Copper in Mining: Essential, Enduring, Everywhere

Whether it’s oxide or sulfide ore, we can assist with various equipment, leveraging our two leading global product brands, TAKRAF and DELKOR. We provide solutions across each of the generic value chain steps below.

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Why not have a look at what we did in copper with the world’s most powerful belt conveyor system? In 2019, TAKRAF delivered equipment for the principal ore transport system for Chuquicamata in Chile. “Chuqui” is one of the world’s largest copper mines and our project concerned the movement of crushed copper ore extracted underground to an above-ground processing plant along a 13 km conveyor route. The video “Chuquicamata – the world’s most powerful belt conveyor system” provides further information on this mega Gearless Conveyor Drive (GCD) system, boasting an incredible 58 MW of installed drive power.
 

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While copper’s utility is broad, producing copper presents several challenges:

• Extraction and Environmental Impact: Copper mining is energy-intensive, especially as ore grades decline and mines are forced to dig deeper. Overburden removal, open-pit mining and concentration generate a large amount of waste (tailings) and consume a lot of water too – this is where TAKRAF’s efficient and reliable machines and DELKOR’s dewatering and flotation solutions can really make the difference. The safe and effective management of tailings is also critical to minimize environmental impact and here TAKRAF Group can also play an important role with a variety of solutions from single equipment pieces to complete integrated systems.
   
• Processing:Various DELKOR equipment can be used throughout the smelting and refining value chain, while TAKRAF boasts significant experience in the material handling side of leaching, having developed the world’s first dynamic (on/off) leach pad system in 1996 in Chile. We have subsequently delivered a number of similar integrated systems, which also include the safe management of the “ripios” (spent or leached material).
   
• Recycling: Copper is infinitely recyclable without loss of quality and secondary production is crucial to sustainable supply. However, separating copper from mixed waste - particularly electronic waste - remains a logistical and technological challenge. While TAKRAF Group does not per se provide a direct copper recycling solution, some of our equipment can be employed within recycling plants.

Copper is often referred to as “Dr. Copper” because it is widely seen as a reliable indicator of the health of the global economy - as if it holds a PhD in economics. Because copper is used so extensively, especially early in production chains, changes in its demand and price often reflect broader economic trends.

• Chemical symbol: Cu
• World copper mine production (2024p): 22,967
• Copper mine production, top 3 countries: Chile, Peru and DR Congo
• World copper refined production (2024p): 27,529
• World copper refined usage (2024p): 27,292

All values in thousand metric tons; p = preliminary.

Source: International Copper Study Group (ICSG).

Copper is one of the most vital raw materials in the modern world. Known since antiquity and used for over 10,000 years, its value has only grown with time. Today, copper remains fundamental to global infrastructure, technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the transition to sustainable energy systems – it is an essential building block to our modern life.

Copper’s importance stems from its role as a foundation material for industrial development and electrification. As economies grow and decarbonize, copper demand will continue to rise.

Copper is indispensable in several core sectors:

• Electrical and Electronics: The majority of copper is used in wiring, motors, generators and power grids due to its superior conductivity. It is essential in smartphones, computers and virtually all modern electronics, including AI systems.
• Construction: Used extensively in plumbing, roofing and structural elements. Its corrosion resistance and durability make it ideal for infrastructure.
• Transportation: Copper is critical in both traditional and Electric Vehicles (EVs). EVs in particular use significantly more  copper in batteries, wiring and charging systems. In fact, a typical Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) contains around 83 kg of copper, which is around 4 times more than a typical Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and around twice more than a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).
• Renewable Energy: Wind turbines, solar panels and energy storage systems all depend on copper. It is a key material for efficient energy transmission in low-carbon technologies.
• Healthcare and Sanitation: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, copper is used in hospital surfaces, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and public touchpoints to reduce pathogen spread.
• Alloys: Copper is alloyed with tin (bronze) and zinc (brass) to enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Copper is among the few materials that do not degrade or lose their chemical or physical properties in the recycling process. As such, TAKRAF Group supports all initiatives aimed at extending the use of resources and in so doing minimizing energy use, reducing emissions and waste. Around a third of global copper use comes from recycled copper; however, recycled copper alone cannot meet society's needs and so we also need to rely on mining and the copper produced from the processing of mineral ores.

Copper is more than just a metal - it’s a critical enabler of modern life. Its unique properties, wide-ranging uses and role in the green transition make it one of the most strategically important materials of the 21^st century. At the same time, ensuring its responsible extraction, processing and recycling is essential to meeting future demand while reducing environmental and social impacts.

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