ASTANA — Kazakhstan ranked among the world’s 10 largest copper producers in 2025 after mining 710,000 tons of the metal, reinforcing its position in a market where demand is expected to accelerate as countries expand clean energy and digital infrastructure. According to data from the Energy Institute (EI) and the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS), Kazakhstan shared ninth place with Indonesia, with both countries producing 710,000 tons of copper last year. Chile remained the world’s largest producer with 5.3 million tons, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 3.2 million tons and Peru with 2.7 million tons.
China ranked fourth with 1.8 million tons, while Russia produced 1.3 million tons. The United States (US), Zambia and Australia also ranked ahead of Kazakhstan. Together, the world’s 10 largest producers mined 18.39 million tons of copper in 2025, accounting for the bulk of global output, which reached 23 million tons, according to the Energy Institute.
Kazakhstan’s ranking comes as demand for copper continues to rise. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global demand for the metal is projected to increase by more than 40% by 2040, driven by the expansion of renewable energy, electricity grids, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.
Meeting that demand could require around 80 new copper mines worldwide, underscoring growing concerns over future supply. Copper is widely used in power transmission networks, electric motors, batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and other technologies underpinning the global energy transition.
As a result, it has become one of the minerals increasingly classified as critical for economic security and industrial development. The latest ranking also aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a reliable supplier of critical minerals.
As previously reported by The Astana Times, the country has expanded partnerships with the European Union, the United Kingdom, the US and other international partners to attract investment, boost geological exploration and strengthen critical mineral supply chains.
With global competition for critical minerals intensifying, Kazakhstan’s place among the world’s top copper producers reinforces the country’s growing role in supplying one of the key resources needed for the energy transition and advanced manufacturing.