Copper Ore, Uses, Properties, Distribution Map

Copper Ore

In India, copper ore reserves are estimated at 208 million tonnes mostly low-grade. The total copper resources are 1.51 billion tonnes, but more exploration is needed to make these available for mining. The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) checks this exploration. However, a lack of exploration and private investment has slowed the development of new mines, with only two copper projects approved in FY23 and FY24. In 2023, the Ministry of Mines changed rules to encourage private companies to explore important minerals like copper.

Copper ore can be found in both ancient and younger rock formations as veins and bedded deposits. Mining copper is an expensive and time-consuming process because most copper ores contain only a trace amount of metal. Copper is a soft brown metal found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. There are three primary Copper Ores viz. Chalcopyrite, copper sulfide, and basic carbonates. During the extraction of copper from ores, a few other minerals and metals, such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, etc., are also extracted. Copper is resistant to corrosion and does not rust.

Read about: Iron Ore

Copper Ore Distribution in India

1. Chilpi Series

It covers parts of Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat and Chhindwara districts. Quartzite, copper-pyrite, mica schist, and marble comprise the series. The copper from this series is used at the Malanjkhand Copper Plant.

2. Ghatsila

This copper smelting plant is located in Jharkhand. It is a refinery that uses electrolysis. It produces brass sheets. It also obtains gold, silver, and nickel from copper processing.

3. Khetri

It is an integrated copper mining and ore refining plant in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu District. It was founded in 1967. It also gets copper ore from Madhya Pradesh’s Malanjkhand copper mines. There is also a sulfuric acid plant and a fertiliser plant.

Read about: Energy Resources

4. Malanjkhand

Malanjkhand is an open cast copper mine in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat District. In Malanjkhand, a copper plant has been established. The copper ore is also sent to Rajasthan’s Khetri Copper Plant.

5. Rakha Initiative

The Rakha Copper Plant is located in the Rakha District of Jharkhand’s Singhbhum. It obtains copper ore from the Rakha mines.

6. Tajola

The Tajola Copper Plant is located in the Maharashtra town of Raigadh. Copper cathodes were imported for the plant. It produces copper rods.

Read More: Manganese Ore

Copper Ore Distribution in World

Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, followed by Peru. Other copper-producing countries include the USA, Canada, and Australia.

India produces about 2% of the world’s copper and does not have enough copper ore to meet its needs. The country’s demand for copper and its alloys is met through local production, recycling scrap, and imports. India also imports copper concentrates for its smelters. In the copper production process, copper concentrate is turned into copper anodes, which are then refined into copper cathodes. This refined copper is used to make rods, sheets, wires, and other products.

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is the only major company in India that handles all stages of copper production, from mining to refining. Private companies like Hindalco Industries and Vedanta Limited also produce copper, mainly relying on imported concentrates.

The largest copper reserves are in Rajasthan which holds over half of India’s total copper resources followed by Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. The Khetri Mine in Rajasthan is one of the largest copper mines in India, with additional reserves found in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Read about: Chromium Ore

Uses of Copper Ore

• Copper is great for wiring because it conducts electricity well.
• Copper pipes are used for water and heating because they last long and don’t rust.
• Copper is found in circuit boards and connectors.
• Copper is used in roofs and gutters because it’s strong and looks nice.
• Copper is mixed with other metals to make bronze and brass.
• Copper is used in car electrical systems, radiators, and brakes.
• Copper is important in solar panels, wind turbines, and electric cars.
• Many coins are made from copper or copper alloys.
• Copper kills germs and is used in some medical tools.

Read More: Cobalt Ore

Copper Ore Properties

• Copper ore is found in a variety of mineral forms, such as sulfides, oxides, and carbonates. The copper content in copper ore can vary from less than 1% to over 50%.
• Copper ore has a moderate hardness ranging from 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale.
• The specific gravity of copper ore ranges from 2.5 to 3.5, depending on the type and mineral content.
• Copper ore is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
• Copper ore is not highly reactive, but can react with strong acids and oxidizing agents.
• Copper ore can range in colour from metallic red to black depending on the type and mineral content.
• Copper ore is soft and malleable and can be easily bent or shaped without breaking. It also has high ductility, meaning it can be easily drawn into wires or sheets.

Copper Ore UPSC

India is unlucky in terms of copper reserves and production. Her total in-situ reserves are estimated to be around 712.5 million tonnes, which equates to 9.4 million tonnes of metal content. India is a poor country in terms of copper reserves and production. India has low-grade copper ore (less than 1% metal content) compared to the international average of 2.5 per cent.

Major copper ore deposits can be found in the districts of Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Jharkhand) (Rajasthan). India is a poor country in terms of copper reserves and production. India has low-grade copper ore (less than 1% metal content) compared to the international average of 2.5 per cent.

Read More: Types of Resources

Other Indian Geography Topics

Other Fundamental Geography Topics

Sharing is caring!