Copper is one of the most important metals of the modern era.
It is used almost everywhere thanks to its durability, corrosion resistance, and strong thermal and electrical conductivity.
Such traits make the metal a key cog in construction, power grids, transportation, household appliances, and consumer electronics.
And as the world electrifies, the strategic importance of copper is rising.
Electric vehicles (EVs) require about four times more copper than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
And AI data centres depend heavily on the metal for power distribution and cooling.
Together, these factors point to a strong long-term growth profile for global copper demand.
In turn, some of the world's largest mining companies have been growing their exposure to copper over the past few years.
These include ASX 200 mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO).
But which ASX 200 mining stocks rank amongst the biggest copper producers globally?
Recent analysis from industry expert Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has revealed the world's top 25 copper miners, based on production during the third quarter of 2026.
Below, we present the five ASX 200 mining stocks that made the list.
BHP shares take gold
According to Benchmark's analysis, BHP was the world's biggest copper miner in the third quarter of the year.
The Big Australian stood at the top of the podium after producing nearly 500,000 tonnes of the metal during the period.
American outfit Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE: FCX) claimed silver with 414,000 tonnes, and Chilean state-owned miner Codelco took bronze with about 304,000 tonnes.
4 other ASX 200 mining stocks make the list
Rio Tinto captured seventh spot on the coveted list after churning out 204,000 tonnes of copper during the quarter.
However, no other ASX 200 mining stocks finished in the top ten.
Pure-play copper miner Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) was the next best ASX 200 mining stock, finishing in 18th place.
The Canadian-based outfit produced a touch over 55,000 tonnes of the metal from its portfolio of assets in the Americas.
Somewhat surprisingly, Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) also made the list as the world's 20th largest copper miner.
To elaborate, the company is best known for being the number one gold producer on the planet.
However, it also churned out 35,000 tonnes of copper during the quarter.
Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) was the final ASX 200 mining stock to rank amongst the world's leading copper miners.
It produced more than 24,000 tonnes of the metal to take 24th spot.
Copper price overview
The copper price has rallied by more than 20% in 2025, climbing to about US$10,700 per tonne at the time of writing
For comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has lifted by around 3.8% during the same timeframe.
However, some analysts are forecasting even stronger gains ahead.
For instance, JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) believes that a widening global supply deficit could drive copper prices to US$12,000 per tonne by the first quarter of next year.
