koperwinning

Koperwinning, or copper mining, is the extraction of copper ore from the earth for the production of copper metal. Copper is recovered from sulfide and oxide ores. Extraction methods include open-pit mining and underground mining, chosen according to ore geometry, depth and economics.

After mining, ore is crushed and ground and then processed by concentration, most commonly through flotation, to produce a copper concentrate. The concentrate is smelted to blister copper, which is refined to high-purity copper cathodes by electrorefining or electrolytic refining. Some operations use hydrometallurgical routes for oxide ores or low-grade material, such as heap leaching and solvent extraction-electrowinning.

Chile is the largest copper producer, with other major producers including Peru, China, the United States, Australia, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Copperbelt in Zambia and the Katanga region in the DRC have long been important mining districts.

Copper mining has ancient roots; the name copper derives from Cyprus, historically linked to early copper trade. Large-scale industrial copper mining expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries with the growth of Chilean and American operations.

Environmental and social considerations include land disturbance, water use, tailings storage and potential acid drainage, air emissions from smelting, and high energy demands. Modern mines emphasize responsible tailings management, water recycling, emissions controls, and community engagement. Recycling of copper reduces demand for primary ore.

Notable mines and operations include Escondida and Chuquicamata in Chile, Grasberg in Indonesia, Bingham Canyon in the United States, and El Teniente in Chile. Together they illustrate the scale and diversity of modern koperwinning.