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Copper

Copper is a reddish-brown metallic element and industrial commodity widely used in electrical wiring, construction, electronics and renewable energy infrastructure. The metal is prized for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, malleability and antimicrobial properties. Copper is traded globally on exchanges including the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange, with prices serving as a barometer for global economic health. Major copper-producing countries include Chile, Peru, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States, with mining operations ranging from large open-pit operations to underground mines. The metal is typically extracted from sulphide and oxide ores, then refined through smelting and electrolytic processes to achieve purities of 99.99%. Demand for copper has grown substantially with the global energy transition, as electric vehicles require about four times more copper than conventional vehicles and renewable energy systems are copper-intensive. The metal is also essential in telecommunications infrastructure, plumbing systems, industrial machinery and consumer electronics. Copper is fully recyclable without loss of quality, and recycled copper accounts for a significant portion of global supply. The industry faces challenges including declining ore grades, rising production costs, permitting delays for new projects and community opposition in some jurisdictions. Copper has been used by human civilisations for more than 10 000 years, with the Bronze Age marking a pivotal period in its application.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

Anglo American, Codelco finalise joint mine plan to unlock 2.7-million tonnes of copper in Chile

Diversified miner Anglo American has completed a definitive agreement with Chile's State-owned miner Codelco to implement a joint mine plan for their respective Los Bronces and Andina copper mines, expected to unlock 2.7-million tonnes of additional copper over a 21-year period and deliver an average 120 000 t/y of additional low-cost copper production to be shared equally. The companies expect the move to create at least $5-billion in shared value, with implementation conditional on environmental permits being secured by 2030.

Orion CMC pursues Asian partnerships to fund $20-billion critical minerals pipeline

Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a minerals investment group backed by the US government, is in advanced discussions to establish three new public-private partnerships in Asia as it seeks to fund a $20-billion global pipeline of opportunities in copper, lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals. The consortium, led by mining-focused private equity house Orion Resource Partners and backed by the US International Development Finance Corporation and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund ADQ, sees significant opportunities in South-East Asia, where multiple multibillion-dollar critical minerals projects are under development.

Newmont's Red Chris mine receives regulatory approvals for block cave transition

Global gold miner Newmont says its Red Chris mine in British Columbia has received crucial regulatory approvals, paving the way for a transition from openpit mining to a block caving operation and extending its lifespan into the mid-2040s. The company expects the project will create more than 1 800 construction jobs and support about 1 500 peak-season operating roles, while boosting Canada's copper production by about 15%.

Copper Updates


An image of copper
US-Iran deal to have varied impact on metals complex – BMI
Updated 7 hours ago By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The metals complex is poised for a mixed performance following the US-Iran deal announced in June, with easing demand-side concerns supporting industrial metals, while the alleviation of... 


Nyrstar smelter in Australia
Nyrstar shareholders file petition for interim measures while Antwerp investigates forgery claims
26th June 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Euronext Brussels-listed base metals miner Nyrstar has advised that certain shareholders filed a petition for interim measures with the Antwerp Enterprise Court on June 26. The claimant... 


Venezuela building collapse
Venezuelan gold developer Gold Reserves donates $1m to emergency relief efforts
26th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-V-listed gold and copper project developer Gold Reserve has donated $1-million to support emergency relief and recovery efforts in Venezuela. The country experienced two catastrophic... 


Image of NMG mine, US
Nevada Gold Mines , US
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

A gold mine in northern Nevada, in the US. 


World's deepest mines
World's deepest mines
26th June 2026

South Africa’s Witwatersrand gold basin dominates the list of the world’s deepest mines, claiming seven of the ten spots. Chasing ever-thinner reef seams buried beneath ancient rock, South African... 


a mini excavator
Automation, efficiency drive equipment demand
26th June 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Productivity, automation, safety and sustainability initiatives are increasingly shaping investment decisions in South Africa’s earthmoving and surface mining equipment sector, says diesel engine... 


CREAMER MEDIA: PROJECTS IN PROGRESS 2026
Projects in Progress 2026
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges, including slow growth, high unemployment and pressure on important services such as electricity, transport and water. New infrastructure... 


Image of Red Chris deposit
Red Chris block cave project, Canada – update
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The government of British Columbia has approved key regulatory authorisations for the Red Chris block cave project. 


An image of PwC South Africa energy, utilities and resources leader Andries Rossouw
Action imperative for future success of global mining industry – PwC
25th June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The mining industry is delivering a solid financial performance despite grappling with rising geopolitical pressures, energy transition demands and structural investment gaps. However, despite this... 


Danakali project map in Australia
Danakali expects assays on four projects by August
25th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

National Stock Exchange of Australia-listed Danakali has completed field reconnaissance and soil sampling across four of its projects in the Gascoyne and Murchison regions, with additional sampling... 


Trekor copper
Taseko starts trading as Trekor Metals on June 29
25th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX- and NYSE-listed Taseko Mines expects its namechange to Trekor Metals to become effective today, with the company's common shares due to start trading under the new name on June 29. The ticker... 


BHP CEO Brandon Craig
Strikes, soaring costs and M&A await BHP's new CEO Craig
25th June 2026 By: Reuters

Newly minted BHP CEO Brandon Craig faces a crowded in-tray as he takes mining's top job on July 1, from threatened iron ore strikes and ballooning costs to a potential uranium push and a febrile... 


Vedanta's aluminium smelter in India
Vedanta completes historic demerger, lists four new companies in India
25th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Global diversified miner Vedanta Group has passed a defining milestone in Indian corporate history with the successful listing of four newly demerged companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange and... 


El Teniente copper mine
Chile's Codelco to consider asset sales, partnerships in investment review
25th June 2026 By: Reuters

Chile's State-owned Codelco, one of the world's largest copper producers, will consider asset sales and partnerships as part of a broader review of its investment priorities, chairperson Bernardo... 


Copper World project area
Hudbay completes buy-out of Arizona Sonoran to create one large copper district
24th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX- and NYSE-listed Hudbay Minerals has completed the acquisition of Arizona Sonoran Copper, with Arizona Sonoran shareholders having received 0.242 of a Hudbay common share for each Arizona... 


Haib copper project
Koryx Copper progresses exploration at Zambia projects
24th June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

TSX-V-listed Koryx Copper reports that while the company’s focus remains on its Haib copper project, in Namibia, it continues to carry out systematic exploration at its Zambian assets, with the aim... 


Copper mineralisation
American West Metals says PFS on Canada's newest copper project imminent
24th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

After spending additional time to refine a processing flowsheet, mine plan and other aspects, ASX-listed American West Metals says it is making progress on a prefeasibility study (PFS) for the... 


The neighbouring Los Bronces and Andina mines, in Chile
Anglo, Codelco ink definitive agreement for joint mine plan in Chile
24th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Diversified miner Anglo American has completed a definitive agreement with Chile's State-owned miner Codelco to implement a joint mine plan for their respective Los Bronces and Andina copper... 


A copper mine in the DRC
Congo eyes co-ops, credit scheme to fund mine workers' equity stakes
24th June 2026 By: Reuters

The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering a plan to help mining employees acquire mandatory stakes in the companies they work for through worker cooperatives and company-financed credit, a... 


Teck's QB2 copper project, in Chile
Teck Resources promotes capital markets expert as treasurer, investor relations VP
23rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX- and NYSE-listed Teck Resources has appointed Edwin Shadeo treasurer and acting VP for investor relations effective immediately, succeeding Emma Chapman, who is leaving Teck to pursue new... 


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pqt: 0.348s - ct: 0.413s - 288pq - 2rq
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