Copper and silver ores

2022

Resources and output

As of 31.12.2022, anticipated economic resources of copper and silver ores in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin amounted to 3,562.23 million tonnes of ore yielding 57.33 million tonnes of metallic copper and 166.29 thousand tonnes of silver (Table 1). The resources increased by 351.40 million tonnes (that is by 10.94%) of ore in comparison with the previous year due to: approval of documentation for the Retków-Grodziszcze deposit (+416.02 million tonnes of ore in C₁ category); approval of new documentations with recalculated resources (supplements) for the Nowa Sól deposit (−2.22 million tonnes) and Retków deposit (−17.41 million tonnes); the exploitation (−30.45 million tonnes) and exploitation losses. As a result of approval of above mentioned supplements and a new documentation with recalculated resources (with only anticipated sub-economic resources assessed) for the Głogów deposit, in 2022 the amount of the anticipated economic resources decreased by 216.95 million tonnes (25.83%).

The anticipated economic resources of copper and silver ores in deposits made available by operating mines in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline were equal 1,507.30 million tonnes of ore containing 27.46 million tonnes of copper and 79.61 thousand tonnes of silver. It accounted for 42.31% of the total anticipated economic resources and the share dropped by 6.04%. The economic resources of the exploited deposits amounted to 1,041.79 million tonnes of ore and decreased by 39.39 thousand tonnes (3.64%) in comparison with the previous year. The drop was mainly the result of the exploitation, exploitation losses and approval of a new deposit development plan (supplement) for the Rudna deposit.

The anticipated economic resources of non-exploited copper and silver ores deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even to 1,450 m (considered till now as the anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). During the process of the Mozów, Nowa Sól and Sulmierzyce Północ deposits documentation, the criteria of the limit values of the parameters that define the copper ore deposit differed from the ones included in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment i.a.: the maximum depth of the deposit bottom was increased. Finally, the depth was assumed as follows: for the Mozów deposit – 2,537.00 m (the average 2,471.51 m); for the Nowa Sól deposit – 2,160.53 m (the average 1,975.12 m); for the Sulmierzyce Północ deposit – 2,059.59 m (the average 1,824.92 m).

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2022, the copper-silver ores mining gave 30,452 thousand tonnes of ore with the copper content at 1.45% and the silver content at 50.19 g/t, yielding 443 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,533 tonnes of silver (Table 2). In comparison with 2021, the output of ore increased by 452 thousand tonnes (1.51%), with the recovery of metallic copper on the same level and that of metallic silver increasing by 11 tonnes (0.72%).

According to the report published by the Capital Group KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2022 the smelter production of electrolytic copper amounted to 586.0 thousand tonnes in total, including 381.5 thousand tonnes from own concentrates and 204.5 thousand tonnes from imported inputs. The production of electrolytic copper in comparison with 2021 grew by 8.4 thousand tonnes (1.5%) as a result of increasing imported inputs supply. Imported inputs are in the form of scrap, copper blister and concentrate and allow to effective use of existing technological capabilities of the company. In 2022, the smelter production of silver amounted to 1,298 tonnes – that is by 33.8 tonnes less than in 2021 (the production of Ag in KGHM comes only from its own input). Moreover, in 2022, there were 5,520.87 kg of precious metals produced (TPM – Total Precious Metals – gold, platinum and palladium) both from their own and imported concentrates.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2022.

 

 

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

 

From the domestic copper-silver ores there are also recovered such elements as: Cu, Ag, Au, Pb, Ni, Se and Re, and the sulphuric acid is obtained as a by-product. The most important, regarding an economic value, is the copper and silver recovery. According to the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. information, in 2022 from the copper-silver ores exploited in Poland, apart from Cu, there were also produced: 1,298 tonnes of Ag, 769 kg of Au, 28.77 thousand tonnes of Pb, 2.24 thousand tonnes of NiSO₄, 81.71 tonnes of Se and 6.31 tonnes of Re.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

