February 26, 2024
World refined production of copper, by region, increased 6% from 24.5 million tonnes in 2019 to 26 million tonnes in 2022. Total growth from regions with increasing production, like China, Congo, Zambia, and Canada were partially offset by declines in many other regions. China is the world leader in refined copper production growing from under 10 million tonnes in 2019 to about 11 million tonnes in 2022. This represents about 42% of total production in 2022. Chile ranks 2nd with a 2022 market share of 8% although they have seen production decline slightly from about 2.3 million tonnes to 2.1 million tonnes. Congo is the 3rd largest producer with a 2022 market share of about 7% with production increasing almost 60% from 1.1 million tonnes in 2019 to 1.7 million tonnes in 2022.
Source: US. Geological Survey