Copper Mining

Copper is a reddish chemical element, an extremely ductile metal and is second only to silver as a conductor of electricity and heat. It has a pleasing color and luster, it takes a high polish, and it forms alloys readily with almost all metals.

Copper found in the free metallic state in nature is called "native copper." It is found throughout the world as a primary mineral in basaltic lavas. The greatest known deposit of copper is in porphyries formed by volcanic activity in the Chile's Andean Mountains. Copper was named for the island of Cyprus, where the Romans obtained their supply.