1. Codelco
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Santiago, Chile, Codelco has firmly established itself as one of the leaders in the production of copper. They produced over 1.734 million tons of copper in 2024, demonstrating a strong processing capacity and mining operations. Codelco prides itself on its deep commitment to environmental sustainability and worker safety, making it a role model in the industry.
2. Freeport-McMoRan
Located in Phoenix, USA, Freeport-McMoRan is the largest publicly traded copper producer worldwide. They produced 1.45 million metric tons of copper in 2024. Their copper mines are spread across the globe, from the United States to Indonesia, contributing to their diversified portfolio. This company is also deeply committed to corporate responsibility and sustainable development.
3. BHP Billiton
An Anglo-Australian multinational mining, metals, and petroleum company headquartered in Melbourne, BHP Billiton, is a major player in the copper industry. Their Escondida mine in Chile is the highest producer of copper, contributing significantly to their 1.2 million tons of copper in 2024.
4. Southern Copper Corporation
Based in Phoenix, USA, Southern Copper Corporation produced around 1 million tons of copper in 2024. The majority of its assets are in Latin America, with a focus on Mexico and Peru. Known for its cost-effective mining strategies and robust growth plans, this company has a considerable weight in the copper industry.
5. Glencore Xstrata
Stemming from Switzerland, Glencore Xstrata’s 2024 copper output reached roughly 1 million tons. This multinational commodity trading and mining company operates in various regions worldwide, including South America and Australia. Glencore Xstrata maintains a focus on innovation, optimizing traditional mining technologies to make processes more efficient.
6. Antofagasta
Another critical copper producer from Santiago, Chile, Antofagasta’s Los Pelambres mine significantly contributes to the company’s copper production, which stood at 0.8 million tons in 2024. The company focuses on long-life assets and sustainable development within its mining operations.
7. Rio Tinto
Known as one of the world’s largest metals and mining corporations, Rio Tinto, headquartered in London, UK, produced around 0.6 million tons of copper in 2024. Although Rio Tinto has a diversified portfolio with iron ore, aluminum, and diamonds, copper production remains a significant part of its business.
8. First Quantum Minerals
This Canadian-based company has substantial interests in Africa, Australia, Turkey, Finland, and Latin America. In 2024, it produced close to 0.5 million tons of copper. The company has made considerable strides in their copper production, emphasizing innovation and forward-thinking mining strategies.
9. KGHM Polska Miedz
A Poland-based company, KGHM Polska Miedz’s copper production was about 0.45 million tons in 2024. They are known for their environmentally friendly mining practices and deep commitment to community outreach.
10. China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd (CNMC)
Our list concludes with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC), which produced around 0.4 million tons of copper in 2024. The state-owned Chinese company primarily engages in the exploration, mining, smelting of non-ferrous metals.
These companies demonstrate how copper mining operations are spread across the globe, with various strategies and priorities depending on the national context and company principles. All of them are high performing and dependable, having shown stability and growth over the years.
