The World’s Largest Operating Copper Mines vs. Reko Diq
- Mining Visuals
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
The following content is sponsored by Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025
As global demand for copper surges—driven by electrification and the energy transition—attention turns to the world’s largest copper mines and the projects poised to reshape future supply. Among these, Pakistan's Reko Diq stands out as the largest known undeveloped copper-gold deposit with near-term production potential. Comparing its projected capacity to today’s leading mines highlights its transformative significance.
The World’s Top Copper Mines (2024)
Based on 2024 data, the largest copper mines by annual production capacity are:
Escondida – 1,350 kt
Grasberg – 800 kt
Collahuasi – 600 kt
Morenci – 570 kt
Cerro Verde – 550 kt
Kamoa-Kakula – 550 kt
Buenavista del Cobre – 535 kt
These operations set the benchmark for large-scale copper production.
Reko Diq’s Global Ranking Potential
Reko Diq, located in Balochistan, Pakistan, is the largest known undeveloped copper-gold project in the world. Once fully operational, it is projected to be able to produce 460 ktpa (phase 2), which would rank it as the 8th largest copper mine globally. For comparison, if Reko Diq were producing today, it would surpass:
Antamina – 450 kt
Tenke Fungurume – 450 kt
El Teniente – 401 kt
Cobre Panama, Las Bambas, Los Pelambres, and Polar Division, all producing 400 kt
The project is also designed for future expansion, with a potential Phase 3 that could substantially boost production, positioning Reko Diq among the world’s top five copper mines. With vast untapped resources, Pakistan is emerging as a key player in future copper markets. The development of Reko Diq underscores the country’s ambition to become a major producer, offering investors access to one of the most promising new copper projects globally.
Pakistan’s Vision for a New Copper Powerhouse
Reko Diq is at the heart of Pakistan’s strategy to unlock its vast mineral wealth and establish itself as a major global copper producer. This vision will take center stage at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), held on April 8-9, where investment opportunities like Reko Diq will be a key focus.
As Pakistan’s premier platform for attracting global investment in mining, PMIF25 offers a gateway for industry leaders and stakeholders to explore the country’s mineral potential. With critical minerals like copper in high demand, Pakistan is positioning itself as a vital player in the future global supply chain.
Sponsors
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) is the country’s premier platform dedicated to unlocking Pakistan’s vast mineral potential. Held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on April 8-9, 2025, this high-profile gathering will bring together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore Pakistan’s growing role in the global supply of critical minerals. As the demand for essential minerals surges worldwide, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in future-facing supply chains. PMIF25 offers a unique opportunity to connect with stakeholders, discover new investment avenues, and be part of the country’s mining transformation.
Join us at PMIF25 and be at the forefront of Pakistan’s next mineral boom.
For more information: https://www.pakminforum.com/
Source: ICSG Directory of Copper Mines, Smelters, and Refineries – August 2024 Edition
