Largest copper mines in africa May 13, 2024 · The top 8 copper producing countries in Africa, ranked by production, were the DRC, Zambia, Morocco, South Africa, Eritrea, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. COM's ranking of the world's 50 most valuable miners to a new record high of $1. The second largest copper-producing mine with an estimated copper production of 11,601 tonnes Mar 24, 2025 · In 2024, the DRC was the fifth-biggest producer, accounting for 11% of global copper output, up 12. 2 billion. The mine is expected to operate until 2064. It is considered the biggest copper mining project in Africa and the biggest underdeveloped copper discovery in the world. 5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) of Run-of-Mine (ROM) in 2021 and an estimated 248. 9% pure bars. 59%. With reserves projected May 27, 2024 · Copper production: 2,058,910. [10] Africa's refined copper production rose by 40% from 2000 to 2005; increased production from the Bwana Mkubwa and the Mufulira plants in Zambia more than offset lower South African output. Jan 23, 2025 · Copper production in Africa has played a pivotal role in shaping the continent's economic and industrial landscape. Aug 27, 2024 · According to reported quarterly production, Kibali, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ranked as the largest gold mine in Africa as of 2022. 6% each, while the DRC government holds a 20% stake. The Grasberg Block Cave Mine is an underground mine situated in Papua, Indonesia. In Zambia First Quantum Minerals (FQM) operates the Kansanshi mine – the largest copper mine in Africa – and smelter and the Sentinel mine in Kalumbila. 5 million tonnes of copper. 7 million tons at 0. The second largest copper May 10, 2024 · Recognized as one of Africa’s largest copper mines by production, Kansanshi boasts estimated reserves of 845 million tons of ore grading at 0. Globally, copper supply comes mainly from Latin America (Chile, 23% and Peru, 10%), and Africa, the DRC taking the lion’s share of the market at 14%, followed by Zambia at 4% May 12, 2025 · Zambia: Sentinel Mine: 280,000. 108Mt of ROM in 2023. First Quantum Minerals greenlit a project expansion in May 2022, including the construction of a 25-million-ton-per-year processing plant, aiming to increase the mine’s annual throughput Sentinel Copper mine is in the Kalumbila district of the North Western province of Zambia and is one of the largest copper producing mines in Africa. Feb 5, 2024 · In comparison, Escondida mine in Chile, the world’s biggest copper operation, produced more than a million tonnes of the metal last year and Grasberg, in Indonesia, churned out about 770,000 First Quantum Minerals (FQM), the Canadian mining company that notably operates Africa’s biggest copper mine by production in Zambia. Copper production over 90 years from the Tsumeb mine was estimated to be 6Mt . 28 MT. The Palabora Mine is owned by HBIS Group Co Ltd, and is due to operate until 2039. 6%), Zijin Mining Group (39. 8%) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (20%) — is a very large, near-surface, flat-lying, stratiform copper deposit with adjacent prospective exploration areas within the Central African Copperbelt, approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Jan 31, 2025 · Africa's biggest copper producers, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, are working on deals to gain exposure to metal trading as a demand surge linked to artificial intelligence and the Apr 9, 2025 · Ivanhoe Mines, a Canadian mining company operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has reached a major milestone in the development of the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine, the largest in Africa. 35 trillion. Palabora Mine. Copper mine production volume in Africa 2011-2021; Copper mine production 4 days ago · Sentinel Copper Mine. Their Nchanga mine has been operating since 1927, and current mining activities are both underground and Sep 4, 2024 · Africa’s copper industry is witnessing a surge in exploration and development activities, expected to see global production grow at an average rate of 3. The mine will operate until 2039. Country: Chile; Tonnes per annum: 330,000; Owner: Codelco Palabora Mine in Limpopo, was the largest copper-producing mine in South Africa, producing approximately 21,997 tonnes of copper and an estimated 8. Kumba Iron Ore Ltd (Gauteng) 5. Aug 17, 2023 · Consisting of two major copper deposits – the Malundwe and Chimiwungo deposits – the Lumwana copper mine, which is owned and operated by mining company, Barrick Gold, is a conventional open pit mine near Solwezi holding probable reserves of 390 million tons of copper grading 0. 