The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerged as the world’s second-largest copper producer in 2023, surpassing Peru in output but still falling behind in exports, according to official data from both countries. The DRC reported a copper production of approximately 2.84 million tons last year, overtaking Peru’s output of 2.76 million tons. Despite this production milestone, Peru maintains a lead over the DRC in copper exports, with shipments totaling 2.95 million tons in 2023, including sales of accumulated stocks from previous years. Peru’s mining sector, nestled in the Andes region, hosts major industry players such as Freeport-McMoRan, BHP, Glencore, and Teck Resources. While Peru aims to boost copper production to 3 million tons in 2024, the DRC’s ascent in global copper production reflects a shifting landscape influenced by mining investments, regulatory environments, and geopolitical factors. As Chile retains its position as the top global copper producer, the competition between the DRC and Peru underscores the evolving dynamics of the copper market and the strategic significance of these key mining nations.
DR Congo Surpasses Peru in Copper Production, Trails in Exports