The total predicted prognostic resources of copper and silver ores in Poland in the stratabound deposits, to the depth of 2,000 m, assessed as the metal content, are equal 10.30 million tonnes of Cu, the prospective resources – 15.67 million tonnes of Cu, whereas the hypothetical resources – 8.76 million tonnes of Cu; regarding silver, the resources volumes are: 37.34 thousand tonnes of Ag, 27.72 thousand tonnes of Ag and 17.92 thousand tonnes of Ag, respectively*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Marcin Tymiński, Andrzej Chmielewski

* Oszczepalski S., Markowiak M., Chmielewski A., 2020 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra (copper and silver ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 127-151. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2021

Resources and output

As of 31.12.2021, anticipated economic resources of copper and silver ores in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin amounted to 3,210.83 million tonnes of ore yielding 53.34 million tonnes of metallic copper and 153.28 thousand tonnes of silver (Table 1). The resources increased by 184.89 million tonnes (that is by 6.11%) of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the approval of 1 new deposit documentation: Mozów (+223.59 million tonnes of ore in C2 category). The total resources balance resulted also from the ongoing exploitation and losses. In 2021 there was also anticipated sub-economic resources growth – by 1.16% due to the documentation of such resources in the Mozów deposit (+9.59 million tonnes).

The anticipated economic resources of copper and silver ores in deposits made available by operating mines in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline were equal 1,552.28 million tonnes containing 28.11 million tonnes of copper and 82.05 thousand tonnes of silver. It accounted for 48.35% of the total anticipated economic resources and the share dropped by 4.23%. The economic resources of the exploited deposits amounted to 1,081.18 million tonnes of ore and decreased by 35.99 thousand tonnes (3.22%) in comparison with the previous year. The drop was mainly the result of the exploitation and losses.

The anticipated economic resources of non-exploited copper and silver ores deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even to 1,450 m (considered till now as the anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). During the process of the Mozów, Nowa Sól and Sulmierzyce Północ deposits documentation, the criteria of the limit values of the parameters that define the copper ore deposit differed from the ones included in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment i.a.: the maximum depth of the deposit bottom was increased. Finally, the depth was assumed as follows: for the Mozów deposit – 2,537.00 m (the average 2,471.51 m); for the Nowa Sól deposit – 2,160.53 m (the average 1,975.12 m); for the Sulmierzyce Północ deposit – 2,059.59 m (the average 1,824.92 m).

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2021, the copper-silver ores mining gave 30,000 thousand tonnes of ore with the copper content at 1.48% and the silver content at 50.73 g/t, yielding 443 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,522 tonnes of silver (Table 2). In comparison with 2020, the output of ore increased by 340 thousand tonnes (1.15%), with the recovery growth both for metallic copper – by 1 thousand tonnes (0.23%) and for metallic silver – by 99 tonnes (6.96%).

According to the report published by the Capital Group KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2021 the mining production of copper in the concentrate (within the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A.) amounted to 391.3 thousand tonnes. The smelter production of electrolytic copper amounted to 577.6 thousand tonnes in total, including 381.4 thousand tonnes from own concentrates. Moreover, in 2021, there was 2,529 kg of gold – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2021.

 

 

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

 

From the domestic copper-silver ores there are also obtained such elements as: Cu, Ag, Au, Pb, Ni, Se, Re, and the sulphuric acid is obtained as a by-product. The most important, regarding an economic value, is the copper and silver recovery. According to the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. information, in 2021 from the copper-silver ores exploited in Poland, there were 1,332 tonnes of Ag, 768 kg of Au, 29.43 thousand tonnes of Pb, 1.97 thousand tonnes of NiSO4, 66.21 tonnes of Se and 9.25 tonnes of Re produced.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

The total predicted prognostic resources of copper and silver ores in Poland in the stratabound deposits, to the depth of 2,000 m, assessed as the metal content, are equal 10.30 million tonnes, the prospective resources – 15.67 million tonnes, whereas the hypothetical resources – 8.76 million tonnes of Cu*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Marcin Tymiński, Andrzej Chmielewski

* Oszczepalski S., Markowiak M., Chmielewski A., 2020 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra (copper and silver ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 127-151. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2020

