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
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... →
Daily Podcast – September 09, 2026
9th September 2026 Making headlines: South Africa’s 3% inflation goal is robust, Central Bank study shows EFF heads to court over Parly’s 'irrational' reversal on... →
Congo extends state control over mining with bid to lock down geological data
By: Reuters 9th September 2026 Democratic Republic of Congo plans to tighten control over geological data that guides billions of dollars in mining exploration, potentially... →
ARM’s Motsepe emphasises importance of honesty, integrity, governance, meritocracy
By: Martin Creamer 4th September 2026 The founder and chairperson of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Friday, September emphasised the importance of... →
ARM headline earnings up 19%, dividend declared
By: Martin Creamer 4th September 2026 The headline earnings of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) increased by 19% to R3 201-million in the financial year ended... →
Two new projects win Sibanye-Stillwater thumbs up
By: Martin Creamer 2nd September 2026 Burnstone gold project in South Africa and Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania, both considerably infrastructured with near-term... →
Harmony very optimistic about adding additional surface gold production
By: Martin Creamer 31st August 2026 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed gold and copper mining company Harmony is very optimistic about adding additional surface gold production from... →
Harmony’s free cash flow rockets 54% to record R17bn
By: Martin Creamer 27th August 2026 The operating free cash flow of gold and copper mining company Harmony increased by 54% to a record R17 148-million on higher average gold price... →
SADC’s geopolitical moment will not wait
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 24th August 2026 The Durban summit identified the right economic priorities, but a geopolitical strategy and credible regional security approach are lacking. This... →
SADC can be a testing ground for turning African minerals into development – UN ECA
By: Schalk Burger 14th August 2026 Demand for critical energy transition minerals, including cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs) and... →
