2022 Q1 – Q3 Global Top 10 Mines by Ore Mining Volume

MiningIntelligence recently released its ranking of the world’s top 10 mines based on ore mining volume in the first three quarters of 2022. Notably, all but one mine on the list—Grasberg in Indonesia—are open-pit operations. Glasberg, the world’s second-largest copper mine, transitioned to underground mining in 2020.

1. Escondida, Chile

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Gold, Silver
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry/Secondary Enrichment
• Mining Volume: 97.4 million tons (1st place)
  Operated by BHP Billiton, the world’s leading mining firm, Escondida holds the title of the world’s largest copper mine. However, it currently faces the risk of a miners’ strike, posing potential challenges to its future output.

2. Petaquilla (CobrePanama), Panama

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Gold, Molybdenum, Silver
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry/Secondary Enrichment
• Mining Volume: 75.5 million tons (2nd place)
  Managed by First Quantum Minerals, this Canadian-owned mine secured a new contract from Panama’s Ministry of Trade and Industry this month, ensuring its operational stability.

3. Collahuasi, Chile

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Gold, Molybdenum, Silver
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry
• Mining Volume: 64.2 million tons (3rd place)
  A joint venture between Anglo American and Glencore, Collahuasi maintains its position as a major contributor to global mineral supply.

4. Buenavista, Mexico

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Molybdenum, Silver, Zinc
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry/Secondary Enrichment
• Mining Volume: 55.7 million tons (4th place)
  Southern Copper’s Buenavista mine, which underwent a $1 billion expansion five years ago, continues to enhance its production capacity.

5. Grasberg, Indonesia

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Gold, Silver
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry/Skarn
• Mining Volume: 52.1 million tons (5th place)
  A joint venture between Asahan Aluminum Company (Inalum) and Freeport-McMoRan, Grasberg doubled its copper and gold production following its shift to underground mining two years ago.

6. Aktogay, Kazakhstan

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Gold, Molybdenum, Silver
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry
• Mining Volume: 48.3 million tons (6th place)
  Operated by Kazakhstan Minerals, Aktogay mine remains a key player in Central Asian mining.

7. Fort Knox, Alaska

• Mineral Portfolio: Gold
• Metallogenic Type: Intrusion-Related
• Mining Volume: 43.9 million tons (7th place)
  Last year, Kinross witnessed the first gold production from a new heap leach tank at Fort Knox, marking a significant milestone for the mine.

8. Sentinel, Zambia

• Mineral Portfolio: Cobalt, Copper, Nickel
• Metallogenic Type: Sedimentary
• Mining Volume: 41.5 million tons (8th place)
  First Quantum Mining’s Sentinel Copper Mine plays a crucial role in Zambia’s mining sector.

9. Antamina, Peru

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Lead, Molybdenum, Silver, Zinc
• Metallogenic Type: Skarn
• Mining Volume: 40.1 million tons (9th place)
  A joint venture between BHP Billiton and Glencore, Antamina, Peru’s second-largest copper mine, plans to invest $1.6 billion for expansion, signaling its growth ambitions.

10. Los Bronces, Chile

• Mineral Portfolio: Copper, Molybdenum
• Metallogenic Type: Porphyry
• Mining Volume: 33.6 million tons (10th place)
  Operated by Anglo American, Los Bronces recently secured a water supply deal, ensuring 50% of its consumption needs from 2025 onwards.

These top 10 mines not only reflect the current state of global mining output but also highlight key trends in operational strategies, investment priorities, and resource management, offering valuable insights for mining professionals worldwide.