Global copper reserves 2023, by country

In 2023, China's copper reserves were estimated at approximately 41 million metric tons. This figure placed China eighth on a global ranking based on copper reserves.

World copper reserves

Copper is an important metal due to its malleability and excellent electrical and heat conductivity. Some of copper's uses are in architecture due to its corrosion resistance and durability, in electrical motors due to its conductivity, in hospital doorknobs due to its antimicrobial properties, and more. Because it is useful for a variety of purposes, the consumption volume of copper worldwide is quite high. This demand puts a considerable strain on world copper reserves, which many experts believe is diminishing. Copper is completely recyclable, however, with a large proportion of the copper mined throughout history still in use.

Copper reserves in Chile

Chile has the world's largest copper reserves of any country by far, with 190 million metric tons as of 2023. It is also the world's largest copper producer, having produced about five million metric tons of copper from mines in 2023. Copper plays an important role in the Chilean economy, with a significant share of Chile's GDP attributed to its copper production.