Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2025-09-05 07:09Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the emergence of "anti-involution" in industries such as photovoltaic and new energy vehicles, which are characterized by low operating rates and low profits, amidst a backdrop of economic slowdown and significant losses in the copper smelting industry [2][3]. Group 1: Economic Context - Economic growth is slowing, with the political bureau meeting on July 30, 2024, emphasizing the need for industry self-discipline to prevent "involution-style" competition [2]. - The macroeconomic environment is marked by a decline in GDP growth and a prolonged negative Producer Price Index (PPI) [2]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The copper smelting industry is facing significant losses, necessitating the implementation of "anti-involution" measures [2][3]. - Factors contributing to the challenges in the copper smelting sector include weak raw material conditions, high costs, and a mismatch between mining and smelting capacities due to continuous expansion of smelting capacity [2][3]. Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - The focus for the copper smelting industry should be on optimizing capacity by eliminating outdated production, reducing costs through advanced smelting technologies, and encouraging the establishment of high-level smelting plants [3]. - There is an expectation for the copper industry to return to profitability as capacity alignment improves, with stronger profitability anticipated for companies with cost advantages in smelting [3]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Companies with smelting cost advantages and those involved in mining and smelting integration are recommended for attention, including Zijin Mining, Western Mining, Jiangxi Copper, China Nonferrous Mining, Yunnan Copper, and Northern Copper [4].