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
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... →
Is South African mining’s modernisation urgency falling largely on deaf ears? 
By: Martin Creamer 6th August 2026 Despite South African mining ending up tenth in a ten-country global benchmarking exercise, two-thirds of the respondents who participated in a... →
Glencore half-year earnings up 86% to $10bn
By: Martin Creamer 5th August 2026 Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore has delivered another strong operational and financial performance for the first half of the... →
Anglo highlights ability to provide capital efficient copper growth in tightening market
By: Martin Creamer 30th July 2026 The capital intensity of mining has risen well ahead of inflation and mining project development timelines are continuing to extend, Anglo American... →
AI can help fill South Africa’s cadastre with deposits, mine modernising event hears
By: Martin Creamer 27th July 2026 Instead of relying primarily on traditional geological interpretation, South Africa can turn to AI for help in the same way as has been done with... →
Copper, growth, IMF: What investors are watching in Zambia's upcoming election
By: Reuters 24th July 2026 Zambians vote on August 13 in presidential and parliamentary elections, with polls and investors widely expecting President Hakainde Hichilema to... →
Africa needs power to accelerate industrialisation
By: Schalk Burger 16th July 2026 Power in Africa is not only an issue of infrastructure, but also an economic issue because industry requires reliable, affordable and sustainable... →
Congo Ebola outbreak disrupts US-backed minerals talks, sources say
By: Reuters 15th July 2026 A worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is disrupting travel and delaying meetings tied to a US-backed critical... →
Mintek targeting global flotation research recognition, PGM Industry Day hears
By: Martin Creamer 14th July 2026 South Africa’s national mineral research organisation Mintek is targeting global recognition as a minerals flotation researcher, the State-owned... →
New South32 CEO sees strong growth ahead in zinc, lead, silver, copper
By: Martin Creamer 3rd July 2026 Being a premier base metals-focused business with strong growth potential is the vision for South32 of new CEO Matt Daley. “We've got around 55%... →
