U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries: COPPER

COPPER

(Data in thousand metric tons of copper content unless otherwise noted)

Domestic Production and Use: U.S. mine production of copper in 2011 increased slightly to about 1.1 million tons and its value rose to about $10 billion. Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and Montana—in descending order of production—accounted for more than 99% of domestic mine production; copper also was recovered in Idaho and Missouri. Twenty-nine mines recovered copper, 18 of which accounted for about 99% of production. Three primary smelters, 3 electrolytic and 3 fire refineries, and 15 electrowinning facilities operated during the year. Refined copper and scrap were consumed by about 30 brass mills, 15 rod mills, and 500 foundries and miscellaneous consumers. Copper and copper alloy products were used in building construction, 45%; electric and electronic products, 23%; transportation equipment, 12%; consumer and general products, 12%; and industrial machinery and equipment, 8%.[1]

Units of Measure in Mineral Commodity

Units of Measure in Mineral Commodity

1 carat (metric) (diamond) = 200 milligrams
1 flask (fl) = 76 pounds, avoirdupois
1 karat (gold) = one twenty-fourth part
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2046 pounds, avoirdupois
1 long ton (lt) = 2,240 pounds, avoirdupois
1 long ton unit (ltu) = 1% of 1 long ton or 22.4 pounds avoirdupois
long calcined ton (lct) = excludes water of hydration
long dry ton (ldt) = excludes excess free moisture
1 Mcf = 1,000 cubic feet
1 metric ton (t) = 2,204.6 pounds, avoirdupois or 1,000 kilograms
1 metric ton (t) = 1.1023 short ton
1 metric ton unit (mtu) = 1% of 1 metric ton or 10 kilograms
metric dry ton (mdt) = excludes excess free moisture
1 pound (lb) = 453.6 grams
1 short ton (st) = 2,000 pounds, avoirdupois
1 short ton unit (stu) = 1% of 1 short ton or 20 pounds, avoirdupois
short dry ton (sdt) = excludes excess free moisture
1 troy ounce (tr oz) = 1.09714 avoirdupois ounces or 31.103 grams
1 troy pound = 12 troy ounces