Where is copper found in Australia?

Australia is a global powerhouse when it comes to copper resources. As one of the largest producers of this essential metal, the country plays a key role in supporting industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and construction.

Copper’s endless recyclability and durability make it a cornerstone of the circular economy, ensuring its importance for both today and tomorrow.

But where, exactly, is copper found in Australia? From ancient geological formations to modern discoveries, Australia’s copper wealth is scattered across its vast landscapes, with significant deposits in states like South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia.

At Coda Minerals, we’re proud to directly play a part in copper exploration in Australia, through our Elizabeth Creek project in South Australia.

Why Australia is a copper giant

Australia isn’t just a major producer of copper—it’s one of only five countries globally with significant identified copper deposits that have yet to be extracted. These reserves highlight the immense potential of the nation’s untapped resources, positioning it as a leader in copper mining and exploration.

Australia’s copper deposits are typically associated with ancient geological formations, formed over millions of years. The combination of rich mineral belts, favourable geology, and advanced exploration technology has cemented Australia’s place on the global stage.

In 2023, Australia ranked as the world’s eighth-largest copper producer, contributing 4% of global output—a 2% increase from 2022. The top producers globally include Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and China.

Where is copper found in Australia?

Australia’s copper deposits are widely distributed, with major discoveries across several states. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant copper-rich regions:

South Australia: The copper heartland

South Australia is home to some of the country’s most famous copper deposits, making it a hub for exploration and production.

• Olympic Dam: Located near Roxby Downs, this is one of the most significant copper, gold, and uranium deposits in the world. Operated by BHP, the mine is a key player in global copper supply.
• Carapateena: 40km east of Elizabeth Creek, Carapeteena is one the largest copper mining projects to come online in South Australia in the last decade.
• Prominent Hill: Owned by BHP, Prominent Hill is a significant copper, silver, and gold mine known for producing one of the highest-grade copper concentrates in the world. It has been in operation since 2009.
• Elizabeth Creek (Coda Minerals): Situated in the world-renowned Olympic Copper Province, Elizabeth Creek is a rising star in South Australia’s copper landscape. At Coda Minerals, we’re advancing this project with sustainability at its core, leveraging South Australia’s renewable energy grid to minimise our environmental footprint.

South Australia’s prominence in copper production is bolstered by its unique geology, particularly the Gawler Craton, which hosts many of its deposits.

Elizabeth Creek – South Australia

Queensland: The Mount Isa region

Queensland’s copper riches are centred in the north-west of the state, particularly around the Mount Isa region.

• Mount Isa Mines: These deposits are among the richest in the world and have been a cornerstone of Australia’s mining industry for over a century.
• Ernest Henry Mine: Located near Cloncurry, this copper-gold deposit is a significant contributor to Queensland’s copper output.

The geology of this region is characterised by Proterozoic rocks, which host high-grade copper mineralisation that remains a major focus for exploration.

Western Australia: Diverse and promising

While Western Australia is best known for its iron ore and gold, it also hosts significant copper deposits.

• Telfer and Nifty Mines: Located in the Pilbara region, these mines have produced copper for decades.
• Paterson Province: This emerging area is attracting attention for its potential large-scale copper discoveries.

New South Wales: A hidden gem

New South Wales may not be the first place that comes to mind for copper, but it boasts some impressive deposits.

• Cobar Basin: Known for its high-grade copper deposits, this area has been a consistent contributor to Australian copper production.
• Cadia Ridgeway: While primarily a gold mine, Cadia also produces significant amounts of copper as a by-product.

Cobar Basin – New South Wales

[H3] Tasmania and the Northern Territory

While smaller players in copper production, Tasmania and the Northern Territory both have deposits worth noting.

• Rosebery Mine (Tasmania): A polymetallic mine that produces copper alongside zinc, lead, and gold.
• Jervois Project (Northern Territory): An emerging project near Alice Springs that highlights the potential for future copper discoveries in the NT.

Alice Springs – Northern Territory

Coda Minerals’ role in Australian copper

At Coda Minerals, we’re focused on unlocking the potential of South Australia’s copper resources, particularly through our flagship project at Elizabeth Creek. Located in the heart of the Olympic Copper Province, Elizabeth Creek is positioned in one of the world’s most promising regions for copper exploration.

Elizabeth Creek

Elizabeth Creek isn’t just about discovering copper—it’s about discovering better ways to explore, extract, and use it. South Australia’s high percentage of renewable energy in its grid allows us to align our operations with sustainability goals while reducing emissions.

This project represents the future of copper mining, with:

• Advanced exploration: Using cutting-edge geophysical and geochemical techniques to identify high-potential ore bodies.
• Commitment to community: Engaging with local stakeholders to ensure our activities benefit the region.
• Focus on innovation: Incorporating new technologies to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact.

Cameron River

Coda Minerals’ Cameron River Copper-Gold Project is in the Mt Isa Inlier, one of Australia’s top mining regions, and is highly promising for copper and gold. The area has the right geology for big deposits, including the Corella Formation and other features linked to copper-gold systems.

A sustainable future at Elizabeth Creek

Coda Minerals is committed to responsible mining practices at its Elizabeth Creek, located within the world’s most renewable energy-powered grid. We work hand-in-hand with the traditional owners, respecting the deep cultural significance of the land.

The area has a rich history of mining, and Coda Minerals adheres to rigorous environmental protocols in the area developed by not only ourselves, but by major companies and environmental consultancies, ensuring a sustainable approach to development. We are not only focused on extracting valuable copper resources, but also on preserving the area’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The future of copper in Australia

Australia’s copper industry is poised for significant growth as global demand for the metal continues to rise. With its vast resources, technological expertise, and commitment to sustainability, Australia is well-positioned to meet this demand responsibly.

However, the future of copper in Australia isn’t just about volume—it’s about value. The industry must continue to focus on minimising environmental impact, supporting local communities, and embracing innovation to remain competitive on the global stage.

At Coda Minerals, we’re proud to be part of this journey. Our projects embody the principles of responsible mining and reflect our belief in copper as a critical resource for a sustainable future.

So, where is copper found in Australia? From the rich deposits of South Australia’s Olympic Copper Province to the historic mines of Mount Isa, Australia’s copper wealth is vast and diverse. As one of the world’s leading sources of identified copper reserves, Australia plays a critical role in meeting global demand for this essential metal.

Want to learn more about how we’re shaping the future of copper in Australia? Explore our projects page and discover how we’re redefining copper exploration for a greener tomorrow.