Copper ...

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The metal that powers the modern world is back in the spotlight. 

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This comes after new warnings that the market is about to face significant shortages in 2026 due to mining capacity being unable to keep up with demand. 

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While some see this as just a short-term trend, I believe we’re seeing the beginning of another long-term bull run with structural foundations.

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We know that currently, warehouse inventories are shrinking fast. The large stocks we saw this year that cushioned the market are now thinning out. This is forcing buyers to pony up at current levels - or simply go without.  The latter, of course, not being an option.  

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That scarcity premium is real, and it's pushing copper futures up. 

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Also consider that while Chinese demand has cooled a bit, prices are still rising.  This suggests demand is coming from elsewhere.  Think infrastructure, grid build-outs, renewable energy, data centers, and electrification campaigns in both emerging and advanced economies outside of the Middle Kingdom. 

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And then there’s just a certain risk premium now as a result of macro tailwinds and global uncertainty.

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Geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions from major mining regions, and increased energy transition investments all add layers of risk.  As a result, investors now appear willing to pay up now rather than worry about “tomorrow’s shortage.” 

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The way I see it, this isn’t a run-of-the-mill commodity bounce.  The signals are telling us this could be the start of a major multi-year leg up:

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We’re looking at a potential supply squeeze. With mines in key producing countries under pressure, and top-tier traders already pulling copper out of exchange warehouses, there’s real risk of a shortage if demand keeps up.

With global energy-transition initiatives, EV rollouts, and even booming demand for data center infrastructure, copper is increasingly strategic. Metals like copper aren’t just commodities anymore; they’re critical infrastructure.

For the bold, this price action could spark a speculative rush. Once momentum builds and inventories dry up further, we could be looking at sharp rallies, not gentle climbs.

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The only thing that could potentially derail this run is a global economic slowdown.  If demand from major consumers shrinks (especially outside China), the rally could stall.  

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Aside from that, we’re definitely at an inflection point.

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Copper is no longer just a base metal: it’s a linchpin in global infrastructure, EVs, power grids, and technology build-outs that demand raw materials.
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This isn’t the time to sit on the sidelines. And there are plenty of copper stocks to choose from, including, but not limited to …
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  • Lundin Mining (TSX: LUN)
  • Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) 
  • BHP Group (NYSE: BHP)
  • Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO)
  • Southern Copper (NYSE: SCCO)

If you’re on board, expect volatility, but also a bull market with real legs if these supply-and-demand dynamics hold.

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