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
Glencore’s ferrochrome production up
By: Martin Creamer 29th October 2026 Glencore’s incremental ferrochrome smelting resumptions has set production of the iron and chromium alloy on an upward path. “We’ve continued the... →
Appian targets about $2bn for Africa but warns policy risk is driving capital away
By: Reuters 28th October 2026 Appian Capital Advisory plans to deploy $5-billion to $7-billion globally over the next 12 to 24 months, with roughly $2-billion for Africa, CEO... →
Zambia's president appoints new mines minister in cabinet changes after election
By: Reuters 28th October 2026 Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday appointed Brenda Tambatamba as the Southern African copper-producing country's new mines... →
Congo suspends artisanal mining agency head for failing to prevent illegal activities
By: Reuters 27th October 2026 Democratic Republic of Congo's mines minister has suspended the head of the state agency overseeing artisanal and small-scale mining, accusing him... →
Trade uncertainty, energy, freight costs continuing to create headwinds – BHP
By: Martin Creamer 20th October 2026 Global markets remain volatile, with geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and elevated energy and freight costs continuing to create headwinds... →
Anglo copper production down 5%, iron-ore down 4%, diamonds down 11%
By: Martin Creamer 20th October 2026 Diversified mining company Anglo American on Tuesday, October 20, reported 5% lower copper production, 4% lower iron-ore production, and 11% lower... →
South African aluminium assets' sale to Alcoa on track, South32 reports 
By: Martin Creamer 19th October 2026 The sale of South Africa’s aluminium value chain assets to Alcoa Corporation of the US remains on track for completion in the June 2027 half-year,... →
US agency to do more equity investing in Africa, official says
By: Reuters 9th October 2026 The US International Development Finance Corp plans to increase direct equity investments, including in Africa and the critical minerals sector,... →
What South Africa must get right to win back mining investment
5th October 2026 The 2026 Joburg Indaba (Indaba) comes at a critical moment for South African mining. Demand for secure mineral supply is rising, but capital... →
Orion sharpens governance ahead of taking on copper producer status
By: Martin Creamer 17th September 2026 Base metals company Orion Minerals, which on Thursday, September 17 described itself as being on the way to becoming South Africa’s next... →
