Copper reserve, mining, and extraction

Reserves

Copper ores are found all over the world, particularly in North and South America, as well as Africa and Australia.

Copper ores can be categorized as sulfides, oxides, and carbonates (ref 1).

Chalcopyrite
  • Sulfides: chalcopyrite (CuFeS2); most important in commercial production.
  • Oxides: cuprite Cu2O) (ref)
Cuprite
  • Carbonates: Azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2) (ref)
Azurite

Mining and Extraction

Ref 1
Hydrometallurgical process
Source: University of Arizona Superfund Research Center
Pyrometallurgical process
Reference: ref 1