Resources and output

In 2020 anticipated economic resources in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin amounted to 3,025.94 million tonnes of copper ore yielding 49.94 million tonnes of metallic copper and 149.83 thousand tonnes of silver (Table 1). The resources increased by 1,074.74 million tonnes (that is by 55.08%) of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the approval of the 2 new deposits documentations: Nowa Sól (+848.48 million tonnes of ore in C₂ category) and Sulmierzyce Północ (+267.17 million tonnes of ore: 147.17 million tonnes in C₂ category and 120 million tonnes in D category). The total resources balance resulted also from the ongoing exploitation and losses. In 2020 there was also anticipated sub-economic resources growth – by 3.60% due to the documentation of such resources in Sulmierzyce Północ deposit (+28.87 million tonnes).

The anticipated economic resources of copper and silver ores in deposits made available by operating mines in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline were equal 1,590.98 million tonnes containing 28.99 million tonnes of copper and 84.32 thousand tonnes of silver. It accounted for 52.58% of the total anticipated economic resources and the share dropped by 5.71%. The economic resources of the exploited deposits amounted to 1,117.17 million tonnes of ore and decreased by 40.11 thousand tonnes (3.47%) in comparison with the previous year. The drop was the result of the exploitation and losses.

The anticipated economic resources of non-exploited copper and silver ores deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even to 1,450 m (considered till now as the anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). However, during the process of Nowa Sól and Sulmierzyce Północ deposits documentation, the criteria of the limit values of the parameters that define the copper ore deposit differed from the ones included in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment i.a.: the maximum depth of the deposit bottom was increased. Finally, the depth for Nowa Sól deposit was equal 2,160 m (the average 1,975 m) and for Sulmierzyce Północ it was 2,060 m (the average 1,825 m).

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2020, the copper and silver mining gave 29,660 thousand tonnes of copper ore with the copper content at 1.49% and the silver content at 47.98 g/t, yielding 442 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,423 tonnes of silver (Table 2). In comparison with 2019, the output of copper and silver ore decreased by 221 thousand tonnes (0.74%), with the slightly drop of the recovery of metallic copper – by 7 thousand tonnes (1.56%) and metallic silver – by 32 tonnes (2.20%).

In 2020, the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 560.4 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 413.3 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 147.0 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there was 3,011 kg of gold – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2020.

 

 

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

 

From the domestic copper and silver ores there are also obtained such elements as: Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Se, Re, and the sulphuric acid is obtained as a by-product. The most important, considering the economic value, is the silver recovery. According to the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. information, in 2020 from the copper ore exploited in Poland, there were 1,323 tonnes of Ag, 878 kg of Au, 28.79 thousand tonnes of Pb, 2.06 thousand tonnes of NiSO4, 73.80 tonnes of Se and 9.51 tonnes of Re produced.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

The total predicted prognostic resources of copper and silver ores in Poland in the stratabounnd deposits, to the depth of 2,000 m, assessed as the metal content, are equal 10.30 million tonnes, the prospective resources – 15.67 million tonnes, whereas the hypothetical resources – 8.76 million tonnes of Cu*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

* Oszczepalski S., Markowiak M., Chmielewski A., 2020 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra (copper and silver ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 127-151. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

Resources and output

In 2019 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,951.20 million tonnes yielding 34.75 million tonnes of metallic copper and 103.57 thousand tonnes of silver (table 1). The resources increased by 45.55 million tonnes (that is by 2.39%) of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the new deposit Żary documentation (+76.69 million tonnes of ore). The resources changed also in the result of the ongoing exploitation and losses.

The anticipated economic resources of copper ore in deposits made available by operating mines in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline were equal 1,631.89 million tonnes containing 29.81 million tonnes of copper and 87.14 thousand tonnes of silver. It accounted for 58.29% of the total anticipated economic resources and the share dropped by 28.98%. the economic resources of the exploited deposits amounted to 1,157.28 million tonnes and decreased by 31.23 thousand tonnes (2.63%) in comparison with the previous year. The drop was the result of the exploitation and losses.

