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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


What South Africa must get right to win back mining investment
5th October 2026

By: Vivien Chaplin - Head of Mining & Minerals and Burton Meyer, Director in Dispute Resolution at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) The 2026 Joburg Indaba (Indaba) comes at a critical moment for South... 


Nisk project drilling
Canada's Power Metallic tasks engineering consultant BBA for Nisk project PEA
5th October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Canadian copper, nickel, gold and silver explorer Power Metallic has appointed BBA as lead engineering consultant for a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on the Lion and Nisk Main deposits at... 


Copper sheets
Glencore secures RIGI benefits for MARA project in Argentina
2nd October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Diversified miner Glencore has received approval for the Minera Agua Rica – Alumbrera (MARA) project under Argentina’s Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI). RIGI is a national legal... 


Image of Australia flag and periodic table symbols for copper and gold
Mt Lyell copper/gold project, Tasmania
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

International precious metals mining company Sibanye-Stillwater plans to restart the Mt Lyell mine which includes the refurbishment of an existing shaft and decline to a depth of 800 m. 


Image of Canada map/flag
Horden Lake copper/nickel project, Canada
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Pivotal Metals' scoping study has evaluated a conventional, single-openpit, truck-and-shovel mine, as well as a crushing, grinding and flotation plant producing separate copper and nickel... 


Aerial view of the Skouries mine
Skouries gold/copper project, Greece – update
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Eldorado Gold has successfully connected the Skouries mine to the national power grid. 


Haib project malachite
Haib copper project, Namibia – update
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The infill and expansion drilling programme has been completed. 


Integrated Pump Technology image
Integrated Pump Technology drives dewatering success across Africa
2nd October 2026

Pump supplier Integrated Pump Technology has been at the forefront of helping mining operations manage the persistent challenge of groundwater ingress, both on surface and underground. Groundwater... 


Location map of the La Plata project
La Plata gold/copper project, Ecuador – update
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Atico Mining Corporation announced a $95-million secured project finance facility with Trafigura and a convertible debenture agreement with a Trafigura affiliate on September 29, 2026.  


Aris Mining's Segovia mine in Colombia
Canadian miner Aris heads into community engagement talks with prepped ESIA
1st October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX- and NYSE-listed Aris Mining Corporation has completed the preparation of an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) on the Soto Norte gold and copper project, in Colombia, ahead of... 


Cobre Panama mine
Panama government to recommend copper mine restart through state tie-up, sources say
30th September 2026 By: Reuters

A Panamanian government commission will recommend to President Jose Raul Mulino on Wednesday to restart the suspended Cobre Panama mine, two sources familiar with the matter said, proposing a... 


Radiant World signage
Radiant cuts more jobs after founder loses control of firm
30th September 2026 By: Bloomberg

Radiant World is cutting staff beyond its core iron ore business after a Singapore court last week took control of the troubled commodity trader away from its founder. The latest reductions... 


Pit blast at Centinela mine
Unions at Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine ready for strike
30th September 2026 By: Reuters

The two main unions at Antofagasta Minerals' Centinela copper mine in Chile said on Tuesday they are ready to strike, but hope one can be averted if the company agrees to a deal during mandatory... 


Haul trucks at a DRC gold mine
Congo to audit major miners annually from 2027 as part of local content drive, regulator says
29th September 2026 By: Reuters

Democratic Republic of Congo will subject major mining companies to annual audits of subcontracting practices and compliance with local-content requirements from 2027, as authorities step up... 


Molybdenum ore
US-based M2i partners with Polish companies to explore tungsten, molybdenum potential
29th September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Polish mineral resource companies Permia 1, Permia 2 and Permia 3 have signed a strategic collaboration and technical cooperation agreement valid for two years with US-based critical minerals... 


Copper 360 CEO Gordon Thompson
Copper 360 appoints Gordon Thompson CEO, Seten Naidoo CFO
28th September 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

JSE-listed copper producer Copper 360 has appointed Gordon Thompson as its new CEO, while Seten Naidoo has been appointed as the company’s new CFO. The appointments took effect on September 24,... 


Managem cobalt mine in Morocco
Moroccan miner Managem's first-half profit jumps as prices, production rise
25th September 2026 By: Reuters

Morocco's largest mining group Managem said on Friday its first-half profit attributable to shareholders surged to 3.778-billion dirhams ($395-million) from 380-million dirhams a year earlier,... 


ASX building
Glencore expects to start ASX trading on October 14
25th September 2026 By: Reuters

Glencore expects to begin trading on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker "GLC" on October 14, the Swiss miner said on Thursday, after meeting all regulatory requirements. The... 


Copper plates
High copper prices support miners in Chile, but investments dent gains
25th September 2026 By: Reuters

Despite strong copper prices, growing investment demands are offsetting much of the gains posted by mining companies in Chile, Moody's said in a report on Thursday. Chile, the world's largest... 


Escondida mine
Chile's Escondida mine gradually resumes operations after fatal accident
25th September 2026 By: Reuters

Operations at BHP's Escondida mine in Chile are being resumed progressively as assessments continue, the world's largest copper mine said on Thursday. Operations at the mine were suspended on... 


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pqt: 0.269s - ct: 0.319s - 275pq - 2rq
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