Copper demand is rising with trends in electrification and technology, while supply chain security and recycling present ongoing challenges. CNBC looks at how copper is mined, processed and shipped.

The Kennecott Copper Mine in Salt Lake City is home to a major U.S. copper refinery, which plays a critical role in the nation’s copper production. The refinery receives ore that has already been processed by crushing, concentrating, and smelting. To reach the final purity of 99.99% copper, anode sheets are immersed in a chemical bath for about 10 days, after which 300-pound copper cathodes are separated from stainless steel and prepared for shipment.

Kennecott’s largest output is copper, but the site also extracts gold, silver, and tellurium. Tellurium is considered a vital mineral for solar panel manufacturing, and Kennecott’s operator, Rio Tinto, is one of only two domestic producers of this mineral. Together, the refinery and its associated smelter are responsible for supplying approximately 20% of refined copper in the United States and are one of only two such facilities in the country.

Industry experts note that demand for copper is being driven by several factors, including data centers, general construction, economic growth, and, notably, the ongoing energy transition. Copper is essential for electrification and the expansion of technologies like artificial intelligence. Although recycling is expected to contribute to future copper supply, the material’s long lifespan in products such as vehicles and homes limits its immediate availability from recycling streams.

Specialized supply chains for minerals like rare earths and copper depend heavily on secure access, prompting efforts by the U.S. administration to increase domestic production. This focus is intended to address potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain and meet increasing demand.



Copper refining in the U.S.

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