The anticipated economic resources of non-exploited copper ore deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even to 1,450 m (considered till now as the anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). In 2019, there was Żary deposit documented and its resources were established in category D to be equal 76.69 million tonnes of ore. Unfortunately, the information on the detailed location and the deposit parameters, described in the documentation, is not publically available due to the decision of the Minister of the Environment.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2019, the copper mining gave 29,881 thousand tonnes of copper ore with the copper content at 1.50% and the silver content at 48.69 g/t, yielding 449 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,455 tonnes of silver (table 2). In comparison with 2018, the output of copper ore decreased by 371 thousand tonnes (1.23%), with the recovery of metallic copper decreasing by 3 thousand tonnes (0.66%) and the output of metallic silver dropped by 16 tonnes (1.09%).

In 2019, the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 565.6 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 418.3 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 147.3 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there was 3,225 kg of gold – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2019.

 

 

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

 

From the domestic copper ores there are also obtained such elements as: Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Se, Re, and the sulphuric acid is obtained as a by-product. The most important, considering the economic value, is the silver recovery. According to the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. information, in 2019 from the copper ore exploited in Poland, there were 1,400 tonnes of Ag, 674 kg of Au, 28.51 thousand tonnes of Pb, 1.99 thousand tonnes of NiSO4, 75.76 tonnes of Se and 8.34 tonnes of Re produced.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

The total predicted prognostic resources of copper and silver ores in Poland in the stratabounnd deposits, to the depth of 2,000 m, assessed as the metal content, are equal 10.30 million tonnes, the prospective resources – 15.67 million tonnes, whereas the hypothetical resources – 8.76 million tonnes of Cu*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

* Oszczepalski S., Markowiak M., Chmielewski A., 2020 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra (copper and silver ores)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 127-151. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2018

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits, then the sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of a high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschiefer formation (sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits – SSC, Kupferschiefer-type). Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the Zechstein copper-bearing shales as well as underlying sandstones and overlying dolomites and limestones. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprise 3 separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales in the middle and dolomitic limestones in the upper part. The strongest copper mineralization occur in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc, cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposits area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, the Żary Pericline and the North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources assessed for 6 selected regions – designated within the nearest surroundings of the documented deposits – of a total area equal 132 km² amount to 10.3 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,700 m), perspective resources within 4 selected regions of a total area equal 199 km² amount to 15.7 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,900 m) and hypothetical resources within 28 regions of a total area equal 1,414 km² amount to 152.8 million tonnes, including 8.2 million tonnes at the depth to 2,000 m and 144.6 million tonnes at the depth below 2,000 m*.

In 2018 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,905.65 million tonnes yielding 34.04 million tonnes of metallic copper and 103.28 thousand tonnes of silver (table 1). The resources decreased by 26.30 million tonnes (1.36%) of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses.

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in deposits made available by operating mines in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,663.03 million tonnes containing 30.38 million tonnes of copper and 86.85 thousand tonnes of silver. It accounts for 87.27% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of the exploited deposits amount to 1,188.51 million tonnes and decreased by 25.24 thousand tonnes (2.08%) in comparison with the previous year. The drop was the result of the exploitation and losses.

Anticipated economic resources of non-exploited copper ore deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even to 1,450 m (anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). Their standalone development would be very difficult but possible when using the providing excavations from existing neighboring mines or by a new mines construction.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2018, the copper mining gave 30,252 thousand tonnes of copper ore with the copper content at 1.49% and the silver content at 48.6 g/t, yielding 452 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,471 tonnes of silver (table 2). In comparison with 2017, the output of copper ore decreased by 933 thousand tonnes (2.99%), with the recovery of metallic copper decreasing by 15 thousand tonnes (2.99%) and the production of metallic silver slightly dropped by 19 tonnes (1.28%).

