Charted: Copper Production 1970 - 2024

Copper Mine Production Infographic

In 1970, the world’s copper mines produced approximately 5.9 million metric tons. By 2024, that figure is estimated to have surged to around 23 million metric tons—a more than threefold increase.

This dramatic growth has been driven by global industrialization, the electronics boom, and—more recently—the green energy transition, which depends heavily on copper for everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy infrastructure.

Who Mines the World's Copper?

The league of top copper-producing nations looks very different today than it did five decades ago:

• The Americas Lead: Chile has surged to become the global leader, now accounting for over a quarter of the world's mined copper (5.3 Mt annually). Neighboring Peru has also risen to become a top global producer. In contrast, the United States, a dominant producer in 1970, now has a smaller global share, though it remains a key contributor.

• New Powerhouses Emerge: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen a dramatic recent rise, leveraging its high-grade deposits to become a top-three producer. China has also significantly increased its mine output, alongside becoming the world's largest copper consumer.

• Steady Players: Nations like Australia and Russia have maintained their status as important and relatively consistent copper producers.

Why the Big Changes?

Several factors have redrawn the copper map:

1. New Discoveries & Geology: The unearthing of vast, high-quality deposits in regions like South America fundamentally shifted production potential.

2. Technological Leaps: Advances in mining and processing have made it possible to economically extract copper from lower-grade ores, expanding reserves.

3. Economic Forces: Global copper prices, investment climates, and production costs have dictated where new mining ventures thrive.

4. Political & Policy Landscapes: Nationalizations in the 1970s, followed by shifts in investment laws and varying political climates in mining nations, have played a significant role.

   
   

Recycling's Growing Role

While mine production tells a big part of the story, copper recycled from scrap (secondary production) is increasingly vital. It helps meet overall demand, conserves resources, and supports a more sustainable copper lifecycle.

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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data and estimates as of May 2025. Figures for historical production, and especially for recent years like 2024, are estimates and may be subject to revision by official sources. This article does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice; readers should conduct their own research and consult with professionals before making any decisions based on this information.

General Sources:

The information synthesized in this article draws from data and reports typically compiled and published by organizations including:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Particularly their annual Mineral Commodity Summaries and historical mineral statistics.

• Our World in Data: Which often aggregates and visualizes data from sources like the USGS and the British Geological Survey (BGS).

• British Geological Survey (BGS): For world mineral statistics.

• Reputable industry publications, mining sector news outlets, and historical analyses of the copper market.

Specific data points for top producing countries in recent years are often cross-referenced with publicly accessible reports and encyclopedic sources that cite these primary geological surveys.