Copper Production by State 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Which US state produces the most copper? ›

Copper is a cornerstone of Arizona's history and economy. Since 1910, the state has been the nation's leading producer of copper. Today, 68% of all the copper produced in the U.S. comes from Arizona.

Within the United States, mining and production of copper are primarily located in the West, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Montana. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), production in these states and Michigan account for more than 99% of domestic copper production.

But there's not enough

To meet that demand, annual copper mine output needs to increase 82% by 2050, from 20.4 million to 37.1 million tons per year, Simon and his co-author, Lawrence Cathles of Cornell University, concluded. Mining companies today “will barely be able to produce enough,” Simon said.

As Chile is the world's largest producer of copper, it is not surprising that three of the world's ten largest copper mines based on capacity are located there.

Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of copper in India. It accounts for producing 53% of copper in this country. Rajasthan accounts for 43%, and Jharkhand accounts for 4% of copper production in India.

Morenci Mine in Arizona, was the largest copper-producing mine in United States, producing approximately 397.5 thousand tonnes of copper and an estimated 169.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) of Run-of-Mine (ROM) in 2021.

Copper Reserves and Resources

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), copper reserves currently amount to around 890 million tonnes (Mt). Identified and undiscovered copper resources are estimated at around 2,100 Mt and 3,500 Mt, respectively.

The Bingham Canyon Mine southwest of Salt Lake City has been one of the world's largest copper producers for more than 100 years.

In South America, Chile, the world's largest producer, and Peru are both major producers of copper. Large copper deposits are also found in Canada, the Ural Mountains of Russia, and parts of Africa.

A Reuters poll of 28 analysts shows a 2024 forecast of US$8,625 for the London Metal Exchange cash copper contract. In the near term, that means capital difficulties could continue for producers that are at critical phases in their expansion and development plans, or exploration companies looking to fund projects.

Will there be enough copper for electric cars? ›

New research shows that in order to meet policymakers' EV and green energy hopes, we will need to mine more than twice as much copper over the next 25 years as has been mined throughout all of human history up to 2018.

Current estimates suggest that copper reserves could last for about 80 years at present consumption rates. However, ongoing developments in mining technology and recycling, as well as new discoveries, could extend the life of copper reserves beyond current projections.

The Escondida mine in Chile is the world's largest copper mine based on capacity, at some 1.4 million metric tons. Escondida is owned by BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Japan Escondida.

China is the World's Largest Producer and Consumer of Copper Materials, with Wide Applications in Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles and Other Fields.

Arizona is also known as the “Copper State” revealing its abundance in this mineral. Open Space: Approximately 85 percent of Arizona's land comprises national forests, national parks, recreation and wilderness areas, wildlife preserves and Indian reservations.

Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Copper

A second major type of copper deposit in Arizona formed in Precambrian-age volcanic rocks such as those in the United Verde Mine at Jerome. Hot, metal-bearing liquids emerged from springs associated with ancient submarine volcanoes.

The +2 oxidation state is more common than the +1. Copper(II) is commonly found as the blue hydrated ion, [Cu(H₂O)₄]²⁺.