In 2018 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 501.8 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 385.3 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 116.5 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there was 2,587 kg of gold, platinum and palladium and 9.09 tonnes of renium – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2018.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Se, Re and sulfuric acid as a by-product. The recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2018 the copper ore processing was accompanied by a production of 1,189 tonnes of silver, 523 kilograms of gold, 27.21 thousand tonnes of lead, 1.73 thousand tonnes of nickel sulphate and 66.36 tonnes of selenium.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

*Oszczepalski S., Speczik S., 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 76-93. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2017

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of a high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschiefer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprise 3 separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales in the middle and dolomitic limestones in the upper part. The strongest copper mineralization occur in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc, cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposits area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, the Żary Pericline and the North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources assessed for 6 selected regions – designated within the nearest surroundings of the documented eposits – of a total area equal 132 km² amount to 10.3 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,700 m), perspective resources within 4 selected regions of a total area equal 199 km² amount to 15.7 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,900 m) and hypothetical resources within 28 regions of a total area equal 1,414 km² amount to 152.8 million tonnes, including 8.2 million tonnes at the depth to 2,000 m and 144.6 million tonnes at the depth below 2,000 m*.

In 2017 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,931.95 million tonnes with metallic copper equal 34.59 million tonnes and silver equal 104.47 thousand tonnes (Table 1). The resources decreased by 16.60 million tonnes of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses.

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,689.33 million tonnes (30.93 million tonnes of metallic copper and 88.04 thousand tonnes of silver). It accounts for about 87.44% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,213.75 million tonnes and increased by 70.36 thousand tonnes (6.15%) in comparison with the previous year. The growth was the result of a new deposit development plan (the mining area Gaworzyce – 71.10 thousand tonnes) prepared for Radwanice-Gaworzyce deposit and of a new deposit development plan with recalculated resources prepared for Sieroszowice deposit (6.86 thousand tonnes).

Anticipated economic resources within non-exploited deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even at 1,450 m (anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). Their standalone development would be very difficult but possible when using the providing excavations from existing neighboring mines or by a new mines construction.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2017, the copper mining gave 31,185 thousand tonnes of copper ore with the copper content at 1.50% and the silver content at 47.8 g/t, yielding 467 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,490 tonnes of silver. In comparison with 2016, the production of copper ore decreased by 799 thousand tonnes (2.50%), with the recovery of metallic copper decreasing by 13 thousand tonnes (2.71%) and the production of metallic silver slightly increasing – by 8 thousand tonnes (0.54%).

In 2017 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 522.0 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 358.9 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates, 148.0 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates and 15.1 thousand tonnes from the processed scrap. Moreover, there was 3,648 kg of gold, platinum and palladium and 10.93 tonnes of renium – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2017.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se, Re and sulfuric acid as a by-product. The recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2017 the copper processing was accompanied by a recovery of 1,218 tonnes of silver, 571.7 tonnes of gold, 26.00 thousand tonnes of lead, 1.79 thousand tonnes of nickel sulphate, 73.90 tonnes of selenium, 39.20 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate and sulfuric acid and copper sulfides.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

*Oszczepalski S., Speczik S., 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 76-93. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2016

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of a high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and the North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschiefer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprise three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales in the middle and dolomitic limestones in the upper part. The strongest copper mineralization is in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc, cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposits area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, the Żary Pericline and the North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources assessed for six selected regions of a total area equal 132 km² amount to 10.3 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,700 m), perspective resources within four selected regions of a total area equal 199 km² amount to 15.7 million tonnes of copper (at the depth to 1,900 m) and hypothetical resources within 28 regions of a total area equal 1,414 km² amount to 152.8 million tonnes, including 8.2 million tonnes at the depth to 2,000 and 144.6 million tonnes at the depth below 2,000 m*.

In 2016 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,948.55 million tonnes with metallic copper equal 35.06 million tonnes and silver equal 105.84 thousand tonnes (table 1). The resources decreased by 27.49 million tonnes of ore in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses.

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,705.93 million tonnes (31.40 million tonnes of metallic copper and 89.42 thousand tonnes of silver). It accounts for about 87% of total anticipated economic resources – the growth casued by new exploitation concession issued for Radwanice-Gaworzyce deposit. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,143.39 million tonnes.

