Largest Copper Producing Countries

Chile

Chile is the largest copper producer in the world. The country attracted foreign investments in the 1990s when the government passed the mining law. Chile produces approximately six million tons of copper annually and has many mines. Among the most famous copper producers in Chile: Codelco and Antofagasta.

Also read: Information About Copper

Peru

Peru produces more than two million tons of copper a year and has recorded an increase in the amount of production during the past decade. It expects a 27% increase in 2023. One of the most famous copper companies in Peru: Cerro Verde.

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China

China produces approximately two million tons of copper annually and is the largest consumer in the world, as copper is widely used in construction. Some of the most important copper producer companies in China: Wanbao and China Minmetals.

Also read: Stages of Copper Production

United States

United States ranks fourth among the copper producing countries. This country extracts about 1,360,000 tons of copper every year. Mines are located in many southwestern states including Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, as well as in Montana. The most famous copper mining company in America: Freeport-McMoRan.

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Congo

It is the fifth largest copper producer in the world, with 1,030,000 tons annually. Although it does not have the highest production rate, it does have the second largest copper reserves in the world. The decrease in production in Congo may be caused by the lack of modern technology. One of the most famous copper mines in the Congo is the Kamoto Mine.