Copper
Copper is a reddish-brown metallic element and industrial commodity widely used in electrical wiring, construction, electronics and renewable energy infrastructure. The metal is prized for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, malleability and antimicrobial properties. Copper is traded globally on exchanges including the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange, with prices serving as a barometer for global economic health. Major copper-producing countries include Chile, Peru, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States, with mining operations ranging from large open-pit operations to underground mines. The metal is typically extracted from sulphide and oxide ores, then refined through smelting and electrolytic processes to achieve purities of 99.99%. Demand for copper has grown substantially with the global energy transition, as electric vehicles require about four times more copper than conventional vehicles and renewable energy systems are copper-intensive. The metal is also essential in telecommunications infrastructure, plumbing systems, industrial machinery and consumer electronics. Copper is fully recyclable without loss of quality, and recycled copper accounts for a significant portion of global supply. The industry faces challenges including declining ore grades, rising production costs, permitting delays for new projects and community opposition in some jurisdictions. Copper has been used by human civilisations for more than 10 000 years, with the Bronze Age marking a pivotal period in its application.
Copper Updates
Strong exploration system essential to mining’s future, Junior Indaba points out
By: Martin Creamer 9th June 2026 A strong and vibrant exploration system is essential to the future of the mining sector, and to advancing transformation, inclusion, and long-term... →
The Lobito Corridor: A frontier for transition mineral partnerships in Africa
1st June 2026 Strategic mineral partnerships are reshaping how critical minerals are financed, transported and traded. Rising demand for transition minerals is... →
Emerging South African copper miner highlights loss-narrowing performance 
By: Martin Creamer 26th May 2026 Emerging South African mining company Copper 360, which operates in the Northern Cape’s Okiep copper district, on Tuesday, May 26 alerted its... →
Capital raised to turn South African copper projects into mining operations
By: Martin Creamer 22nd May 2026 More than R180-million has been raised to transition key copper projects in South Africa’s endowed Northern Cape into operations as early as in the... →
Creamer Media launches new IN FOCUS video and podcast series
21st May 2026 Creamer Media is expanding its multimedia offering with the launch of IN FOCUS, a new long-form video and podcast series aimed at providing deeper... →
Northern Cape copper drilling provides clear scale-up path
By: Martin Creamer 20th May 2026 The latest drilling at Okiep in South Africa’s copper-endowed Northern Cape has provided a clear path to scale up at Flat Mine East, where a... →
Cementation Africa transitions ownership amid rise in mining investment
By: Martin Creamer 14th May 2026 The ownership transition of Cementation Africa is enabling this underground mining contracting business to advance at a time of capital investment... →
Zambia trims key interest rate, sees inflation within target despite Iran war
By: Reuters 13th May 2026 Zambia's central bank lowered its main interest rate on Wednesday, saying it saw inflation staying within its target range despite risks associated... →
Drilling highlights more copper mineralisation in South Africa’s Northern Cape
By: Martin Creamer 12th May 2026 A significant zone of visible copper sulphide mineralisation has been intersected down-dip of a wide zone of high-grade copper mineralisation... →
Barrick’s Zambia copper expansion highlighted, more high gold price captured
By: Martin Creamer 11th May 2026 Construction at the Lumwana super pit copper expansion in Zambia continued to advance on time and on budget during the first quarter of 2026, gold... →
