The World Energy Trade ranking, which relies on data from Miningintelligence, primarily comprises large and medium-sized enterprises.
Among these noteworthy companies, the Cobre Panamá mine, managed by First Quantum Minerals, has secured a position within the top ten mines globally in terms of ore extraction volume, as indicated by World Energy Trade. According to information provided by the Vancouver-based company, it is expected that this mine will produce approximately 96.24 million tons of copper, silver, gold, and molybdenum ore by the third quarter of 2021. Situated in Costa Abajo de Colón, encompassing the Donoso and Omar Torrijos Herrera districts, the Cobre Panamá mine has been operational since 2019 under the ownership of Minera Panamá, making a significant contribution of 3.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). MINERIA COBRE
Currently, discussions are in progress between the Cobre Panamá mine and the National Government to establish a fresh concession contract. These talks have sparked debate, with specific environmental and community organizations expressing opposition to the government’s endorsement of open-pit metal mining. MINERIA COBRE
Miningintelligence has compiled a roster highlighting the ten most prominent firms in the industry. These firms, predominantly of significant or moderate size, hold significant positions in the global ranking of the top 50 mining companies. MINERIA COBRE
Claiming the top spot on this list is the Escondida copper mine, which is under the ownership of BHP and is renowned as the largest mine in its category worldwide.
As outlined in the listing, it is highlighted that Rio Tinto, the second-largest mining company globally, holds a 30% stake in the mentioned mine, which has a consistent daily production rate averaging 360,000 tons. By extrapolating from production data from the first three quarters, one can estimate that the Escondida mine is on track to extract approximately 130.78 million tons of copper, silver, and gold ore in the year 2021.
Claiming the second spot in the ranking is the Collahuasi mine, which is a partnership between Anglo American and Glencore and is situated in Chile. Projections indicate that this mine is expected to produce approximately 104.65 million tons of copper, gold, and silver ore in the current year, signifying a notable increase compared to the 71.9 million tons extracted in 2020.
Taking the fourth spot in the ranking is Southern Copper’s Buenavista mine, which is located in Mexico and holds the distinction of being the world’s leading silver producer. According to the report, Southern Copper has invested approximately one billion dollars in the expansion of its flagship mining operation, encompassing copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver.
Ranked fifth on the list is the Las Bambas mine, operated by MMG in Peru. It is anticipated that this mine will extract an estimated 65.26 million tons of copper, silver, gold, and molybdenum ore in the year 2021. Throughout this year, the mine has encountered opposition from the local community, resulting in residents blocking a crucial transportation route. However, following a public meeting with Prime Minister Mirtha Vásquez, the communities reached an agreement to remove the roadblock last month. FIRST QUANTUM
In the sixth spot, we have the Sentinel copper and nickel mine, which falls under the ownership of First Quantum Minerals and is situated in Zambia. According to the report, the company has chosen not to divest its share in the Zambian copper mines, and it’s estimated that Sentinel will extract roughly 56.69 million tons of ore this year.
Seventh place is taken by the Aktogay mine, operated by Kaz Minerals, with a primary focus on the extraction of copper, silver, gold, and molybdenum ore. Projections indicate that this mine will extract an estimated 53.6 million tons of ore in the current year.
The eighth position is held by the Paracatu mine, owned by Kinross Gold in Brazil. It’s estimated that this mine will extract approximately 52.46 million tons of ore for this year.
In ninth place, we have the Antamina mine, located in Peru and jointly owned by BHP and Glencore. This mine is dedicated to the extraction of copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, and silver, with production very close to 52.45 million tons of ore extracted.
Finally, in the tenth position, we find the Los Bronces mine, owned by Anglo American in Chile, specializing in the extraction of copper and molybdenum. It’s anticipated that approximately 43.64 million tons of ore will be extracted from this mine in 2021.
