US copper production is projected to increase by 4.0% in 2024, reaching 1,172.8 thousand tonnes (kt) from 1,127.5 kt in 2023. This growth will be primarily driven by a shift in mining at the Robinson mine to a more copper-rich zone. In the first quarter of 2024, Robinson mine’s output rose significantly to 14.3 kt, up from 7.6 kt in the same period of 2023. This boost is attributed to improved recovery rates, higher copper content in the ore, and increased ore extraction.
Additionally, production gains are expected at the Pinto Valley mine due to expansion and optimization of mill throughput. The ongoing ramp-up of the Pumpkin Hollow project, which resumed its processing operations in October 2023, will further support the increase in production.
A stable supply from major mines such as Morenci, Kennecott, and Safford will also contribute to the anticipated growth in copper output for 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, copper production in the US is expected to remain strong with an annual growth rate of 3.4%. This growth will be supported by the launch of new projects such as Florence Copper and the restarts of Johnson Camp and Mineral Park. Furthermore, copper metal has been newly listed as a critical mineral by the US Department of Energy as of July 31, 2023, qualifying it for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
