Adelaide is turning its attention to one of the world’s most in-demand commodities, with nearly 600 industry leaders from around the globe arriving in the city for Copper to the World 2026.
Australia’s premier copper conference is underway at the Adelaide Convention Centre, bringing together miners, explorers, investors, equipment suppliers, researchers, technology providers and policymakers for two days of discussions about the future of the industry.
And South Australia has plenty to put on the table. The state is home to almost two-thirds of Australia’s known copper resources, including some of the world’s most significant deposits, while its mining industry continues to deliver record results.
In the year to June 2026, South Australia’s copper exports reached a record $5.3 billion, contributing to a record $7 billion in total energy and mining exports.
Copper is increasingly important to the technologies shaping the future, with demand being driven by electrification, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced manufacturing.
Over the two-day conference, delegates will explore the future of copper demand, emerging technologies, investment opportunities, downstream processing and ways to improve productivity, while also examining how internationally competitive supply chains can be developed.
For South Australia, the event provides a chance to put the state’s resources, skilled workforce, investment environment and growing innovation sector in front of some of the biggest names in the global industry.
Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said, “South Australia is Australia’s copper capital, so there is no better place to host the nation’s premier copper conference.
“We hold almost two-thirds of Australia’s known copper resources and this year our copper exports reached a record $5.3 billion, underlining the critical role our state is playing in meeting growing global demand.”
While copper has been central to South Australia’s economy for more than 180 years, the minister said its importance was only expected to grow as the world shifted towards cleaner energy and increasingly advanced technology.
“As the world electrifies and invests in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, demand for copper is set to grow dramatically.
“South Australia has the resources, projects, expertise and investment opportunities needed to help power that future.”
The state’s copper story dates back to the early discoveries that earned South Australia the nickname ‘Australia’s Copper Kingdom’, with the industry continuing to evolve through major existing operations and emerging projects.
“Copper to the World brings global attention to our state and provides a valuable opportunity to showcase why South Australia is one of the world’s most attractive jurisdictions for copper investment and development,” shared Koutsantonis.