Anticipated economic resources within non-exploited deposits occur mainly at the depth within the range of 1,000 m and 1,250 m, sometimes even at 1,450 m (anticipated sub-economic due to the depth). Their standalone development would be very difficult but possible when using the providing excavations from existing neighboring mines or by a new mines construction.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2016, copper mining gave 31,984 thousand tonnes of copper ore with copper content at 1.50% and silver content at 46.3 g/t, yielding 480 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,482 tonnes of silver. In comparison with 2015, production of copper ore slightly increased (by 1.32%), with recovery of silver and production of metallic copper increasing by 5.33% and 0.21% respectively.

In 2016 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 536 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 376 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 160 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there was 3,539 kg of gold, platinum and palladium and 9.31 tonnes of renium – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2016.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se, Re and sulfuric acid is a by-product. Recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2016 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,191 tonnes of silver, 402 tonnes of gold, 26.06 thousand tonnes of lead, 2.74 thousand tonnes of nickel sulphate, 81.66 tonnes of selenium, 174 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate and sulfuric acid and copper sulfides.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

*Oszczepalski S., Speczik S., 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 76-93. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2015

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschiefer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprises three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales and dolomitic limestones in upper part. The strongest copper mineralization occurs in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the copper-bearing shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc, cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposits area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Żary Pericline and North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources amounted to 22.7 million tonnes of copper (5 regions with the area of 253 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m), perspective resources amounted to 5.94 million tonnes of copper (7 regions with the area of 114 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m) and hypothetical resources to 229.1 million tonnes – including 42.7 million tonnes to the depth of 2,000 m and 186.4 million tonnes below 2,000 m depth (11 regions with the area of 1,830 km²)*.

In 2015 anticipated economic resources of copper ore within the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,976.04 million tonnes with metallic copper amounted to 35.57 million tonnes and silver amounted to 107.46 thousand tonnes (table 1). The resources increased by 239.16 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. It was due to the documentation of a new deposit – Radwanice-Gaworzyce (+344.30 million tonnes). The resources drop was caused by the crossing three deposits out from “The balance…”: Gaworzyce (−54.39 million tonnes), Radwanice-Wschód (−5.95 million tonnes) and Radwanice-Zachód (−18.58 million tonnes). All of them were subsumed into the Radwanice-Gaworzyce area. The resources decline also due to the exploitation and losses.

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,389.12 million tonnes (27.18 million tonnes of metallic copper and 81.95 thousand tonnes of silver) – it accounts for about 70% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,162.24 million tonnes.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2015, copper mining gave 31,568 thousand tonnes of copper ore (with copper content at 1.52% and silver content at 44.6 g/t) yielding 479 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,407 tonnes of silver (table 2). In comparison with the year 2014, production of copper ore slightly increased (by 1.8%), with recovery of silver and production of metallic copper increasing by 1.7% and 1.3% respectively.

In 2015 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 574.3 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 420.5 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 153.8 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there were 2,703 kg of gold and 9.17 tonnes of rhenium – both from their own and imported concentrates – produced.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2015.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se, Re and sulfuric acid as a by-product. Recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2015 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,283 tonnes of silver, 431 tonnes of gold, 29 thousand tonnes of lead, 2.97 thousand tonnes of nickel sulphate, 86.98 tonnes of selenium, 137 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate and sulfuric acid and copper sulfides.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

*Oszczepalski S., Speczik S., 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 76-93. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2014

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschifer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlaying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprises three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales and dolomitic limestones in upper part. Copper mineralization is the strongest in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposit area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Żary Pericline and North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources amounted to 22.7 million tonnes of copper (5 regions with the area of 253 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m), perspective resources amounted to 5.94 million tonnes of copper (7 regions with the area of 114 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m) and hypothetical resources to 229.1 million tonnes – including 42.7 million tonnes to the depth of 2,000 m and 186.4 million tonnes below 2,000 m depth (11 regions with the area of 1,830 km²)⁽¹⁾.

In 2014 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,736.88 million tonnes with metallic copper amounted to 33.22 million tonnes and silver amounted to 102.11 thousand tonnes (table 1). The resources decreased by 25.08 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year (mainly due to the output). The exploitaion from Radwanice-Wschód deposit was revived in 2014.

