Copper output drops in H1, sparking worries over future supply
Copper mining fell in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2025, raising concerns about long-term availability of the metal.
Production in the first six months was lower than in the corresponding 2025 period, driven by disruptions and weak output in Chile, the top global producer. The shortfall pushed copper prices to record levels, while the United States built large stockpiles and Chinese smelters turned to scrap metal to meet demand. Analysts project demand to rise about 50% by 2050, but fear producers may not keep pace.
Why it matters
Copper is essential for clean-energy technologies and data centers, so supply gaps could affect many industries.
In this story
copper productionsupply riskclean energy transitionrecord pricesglobal demandChilestockpilesscrap metalsystemic risk
