Canada holds a rich deposit of copper in its crust. Currently, it is the 10th largest producer of copper in the world, with a production of 544,000 tonnes in 2019. Mining companies that mine copper also mine other metals such as nickel, lead, gold, zinc, etc. The most common ores in Canada are sulfides and porphyry. Copper deposits are spread all across Canada. However, the significant copper-producing states are Ontario and British Columbia. Other states contributing towards the production are Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador. 

Geology

Sudbury Complex in Ontario and Highland valley mines in British Columbia are major copper-producing mines. Porphyry deposits contribute to two-third of the world’s copper, but in Canada, sulfide ores from the majority.

The Highland Valley mine

The largest open-pit copper mine in Canada is owned and run by Teck Resources. The province of British Columbia is mostly unexplored due to most of the deposits being capped by glaciers, but Solaris resources are exploring it.

The Sudbury Complex

This is one of the largest mines in the world and is rich in several metals. The major companies mining here include Vale and KGHM. This mine was discovered by chance in 1885 by railway engineers.

Major Companies Mining Copper in Canada

Copper mining is a massive industry in Canada, and here is a list of major companies mining copper, especially in Ontario:

1. Copper Mountain Mining – This mining giant holds 75% of mining stakes in the copper mountain in British Columbia
2. Imperial Metals – It operates the red Chris copper mine in British Columbia, which produces about 30,000 tonnes per day. It also has operations running at Mount Polley copper-gold mine.
3. KGHM – One of the largest copper-producing companies in the world. KGHM runs the McCreedy West mine in Ontario to extract several metals. Additionally, it is working on an open-pit copper-gold mine in BC called Project Ajax.
4. Teck Resources – Teck Resources holds its functioning majorly in Highland valley copper mine. It also has invested in several exploring projects

Major Copper Exploring Companies in Canada

1. Abacus Mining and Exploration – This company has invested itself in Project Ajax and holds a 20% stake. Additionally, it can gain high interest in Nevada property.
2. Metallis Resources –  A company that is highly focused on exploring nickel, copper, gold, and silver. It functions at Kirkham property in British Columbia.
3. Galore Creek Mining – It is a daughter company of Newmont Mining in BC to explore one of the largest metal deposits in the world.  
4. Solaris Resources Inc – A running exploration project in Canada. The company is highly invested in the Copper industry all over the North and South American continent.
5. Pacific Booker Minerals – It has been invested in central BC on a project called Morrison copper-gold-molybdenum project. 

Conclusion

The copper industry in Canada is very well established and continuously growing. It offers brilliant investing opportunities. The wide range of companies working on the international level is a safe bet and they have a future for substantial growth.