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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.

Copper News


Toro trucks and loaders supplied to Kamoa Copper by Sandvik
Sandvik has won another order from Kamoa Copper
25th August 2026 By: Rebecca Campbell

Swedish multinational engineering group Sandvik has announced that it has received a significant new order from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) miner Kamoa Copper. Kamoa is a joint venture... 


Green Bay project area
FireFly to raise A$180m backed by solid Green Bay PEA
25th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX- and TSX-listed FireFly Metals has cemented a strong financial position with a new A$180-million Australian institutional placement and Canadian bought deal financing which it intends to use... 


Santa Cruz project area
Ivanhoe gets $1.1bn US EXIM support for Arizona copper project
24th August 2026 By: Reuters

US minerals explorer Ivanhoe Electric said on Monday it had received a preliminary project letter from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for potential debt financing of $1.1-billion to develop its... 


A block with uranium on the periodic table
France's Orano expands uranium search in Botswana
24th August 2026 By: Reuters

Botswana has granted three new uranium prospecting licences to Orano Mining, adding to the 15 licences already held by the French state-owned company, as the southern African country seeks to... 


Killi Resources drilling in Australia
Killi appoints start-up mine specialist Halliday as MD
24th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed gold, copper and rare earths explorer Killi Resources has appointed nonexecutive director Hamish Halliday as MD effective August 24. He brings to the position experience as a geologist,... 


Nickel mining in Indonesia
Indonesia will build trustworthy commodity exchange, chief supervisor candidate says
24th August 2026 By: Reuters

Indonesia's upcoming minerals and strategic commodity exchange would be built with infrastructure that can be trusted, the president's nominee to regulate commodity trading said on Monday. The... 


Zijin signage
Zijin says copper target under pressure after Congo mine flood
24th August 2026 By: Bloomberg

Zijin Mining Group said its full-year copper production target was under pressure due to flooding at a major Congolese mine, adding to global supply concerns as the metal trades near a record high.... 


Las Bambas mine
MMG confirms restart of operations at Las Bambas copper mine in Peru
24th August 2026 By: Reuters

Hong Kong-listed MMG confirmed on Monday it had restarted operations for its mine and process plant at its Las Bambas operations in Peru from August 21. Operations at the Las Bambas copper mine... 


Galileo, partner maintain position on Zambia licences, dialogues under way
21st August 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

London-listed Galileo Resources and its joint venture (JV) partner Statunga Investments continue to maintain their legal position regarding the ownership of the small-scale mining licences numbers... 


Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori
Peru aims for $33bn mining pipeline as Fujimori cuts red tape
21st August 2026 By: Reuters

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori's government expects mining investments of at least $33-billion over its five-year term, the Prime Minister said on Thursday, as the major copper-producing nation... 


Delba image
DELBA Electrical pushes the boundaries of service excellence through continuous improvement
20th August 2026

At electrical rotating machine repairer DELBA Electrical, continuous improvement is more than a business philosophy — it is a commitment that drives every aspect of its operations. For over six... 


Evolution's Mungari mine
Gold miner Evolution open to more North America, Australia deals
20th August 2026 By: Bloomberg

Evolution Mining will consider acquisitions in Australia and North America and hasn’t ruled out buying assets from Northern Star Resources should they come to market. Evolution is looking at more... 


Copper mine in Chile
Mining operations in northern Chile continue despite heavy rains
20th August 2026 By: Reuters

Major mining operations in northern Chile continued as usual on Wednesday despite the heavy rains that hit the northern part of the South American country. President Jose Antonio Kast visited the... 


Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking head of mining and critical minerals Nivaash Singh
Nedbank CIB helps structure Harmony's financing for international growth
20th August 2026

Multi-currency, sustainability-linked facilities bring gold miner Harmony's South African and Australian financing needs into a single structure as the mine expands into copper. 


Molten copper
Greater regulatory scrutiny no bar to mining mergers, bosses say
19th August 2026 By: Reuters

Mining bosses say that regulatory scrutiny of major mergers is increasing as governments pay closer attention to critical minerals and security of supply in the face of a volatile geopolitical... 


Escondida copper mine
BMI notes encouraging copper outlook for BHP amid diversification, tech push
19th August 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Australian multinational mining and metals company BHP’s growing exposure to copper is expected to provide an increasingly important source of growth as long-term iron-ore prices come under... 


An image of BHP's West Australia Iron Ore
BHP bullish on copper outlook, reports highest dividend in four years
18th August 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Australian multinational mining and metals company BHP achieved higher earnings, stronger cash flow and a materially stronger balance sheet for the year ended June 30, owing to a good operational... 


Chilean Cobalt drill core samples
Chilean Copper confirms letter of interest for US Export-Import Bank to fund development
18th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

US-based Chilean Cobalt Corporation has received a new letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the US for a potential debt funding package of up to $375-million, as the company develops... 


Glencore CEO Gary Nagle
Glencore’s planned Australian debut draws interest as investors look past coal
18th August 2026 By: Reuters

Glencore could leap into top market indices within six months of listing in Australia as fund managers' copper appetite may outweigh concerns over thermal coal exposure, analysts and investors said... 


BHP CEO Brandon Craig
BHP profit tops estimates as copper powers growth, to pay highest dividend in 4 years
18th August 2026 By: Reuters

BHP Group reported better-than-expected full-year earnings and declared its highest annual dividend in four years, boosted by record copper prices that cemented the metal's lead over iron-ore as... 


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pqt: 0.473s - ct: 0.537s - 275pq - 2rq
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