Copper, ores and concentrates

CPC v2.1 Code: 1421

About copper, ores and concentrates

cpc code 1421 covers the mining and processing of copper ores and concentrates. Copper is a vital industrial metal, used in a wide range of applications including electrical wiring, plumbing, construction, and manufacturing. As a major global producer and exporter of copper, this industry plays a crucial role in the broader economy, supporting downstream industries and international trade.

Production process

The production of copper ores and concentrates typically involves a multi-stage process. First, copper-bearing ores are extracted from mines using various techniques such as open-pit or underground mining. The extracted ore is then crushed, ground, and processed through a series of physical and chemical separation methods to concentrate the copper content. This may include froth flotation, leaching, and smelting to produce copper metal or copper-rich intermediates.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the copper ore and concentrate industry include heavy machinery and equipment for mining and ore processing, such as excavators, crushers, and flotation cells. Additionally, the industry relies on significant quantities of energy, water, and chemical reagents to facilitate the various separation and refining processes. Skilled labor, including geologists, mining engineers, and metallurgists, is also a critical input for this industry.

Production outputs

The primary outputs of the copper ore and concentrate industry are various forms of copper products, including copper metal, copper concentrates, and copper-bearing intermediates. These outputs are then consumed by a range of downstream industries, such as 2721 Copper, refined and alloys, basic forms, 2822 Copper tubes, pipes and fittings, and 2825 Copper, castings and forgings, which further process the copper into finished goods and components.

Family tree for copper, ores and concentrates

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1'>1: Ores and minerals; electricity, gas and water</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/14'>14: Metal ores</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/142'>142: Non-ferrous metal ores and concentrates (other than uranium or thorium ores and concentrates)</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1421'>1421: Copper, ores and concentrates</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1422'>1422: Nickel ores and concentrates</a>"]
C --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1423'>1423: Aluminium ores and concentrates</a>"]
C --> G["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1424'>1424: Precious metal ores and concentrates</a>"]
C --> H["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/1429'>1429: Other non-ferrous metal ores and concentrates (other than uranium or thorium ores and concentrates)</a>"]

    D --> I["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/14210'>14210: Copper, ores and concentrates</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level3
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level5

  class D highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class D highlight