An analysis of worldwide copper mine production has led to the prediction that a million-ton annual shortfall will exist by the year 2000 and that new projects may be brought on stream to compensate for this production deficit.
Mining Investment Service of Tucson, Ariz., has assessed the output of more than 200 copper mines around the world. The present and forecast production from each mine is placed in the context of country and continent.
The study concludes that production from these mines will grow at an annual rate of 4.5%, and peak in 1997 at 9.8 million tons. After 1997, declining ore grades and depletion of existing deposits will result in a reduction in output, settling to 9.6 million tons by the end of the year 2000.
The study also assesses copper demand, which has grown at an average annual rate of 3% over the past 40 years. It predicts that, by the end of the century, demand will exceed expected production by more than 1 million tons. The study identifies 42 copper projects, not yet in production, that have a combined production capacity almost equivalent to the projected shortfall.
Copies of the 25-page report can be obtained by writing to Mining Investment Services, 3441 Raintree Drive, Tucson, Ariz. 85741. Phone/Fax: (602) 575-8467.
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