Copper mining

Copper mining extracts copper-bearing ores from the ground and processes them into copper metal. It combines geological exploration, mine development, ore concentration, and metallurgical refining.

Porphyry copper deposit: A large, low-grade copper deposit formed by hydrothermal fluids associated with an intrusion of magma. These deposits supply much of the copper mined worldwide and often require enormous open pits.
Copper ore: Rock containing copper minerals in concentrations that can be economically extracted. Mining begins with material whose copper content and mineral form make extraction viable.
Underground mining: The extraction of mineral deposits through shafts, tunnels, and underground workings. Deep or steeply dipping copper deposits may favor underground methods over surface excavation.
Mine tailings: Finely ground waste material left after valuable minerals have been separated from ore. Copper processing produces large tailings volumes that require long-term storage and monitoring.
Ore grade decline: The long-term reduction in average grades of mined ore as richer deposits are depleted or harder to access. Lower grades can demand more rock movement, energy, and processing for each unit of copper.
Open-pit mining: A mining method that removes ore and waste from a surface excavation with stepped walls. Large, shallow copper deposits are commonly extracted through expanding open pits.
Chalcopyrite: A copper iron sulfide mineral and the most abundant source of mined copper. Its abundance makes it the principal copper mineral in many major deposits.
Block caving: A bulk underground mining method that undercuts an orebody so fractured rock collapses under gravity. It can extract large, deep copper deposits at high production rates.
Acid mine drainage: Acidic, metal-bearing water formed when sulfide minerals react with oxygen and water. Exposed sulfide-bearing waste can generate persistent pollution at copper mines.
Critical mineral: A mineral or material considered essential to an economy or security and vulnerable to supply disruption. Copper supply is increasingly discussed alongside minerals needed for electrification and infrastructure.

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