Carbon News | Carbon emissions reduced by 95%; exports of recycled aluminum products surge by 160%

Global Zero Carbon The 'New Youth' of Carbon Neutrality 01 Carbon Emissions Reduced by 95%; Exports of Recycled Aluminum Products Surge by 160% According to a CCTV News report on October 9, recycled aluminum—an important alternative raw material to primary aluminum—has seen continuously rising market热度 this year. In Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, the recycled aluminum market is experiencing tight supply, with high-quality scrap aluminum in extremely short supply. Purchasers are stationed on-site to secure inventory: “High-quality scrap aluminum is critically scarce; as soon as good material arrives, we snap up virtually all of it—we’re terrified of running out and halting production.” Exports of recycled aluminum products are growing rapidly, with their low-carbon advantage opening up overseas markets. Data show that producing one ton of primary aluminum generates approximately 16 tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions, whereas producing one ton of recycled aluminum emits only about 0.5 tons of CO₂-equivalent—representing a roughly 95% reduction in carbon emissions compared to primary aluminum. From January to August 2026, China’s cumulative exports of unwrought aluminum and aluminum products reached 4.665 million tons, up 16.8% year-on-year; among these, exports of unwrought aluminum alloys—primarily recycled aluminum ingots—reached 342,000 tons, an increase of nearly 85% year-on-year. In June alone, exports surged 160.6% year-on-year—the highest level in recent years. (Source: CCTV News) 02 Major Chilean Copper Mine Strike Adds Uncertainty to Global Copper Supply A major copper mine in Chile has entered a work stoppage, adding further uncertainty to an already highly strained global copper supply. London copper (LME copper) prices remain near historic highs, and market concerns over potential supply deficits continue to intensify. According to media reports dated October 7 local time, after government-led mediation failed to reach agreement, two unions at Chile’s Centinela copper mine—Minera Esperanza and Distrito Centinela—initiated a strike at 8 a.m. that day. Natalia Corfield, Head of Latin America Corporate Credit Research at JPMorgan Chase, noted in her report that this is the mine’s first-ever strike. The Centinela copper mine is operated by Minera Centinela, 70% owned by London-listed Chilean copper miner Antofagasta PLC. Centinela is one of Antofagasta’s highest-producing copper mines. Media reports indicate that the two unions have warned that if the strike continues, Centinela copper mine could begin cutting output in approximately two weeks. (Source: Caixin Global) 03 Brazil Sues Shell Subsidiary for Over $100 Million in Flood Damage Claims On October 9, Brazilian prosecutors filed a lawsuit against Shell’s subsidiary in Brazil, demanding $108 million in compensation for damages linked to severe flooding in southern Brazil in 2024. The suit alleges that Shell bears responsibility for climate-related losses caused by its greenhouse gas emissions. At the end of April 2024, torrential rains began inundating Rio Grande do Sul—the country’s agricultural heartland—in southern Brazil, triggering catastrophic flooding. By June of the same year, nearly 200 people had died and 500,000 were displaced, causing massive economic losses. Prosecutors argue that Shell has long emitted greenhouse gases through fossil fuel exploration, production, and sales, and that its historical emissions account for approximately 2% of total global historical emissions. Accordingly, the company should bear corresponding environmental and climate responsibilities for its contribution to global warming.

Another positive copper price update: labor negotiations at Chilean copper mines stall—could a strike be imminent?

According to foreign media reports today: A strike looms at Antofagasta’s largest copper mine in Chile, as labor negotiations failed to meet workers’ expectations and the union rejected the company’s final wage offer. On Tuesday local time, union members at the Los Pelambres mine voted—with 98% in favor—to authorize a strike. Under Chilean labor law, the government may still intervene for final mediation efforts before the strike commences. Chile accounts for one-quarter of global copper output, having produced over 5.8 million tons in 2020. According to Chilean government data, Los Pelambres mine produced 372,100 tons last year. Negotiations at Los Pelambres represent just one of several ongoing labor disputes. The union contends that Los Pelambres is the group’s largest, lowest-cost, and most profitable operation—and that worker wages are disproportionately low relative to its strategic importance. A foundation has been established to support over 400 union members financially during the strike period.

Antofagasta Miners Escalate Copper Strike with Hunger Protest

Oct 9, 2026

Workers at Antofagasta's Chilean copper mine escalated a strike with hunger protests over pay disputes, projecting a potential 50% output drop in November. Labor tensions are rising across the sector as copper prices surge near record highs.

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Antofagasta Miners Escalate Copper Strike with Hunger Protest

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