In this global context, several Chinese and Chinese-controlled overseas copper projects are also moving steadily toward development.
(1) Duolong Copper Mine — China’s Only Remaining Undeveloped World-Class Deposit
Location: Wuma Township, Gaize County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Resource: Proven copper reserves of 20 million tons, with total ore resources of 1.44 billion tons at an average grade of 0.48%
Ownership: Shudao Group (40%), Hongda Co., Ltd. (30%), Tibet Shengyuan Mining Group (30%)
Status: Transitioning from exploration to mining (“exploration-to-mining” stage)
The Duolong Copper Deposit sits at the heart of the Duolong Ore Cluster, China’s first world-class super-large copper mineralization zone, located in the mountainous and valley-rich highlands of northern Tibet. It is considered one of the most valuable undeveloped copper deposits both in China and globally.
The deposit’s designed annual mining capacity is 75 million tons, using open-pit mining, with a total mine life of 24 years (including a two-year construction phase). Based on the average copper grade, Duolong’s annual copper output is estimated to reach 360,000 tons.
Development is led by Tibet Hongda Duolong Mining Co., Ltd., jointly owned by Shudao Group (40%), Hongda Co., Ltd. (30%), and Tibet Shengyuan Mining Group (30%).
(2) Aynak Copper Mine — Seventeen Years in Waiting Finally Realized
Location: Logar Province, Afghanistan
Resource: Proven ore reserves exceeding 705 million tons, with an average copper grade of 1.56%, containing more than 10 million tons of copper metal
Ownership: MCC Copper & Zinc Co., Ltd. (75%), Jiangxi Copper Corporation (25%)
Status: Concession awarded in 2007, contract signed in 2008, project officially relaunched in 2024
The Aynak Copper Mine is one of the world’s largest untapped copper deposits, known for its high grade and significant scale. Its proven reserves exceed 705 million tons of ore with an average copper content of 1.56%, making it a globally significant resource.
A consortium formed by China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) and Jiangxi Copper signed a development agreement with Afghanistan on May 25, 2008, securing 100% mining rights. Although construction began in 2009, progress was repeatedly delayed by local opposition, armed attacks, archaeological discoveries, and political instability.
After 17 years of delays, the project officially restarted on July 24, 2024. In August 2025, a key access road to the mine was completed, and MCC announced plans to begin copper extraction by late 2025. Once operational, the mine is expected to produce 220,000 tons of refined copper annually.
(3) Rio Blanco (White River) Copper-Molybdenum Mine — Zijin Mining’s Flagship in Peru
Location: Piura Region, northern Peru
Resource: 11.32 million tons of copper and 458,000 tons of molybdenum
Ownership: Zijin Mining Group (51%), Tongling Nonferrous Metals (35%), Xiamen C&D Co., Ltd. (14%)
Status: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) amendment completed in 2024; project in preparatory stage
The Rio Blanco Copper-Molybdenum Mine ranks among the world’s top ten undeveloped copper deposits. It is a world-class, super-large, low-grade porphyry deposit located within the Andean magmatic arc spanning northern Peru and southern Ecuador — an area with immense exploration potential.
In 2007, Zijin Mining Group acquired Monterrico Metals plc (UK) for approximately USD 200 million, gaining control over the Rio Blanco copper and molybdenum mining rights. Zijin holds 51% equity in the project, Tongling Nonferrous Metals 35%, and Xiamen C&D 14%. The mine is designed for open-pit extraction, with an annual copper production capacity of 200,000 tons.
Conclusion
Each of these world-class copper projects — Duolong in Tibet, Aynak in Afghanistan, and Rio Blanco in Peru — faces unique challenges ranging from environmental concerns and social resistance to geopolitical instability.
However, with advancing technologies and growing global demand for copper in the energy transition era, these mines are now progressing toward development. Once brought into production, they are expected to play a crucial role in shaping global copper supply and strengthening China’s strategic position in the global copper market.
Source：tongdow.com
