Zhifei Liu
Senior Research Analyst – Copper Markets, Metals & Mining
Zhifei Liu
Senior Research Analyst – Copper Markets, Metals & Mining
Zhifei is focused on copper demand in China where she monitors and forecasts both short-term and long-term demand.
Latest articles by Zhifei
View Zhifei Liu's full profile
Peter Schmitz
Director, Global Copper Markets Research
Peter Schmitz
Director, Global Copper Markets Research
Peter brings extensive copper market expertise from mine sites to boardrooms, guiding clients through industry shifts.
Latest articles by Peter
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Featured
Metals & mining 2026 outlook
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The Edge
Can copper supply keep up with surging demand?
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Opinion
Answering seven burning client questions on copper supply and demand
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Opinion
Tariffs, trade and technology: the macro forces shaping metals markets
Charles Cooper
Research Director, Head of Copper Research
Charles Cooper
Research Director, Head of Copper Research
Charles is a mining economist specialising in commodity markets and sustainability analytics.
Latest articles by Charles
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Featured
Metals & mining 2026 outlook
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The Edge
Can copper supply keep up with surging demand?
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Opinion
Answering seven burning client questions on copper supply and demand
Peter Martin
Head of Economics, Macroeconomics
Peter Martin
Head of Economics, Macroeconomics
Peter is responsible for producing our macroeconomic outlook to 2050.
Latest articles by Peter
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Featured
Metals & mining 2026 outlook
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Opinion
Tariffs, trade and technology: the macro forces shaping metals markets
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Opinion
The impact of the Israel-Iran conflict escalation on the global energy market
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The Edge
US tariffs – unpredictability is the strategic planners’ nightmare
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Opinion
Global economic outlook: trade tensions bite
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Opinion
Global economy: can momentum trump uncertainty?
James Whiteside
Director, Head of Corporate Research - Metals & Mining
James Whiteside
Director, Head of Corporate Research - Metals & Mining
With 15 years of experience in the metals and mining industry, James leads our corperate coverage.
Latest articles by James
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Featured
Metals & mining 2026 outlook
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Opinion
The end of capital discipline in mining?
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The Edge
Big Mining pivots to copper for growth
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Featured
Metals & mining 2025 outlook
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Opinion
Battery power play: countercyclical opportunities in raw materials
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Opinion
Copper rush: A strategic analysis
Expect twists, turns and transitions across the metals and mining world in 2026. This year is set to be shaped by key geopolitical events, technology, disruption – and cautious investment.
Geopolitical forces will dominate, with China's 15th Five-Year Plan and US mid-term elections affecting trade, growth and development on a global scale. The energy transition will evolve and continue, and the full potential of AI efficiencies will become clearer. Oversupply will keep most prices subdued, with some standout exceptions.
Volatility will dominate conversations as firms explore for new opportunities.
Drawing on unique insight from Wood Mackenzie Lens Metals & Mining, we’ve set out our view of the key themes to watch in the year ahead – along with a few wildcards. This includes:
- Two hemispheres, one turbulent global economy
- Rewired and recharged: tech developments reshape expectations
- Growth with guardrails
Fill in the form at the top of the page for your complimentary copy of Metals and mining: what to look for in 2025.
Plus, scroll down for our view on how key themes will play out for different metals and mined commodities, from aluminium to zinc.
Also in this series of complimentary reports:
Base & precious metals
What's on the cards in the year ahead for aluminium, copper, gold, lead, nickel and zinc? Where will the biggest opportunities and challenges lie for each?
Read our experts' predictions of the key themes to watch.
Battery raw materials
Lithium prices rebounded strongly after reaching cyclical lows in mid-2025. As the rally extends into 2026, a critical question emerges: can this momentum be sustained?
Plus, how is record defence spending reshaping the strategic importance of cobalt? How will China make use of its dominant position in rare earth supply during 2026? How will the graphite market resolve a complex paradox?
Read our take on these questions and more.
Bulk commodities
Steel trade flows enter a new phase. A mix of familiar challenges and emerging shifts for coal. And a phase of gradual yet significant transition for iron ore.
Read our predictions for the year ahead for steel, iron ore, metallurgical and thermal coal.
Steel alloys
2026 will be a policy-driven reset for the steel alloy markets. Across bulk and noble alloy, markets are being shaped less by consumption and increasingly by government intervention.
Our experts pick out five defining questions for steel alloy markets in 2026.
