Top 5 copper shares to watch in 2026

What are copper shares?

Copper shares are stocks of publicly listed companies involved in exploring, mining, refining or producing copper – one of the world’s most widely used industrial metals. When you buy copper shares, you’re essentially investing in a company that earns revenue from copper production or related activities.

These companies range from global mining giants such as Rio Tinto and Newmont Corp to smaller, pure-play copper producers and exploration companies. The performance of copper shares is closely linked to copper prices, which are influenced by global economic growth, industrial demand and supply constraints.

Copper in the Australian economy

Copper plays a crucial role in Australia’s resource sector, underpinning industries from construction and manufacturing to renewable energy and EVs. As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of minerals, Australia benefits not only from copper’s strong demand but also from its role in global decarbonisation efforts.

Copper exports contribute significantly to national income, regional employment and infrastructure development. Major copper operations in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia support thousands of jobs and help sustain mining towns that rely on the sector’s continued growth. The metal is also a cornerstone of Australia’s clean energy strategy.

Copper’s role in the future

Copper’s central role in global electrification and infrastructure makes it one of the most compelling commodities of the next decade. From global giants like Rio Tinto and Newmont Corp to mid-tier and emerging producers such as Capstone Copper, Develop Global and Aeris Resources, ASX copper shares offer diverse ways to tap into this long-term growth theme, whether through share trading or CFD trading.

Risks of copper shares

Like all commodities, copper is subject to cycles of boom and slowdown, which can strongly influence share prices. The biggest risk for share and CFD traders is price volatility; copper prices often fluctuate with global economic conditions, supply disruptions or shifts in industrial demand from major consumers like China.

And, of course, while volatility is a CFD trader’s bread and butter, it also comes with substantial risk, magnifying potential gains and losses.

Additionally, company valuations can swing even when operations remain stable. Rising costs, project delays or weaker-than-expected output can also affect profitability. Smaller producers and exploration companies, in particular, tend to be more sensitive to funding challenges and market sentiment, which can amplify downside risk during market downturns.

Currency fluctuations also play a role, as copper is priced in US dollars while ASX-listed miners operate in Australian dollars. This adds another layer of market movement that can affect investment returns and trading outcomes.

Top 5 ASX copper shares to watch in 2026

We selected five shares that may appeal to both share and CFD traders. For the most part, barring Aeris Resources and Capstone Copper Corp, the share prices of these companies have risen year to date (YTD). 

Overview of the shares in this article

You can share trade all the shares mentioned in this article with us, and CFD trade all except Develop Global through IG Australia.

All figures are accurate as of 27 April 2026.

1. Aeris Resources Limited (ASX: AIS)

Market cap: A$430.98 million

Aeris Resources is a mid-tier producer with a portfolio centred on established copper and gold mines in New South Wales and Queensland. The company’s primary utility lies in its ability to operate lean, multi-asset sites like the Tritton Copper Operations, which provide a steady stream of essential metals to the global market.

CFD traders

Aeris is currently a high-priority asset. The stock has experienced notable volatility and a recent decline in share price, largely due to temporary operational hurdles and external logistics issues. These price swings offer frequent opportunities for those looking to trade on short-term technical patterns.

Share traders

For share traders looking for long-term stability, the recent price action and the shorter life-of-mine projections compared to the giants may be seen as a higher risk, requiring a more cautious approach.

Risks:

• Operational disruptions, such as the rail infrastructure fires that delayed shipments
• Inherent exploration risk associated with extending the life of older mining assets

2. Develop Global Limited (ASX: DVP)

Market cap: A$1.81 billion

Develop Global is a dynamic mining company that functions both as a resource producer and a specialised mining services provider. Its utility is unique because it not only owns high-grade copper and zinc projects, like the recently commissioned Woodlawn mine, but also earns revenue by managing underground operations for other major miners.

CFD traders

While suitable for CFD traders due to the steady stream of high-impact project news, it’s often viewed more as a buy-and-hold growth play as it matures into a mid-tier leader.

Share traders

If you favour growth stories, this might be a share worth looking at. The company is led by seasoned industry veterans and has a clear five-year plan to reach significant annual production. Because of its dual-income stream (mining and services), it offers a level of diversification that many pure-play explorers lack.

Risks:

• As the company transitions into a full-scale producer, it faces the ramp-up risk of maintaining steady-state production across multiple sites, alongside sensitivity to the prices of lead and zinc, which are mined alongside its copper

3. Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)

Market cap: A$238.86 billion

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s largest diversified miners, providing the raw materials essential for global industrial growth. While famously known for iron ore, its copper utility has surged in 2026. This is largely thanks to the Oyu Tolgoi mine, which is now one of the most significant copper-gold deposits globally.

CFD traders

Because it is so large, it is generally less volatile than the smaller shares on this list, making it perhaps less exciting for CFD traders who thrive on extreme daily price swings.

Share traders

Rio Tinto is often considered a blue-chip staple. Its massive scale and consistent dividend potential make it potentially ideal for those seeking lower-risk exposure to the copper market.

Risks:

• The risks are largely macro-economic; because Rio operates globally, it is sensitive to international trade tensions, global growth slowdowns and the high capital costs associated with maintaining its massive, complex underground mines

4. Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM)

Market cap: A$180.27 billion

Newmont is the world’s largest gold producer, but following its recent major acquisitions, it has become a heavyweight in the copper space as well. Its utility comes from its by-product model; it mines massive amounts of gold, while simultaneously producing significant quantities of copper from sites like Cadia in Australia.

CFD traders

The stock is highly reactive to both gold and copper price movements, offering multiple entry points based on whichever metal is driving the news cycle on a given day.

Share traders

Newmont offers a unique two-for-one value proposition. It provides a hedge through gold – which often rises during economic uncertainty – while offering upside through copper demand. This makes it an excellent choice for a balanced portfolio.

Risks:

• The primary risks include environmental and geological factors, such as the recent seismic activity near its Australian operations, and the ongoing challenge of managing a massive, global workforce across different regulatory environments

5. Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

Market cap: A$9.07 billion

Capstone Copper is a focused producer with a primary footprint in the Americas, particularly Chile and the USA. Its utility is as a pure-play copper vehicle; unlike the diversified giants, Capstone’s fortunes are almost entirely tied to the success of its copper mines.

CFD traders

Like Aeris, Capstone is currently a prime target for CFD traders. The start of 2026 was marked by a significant labour strike at its Chilean operations, which caused a temporary production dip and led to increased share price volatility.

Share traders

The share is a high-growth option but comes with more geopolitical risk than Australian-based miners, as its primary assets are located in South America where labour and regulatory shifts can occur suddenly.

Risks:

• Beyond the standard volatility of copper prices, Capstone is highly exposed to labour relations risks and the operational challenges of executing large-scale mine expansions in foreign jurisdictions

How to trade ASX copper shares with IG AU

CFDs

1. Open a CFD trading account with IG AU
2. Search for ASX copper shares on the IG platform
3. Decide whether to go long (buy) or short (sell)
4. Choose your position size
5. Set stop-loss and limit orders
6. Place your trade and monitor it

Share trading

1. Open a share trading account with IG AU
2. Search for ASX copper shares
3. Choose the shares you want to buy
4. Determine how many shares you want to purchase
5. Place your order
6. Monitor your investment and collect any dividends

FAQs about copper shares

Footnotes
 

1. TradingView, April 2026
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