Copper
Glencore is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of copper.
We extract and process copper ore in South America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Australia. In North America, we recycle copper scrap. In addition, we smelt and refine copper. We supply a wide range of customers from the automotive, electronics and construction sectors.
Copper was the first metal ever used by humankind and today, it finds various applications in everyday life and in industry.
As a major by-product of copper production, we are one of the world’s largest producers of cobalt , primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Copper - metal of the future
2023-02 Copper the metal of the future
Watch the film to learn more about copper - a versatile metal and important component for a low-carbon future
Watch the film to learn more about copper - a versatile metal and important component for a low-carbon future
Copper in figures - 2024
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3.6 mt
of copper metal and concentrates sold via our marketing business
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952 kt
of copper produced at our assets
Uses of copper
Due to its outstanding conductivity, copper is suitable for use in electronic products such as wiring and connectors, as well as renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
As an alloy, copper is hard and resists both heat and corrosion. That’s why it is perfectly suited for fresh water supply lines and plumbing fittings as well as cookware.
Copper’s antimicrobial properties can support infection control in hospitals and care environments.
As a versatile and recyclable material, it makes an essential contribution to a low carbon future.
Copper assets
Our copper assets range from mines to smelters, refineries and recycling plants.
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Kamoto Copper Company
DRC
Katanga is a large-scale copper-cobalt operation in the country’s Lualaba province, producing copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide.View more -
Mutanda Mining
DRC
Mutanda is a large-scale copper and cobalt producer, also in Lualaba province, producing copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide.View more -
KCC 360° tour
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PASAR
Philippines
Pasar (78.2%) smelts and refines copper concentrates and anodes, sourced from our own operations and third parties, into copper cathodes.View more
Mines
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Mount Isa Mines
Mount Isa Mines is one of the world’s largest underground mining and processing operations, producing copper anodes, silver/lead bullion and zinc concentrates.View more
Smelters and refineries
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Copper Refineries Ltd
Copper Refineries Ltd is better known as Townsville. This is where anodes from the Mount Isa smelter are refined into copper cathodeView more -
Mount Isa
This is where concentrates from third parties and our Ernest Henry and Mount Isa mines are smelted into copper anodes.View more -
Glencore Port Operations
Our Port Operations business is an export gateway for the mineral resources of north-west Queensland.View more
See also Glencore in Australia
Smelters and refineries
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Canadian Copper Refinery
Canadain Quebec, which refines copper anodes – sourced from our smelters and those of third parties – into cathodes. The refinery also produces gold and silver , as well as specialty metals and chemicals such as selenium, tellurium and copper and nickel sulphate
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Horne Smelter
Canadaone of the world’s largest processors of used electronics, smelt ing copper concentrates and electronic scrap to produce copper anodes
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Glencore Recycling
We are one of the world’s largest recyclers of complex secondary copper. We strive to continuously source new streams of recyclable materials from new and existing customers and industries. Our state-of-the-art technology and expertise in the recycling business ensure that you get fair value for your recyclable materials.
See also Glencore in Canada
Mines
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Collahuasi
Chile
Collahuasi (44%) is a large-scale copper mine in northern Chile, producing copper concentrates.
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Antamina
Peru
Antamina (33.75%) is a large-scale open-pit copper/zinc mine, producing copper and zinc concentrates.
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Antapaccay
Peru
Antapaccay is a mining and processing operation producing copper concentrates.
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Lomas Bayas
Chile
Our Lomas Bayas open-pit copper mine is located in northern Chile. The operation produces copper cathode on site
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Smelters and refineries
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Altonorte
Chile
Altonorte takes copper concentrates from our South American assets. Third party products are also smelted into copper anodes.
View more
Copper vacancies*
* for the full list of vacancies please see our careers section
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Latest reports and results
Explore the latest reports and results, including financial results, production reports and our annual report.
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Global presence
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Leadership
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Marketing leadJyothish George
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Industrial leadJon Evans