KGHM wins another new, large long-term contract – copper cathodes for Nexans

KGHM has signed a large contract with Nexans to supply copper cathodes, the Company’s basic copper product, in the years 2023-2027. The contract foresees the annual delivery of nearly 22.8 thousand to over 27.8 thousand tonnes of cathodes. The contract includes an Evergreen option for the automatic extension of the agreement for subsequent five-year periods.

– KGHM’s copper cathodes are a product with the highest proven quality, and this subsequent contract with Nexans is not just an expression of trust and satisfaction of our customers, but it also represents a commitment by us to ensure the highest level of performance in our work. We are currently striving vigorously to ensure not only that our copper is of the highest quality, but that it is produced in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way – said Mirosław Kidoń, Vice President KGHM of the Management Board (International Assets).

– Nexans strongly values its durable business relationship with KGHM: we have chosen to engage on a 5-year Evergreen contract with them to secure a large part of our future cathode needs for our French rodmill in Lens. Our common willingness to formalize a long-term commitment will enable Nexans to continue to benefit from superior cathode quality and stability, allied to an efficient and low-carbon supply chain by rail between Poland and France – said Christophe Allain, Global Portfolio Director, Non Ferrous Metals.

Nexans and the copper smelters/refineries of KGHM have joined the Copper Mark to promote responsible copper production globally. KGHM’s long term cooperation with Nexans started in the 1970’s and is one of the oldest of the Group.

Electrolytic copper cathodes with a minimum copper content of 99.99% are the basic product of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. They meet the highest quality standards and are registered on the London Metal Exchange (LME), the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) and the International Energy Exchange in Shanghai (INE) under the brands HMG-S, HMG-B and HML.

Refined copper in the form of copper cathodes represents the end product of the metallurgical and refining processes through which the copper-bearing material is processed (concentrates, copper blister, anodes and copper scrap).

The main participants in the cathodes market are mining and smelting/refining companies producing copper in the form of cathodes, as well as wire rod producers and other copper processing plants using cathodes to produce wire rod, other rods, flat bars, pipes, sheets and tapes. Similarly as in the case of copper concentrates, other firms involved in commercial activities as well as financial institutions acting as intermediaries in the trading of cathodes are active on the copper market.

Nexans is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services and is committed to electrifying the future along the entire value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution and usages.