Copper prices decline on Thursday after record highs achieved the day before. At 8:20 am September futures fell by 0.52% up to $ 2.9835. Yesterday they exceeded $ 3 an ounce, which is not took place for more than two years. Copper prices have been on the rise lately, which contributes to the stable demand from the PRC. This country is its key consumer - it accounts for almost 50% of the world's demand. Manufacturing activity in China has a strong impact on metal quotes - recently it has increased after the abolition of quarantine measures related to the coronavirus pandemic, what was the growth driver for prices. The unstable situation in the sphere is also supporting the quotes. copper mining - the industry has been experiencing lack of investment in new projects. Many experts agree on the opinion that a price level above $ 3 is sufficient to so that long-term copper mining projects pay off.