Shares of state-owned mining giant Hindustan Copper Ltd. extended their winning streak for a third consecutive session on Monday, January 5, climbing sharply to hit a level not seen in nearly fifteen years. The stock jumped 5.2% during intraday trade to reach ₹570 per share, marking its highest point since February 2010.
Global Copper Rally Fuels Domestic Optimism
The primary driver behind this sustained upward move is the powerful rally in global copper prices, which has kept the domestically-focused miner firmly on investors' radars. The benchmark three-month copper contract on the London Metal Exchange (LME) advanced 2.86% to $12,826.5 per ton. Earlier in the day, it had surged as much as 3.28%, inching close to last year's record peak of $12,960.
Traders are actively moving supplies to the United States amid growing fears that the country may impose tariffs on imports of the industrial metal. This preemptive action is tightening available stockpiles at major global trading hubs like London and Shanghai, creating a supply squeeze that is pushing prices higher.
Supply Disruptions Add to the Fire
The bullish sentiment received further support from fresh supply concerns emerging from Chile, a top global copper producer. Hundreds of miners at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper and gold mine in northern Chile have gone on strike. The work stoppage began after negotiations between the company and its main union for a new labour contract collapsed.
Analysts note that supply worries are intensifying as the market looks ahead to 2026. Mine disruptions and potential regional dislocations caused by US tariffs have been key factors bolstering copper's record-setting rally over the past year. While traders also assessed the impact of the recent US attack in Venezuela leading to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, the country is not a major factor in the global copper market.
A Meteoric Rise for Hindustan Copper
The sharp upswing in industrial metal prices has directly spotlighted Hindustan Copper. As prices rise, the company's margin and revenue outlook potentially expand, given its strategic position. Hindustan Copper holds approximately two-fifths of India's total copper ore reserves and resources.
The stock has staged an incredible recovery from its September 2025 lows of ₹226.70 per share, delivering a staggering 151% return since then. This performance has significantly outpaced the broader market benchmarks and cemented its position as the top performer among Nifty metal stocks during the recent bull run.
Beyond rising copper prices, other positive catalysts include a better-than-expected financial performance in the September quarter, along with the company's expansion plans involving capacity growth and strategic resource development. These factors have collectively boosted investor sentiment, helping the stock finish the year 2025 with a solid 109% gain. This rally contributes to an eye-popping 385% surge over three years and a nearly 800% jump over five years.
Copper, as an asset class, had a remarkable 2025, gaining more than 40% in its strongest annual performance since 2009, according to a Bloomberg report. This surge was driven by a combination of supply shortfalls, robust demand, and heightened trade-related concerns.
