As the year comes to a close, copper output in the United States holds firm at 1,077,000 tons. This figure represents an increase of about 1.7% as compared to last year’s output. Experts attribute this slight increase to reduced output from major operations like the Phoenix mine and the Kennecott Copper project.
The Phoenix mine, operated jointly by Newmont and Barrick Gold, is expected to produce less this year due to the processing of lower-grade ore. Even so, some of the shortfall will be balanced by the restarted operations, including the Mineral Park and Johnson Camp projects. Operations at the Johnson Camp resumed in August of this year after acquiring permits late last year.
Rio Tinto’s Kennecott project also saw a planned shutdown for maintenance of its smelter and concentrator during Q3 impact output temporarily. Despite the drop, the project’s output is expected to recover next year, supported by the beginning of underground mining at the North Rim Skarn zone.
Looking ahead, the medium-term prospects for the country’s copper production are strong. Several projects are scheduled to come online from next year, most notably the Copperwood and Florence developments, which together are expected to introduce nearly 70,000 tons annually of additional supply.
The Mineral Park restart continues to progress as well and is targeting trial output by the end of this year, with a more meaningful output increase expected come next year. Once fully operational, Mineral Park aims to produce roughly 11,200 tons every year, supplying copper to key domestic sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and defense, thus supporting broader national goals to strengthen the country’s mineral security.
Large-scale developments like the Mesaba are expected to begin production in 2029 while the Ann Mason is scheduled to commence operations in 2030.
Both operations are set to play a major role in boosting America’s copper output over the next decade. As these and other projects come online, the country is on track to rise into the top five copper-producing nations by 2030, with its position expected to strengthen even further by 2035.
Overall, America’s copper production is projected to expand at a 7.2% compound annual growth rate in the next decade. By 2035, output is expected to have hit 2,158,000 tons. This sustained increase will be driven by the launch of multiple upcoming operations, including MacArthur, Tamarack, Antler Mine, and the CK Gold project, all of which will enhance domestic supply security and help meet growing copper demand both within the U.S. and globally.
With exploration enterprises like Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX.V: BAY) (OTCQB: ATBHF) conducting mineral exploration activities in the U.S. and other regions in North America, the production outlook looks promising for domestic supply chains within the United States.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX.V: BAY) (OTCQB: ATBHF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ATBHF
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