Heli Secondary Copper Capacity Expansion Signals China’s Recycling Push

Jiangxi Heli

China’s Heli secondary copper capacity expansion will lift recycled copper output in Jiangxi. The project upgrades and relocates Heli’s smelter in Shangrao, targeting 200,000 t/yr of refined copper. As a result, the Heli secondary copper capacity expansion supports supply security amid tight concentrate markets. Therefore, the Heli secondary copper capacity expansion strengthens China’s circular-economy copper strategy.

Why Jiangxi’s upgrade matters for copper supply

Jiangxi is a national copper hub with strong refining and fabrication. Heli’s upgrade adds scale while using scrap, sludge, and other secondary feedstocks. Meanwhile, parent firm Fuye plans a 180,000 t/yr secondary smelter nearby. Together, these moves deepen regional clustering and logistics advantages.

Secondary copper rises as concentrates stay tight

Persistent concentrate tightness is accelerating China’s secondary shift. Secondary copper already supplies a growing share of cathode demand. Consequently, new capacity helps stabilize cathode availability and reduce import exposure. It also lowers carbon intensity versus primary smelting, aiding downstream ESG goals.

China produced 2.9mn t of secondary copper in 2024. That accounted for 62.7% of global secondary output. Therefore, incremental Jiangxi capacity will influence global scrap flows and premiums. Other recyclers, including Jiangxi Bailian, are also expanding in the province.

The Metalnomist Commentary

China is locking in a scrap-first hedge against concentrate volatility. Expect tighter global scrap balances and firmer high-grade scrap premiums. Regional clustering in Jiangxi will compress unit costs and attract more downstream fabricators.