Apr 2025
Processing Startup for Copper in Indonesia
Manyar copper smelter expected to restart operations in Q2 2025, resuming processing capacity.
Copper production
Refined Copper
Copper is a highly valued mineral commodity that undergoes refinement to produce high-quality copper metal. The process of refining copper involves several steps, including smelting, which separates the copper from other minerals in the ore, and electrolytic refining, which further purifies the copper by removing impurities. Through this refining process, copper becomes suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it essential for electrical wiring, c...
Copper is a highly valued mineral commodity that undergoes refinement to produce high-quality copper metal. The process of refining copper involves several steps, including smelting, which separates the copper from other minerals in the ore, and electrolytic refining, which further purifies the copper by removing impurities.
Through this refining process, copper becomes suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it essential for electrical wiring, circuitry, and electronic devices. It's also used extensively in plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and durability under pressure.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Country production pages
Countries Producing Refined Copper
Albania
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China
Congo Republic
Cyprus
DR Congo
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Laos
Mexico
Mongolia
Myanmar
Namibia
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
20 Mar 2025
Regulatory Change for Copper in United States
US President issued an executive order to expedite permitting of copper production projects, affecting the regulatory environment.
17 Mar 2025
Regulatory Change for Copper in Indonesia
PT Freeport Indonesia granted a six‑month export license for 1.4 million t of copper concentrate, enabling export.
6 Mar 2025
Regulatory Change for Copper in Indonesia
Indonesia issued a regulation allowing export of unprocessed copper ore during force‑majeure cases.
Mar 2025
Processing Shutdown for Copper in Chile
Glencore suspended operations at the Altonorte copper smelter due to furnace issues, halting production.
6 Dec 2024
Processing Startup for Copper in India
Adani Enterprises plans to start processing concentrates at a new copper smelter in Gujarat, with first‑phase capacity of 500,000 t/yr by March 2025, potentially reducing India’s refined copper imports.
Dec 2024
Export Restriction for Copper in Indonesia
Freeport Indonesia’s export license for copper concentrate expired at yearend 2024, restricting exports.
26 Nov 2024
Tariff Change for Copper in United States
U.S. tariff pledge on base metals, including copper, led to price declines, indicating potential future trade restrictions on copper.
Oct 2024
Accident for Copper in Indonesia
Fire at the Manyar copper smelter in October 2024 disrupted processing capacity.
27 Sep 2024
Project Delay for Copper in India
Adani’s copper smelter faces a slow ramp‑up due to tight supply, delaying full operational capacity and impacting India’s copper import needs.
16 Dec 2019
Mine Opening for Copper in United States
Nevada Copper Corp. began producing copper at the underground Pumpkin Hollow Mine on December 16, 2019.
1 Dec 2019
Processing Shutdown for Copper in United States
Maintenance shutdowns at two U.S. smelters, combined with the strike, caused a 7% drop in refined copper production in early December 2019.
30 Nov 2019
Project Delay for Copper in United States
Gunnison and Pumpkin Hollow copper projects were delayed and had not begun production by the end of November 2019.
11 Oct 2019
Strike for Copper in United States
Unionized workers at a U.S. mining company voted to strike on October 11, 2019, leading to a temporary closure of its smelter and refinery.
1 Oct 2019
Strike for Copper in United States
A worker strike at the ASARCO smelter and electrolytic refinery in October 2019 caused a temporary shutdown, cutting copper refining capacity.
1 Jul 2019
Import Restriction for Copper in China
China imposed new restrictions on copper scrap category 6 imports effective July 1, 2019.
22 Jun 2019
Processing Startup for Copper in Zambia
The Nchanga smelter in Zambia restarted operations on June 22, 2019 after earlier suspension.
1 Jun 2019
Tariff Change for Copper in China
China imposed a 25% tariff on imports of copper cathodes from the United States effective June 1, 2019.
1 May 2019
Tariff Change for Copper in United States
The United States increased tariffs on copper cathodes from China to 25% in May 2019 due to trade negotiations.
1 Mar 2019
Mine Opening for Copper in Panama
First Quantum Minerals commenced production at its Cobre Panama copper mine in March 2019, adding new capacity to Panama's copper output.
1 Jan 2019
Other for Copper in Indonesia
Mining at Indonesia's Batu Hijau and Grasberg mines shifted to new ore zones, contributing to a slight drop in global copper mine production in 2019.
1 Jan 2019
Processing Shutdown for Copper in China
Smelter shutdowns for maintenance and upgrades in China and other countries offset higher refinery capacity and impacted global copper supply in 2019.
1 Jan 2019
Strike for Copper in Chile
Strikes and weather-related disruptions at Chilean copper mines caused a decline in production in 2019.
1 Jan 2019
Tariff Change for Copper in Zambia
A new import duty on copper concentrates in Zambia reduced smelter output and limited sulfuric acid supplies needed for electrowinning copper in 2019.
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