India is looking for overseas copper deposits to secure copper supply | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

India is looking for overseas copper deposits to secure copper supply

Posted 05 Mar 2025

2 min read

Recently, India secured a 9,000-sq-km block in Zambia to explore copper amidst a rising demand of metal in country.

  • Listed as critical mineral in India, copper is a major industrial metal because of its high ductility, malleability, thermal and electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
    • Natural ores of copper are Copper sulfide ore (such as chalcopyrite) and copper oxide ore.
A mind map infographic titled 'Applications of Copper and Copper Compounds.' At the center, the chemical symbol 'Cu' represents copper. The branches extend into various applications:  Consumer Goods - Electronics, Household Items Electrical and Electronics - Conductors, Circuit Boards Energy Sector - Electric Batteries, Solar Panels Medical and Antimicrobial Uses - Germicides, Disinfectants Industrial Applications - Coinage, Paints Transportation - Pipes, Containers Alloys - Bronze, Brass

Why is Copper demand rising?

  • High Demand: Due to vital role in defense applications, infrastructure, and emerging technologies demand is projected to outstrip supply from mines by 2035.
    • Between FY19 & FY24, copper concentrate imports doubled to Rs 26,000 cr in India.
  • Global Factors: Both China and US are increasingly securing major mines in Africa and South America due to its criticality.
  • Low Domestic Production: 
    • At 3.78 million tonnes (mt) in 2023-24, it has come down by 8% than in 2018-19.
    • Copper ore reserves in India (Around 164 Mt) are mostly of low grade. 

Distribution of Copper

  • Top 3 States in India (Reserves): Rajasthan (52%), Madhya Pradesh (23%) and Jharkhand (15%)
    • Major mines in India: Singhbhum Copper Belt (Bihar), Khetri Copper Belt (Rajasthan), Balaghat District (MP), etc.
      • Other areas: Darjeeling of West Bengal, Rungpo in Sikkim, Manipur, Chitaldrug district of Karnataka, etc.
  • Top 3 Countries (Producers): Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Peru in 2024.
  • Tags :
  • Zambia
  • Critical Minerals
  • Copper
  • Copper Mines in India
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features