copper smelter

Delays in RTB Bor smelter upgrade spark 2026 copper cathode supply concerns

The RTB Bor smelter, a central asset in Serbia’s metals sector, is facing renewed scrutiny as upgrade delays and maintenance setbacks raise concerns about copper cathode availability across the Balkans. The smelter’s modernisation program, intended to stabilise output and improve environmental performance, has encountered repeated interruptions that now threaten to reduce regional supply during a period of heightened demand. Analysts following euromining.news and regional markets warn that downstream manufacturers may face tighter cathode availability if reliability issues extend into 2026.…