How to Invest in Copper in Australia (2026): Best Copper Stocks, ETFs and CFDs

When thinking about commodities to invest in, copper doesn’t get attention from investors as competitors such as gold, silver, and oil do. However, a good number of investors and traders consider copper, which is often described as "the metal of electrification,” one of the top global commodities in the market. 

Since copper plays a critical role in everything from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to data centres and modern infrastructure, copper stocks are being watched closely by investors. In this guide, we’ll look at how to invest in copper in Australia, some of the best copper stocks to watch in 2026, and the different ways to access the industrial metal as an Aussie.

Copper has always been considered one of the underdog metals by investors. However, that narrative is changing in 2026. Here are some reasons for that change: 

Copper Powers the Energy Transition

Many countries are dedicated to implementing cleaner energy initiatives, which has created a strong demand for copper. These countries drive renewable energy projects that require copper-dependent equipment such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electricity transmission systems. 

Companies like Tesla also need copper to build engines for their electric vehicles, batteries, wiring systems, charging stations, and electric motors, making it an in-demand material for the broader EV industry.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres Are Creating New Demand

While AI stocks and companies are on the rise, copper is also in the mix due to its use for various AI infrastructure, including data centres, cooling systems, and networking tools. 

These facilities and equipment consume significant quantities of copper because of the metal's superior electrical conductivity. As such, major technology companies are investing billions of dollars into AI infrastructure, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond semiconductor manufacturers.

Infrastructure Spending Remains Strong

Besides their energy expansion goals, many countries are investing heavily in roads, rail systems, power grids, and urban development projects. Such infrastructure projects require high volumes of copper, especially for construction. 

Emerging economies, particularly in Asia and parts of Africa, are expected to contribute significantly to future copper consumption as urbanisation and industrialisation continue.

Supply Constraints Support Higher Prices

While the demand for copper is on the rise, the supply side of the market faces challenges. Developing new copper mines is expensive and often takes many years. This imbalance has led many analysts to forecast potential copper shortages in the years ahead.

As a result, copper prices could remain supported over the long term, benefiting both copper producers and investors.

Several structural trends are working together to create a favourable outlook for copper. These include: 

• The EV Industry Growth: An electric car typically uses much more copper than a conventional vehicle because of the wiring and electrical components required to power batteries and motors. As EV adoption grows, demand for copper follows the same trend.

• Renewable Energy Projects: Solar farms, wind turbines, and electricity transmission networks all require huge quantities of copper. With power grids expanding to accommodate renewable energy systems, there’s a ripple effect on the metal’s demand.

• AI and Cloud Computing: Modern data centres require vast amounts of copper for their powerful electrical and HVAC systems. As tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet expand their AI capabilities, copper consumption could continue rising.

• China’s Increasing Demand: As the world's largest consumer of copper, China’s economic activity and infrastructure spending have a major influence on copper prices. 

• Supply Constraints: Unlike some commodities that can quickly ramp up production, copper mining projects require years of development. This creates favourable conditions for higher demand over time. As a result, there could be a copper boom based on its potential price increases in 2026 and beyond.

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Now, let’s explore the top copper stocks worth watching this year. 

1. BHP Group (ASX: BHP)

BHP Group is one of the world's largest mining companies, and it is behind one of the in-demand copper stocks on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Although the company is widely known for its iron ore operations, copper has become an increasingly important part of its long-term growth strategy. BHP owns significant copper assets in Chile and strengthened its position further through the acquisition of OZ Minerals.

This acquisition expanded BHP's exposure to copper projects in South Australia and reinforced management's belief that demand for the metal will continue to increase.

If you’re a long-term investor looking for an Australian-backed copper stock entity with relatively low risk, BHP could be a strong option to consider.

2. Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto is another mining giant with substantial exposure to copper. The company has iron ore as its largest business segment, but it has increased its focus on metals that support electrification and global energy.

Rio's investments in copper projects position it to benefit from the metal’s rising demand. 

The company also boasts strong financials and operations. These can help reduce its copper stock volatility and support its exposure to long-term copper demand.

3. Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR)

Sandfire Resources is a purely copper-focused company on the ASX, making its copper stock attractive to investors looking for more direct exposure to the metal’s prices.

Unlike diversified mining giants such as BHP and Rio Tinto, Sandfire's revenues are tied to the copper market. This means the company's performance can be more sensitive to changes in copper prices, creating both opportunities and risks for investors.

