Copper—one of the most important industrial and infrastructure metals—plays a central role in the energy economy, urban development, new technologies and advanced industries. The latest global data for 2024 shows that the distribution of copper reserves worldwide gives certain countries decisive weight in the market, a factor that greatly elevates their geo-economic significance.
According to the report, Chile, holding 20% of the world’s copper reserves, stands as the unrivalled leader in this field—a position built on decades of structural investment, policy stability and professional mine management. The country’s long-standing presence at the top of the list of producers and reserve-holders has made it a price-setting force in global markets.
Australia and Peru follow, each with a 10% share, ranked second and third. With strong infrastructure, transparent regulations and active engagement with global markets, both countries have succeeded in consolidating their share. Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo come next, each with an 8% share—two countries with very different economic structures but both playing notable roles in supplying the world’s copper thanks to the sheer scale of their mineral belts.
In this landscape, Iran’s 5% share of global reserves gives it an important and steadily rising position. This volume places Iran among countries with significant deposits—capacity that, if tapped wisely, could become a driver of downstream industrial development, non-oil export growth and a stronger Iranian role in the global supply chain. Major mines such as Sarcheshmeh, Miduk and Sungun—pillars of the country’s copper reserves—provide the foundation for Iran to evolve into a regional production hub.
The chart also shows that 44% of global reserves belong to other countries—a share whose distribution reflects a relatively broad geographical spread across continents. This substantial volume has intensified competition among investors and governments to expand exploration and improve extraction technologies.
Overall, the 2024 data shows that Iran now stands alongside major global players and has the opportunity—through precise policymaking, the development of modern technologies and improved efficiency—to multiply its share in the global value creation of copper.