yearly. China is working hard to fill the demand gap through investment - during 1995-2005, there was an obvious surge in the number of smelting plants in China. However, the huge difference must rely on imports, which increased 33% in January 2008. The industry is booming, and provides a huge arena of opportunity for many foreign businesses."