Chemistry:International Copper Study Group
The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) is an intergovernmental organisation of copper producing and consuming states that functions as the international commodity board for copper. Its main purpose is to increase copper market transparency and promote international discussions and cooperation on issues related to copper. As of 2019, ICSG Share in the World Copper Market represents 82 percent of world copper mine production, 87 percent of world copper refined production and 83 percent of the world copper refined usage. The creation of the ICSG was negotiated in 1989 in Geneva and was agreed to in a multilateral treaty known as the 'Agreement establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Copper Study Group'. The ICSG came into existence on 23 January 1992, with headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.
In order to fulfill its mandate, the Study Group has three main objectives:
- Increase market transparency by promoting an exchange of information on production, consumption, stocks, trade, and prices of copper, by forecasting production and consumption, and by assessing the present and future capacities of copper mines, plants, smelters and refineries.
- Promote international cooperation on matters related to copper, such as health and the environment, research, technology transfer, regulations and trade.
- Provide a global forum where industry and governments can meet and discuss common problems/objectives. The ICSG is the only inter-government forum solely dedicated to copper.
ICSG publishes monthly Bulletins with statistical data on copper mine, smelter and refinery production, copper usage, stocks, prices and trade for copper products (sample available on ICSG website). ICSG also publishes a Directory on the current and planned development of world mines, smelters and refineries. (sample available on ICSG website). An annual Directory is also published on the current status of copper semis plants. ICSG maintains one of the world's most complete historical and current databases with copper statistics. For more information on ICSG publications please go to ICSG website.
ICSG published a monthly press release on the state of the copper market. To be included in the distribution list please contact ICSG.
ICSG also undertakes regular studies on topics of interest to the copper industry such as:
- Copper Scrap Market Recovery in NAFTA (2012)
- Copper Scrap Supply Survey in China (2012)
- By-Products of Copper, Zinc, Lead and Nickel (2012)
- Risk Factors in Developing Minerals and Metal Projects (2013)
- Taxation, Royalties and Other Fiscal Measures Applied to the Non-Ferrous Metals Industry (2014)
- Cobalt as a By-Product of Copper and Nickel (2014)
- Survey of Brass Mills, Copper Products and Foundries in China (2014)
- Middle East and North Africa Copper Use Study (2014)
- Fabrication and Copper Use in Indian Subcontinent, ASEAN and Oceania (2015)
- Study of By-Products of Lead, Zinc, Copper and Nickel and Directory (2015)
- Social Acceptance for Mineral and Metal Projects (2015)
- China Copper Mining Industry (2016)
- Manufacture and Use of Semi-Fabricated copper in Latin America/Canada (2017)
- Industrial Use of Refined Copper and Scrap in Fabrication in China (2017)
- Copper Use in Fabrication in Japan, Korea, Taiwan (China) and Vietnam (2018)
- European Semi Manufactured Copper Products Capacity (2019)
- Solid Wastes in Base Metal Mining, Smelting and Refining: A Comprehensive Study for the Copper, Lead and Zinc and Nickel Industries (2019)
- Smelting and Hydrometallurgy Treatment for Copper Sulphide Ores and Concentrates (2019)
- ICSG World Copper Factbook 2019 (available complimentary on ICSG website in PDF format)
Membership in the ICSG is open to any state that is involved in the production, trade, or consumption of copper. As of 2019, there are 24 members, including the European Union:
There are six states that were previously full members of ICSG, but have withdrawn from the organisation:
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