Discover the Top 10 Largest Producers of Copper, By Country

Copper has existed for centuries. The Romans would mine copper in Cyprus and would use it in a variety of places or for various things like doors or plumbing. In contemporary times, you can catch this brownish-red metal on the penny. Copper is still used in plumbing today, as well. When it comes to copper, some countries produce way more than others. Copper can be found in mineral deposits all over the world, but 10 countries take the gamut in copper reserves and copper production.

Let’s explore the 10 countries that produce the most copper in the world. These countries are diverse and located all over the world.

Who Has the Largest Reserves of Copper in the World?

The largest reserves of copper in the world are found in Chile. In fact, Chile has so much copper (a total of 190 million metric tons of it) that they have assured copper for at least 100 years. Chile has twice the amount of copper than Australia, which has the second-most copper reserves in the world.

1. Chile

Chile is the country that produces the most copper and it is also the country with the most copper reserves in the world. Even though their production decreased in the last few years due to miner strikes, it looks like their production is bouncing back. Chile also boasts some of the greatest miners in the country, with miners from all over the world going to Chile to work in Chilean mines. One of the most tumultuous times for the Chilean mining industry was the 2010 Copiagó mining accident, where 33 miners were trapped for 69 days after part of the mine collapsed. Thankfully, they all survived.

2. Peru

Peru is a mountainous region and has some of the largest mines in the world, the largest being the Cerro Verde Mine. However, with political instability plaguing the country, it has produced less copper than in previous years. COVID-19 also affected copper production. Some of the top complaints in the recent mining decline have also been governmental red tape. Interestingly enough, most of Peru’s copper is exported to China (number four on the list).

2. Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is also number two on the list because it produces the same amount of copper as Peru. With 2.2 million metric tons of copper, the Democratic Republic of Congo has a so-called “Copper Belt” in the Katanga Province of the country. In recent years, Chinese groups have taken ownership of many of the country’s mines. There are currently over 30 mines in operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

4. China

China is one of the world’s largest producers of copper, but fascinatingly enough, they are also the world’s largest copper consumer. That means they import a lot of copper as well to meet high copper demands, especially within the transportation and construction industries. Many mining groups are now calling on the Chinese government to increase mining production to relieve stress on the current copper mines in the country. 

5. United States

The United States is a vast country and the nation’s west is a topographical masterpiece. Its mountain ranges are beautiful with snowy peaks and forested slopes. Many of those mountains are prime locations for all types of mining — gold, nickel, silver, and of course copper. However, before the copper rush of the mid-1840s, copper mining started in the Michigan copper district. Since then, the copper mining industry has been on the rise.

6. Russia

The largest copper mine in Russia is called Udokan and it’s located in eastern Siberia. It will start exports in 2023, which will eventually boost Russian copper production substantially. Currently, Russia produces 4% of the world’s copper. With current worldwide sanctions on various Russian exports because of the Russia-Ukraine war, we don’t know how much of an effect it will have on Russia’s copper and mining industry.

7. Indonesia

Indonesian mining is relatively new and it has increased substantially in recent years. The largest copper mine in the country is the Grasberg Block Cave Mine owned and operated by ​​American mining company Freeport-McMoran and located in Papua, the western half of New Guinea island.

8. Australia

Copper mining usually takes place in Western Australia, although mines are found all over the country. The first mines were established in the mid-1840s in the area because copper deposits were discovered. Australia has 6% of the world’s copper reserves, landing the second place spot in copper reserves in the world. Although they have the second-largest copper mines on earth, they only produce less than 1 million metric tons. 

9. Zambia

Zambia is also one of the countries where the Copper Belt, a mineral-rich region in central Africa, is located. Dozens of copper mines sit along northern Zambia’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. When copper deposits were found by American adventurer Frederick Russell Burnham, the word spread, and soon after European and American companies set up mines in the region. Currently, Zambia has four major mines that produce the most copper, but there are others in the Copper Belt.

10. Mexico

A whopping 81% of all copper production is concentrated in the Mexican state of Sonora. Zacatecas comes in second. Slowly but surely, Mexico has increased its copper production to meet demands. Although they do produce large amounts of copper, Mexico produces more silver, and the city of Taxco in the state of Guerrero is known for its silver jewelry shops.

Where Does the US Get Most of its Copper?

The US largely gets most of its copper from the Southwestern United States — Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Montana is also a big producer of copper. The mountainous regions of these states have created the perfect places for copper to be found. Idaho is a minor producer of copper. Interestingly enough, Missouri also produces copper, although nowhere near as much as the Mountain West region of the US.

Who Is the Largest Copper Producer in the US?

Coming as no surprise, Arizona is the US state that produces the most amount of copper. Ever since the 19th century, Arizona has steadily increased its production. In fact, they generate over $5 billion in copper every year. The Morenci Mine, located in southeastern Arizona, produces the most copper of any mine in the North American continent.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the 10 countries that produce the most copper in the world. Copper is mainly found in regions with mountains so if a country has a more mountainous topography, it’s a good sign that copper and other minerals will be found.

If you find yourself visiting any of these countries, something unique you can do is visit a copper mine. Or even visit a museum to learn about copper, other minerals, and the history of copper mining in that particular country. At the end of the day, you may even take a souvenir. And the next time you get a penny in change, remember that brownish-red coin is (mostly) made of copper!

Top 10 Largest Producers of Copper By Country

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