Copper

Mineral Category: Metallic Mineral

Overview: Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is one of the few metals that occurs in nature in directly usable metallic form (native metals) and is an important non-ferrous base metal. India is not self-sufficient in the production of copper ore. In addition to domestic production of ore and concentrates, India imports copper concentrates for its smelters. The domestic demand for copper and its alloys is met through domestic production, recycling of scrap and by imports.

Key Uses & Industries Served:

• Defence industry
• Space Industry
• Railway Industry
• Power Industry

Importance to Infrastructure / Economy: Copper is fundamental to the global economy and modern infrastructure, acting as an essential, high-conductivity material for electricity transmission, renewable energy, construction, and technology transportation, and urban development, making it a critical contributor to national development and economic resilience

Projects Overview: CMDC in Joint Venture with HCL is actively engaged in copper mineral exploration through projects such as Bodal (21.75 sq. km) and Hidar (28.60 sq. km). These exploration blocks represent significant base metal prospects with potential for future resource development. Copper is a strategically important mineral widely used in electrical, electronics, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors, making these exploration areas highly valuable from a long-term mineral security perspective.