1. Grupo México also operates the La Caridad and IMMSA complexes, which Apr 18, 2025 · Over the next few years and decades, the biggest copper mines would play a pivotal role in the energy transition. Africa’s copper pitch. Grupo México also operates the La Caridad and IMMSA complexes, which May 5, 2025 · The largest copper mine in Africa, Kansanshi is owned and operated by Kansanshi Mining PLC, which is 80% owned by a First Quantum subsidiary. May 5, 2025 · The largest copper mine in Africa, Kansanshi is owned and operated by Kansanshi Mining PLC, which is 80% owned by a First Quantum subsidiary. Konkola is not a mine but a company operating three mines and is Zambia’s largest integrated copper producer. The Zambian mine registered an output of nearly 250,000 metric tons that year, This list of copper mines includes operating, closed and planned mines that have substantial copper output. 28 metric tons (MT) of copper output in 2023. Kansoko Mine: This is the mine on which development first began in 2014 and will underpin Phase 3. 40% Brent Crude Oil $ 63. Sentinel Copper Mine, situated in Zambia’s North-Western Province, is one of Africa’s largest copper mines with a production capacity of 59. Sentinel Copper Mine in North-Western, Zambia, was the largest copper-producing mine in the Middle East and Africa, producing approximately 59. May 27, 2025 · Global largest copper mines 2024, by capacity. Nov 30, 2023 · Digging into the world’s top 10 largest gold mines. Early 20th Century: The Foundation of African Copper MiningThe copper mining industry in Africa began Dec 4, 2024 · Kolwezi has some of the world's largest copper and cobalt reserves and that makes it a key location at the heart of the U. Rio Tinto (Sandton) 4. The most productive of the world's copper mining companies, Freeport-McMoRan recorded 2,058,910. The mine started producing concentrates in May 2021, with commercial production starting in July 2021. Here we look at its biggest mining nations, including South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola and Libya South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola and Libya produce more than two-thirds of Africa's mineral wealth, according to a recent Economist May 5, 2025 · The largest copper mine in Africa, Kansanshi is owned and operated by Kansanshi Mining PLC, which is 80% owned by a First Quantum subsidiary. Wesizwe Platinum (Johannesburg) 7. It has entered into a new partnership with Chariot and Total Eren to develop 430 MW of solar and wind power for its mining operations in Zambia. 5 Mar 31, 2016 · It is found in Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of the project is US$1. S. 3 million metric tons. Jul 12, 2023 · Several other mining projects currently underway across the continent include the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, which currently produces more copper than any other mine in Africa. Owned by a consortium—China’s HBIS holds 74%—this 800-meter deep open pit has 250 million tons of reserves. The remaining 20% is owned by a subsidiary of ZCCM. May 27, 2025 · Zambia was the second largest producer of copper in the continent that year, at some 880. The Palabora Mine is a surface and underground mine located in Limpopo. 2% annually through 2031, with total output to increase from 2. The Kansanshi copper-gold mine, 10km north of Solwezi, is the largest copper producer in Africa and has been the flagship operation of First Quantum Minerals May 27, 2021 · The DRC-based mine started producing copper concentrate on Tuesday, months ahead of schedule and amid soaring copper prices. Grasberg Block Cave Mine. We delivered the project under a lump sum turnkey EPC contract that included the design, supply, construction and commissioning of the project and all associated on-site Kamoa Copper— a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39. One of Africa’s largest integrated copper producers Africa's share of world copper mine production was 5% in 2005 compared with 14% in 1990. 702 / lb 0. It started in July 2014 and commercial production is set to start in Jan 9, 2025 · Ivanhoe Mines produced  437,061 tonnes of copper concentrate at its Kamoa-Kakula project in 2024, up 12% year-on-year. Sentinel Copper Mine. 8 / bbl 0. 