Copper-tunity comes knocking as industry leaders gather in Adelaide
Nearly 600 delegates from around the world are gathering in Adelaide over the next two days as Australia's premier copper conference, Copper to the World 2026, gets underway at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The event brings together miners, explorers, investors, equipment suppliers, researchers, technology providers and policymakers to explore the opportunities and challenges facing one of the world's most critical commodities.
South Australia is home to almost two-thirds of Australia's known copper resources, some of the world's most significant copper deposits, and a mining sector delivering record results.
In the year to June 2026, the state’s copper exports reached a record $5.3 billion, helping drive a record $7 billion in energy and mining exports and reinforcing the state's position as Australia's copper capital.
The conference comes at a pivotal time, with global demand for copper surging through investment in electrification, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, data centres and advanced manufacturing.
The event will examine the future of copper demand, emerging technologies, investment opportunities, downstream processing, productivity improvements and the development of internationally competitive supply chains.
For South Australia, Copper to the World 2026 provides an opportunity to showcase the state's resource potential, skilled workforce, stable investment environment and growing innovation ecosystem to industry leaders from around the world.
Quotes
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
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.
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.
Copper has played a central role in South Australia's economic story for more than 180 years, from the discoveries that earned the colony the title of "Australia's Copper Kingdom" through to the world-class operations and emerging projects driving growth today.
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.