Copper

22

million metric tons

Global Production

International Copper Study Group (ICSG)

+3.7%

YOY % Change

Provenance

The largest deposits are in Chile, the United States, Peru, and DRC. Chile produces about one-third of the world’s copper, with massive mines like Escondida and Chuquicamata.

Impact

Essential in electrical wiring, electronics, construction, and industrial machinery. Increasingly important in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Also used in plumbing.