Copper systems guide
The Copper Supply Chain
Mines, smelters, refineries, fabricators, manufacturers and recyclers.
Systems note: examples are educational; exact performance depends on the site, material, equipment and applicable standards.
Where this fits in the copper system
Mines, smelters, refineries, fabricators, manufacturers and recyclers.
Core concepts
Industrial stages can be separated across countries and regions.
Specifications and quality evidence support trade between stages.
Secondary copper loops back from manufacturing scrap and end-of-life products.
What to watch in practice
Useful measures depend on the exact system, but operators and engineers generally combine material flow, quality, recovery or efficiency, equipment reliability, energy/water use, inventory and downstream requirements rather than optimizing one number in isolation.