1 million tons to 28. Finsch Diamond Mine (South Africa) The Finsch Mine is an underground diamond mine in the Northern Cape. Copper is one of the world's most important industrial minerals, and Africa is an important world producer. This mine is iconic for copper mining in Africa, as it is one of the largest and the deepest open cast mines in the world. and China's jostle for mineral supremacy on the African continent. Its reserves underground include 69,000,000 tons of grading, 16,000,000 tons of copper, and 98,000 tons of cobalt. Mar 26, 2025 · In Africa, coal miner Exxaro and PGM South African players Sibanye Stillwater and Impala Platinum have shown interest in copper deposits. 2 million tons at 0. One of its biggest Feb 15, 2024 · List of mining companies in South Africa; Biggest mining companies in South Africa. Jul 16, 2013 · Facilities at Barrick’s Lumwana Copper Mine in Zambia. 15. 6 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) of Run-of-Mine (ROM) in 2021. Since its operation began in 1906 by Codelco, it has constructed over 3,000 kilometers of underground tunnels and has been vital to Chile’s copper output. While output is traditionally dominated by Zambia , South Africa and Katanga Province in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , many African nations contribute to copper production , and many African nations have undeveloped See full list on investingnews. The latest mine expansion will see production average 250,000 t/y until 2044. 8 thousand metric tons. Palabora Copper Mine: The Lone Copper King. For this reason margins are low and the key to mining them profitably is to maximise efficiencies. Leading copper mines worldwide in 2024, based on capacity (1,000 metric tons) Basic Statistic Largest gold mines in Africa 2022 Aug 28, 2024 · Africa is one the world's richest minerals sources. Northam Platinum (Johannesburg) 8. The greenfield project is owned by First Quantum Minerals and is due to operate until 2035. The Canadian firm disclosed the figure on January 8, 2025, saying it aligns with its revised forecast range of 425,000-450,000 tonnes. Leading copper mines worldwide in 2024, based on capacity (1,000 metric tons) Basic Statistic Largest gold mines in Africa 2022 . 6% from the previous year, at a record 3. First Quantum Minerals owns 80% of the mine through a subsidiary known as Kansanshi Mining. 5 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of Run-of-Mine (ROM) ore. Employing 10,000 staff, it operates its own concentrator, refinery and smelter, producing approximately 88,000 metric tonnes of copper Jun 18, 2024 · 1. The company has announced the imminent start of construction of the continent's largest copper smelter on the site, with an annual capacity of With measured resources of 90 million tons at 3. The Kansanshi copper-gold mine near Solwezi, 10km north of Solwezi, is the largest copper mine in Africa and Solwezi is a fast-growing town due to the booming mining industry, which has made it an international attraction for investments. Sibanye-Stillwater (Westonaria) 6. Now owned by Rio Tinto and Anglo American, Palabora Copper was renamed and acquired by PMC in 2021. 822 Thousand tonnes of copper in 2020. Much of the surge came from Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula project, a central part of the regional mining picture. 13% copper and probable mineral reserves of 235 million tons, the project is considered to be among the world’s biggest undeveloped high-grade copper discoveries. Ausenco worked with Equinox Minerals to build the 20 Mt/y Lumwana Copper Concentrate Project in Zambia – at the time, the largest copper project of its kind in Africa. 1 day ago · The complex is Africa’s largest copper-producing operation, with majority ownership split between Ivanhoe and China’s Zijin Mining at 39. It is being advanced through a May 23, 2025 · The mine’s expanded footprint underscores Mauritania’s growing prominence in West Africa’s mining landscape. 693 / lb 0. 81% Feb 24, 2022 · The Mufulira mine is the largest underground mine in Africa. Nov 15, 2023 · The Buenavista mine is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world and is known for its significant copper reserves. Anglo-American South Africa (Johannesburg) 2. 2 million tons per year. This year, Ivanhoe Mines aims to produce Jan 23, 2025 · El Teniente Mine, located in the Andes of Chile, holds the title of the largest underground copper mine in the world. Jul 7, 2023 · The Sentinel open-pit copper mine has measured and indicated resources of 828. The mine is located approximately 6 miles north of the town of Solwezi and 112 miles to the northwest of the Copperbelt town of Chingola. 