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Copper Production Q3 2025

  • Writer: Miningvisuals
    Miningvisuals
  • Jan 8
  • 3 min read
Copper Production Q3 2025
Copper Production Q3 2025

Copper’s Complex Quarter: Resilience Amid Disruption (Q3 2025)


Q3 2025 proved challenging for the global copper industry. Strong demand from electrification and infrastructure met sharp supply-side disruptions. Output from the top 20 miners hit ~3.46 million tonnes, down ~4% quarter-over-quarter, per SMM data.


Operational Setbacks Hit Giants


Freeport-McMoRan suffered a major blow at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia. On September 8, a massive mud rush flooded underground levels with ~800,000 tonnes of material, tragically killing seven workers and halting operations [Reuters, Freeport Update]. Q3 production reached 912 million pounds (~413,700 tonnes), with higher copper and gold prices cushioning financial impacts.


In Chile, Codelco dealt with tragedy too. A July 31 seismic event triggered a rockburst at El Teniente, claiming six lives and forcing a safety-driven shutdown [Reuters, Mining Technology]. Output fell sharply, though year-to-date volumes rose modestly via ramp-ups at Ministro Hales and Rajo Inca.


Bright Spots: Glencore and Zijin Shine


Glencore delivered a strong rebound, with own-sourced copper up 36% QoQ to higher grades at African assets like KCC in the DRC [Glencore Q3 Report]. It strategically prioritized copper amid cobalt export quotas.


Zijin Mining solidified its rise, posting ~830,000 tonnes in nine-month output (up 5% YoY) [Zijin Report]. Phase II at Julong in Tibet nears year-end commissioning, boosting future capacity.


Steady Progress and Outlook


Rio Tinto advanced mined copper YoY via the Oyu Tolgoi underground ramp-up in Mongolia, on track for >50% annual growth [Rio Tinto Q3 Results].


Disruptions from Grasberg and El Teniente flipped 2025 forecasts from surplus to deficit (estimates 55,500–400,000 tonnes) [Goldman Sachs, Benchmark]. As safety and environmental standards tighten, brownfield expansions will shape the energy transition ahead.


Stay tuned. We will be sharing our Q4 update in the coming months.

Company

Tonnes Copper Q3 2025

BHP Group

493,600

Freeport-McMoRan

413,700

Zijin Mining

263,300

Codelco

248,000

Glencore

239,600

Southern Copper

234,892

Rio Tinto

204,000

CMOC

189,806

Anglo American

183500

KGHM Polska

182,000

Antofagasta PLC

161800

MMG

127,030

First Quantum Minerals

104,626

Teck Resources

104,000

Nornickel

100,100

Vale

90,800

Lundin Mining

87,400

Ivanhoe Mines

71,266


Sources for Q3 2025 Copper Production Table

Production figures are cross-verified from official company reports (as of December 30, 2025):



Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell securities. Copper production data and market commentary are based on publicly available information from the companies and third-party sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the data.


Forward-looking statements regarding future production, prices, costs, project developments, or market conditions involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to operational disruptions, geopolitical events, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, and weather-related impacts. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in this article.

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