1. Chile
Leading the list of top copper producers by country is Chile. Chile has held the position as the top global copper producer for several years, thanks to its vast reserves of the red metal. 5.7 million metric tons of copper were produced in Chile in 2024. The country is home to the largest copper mine globally, Escondida, which accounts for approximately 5% of global copper production.
2. Peru
South America also boasts the second-largest global copper producer, Peru. With a 2024 production amount reaching 2.4 million metric tons, Peru’s rich geological crust, particularly in the Andean regions, is a significant contributor to copper production.
3. China
China stepped up to be the third-largest copper producer in 2024 with an annual yield of 1.7 million metric tons. The country’s increased mining initiatives, coupled with technological advancements in mining and ore processing, have helped boost China’s output.
4. United States
The United States comes fourth, producing 1.3 million metric tons of copper in 2024. The principal production sites are in Arizona and New Mexico, with several other states also contributing but to a lesser extent.
5. Democratic Republic of Congo
The African nation of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in fifth place. Despite political instability and infrastructural challenges, the DRC produced 1.2 million metric tons of copper in 2024.
6. Australia
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest copper producer, with a production of 960,000 metric tons in 2024. Its primary copper-producing areas include South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.
7. Russia
Russia secures the seventh position on this list by producing around 850,000 metric tons of copper in 2024. Key areas contributing to copper production in Russia include Norilsk in Siberia and the Ural Mountains.
8. Zambia
Zambia, another African nation on the list, successfully produced about 830,000 metric tons of copper in 2024. Zambia’s copper mines are located in the Copperbelt region and Northwestern province.
9. Canada
Canada is the ninth-largest copper producer, with a total creation of about 600,000 metric tons in 2024. British Columbia, Yukon, and Quebec are the primary contributors to Canada’s copper yields.
10. Mexico
Last but not least, Mexico took the tenth place in 2024, accounting for about 590,000 metric tons of copper. Sonora, Chihuahua, and Zacatecas are the main regions contributing to Mexico’s copper production.
This ranking is a testimony to each country’s efforts toward developing their mining sectors, ensuring sustainable mining practices, and investing in advanced mining technology. Despite the different national socio-economic contexts, it’s evident that copper continues to be a significant economic driver for many nations. Each country on this list shows a strong commitment to both copper production and global supply.