Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show South Australia’s total copper exports reached a record $5.2 billion in the 12 months to April 2026.
The result included $3.35 billion from refined copper and copper products, and $1.85 billion from copper ores and concentrates.
The value of refined copper and copper products alone increased by $542.6 million compared with the previous 12-month period, representing growth of almost 20 per cent on already elevated export levels.
The export milestone comes as South Australia continues to benefit from strong international demand for copper, a metal considered critical to global electrification, renewable energy technologies and modern infrastructure.
India emerged as the state’s largest copper export market, purchasing $1.32 billion worth of product, up 195 per cent year-on-year. Malaysia followed at $1.3 billion, up 50 per cent, while China imported $1.17 billion, an increase of 14 per cent.
Thailand and Taiwan also recorded significant growth, with imports valued at $459.9 million and $380.1 million respectively.
South-east Asia has become an increasingly important destination for South Australian copper, accounting for more than 40 per cent of total copper exports, valued at $2.27 billion.
The strong export performance follows recent news that South Australia recorded a record $25.6 million monthly royalty return from BHP’s Olympic Dam copper operation in April.
On the back of the BHP royalty announcement, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state was well positioned to capitalise on growing global demand for the commodity.
“South Australia is home to two thirds of Australia’s proven copper deposits, and we have before us a generational opportunity to maximise the benefit of this critical mineral for our entire state,” Malinauskas said.
“Since its acquisition of the Olympic Dam project more than 20 years ago, BHP has repeatedly voiced an ambition to unlock the true value of this remarkable world-class province.”
The comments come as the South Australian Government and BHP reached agreement to modernise the 40-year-old Olympic Dam and Stuart Shelf Indenture.
Once ratified by Parliament, the updated framework is expected to provide a clearer pathway for future expansion projects across BHP’s Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena operations, while supporting ongoing investment certainty.
The revised agreement includes commitments relating to Aboriginal heritage, water extraction, local employment and business opportunities, financial assurances and royalties.