Global Copper Mines

• Chile: Escondida — situated in the Atacama Desert, Chile; among the largest copper mines in the world.
• Peru: Cerro Verde — near Arequipa, Peru; major copper mine.
• Indonesia: Grasberg — Papua; a large copper-gold mining complex.
• DRC: Kamoa-Kakula — in the Democratic Republic of Congo; one of the world’s largest copper mining complexes.
• Zambia: Kansanshi — North-Western Zambia; the largest copper mine in the world.
• Australia: Olympic Dam — South Australia; a large copper, uranium, gold and silver deposit.
• Mexico: Buenavista del Cobre — Sonora, Mexico; major copper mine.
• China: China is both a large producer and consumer of copper, with significant copper mining.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q1. Consider the following pairs:

1.       Escondida — Chile

2.       Grasberg — Indonesia

3.       Kamoa-Kakula — DR Congo

4.       Olympic Dam — Australia

Question: Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (c)

Note: Escondida (Chile), Grasberg (Indonesia), Kamoa-Kakula (DRC) and Olympic Dam (Australia).