Global copper tailings distribution and projection
Paul Triolo
Nature Sustainability, Published online: 01 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41893-026-01795-x Copper is a critical resource for the energy transition, but the associated mine waste and tailings present an environmental hazard. Global copper tailings generation is projected to continue to rise until at least the middle of the century, prompting a need for a coordinated, multilateral strategy to manage copper mine tailings.