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits in the area of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,421.30 million tonnes (27.81 million tonnes of metallic copper and 82.96 thousand tonnes of silver) – it accounts for about 82% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,190.97 million tonnes.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2014, copper mining gave 31,023 thousand tonnes of copper ore (with copper content at 1.52%) yielding 473 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,384 tonnes of silver. In comparison with the year 2013, production of copper ore slightly increased (by 1.2%), while recovery of silver and production of metallic copper decreased subtly – by 0.6% and 1.9% respectively.

In 2014 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 576.9 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, including 420.4 thousand tonnes from their own concentrates and 156.5 thousand tonnes from imported concentrates. Moreover, there was 2,575 kg of gold and 7.71 tonnes of renium – both from their own and imported concentrates.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2014.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se, Re and sulfuric acid is a by-product. Recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2014 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,256.2 tonnes of silver, 226.1 tonnes of gold, 27.11 thousand tonnes of lead, 2.66 thousand tonnes of nickel sulphate, 89.77 tonnes of selenium and 137.2 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate and sulfuric acid and copper sulfides.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

⁽¹⁾Oszczepalski S., Speczik S., 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 76-93. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2013

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschifer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlaying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprises three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales and dolomitic limestones in upper part. Copper mineralization is the strongest in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposit area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Żary Pericline and North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources amounted to 22.7 million tonnes of copper (5 regions with the area of 253 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m), perspective resources amounted to 5.94 million tonnes of copper (7 regions with the area of 114 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m) and hypothetical resources to 229.1 million tonnes – including 42.7 million tonnes to the depth of 2,000 m and 186.4 million tonnes below 2,000 m depth (11 regions with the area of 1,830 km²)⁽¹⁾.

In 2013 anticipated economic resources of copper ore in the areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin amounted to 1,761.96 million tonnes with metallic copper amounted to 33.78 million tonnes and silver amounted to 103.18 thousand tonnes (table 1). The resources decreased by 30.57 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year (mainly due to the output).

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits in the are of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline are equal 1,446.38 million tonnes (28.37 million tonnes of metallic copper and 84.03 thousand tonnes of silver) – it accounts for about 82% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,205.27 million tonnes.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2013, copper mining produced 30,647 thousand tonnes of copper ore (with copper content at 1.57%) yielding 482 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,393 tonnes of silver. In comparison with the year 2012, production of copper ore, recovery of silver and production of metallic copper slightly increased – by 1.5%, 3.8% and 0.6% respectively.

In 2013 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 565.2 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, 1,066 kg of gold and 7.53 tonnes of renium – both from their own and imported concentrates.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2013.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se, Re and sulfuric acid is a by-product. Recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2013 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,161.1 tonnes of silver, 431.3 kg of gold, 26.71 thousand tonnes of lead, 2.76 thousand tonnes of nickel sulfides, 80.21 tonnes of selenium, 176.7 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate and sulfuric acid and copper sulfides.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

⁽¹⁾ S. Oszczepalski, S. Speczik, 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.

2012

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschifer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlaying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprises three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales and dolomitic limestones in upper part. Copper mineralization is the strongest in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposit area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Żary Pericline and North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources amounted to 22.7 million tonnes of copper (5 regions with the area of 253 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m), perspective resources amounted to 5.94 million tonnes of copper (7 regions with the area of 114 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m) and hypothetical resources to 229.1 million tonnes – including 42.7 million tonnes to the depth of 2,000 m and 186.4 million tonnes below 2,000 m depth (11 regions with the area of 1,830 km²)⁽¹⁾.

In 2012 anticipated economic resources of copper ore amounted to 1,792.53 million tonnes with metallic copper amounted to 34.36 million tonnes and silver amounted to 104.90 thousand tonnes (table 1). Anticipated economic resources of copper ore decreased by 17.91 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year (mainly due to the output).

Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits are equal 1,476.95 million tonnes (28.95 million tonnes of metallic copper and 85.75 thousand tonnes of silver) – it accounts for 82% of total anticipated economic resources. Economic resources of these deposits amounted to 1,235.57 million tonnes.

