Newsletter
Chile’s state-owned copper producer Codelco has signed an agreement with India’s Adani Group to develop the Kaburkaala copper exploration project in Chile’s northern Antofagasta region.
The deets: Adani will fund the exploration, while Codelco will contribute its expertise in finding and assessing copper deposits. If successful, the project could help secure a long-term copper supply for Adani’s processing plant in Mundra, Gujarat.
Why it matters: India’s copper demand is growing, but its mines cannot supply enough raw material. Companies are investing overseas to secure supplies and reduce the shortfall.
Global copper demand could outpace supply under some scenarios, highlighting the need for investment in new projects.
India’s imports of copper concentrate, the raw material processed into copper, rose 157.9% YoY to 218,740 tonnes in August. Expanding processing capacity, including Adani’s Kutch Copper plant, has increased demand for imported material.
Where India gets its copper: Chile remained the largest supplier, shipping 88,914 tonnes in August and 366,069 tonnes during April-August 2026.
Brazil and Australia followed in August, supplying 48,843 tonnes and 35,646 tonnes, respectively. For April-August, Peru ranked second with 127,295 tonnes, followed by Brazil at 117,359 tonnes and Australia at 111,389 tonnes.
