The demand for copper is growing, particularly in the technology, construction and electrical industries, making it one of the most used commodities in the world. As global demand for copper increases, it is important to identify the top companies that are currently producing the most copper. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 copper producing companies of 2023, ranked in order from highest to lowest.
The world’s largest copper producer is Codelco, a Chilean state-owned company, which has been in operation since 1976. Codelco has copper mines around the world, and it is estimated that they produce at least 1.8 million tonnes of the metal each year. The second largest producer is Freeport-McMoRan, which operates throughout the US and Indonesia. They are estimated to produce almost 1.7 million tonnes of copper in 2023.
The third largest producer is BHP, an Australian mining giant. The company operates in Australia, Indonesia, Peru, Chile, and Mexico, and is estimated to produce 1.15 million tonnes this year. China Molybdenum is the fourth largest producer, with operations in China and other countries throughout East Asia. The company is expected to produce 1.1 million tonnes of copper in 2023.
The fifth biggest producer is Antofagasta, a Chilean mining company with operations in South America, Africa, and Europe. They are estimated to produce 0.72 million tonnes this year. Glencore, the sixth biggest producer, is a Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining company. They are expected to produce 0.69 million tonnes of copper in 2023.
Rio Tinto is the seventh largest producer, and it is one of the largest diversified mining companies in the world. They operate in many countries, and are estimated to produce 0.5 million tonnes of copper in 2023. The eighth biggest producer is KGHM, a Polish mining company with operations in Poland, Canada, and Chile. They are estimated to produce just under 0.5 million tonnes in 2023.
TECK Resources is the ninth biggest producer, and is a Canadian blue-chip diversified resources company. Their copper operations are located in the US, Canada, Chile, and Peru, and are estimated to produce 0.37 million tonnes in 2023. The tenth largest producer is First Quantum Minerals, a Canadian-based mining giant with operations in Africa, Europe, and South America. They are estimated to produce 0.36 million tonnes in 2023.
These top ten companies are the backbone of the global copper production industry, and their output will have a tremendous effect on the global copper market. As the demand for copper continues to grow, it is important to know who are the players in the industry. With the right knowledge, companies and individuals can make informed copper purchasing decisions and potentially save money.
