Copper: five questions about Tibet’s strategic importance answered

China accounts for around half of global copper smelting capacity, creating huge domestic demand for copper concentrate. Large identified copper resources in Tibet could potentially feed Chinese smelters for decades to come. But is large-scale mining in such an extreme, high-altitude environment commercially viable? 

At the invitation of Zijin Mining, Wood Mackenzie analysts recently completed a rare on-site technical tour of the Julong mine, the world's highest operating copper mine. This field visit provided first-hand insight into China’s high-altitude engineering capabilities, state infrastructure deployment, and upstream project pipeline across the plateau. Fill out the form to download a complimentary insight based on our full report, or read on for five key questions the article addresses.  

What makes Tibet’s copper resource stand out? 

Tibet sits in the Tethys-Himalayan metallogenic domain, where the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates created the conditions for one of the world’s three great porphyry copper systems. The region contains at least 17 large or giant copper deposits, concentrated in three key belts. 

How does Tibet’s resource profile, grade distribution and mineralogy differ from the Andes and the Central African Copperbelt? Download the complimentary insight to find out.    

How much copper is already being mined in Tibet? 

Tibet’s existing copper mining operations comprise three major projects: Julong, Yulong, and Jiama, projected to produce 546 kt of copper in 2026. Located at 5,300 metres above sea level, Julong is the highest large commercial copper mine in the world and already China’s biggest copper operation, with Phase 2 expansion lifting capacity toward 350 ktpd of mill feed.    

How do Yulong and Jiama compare in grade, reserve life, and planned expansions? Read the full analysis in the free insight.    

What further plans are in the pipeline for Tibetan copper? 

Zhunuo is significant among proposed projects as the first mine set to begin production in the western Gangdese Belt. Other key projects include Xiongcun in the central Gangdese Belt and the Duolong copper district in the remote Bangongco-Nujiang Belt in western Tibet. Together, these projects are projected to lift regional mined output above 1.1 Mt by 2030 and 1.5 Mt by 2035.    

What share of Chinese refined copper demand will Tibet meet over the next 10 to 20 years? Download the report to view our long-term production forecasts.    

What challenges need to be addressed to fully exploit Tibet’s copper resources? 

Tibet’s geology is world-class, but developing it is uniquely demanding. Extreme elevation, sub-zero winter temperatures, fractured rock masses, and strict ecological red lines create severe operating drag. Flatter open-pit slopes and prohibitions on acid heap leaching directly shape project designs.    

How do these high-altitude challenges affect C1 cash costs and project capital intensity? Discover our cost curve benchmarking in the complimentary report.    

How is the Chinese government supporting Tibetan copper supply growth? 

Given the constraints Tibet faces, we expect the development of its copper resources will continue to depend on sustained government investment in power grids, transport corridors, and supportive policy frameworks. From the US$167 billion Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower complex to the US$48 billion Sichuan-Tibet Railway, massive state capital is actively de-bottlenecking the plateau.   

What regulatory reforms under the revised Mineral Resources Law are accelerating mine approvals? Find out in the insight.    

Now fill out the form to download your complimentary copy and get the answers to these questions.