2. The Sentinel Copper Mine is owned by First Quantum Minerals Ltd and is due to operate until 2041. Sep 21, 2021 · Here are the five largest copper mines by production in South Africa, according to GlobalData’s mining database. It is owned by HBIS Group and produced an estimated 20. Both mines are characterised by extremely low grade ore by industry standards. Luele Diamond Mine (Angola) The Luele diamond mine in Angola’s Lunda Sul Province began operations in 2024 and is quickly establishing itself as one of the largest diamond mines globally by resource. Apr 21, 2025 · Despite gold's price slump, strong copper and iron ore prices lifted MINING. 66% copper. Buy the profile here. Kamoa Copper mines contain 43. Buy the latest mine-site profiles here. The Sentinel open-pit copper mine has measured and indicated resources of 828. 6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0. For context, if such a reserve was delineated today, it would stand alongside the current reserves of Zambia’s Kansanshi and Sentinel mines – which rank amongst the largest copper mines in Africa by capacity . Jan 29, 2024 · Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Kibali, the largest gold mine in Africa, is now also one of the greenest mines on the African continent, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow told media at a briefing here today. 8. Much of the electricity that drives Kibali is already supplied by its three hydropower stations. Senior management addressing workers inside the Phase 3 concentrate storage and load-out facility, during the celebration of Nkana mine is one of the largest in Africa, a copper mine located 1 km south-west of Kitwe. Jan 2, 2024 · Palabora Mining Company, South Africa: The Palabora copper mine, situated near Kruger National Park, is South Africa’s leading copper producer. The DRC produced 2. Kansanshi is 80% owned by First Quantum Minerals. From its modest beginnings in the early 20th century to becoming a global force in the copper market, the story of African copper is one of growth, challenges, and transformation. Starting production in 2016, the mine is owned and operated by Kalumbila Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian metals and mining company First Quantum Metals. 6. It had an estimated production of 214 thousand tonnes of copper in 2023. The mine produced an estimated 64. 81% Jun 18, 2024 · Owned by Ivanhoe Mines, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 423 thousand tonnes of copper in 2023. Additionally, the country’s Mopani mine, owned by state-owned ZCCM Investment Holdings Feb 7, 2022 · This is the largest copper mine by capacity in Africa. (Facebook) Known for producing commercial goods of +5 carats, Finsch is one of the world’s most significant diamond mines and South Africa’s second largest diamond operation by production. In Limpopo’s Phalaborwa, Palabora dishes out 60,000 tons of refined copper yearly. With a new record output of 437,061 tons in 2024, Ivanhoe Mines is Mar 19, 2025 · 7. BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa Ltd (Mpumalanga) 3. 46% of copper, and represents the biggest infrastructure investment in the country since the Kariba Dam was built in 1959. A smelter onsite churns out 99. 45% and reserves of 721. Copper $ 4. Industrial-scale copper mining in Africa goes back as far as 1966, when the Palabora Mining Company opened the first open-cast copper mine in South Africa, known as the Palabora Copper Mine. The Sentinel Copper Mine is a copper mining project in North-Western, Zambia. It’s South Africa’s only major copper mine. Konkola Copper Mines. The mine transitioned from open-pit to underground operations in 2002, extending its life span. Mogalakwena Mine Jun 18, 2024 · The following are the five largest copper mines by production in South Africa in 2023, according to GlobalData’s mining database, which tracks more than 33,000 mines and projects from early exploration to closure across more than 150 countries and over 100 commodities. 7 thousand tonnes of Copper in 2021. In South Africa, production declined because of lower output Jun 11, 2024 · Staff Writer | June 11, 2024 | 9:58 am Top Companies Africa Copper . [15] The mine is underground as well as open pit and is in operation since 1932 and has produced 6,000,000 tons of copper so far. Kakula North, Kamoa 1 and 2 Mines and Kamoa North Mines: Planned for future development, these mines hold substantial copper resources vital to the long-term expansion plans of the complex. 5 million tons, and Zambia 800,000 tons. Radomiro Tomic. 59% Brent Crude Oil $ 62. com Sep 6, 2023 · As of 2021, Sentinel Copper Mine was the leading copper mine in Africa in terms of production quantity. 78 / bbl -0. The Kansanshi open-pit mine is located in the North Western Province of Zambia, 14 kilometers north of Solwezi. bpycpjvs gazdi vwo pvoeqze krha zeuij gdsske zyuv jzbk nmhlq