Copper Production Q2 2025
- Miningvisuals
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Global copper production data for Q2 2025 is in, offering fresh insight into how the world’s largest miners are performing. This quarter’s rankings of the top 16 producers reveal a mix of recovery, resilience, and growth across the industry.
Chile’s state-owned Codelco posted a strong rebound, while other major producers continued to grapple with operational challenges. At the same time, companies ramping up new projects delivered impressive gains, reshaping the competitive landscape.
In this article, we break down the output of the top producers and explore the key year-over-year trends shaping global copper supply.
Top 3 Producers: A Story of Stability, Headwinds, and Recovery
BHP Group solidified its position as the world's top copper producer, with an output of 516,200 tonnes in Q2, a 2.24% increase year-over-year. According to the company's operational report, this growth was fueled by record-breaking performances across its portfolio. Key drivers included the Escondida mine achieving its highest production in 17 years due to record concentrator throughput and higher grades. Additionally, the Spence mine in Chile and the Copper South Australia operations both delivered record quarterly production. These results underscore the success of BHP's strategy to expand its copper portfolio, particularly through the integration of the acquired OZ Minerals assets.
Freeport-McMoRan held the second spot with 436,809 tonnes, though production was down -7.14% compared to Q2 2024. The decline was primarily due to lower ore grades at Indonesia's Grasberg mine, driven by a recalibrated draw point flow model, and increased in-process inventory from a new copper smelter, causing timing mismatches. South America's Cerro Verde also faced lower ore grades. Despite this, higher copper prices ($4.42/lb) and cost efficiencies supported earnings.
Codelco secured third place with a powerful performance, producing 365,000 tonnes. The Chilean state-owned miner posted a remarkable 18.12% year-over-year increase, signaling a significant turnaround. This strong result was driven by the successful ramp-up of its "structural projects," including the Chuquicamata Underground Mine, and a recovery in throughput at its El Teniente division after overcoming previous operational difficulties.
Standout Growth: Ramp-Ups and Turnarounds Fueling Gains
Several other producers delivered impressive double-digit growth in the second quarter.
MMG once again led the pack with a massive 54.30% surge in copper cathode plus copper in copper concentrate, reaching 140,368 tonnes. This growth is primarily attributed to its Khoemacau mine in Botswana operating at near full capacity for the entire quarter. This was supported by stable operations and ore throughput at the Las Bambas mine in Peru.
Vale reported a robust 17.81% increase, producing 92,600 tonnes, the best Q2 since 2019. Key drivers: higher grades at Sossego (0.98% to 1.21%), Salobo at nominal capacity, and Voisey's Bay expansion ramp-up.
Rio Tinto also delivered strong growth of 15.00%, totaling 229,000 tonnes. The increase was underpinned by the continued, successful ramp-up of the high-grade underground mine at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, complemented by higher grades and improved recoveries at its Kennecott operation in the USA.
Major Declines: Miners Navigating Operational Challenges
Some of the industry's biggest names continued to navigate headwinds, leading to year-over-year production declines.
Glencore saw the largest drop among major producers at -21.04%. The decrease was primarily due to planned lower grades at the Collahuasi mine in Chile and maintenance at the Antamina operation in Peru, compounded by ongoing operational challenges at its African copper assets.
Anglo American's production fell by -11.58%. This was mainly due to the PGM demerger (Q2 2025 covers only April-May) and lower grades at Collahuasi. Quellaveco and Los Bronces showed gains, up 4.7% and strong performance QoQ.
Company | Tonnes Cu Q2 2025 | YoY change |
BHP Group | 516,200 | 2.24% |
Freeport-McMoRan | 436,809 | -7.14% |
Codelco | 365,000 | 18.12% |
Zijin Mining | 282,429 | 10.36% |
Southern Copper | 239,980 | -1.03% |
Rio Tinto | 229,000 | 15.00% |
CMOC | 183,026 | 9.85% |
Glencore | 176,000 | -21.04% |
KGHM Polska | 174,900 | -1.91% |
Anglo American | 173,300 | -11.58% |
Antofagasta PLC | 160,100 | 3.09% |
MMG | 140,368 | 54.30% |
Ivanhoe Mines | 112,009 | 11.11% |
Teck Resources | 109,100 | -1.18% |
Nornickel | 103,800 | -4.77% |
Vale | 92,600 | 17.81% |
Source: Data compiled from various company reports and industry sources
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official company reports and independent financial advisors for comprehensive and up-to-date information.