Copper production

NACE v2.1 Code: C24.44

About copper production

NACE code 24.44 covers the copper production industry, a critical component of the broader metals manufacturing sector. Copper is an essential material with a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring and plumbing to industrial machinery and consumer electronics. As a highly conductive and corrosion-resistant metal, copper plays a vital role in supporting the infrastructure and technological advancements that underpin modern economies.

Production process

The copper production process typically involves several key steps. First, copper ore is extracted from mines and then processed to concentrate the copper content. The concentrated ore is then smelted, a high-temperature process that separates the copper from other impurities. The resulting copper matte is further refined, often through electrolytic methods, to produce pure copper metal that can be cast into ingots or sheets for downstream applications.

Production inputs

The copper production industry relies on a range of inputs, including copper ore, energy sources (such as coal, natural gas, or electricity), and various chemicals and fluxing agents used in the smelting and refining processes. Specialized equipment, such as mining machinery, smelters, and electrolytic cells, are also essential for the efficient extraction and processing of copper.

Production outputs

The primary output of the copper production industry is refined copper metal, which is then consumed by a variety of other NACE codes, including 27.11 Manufacture of electric motors, generators and transformers, 25.21 Manufacture of central heating radiators and boilers, and 26.11 Manufacture of electronic components. Copper is also used in the production of copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, which have their own distinct NACE codes.

Revisions to 24.44

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 24.44. The most recent 1 version of this code (24.44) is in the NACE v2.1 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 24.44.

Older versions

Family tree for copper production

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C'>C: MANUFACTURING</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24'>24: Manufacture of basic metals</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/4'>24.4: Manufacture of basic precious and other non-ferrous metals</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/44'>24.44: Copper production</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/41'>24.41: Precious metals production</a>"]
C --> F["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/42'>24.42: Aluminium production</a>"]
C --> G["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/43'>24.43: Lead, zinc and tin production</a>"]
C --> H["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/45'>24.45: Other non-ferrous metal production</a>"]
C --> I["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/46'>24.46: Processing of nuclear fuel</a>"]

    

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class F level4
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