Although Sandfire is generally more volatile than larger mining companies, many investors consider it one of the best copper stocks that can benefit from rising prices.

4. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan is one of the largest publicly traded copper producers in the world and a favourite among investors seeking exposure to the metal.

The company operates several major mines, including the famous Grasberg mine in Indonesia, which is considered one of the largest copper and gold deposits globally.

Freeport's earnings are highly sensitive to copper prices, making it a strong beneficiary when the market experiences a tailwind. So, if you’re bullish on copper, Freeport-McMoRan is one company to look out for.

5. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO)

Southern Copper is one of the largest copper-focused companies globally. The company operates extensive mining in Peru and Mexico, positioning it as a beneficiary of some of the largest copper reserves.

One of Southern Copper's biggest attractions is its ability to generate strong cash flow and reward shareholders through dividends. This has made the company particularly appealing to investors seeking both income and exposure to rising copper prices.

Due to its scale and operational efficiency, Southern Copper is another leading brand with an in-demand copper stock to watch in 2026. 

6. Teck Resources (NYSE: TECK)

Teck Resources is a Canadian mining company with exposure to copper, zinc, and steelmaking coal. However, in recent years, the company has shifted its focus toward copper as management recognises the growing importance of the metal in the global energy space.

But since Teck is not solely dependent on copper, investors also benefit from some diversification across other commodities. This can help cushion the impact of volatility in copper prices while still providing meaningful exposure to long-term demand growth.

As the company continues developing additional copper projects, Teck Resources has an attractive medium-term growth opportunity that could interest long-term Aussie investors.

7. Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN)

Ivanhoe Mines is one of the companies reaping the benefits of copper’s growth. The company is best known for its Kamoa-Kakula project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has quickly become one of the most important new copper mines globally.

Unlike mature producers, Ivanhoe is still in a high-growth phase. Production continues to expand, and management believes the company could become one of the world's leading copper producers over the next decade.

However, this opportunity comes with additional risks, as the company is still in its infancy and growth phase.

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One of the major confusions around copper investing is choosing between copper ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and copper stocks.

Investing Through Copper Stocks

This involves buying individual units of copper stocks on an exchange, which offers direct exposure to the asset and potentially higher returns. When you buy copper stocks, companies such as BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, and Southern Copper may also pay you dividends apart from the profit from price increases.

However, investing in individual companies carries multiple risks, including operational issues, cost overruns, political developments, or poor management decisions, which can affect a stock's performance regardless of broader copper market conditions.

Investing Through Copper ETFs

Copper ETFs offer a more diversified approach to investing in the metal. With the ETF, you can gain access to mining businesses and their copper stocks in one investment basket. Popular copper-focused ETFs include:

• Global X Copper Miners ETF (WIRE)

• Sprott Copper Miners ETF (COPP)

• iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP)

However, such investments offer more stability and may not return massive gains at once. As such, if you’re after maximum upside, copper stocks may be more suitable. Alternatively, if you’re about diversifying, ETFs are your best bet. You may even combine both to balance risk and reward. 

Another popular way to invest in copper is through Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Instead of buying individual stocks or ETFs, the CFD model allows you to speculate on copper price movements without owning the physical commodity or the underlying shares.

Benefits of Copper CFDs

• Flexibility to trade and profit from both high and low market prices 

• No asset storage issue.

• Access to global commodity markets 

• Leverage to control larger positions with smaller capital.

Risks of Copper CFDs

• Leverage can amplify losses 

• High volatility in commodity prices

Mitrade offers a convenient trading platform with access to local and global copper-related stocks. Trade copper stocks via CFDs in a few minutes using the following steps: 

• Create a Mitrade account and complete identity verification

• Deposit funds using any of the supported payment options

• Search for copper stocks like BHP or Rio Tinto

• Analyse the market and decide what position to take

• Open a position (go long or short) based on your projection

• Set stop-loss and take-profit levels to help protect capital and manage volatility.

Whether you're a long-term investor or an active trader, copper is one of the high-demand assets to watch in 2026. With the commodity’s long-term outlook due to AI growth, industrialisation, and renewable energy shifts, copper’s demand is likely to grow. 

However, you should remember that commodity markets are cyclical and can experience significant volatility. As such, diversification, risk management, and a long-term focus are crucial to success.

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2

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3

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