Asia is a major copper producer globally, producing about 12% of global production, primarily from Russia, China and Kazakhstan. Most of the copper is produced by primary metal mines or as by products. The trend (especially for India and China) is to concentrate on refining and smelting copper concentrates from imports. However, the potential for the development of several base metal projects on the continent seems good.

Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (AMMC) is the second largest mining company in Uzbekistan with four mining facilities. AMMC have a copper-gold-molybdenum operation as well as a zinc operation. Late in 1998, a tender was offered for a 46.5% share in the company, a move by the government to privatise the mining industry. However, this process has failed and a new consortium led by Thyssen-Krupp, Gerald Metals of the United States and Boliden Contech of Sweden could tender for Almalyk.

There is little information on the status of copper production in China, however, the country does seem to have well developed smelting and refining facilities. Most of China’s copper concentrates are imported from Mongolia and Australia. However, an agreement with BHP Billiton has been signed for import of concentrates through BHP B’s mines in Indonesia and Australia. Negotiations are underway with Newmont and Codelco as well. Tongling Nonferrous Metals Co. has received approval for the construction and development of the Donguashan Copper Mine in the Anhui Province.

Russia has about 10% of global copper reserves. More than 50% of the deposits are being exploited or developed and are hosted primarily by sulphide ores. Mines under development have an average grade of over 1.5% copper. Russia is ranked 6th in the world in terms of copper production, with 55% of Russia’s production coming from Norilsk Nickel.

The present copper ore resources of the country are estimated at 730 million tonnes averaging 1.17% metal content. Out of this 4.30 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of 1.21% copper is under mining lease held by Hindustan Copper Limited.

Hindustan Copper Limited appears to be in financial turmoil and has been reducing production from its domestic mines and beginning to rely more on imported concentrates.

Kazakhstan is the world’s 11th largest copper producer and has seen some dramatic production increases. All copper mining has been incorporated into KazakMys Inc., a vertically integrated mining and beneficiation company. Samsung holds the majority shares in the company with 44% and the government 38%. Kazakstans’s 2nd largest copper producer has also been acquired by Samsung, confirming the dedication of Samsung to Kazakhstan's copper industry.

KazakhMys Inc. will also begin development of two deposits in East Kazakhstan during 2000. The development of these projects would require help from the government as well as the company. In 2000, it produced 395 000 t of refined copper.

Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile, Poddar Organisation, Abra Mining & Industrial Corporation, Almalyk Mining And Metallurgical Combine, Apex Mining Company, Inc., Australasia Market Research and Advisory Service Pty Ltd, Baiyan Nonferrous Metals Company, Baiyin Nonferrous Metals Corporation, Batu Hijau copper-gold-mine, Benguet Corporation, Binani Industries Ltd, Birla Copper, China Non Ferrous Metal Industries Foreign Engineering Construction, Dowa Mining Company Ltd, Erdenet Mining Corp, Fujian Zijin Mining Group, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Indophil Resources (Philippines) Inc, International Copper Asia Ltd, International Copper Promotion Council of India ::[ View All ]

3m Metalurji Alüminyum Biyet ve külçe Alasimlari, 701 Changma, Agi Dagi, Agnigundala, Aikhal GOK, Al-Amar Mine, Altan Machinery&Casting Co., Altun Dokum San. A.S., Amantaytau, An Tai Bao, Anadolu Hidrolik, Angouran Mine, Angren, Anjialing, Aprelevka, Ardöksan Sfero ve kaliteli Pik Döküm Sanayi Ltd.Sti., Ardöküm Makina ve Merdane San.tic.a.s., Arslan Elektrik Makina A. S., Artyom, Ashele Copper Mine :[ View All ]