The first metal processed by humans - where copper is mined.

Copper, which is a very popular metal today, can be useful both in everyday life and in industry. But do you know where this metal is actually mined?

More about copper mining

Copper is usually extracted from oxide (20%) and sulfide ores (80%). Sources of native copper are formed underground during various processes. Among the most well-known copper deposits are those found in the USA and Ukraine.

In nature, copper is formed as a result of the oxidation of copper sulfate deposits, where native copper can contain up to 99% copper. Regarding extraction, this metal is obtained from various ores such as bornite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and malachite.

• Bornite consists of almost 63.3% copper.
• Chalcocites contain more than 75% copper.
• Malachites are copper carbonate greens.

As for the methods of extraction, there are two main types: underground and open-pit. The underground method involves the creation of mines for ore extraction, while the open-pit method uses explosions to obtain copper ore.

Thus, by learning about how copper is mined, one can better appreciate the significance of this metal and its importance in the modern world.