The world's top copper producing countries in 2022
Copper has always been a valuable commodity, but its role in manufacturing renewable energy technologies will see demand and prices continue to soar over the coming decades as the world transitions to green energy.
Some nations that are abundant in the red metal are increasing investment in copper mining and exploration to record levels to meet the high demand, while the largest producers are beset by challenges.
Chile
The South American nation is estimated to be home to almost a quarter of worldwide copper reserves – around 200 million tonnes, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Chile’s copper mines produced a total of 5.7 million tonnes in 2020, including some of the world’s largest projects at Escondida, Collahuasi and El Teniente.
Production has been more turbulent since, with obstacles including a new taxes and royalties bill penalising producers and a month-long strike at the Andina mine contributing to the nation’s lowest January figures for a decade.