Climate Change to Threaten 25% of Global Copper Mines by 2050

Climate change is increasingly endangering a quarter of the world's copper mining projects with extreme rainfall projected to disrupt production by 2050, according to a study by Verisk Maplecroft. Major copper-producing countries such as Mexico, Canada, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are particularly vulnerable.

Verisk Maplecroft’s Extreme Precipitation Index, which tracks the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall across various timeframes and emissions scenarios, reveals that 19% of copper mines already face significant risks from extreme weather. This percentage is expected to rise as global temperatures increase, leading to more severe rainfall and drought conditions. “Health and safety risks to workers, damaged access roads, and electrical and structural damage at site facilities can all impact production,” says Jimena Blanco, Chief Analyst, Verisk Maplecroft. She added that these impacts will also affect local communities and supply chains.

Canada and Australia, which account for 47% of the 718 copper projects analyzed, are among the most at risk, while countries like Mexico and Congo, with fewer copper mines, are also expected to face heightened vulnerability. Verisk Maplecroft urged mining operations to fortify their emergency response plans and bolster resilience against both current and future climate risks.

A similar study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) indicated that even in an optimistic scenario, over half of the world’s copper mines will be located in areas facing significant drought risk by mid-century, with even greater exposure anticipated for lithium and cobalt production.