[LME Three-Month Copper Contract Rises to a Record High of $14,617/ton] According to foreign media reports, copper prices rose during early Asian trading. ANZ Bank research analysts stated that prices are supported by strong fundamentals and tightening inventories, adding that 'persistent supply-side issues in recent months have been intensifying.' They noted that Chile, the world's largest copper producer, saw its August shipments drop to the lowest level in over a year. The LME three-month copper contract rose to a record high of $14,617/ton.