Market Survey on Copper - Indian Bureau of Mines

It is seen from the Table 6.4 that the apparent demand has increased
from 496 thousand tonnes in 2009-10 to 1 million tonnes in 2016-17, the
terminal year of 12 th Five Year Plan and with the same growth rate it has
reached 2.3 million tonnes in 2024-25.
As seen from the above table, the total apparent demand of copper will
be 723 thousand tonnes in 2012-13. The present capacity of about one million
tonnes is able to cater to the demand upto 2012-13 if all the plants start
production with their full capacity. There will be demand of concentrates which
are presently being met by imports by Sterlite and Hindalco from their captive
sources abroad as well as from open markets. HCL is also importing
concentrate to feed its smelter.
3. Judgmental Analysis
In all the three cases the demand forecast during 2024-25 of 3.1 million
tonnes is on higher side and is not considered. However, the demand based on
the sectorial growth of 2.3 million tonnes is realistic and hence considered.
This demand is also having implications from sectoral growth of copper
consuming industries. Whereas on the basis of GDP growth of 9%, the demand
of 2.0 million tonnes is slightly on lower side hence not considered. Moreover
it is expected that the GDP growth of the country may increase from 9% to two
digit in near future.
6.2 FUTURE SUPPLY SCENARIO
1. Resources
Resources of copper in the country are mainly located in the states of
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand which together accounted for about
93% of the total resources available at 1394 million tonnes with a metal content
of 11.40 million tonnes.
2. Production of Copper Ore
HCL is the only company in the country producing copper ore from its
mines located in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. In the year 2000-
01, the production of copper ore was 3.49 million tonnes with a grade of 1.07%
Cu, with wide fluctuation during the period 2000-01 to 2007-08 the production
reached up to 3.45 million tonnes in 2008-09 with a grade of 0.92% Cu.
However, there was a fall in production in 2009-10 by 6.50% at 3.23 million
tonnes as compared to the previous year.
The GSI, MECL and other agencies are exploring the possible locations
of copper mineralisation.
As per Hindustan Copper Limited estimates the total copper
mineralisation area in the country is spread over an area of 60,000 sq.km, out of
which only 20,000 sq.km. area has been explored till date and balance 40,000
sq.km area is awaiting exploration.
It is presumed that the exploration in the balance area will ease out the
pressure in indigenous supply of ore. A comprehensive scheme is to be redrawn
for re-exploration of the existing deposits as well as exploring new and
virgin areas for establishing copper resource.
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