In this blog post, we will discuss the top Copper Mining Operations In Canada. Copper is extremely important to sustain a standard of living. This reddish color metal has numerous properties that make it a highly suitable element for various applications in different sectors. The price of copper implicates the overall strength of the economy. Various factors impact copper prices include infrastructure demand, emerging markets, political, environmental, and other labor issues.
Copper Production In Canada
Most of the copper concentrate is converted into metal at smelters located at Flin Flon, Sudbury and Timmins, Rouyn-Noranda, and other places. Canada is effectively involved in copper refining. The copper refineries are operated in Montreal, Timmins, and Sudbury. Over half of the copper produced is utilized for electrical purposes, including electrical and telecommunications wire, cables, windings in motors, and many more. Various companies like Solaris Resources are working to enhance exploration and mining services so that production can be boosted. Solaris Resources Inc is a multi-asset copper company that handles and develops copper projects in America.
Top Copper Mining Operations In Canada
Canada has remained one of the major producers of copper. Most of the copper mining companies mine copper in conjunction with other elements like molybdenum, zinc, nickel, and lead. Copper is generally obtained from large sulfide deposits. Copper is widespread in the country, but the regions where it is concentrated are limited. Read further to know about the top copper mining operations in Canada, which would significantly help in fulfilling copper demands.
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Highland Valley Copper Operation
Mine Type – Open-pit
Owner – Teck Resources
Mine Life – 2028
It is located approximately 7km west of Logan Lake and about 50km southwest of Kamloops in B.C. The mine produces copper and molybdenum concentrate with the help of autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding and floatation methods. It is the largest copper open-pit mine in Canada.
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Sudbury Operation
Mine Type – Open-pit and underground
Owner – Vale Canada Ltd.
Mine Life – 2042
It is located in Sudbury, Canada. Sudbury is one of the largest copper mining operations in Canada complexes globally as it includes five mines, a mill, a smelter, a refinery, and almost 4,000 employees. It has been in operation for over a hundred years. The nickel-copper mining was started by Vale Inco. Ltd. in 1855.
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Copper Mountain Mine
Mine Type – Open-pit
Owner – Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (75%), Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (25%)
Mine Life – 2045
The project is located 15km southwest of Princeton, B.C. It covers around 18,000 acres of land. It is anticipated that over 17 years of mine life might produce 1.47 billion pounds of copper, 452,000 oz of gold, and 4.5Moz of silver.
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Kidd Operations
Mine Type – Underground
Owner – Glencore Inc.
Mine Life – 2022
Kidd operations are also one of the top copper mining operations in Canada. It is located 24km north of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. It is the world’s largest volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposit and one of the largest base metal deposits worldwide. They operate Kidd concentrator and Kidd Mine, the world’s deepest base-metal mine below sea level.
Conclusion
Copper metal has become a need for everyone, which is irreplaceable. No other element has that property that copper has. Copper production and copper mining operations are majorly upgrading the country’s economy copper mining operations in Canada are also started to boost production.