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2012, copper mining gave 30,182 thousand tonnes of copper ore (with copper content at 1.59%) yielding 479 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,342 tonnes of silver. In comparison with the year 2011, production of copper ore increased by 31% and recovery of silver increased by 4.4% whereas the production of metallic copper decreased by 17.9%.

In 2012 the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. produced 566 thousand tonnes of electrolytic copper, 916 kg of gold and 11.63 tonnes of ammonium perrhenate – both from their own and imported concentrates.

Figures below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2012.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se and Re. Recovery of silver is of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2012 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,273.8 tonnes of silver, 469.3 kg of gold, 30.0 thousand tonnes of lead, 2.6 thousand tones of nickel sulfides, 90.17 tonnes of selenium and 89.1 kg of Pt-Pd concentrate.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

⁽¹⁾ S. Oszczepalski, S. Speczik, 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.

2011

Copper ore deposits occur in several countries throughout the world and under various geological conditions. The most important are porphyry copper deposits as well as sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits and the exhalative-sedimentary ones (massive pyrite ores). Moreover, there are other igneous copper ores of various types, generally characterized by smaller resources but sometimes of high economic value.

Polish copper ores belong to the stratabound type. The deposits are situated in areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline and North Sudetic Basin in the Lower Silesia and related to the Zechstein Kupferschifer formation. Minerals containing copper and other metals are mainly concentrated in the copper-bearing shales as well as underlaying sandstones and overlying dolomites. Deposits of the largest economic importance are those from the vicinities of Lubin in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

The copper-bearing series comprises three separate lithological layers: sandstones at the base, clay-marly or dolomitic shales and dolomitic limestones in upper part. Copper mineralization is the strongest in the black clay shales which, therefore, are named the Copper-bearing Shales. The major copper minerals of the ores include: chalcocite (Cu₂S), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). They are accompanied by numerous other minerals of copper, silver (including native silver), lead, zinc cobalt and nickel.

The copper deposit area extends in a belt 60 km long and 20 km wide, from Lubin in the south-east to Bytom Odrzański in the north-west. This is actually a single deposit area in which copper ores are currently exploited in the Lubin, Polkowice-Sieroszowice and Rudna mines.

Copper ore deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

In areas of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Żary Pericline and North Sudetic Basin prognostic resources amounted to 22.7 million tonnes of copper (5 regions with the area of 253 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m), perspective resources amounted to 5.94 million tonnes of copper (7 regions with the area of 114 km², maximum depth of 2,000 m) and hypothetical resources to 229.1 million tonnes – including 42.7 million tonnes to the depth of 2,000 m and 186.4 million tonnes below 2,000 m depth (11 regions with the area of 1,830 km²)⁽¹⁾.

In 2011 anticipated economic resources of copper ore amounted to 1,810.44 million tonnes with metallic copper amounted to 34.87 million tonnes and silver amounted to 107.37 thousand tonnes (table 1). Anticipated economic resources of copper ore increased by 57.56 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. Anticipated economic resources of copper ore in exploited deposits are equal 1,494.85 million tonnes (29.45 million tonnes of metallic copper and 88.22 thousand tonnes os silver).

Table 1. Copper and silver ores

In 2011, copper mining gave 22,985 thousand tonnes of copper ore yielding 459 thousand tonnes of metallic copper and 1,635 tonnes of silver. In comparison with the year 2010, production of copper ore and recovery of silver increased (by 2% and 33% respectively).

Figures given below shows resources and production of copper ores and changes in resources and output of copper in Poland in the years 1989-2011.

The figure given below shows resources and output of silver in the same period.

Other metals recovered from copper ores include Ag, Au, Ni, Pb, Pt-Pd, Se and Re. Recovery of silver is here of the largest economic importance. According to the data provided by the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A., in 2011 the copper processing was accompanied by recovery of 1,259.6 tonnes of silver, 510.1 kg of gold and 30.0 thousand tonnes of lead.

Table 2. List of copper and silver ores deposits

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon, Stanisław Z. Mikulski, Sławomir Oszczepalski, Marcin Tymiński

⁽¹⁾ S. Oszczepalski, S. Speczik, 2011 – ‘Rudy miedzi i srebra’ w ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.