Copper: A critical mineral powering the energy transition
Copper has become one of the most important critical minerals of our time. As the backbone of electrification, it is essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, power grids and digital infrastructure.
With global demand expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, the mining and processing of copper must evolve—becoming more efficient, more sustainable and more reliable.
At TAKRAF Group, Copper already represents a substantial share of our commodity portfolio, accounting for over a third of our project pipeline. This trend reflects both market demand and our long-standing expertise in delivering solutions for complex copper operations worldwide.
The challenge: Increasing demand meets complex conditions
Copper deposits are becoming increasingly challenging to develop due to:
- Declining ore grades
- Remote and high-altitude locations
- Water scarcity (e.g. Chilean deserts)
- Increasing ESG requirements
- Pressure to reduce carbon emissions
These factors require integrated solutions that go beyond individual equipment—they demand system-level thinking across mining, materials handling and processing.
TAKRAF Group’s approach: Integrated, sustainable copper solutions
As part of the Tenova and Techint Group, TAKRAF Group is uniquely positioned to support copper projects across the full value chain. TAKRAF Group provides end-to-end solutions across the entire copper value chain—from extraction and material handling to processing and tailings management.
1. Mining & bulk material handling
We deliver large-scale systems tailored to copper operations, including:
- In-Pit Crushing & Conveying (IPCC) systems
- High-capacity overland conveyors with Gearless Drive technology
- Stackers, reclaimers and integrated port systems
These solutions significantly reduce reliance on truck haulage, lowering both operating costs and emissions.
In one major copper operation, switching to conveyor systems reduced CO₂ emissions by up to 66% compared to diesel truck haulage.
2. Heap leach systems
Copper extraction increasingly relies on heap leaching - especially for low-grade ores.
TAKRAF Group is one of the few global suppliers delivering complete heap leach systems, including:
- Dynamic and permanent leach pad solutions
- Stacking, reclaiming and conveying systems
- Integrated spent ore handling
Our “single-source” approach ensures seamless engineering and execution.
3. Advanced minerals processing
Through TAKRAF and DELKOR, we support efficient copper recovery with:
- High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGRs) and crushing solutions
- DELKOR BQR Flotation Cells for improved metallurgical performance
- Thickeners and filtration systems for enhanced water recovery
These technologies are critical for maximizing recovery from increasingly complex ores while minimizing environmental impact.
