Top 10 mining companies in the Asia-Pacific region
Some of the world's largest mining companies are now based in the Asia-Pacific region, which includes, unsurprisingly, giants such as BHP and Rio Tinto.
It also comes as no surprise that many of the large conglomerates within the Asia-Pacific region originate from China. For example, China Shenhua Energy founded in 2005, ranks fourth in our list, being the world's largest coal mining company.
This shift towards emerging companies, such as Coal India, reflects the increasing demand for coal, driven by its continued use for primary energy needs in China, India, and Southeast Asia. These countries are expected to continue their economic growth, resulting in a sustained demand for coal in the near- to medium-term.
Below, we take a look at some industry heavy hitters in our top 10 Asia-Pacific mining companies.
10. Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (Japan)
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces a wide range of metals, materials, and chemicals for various industries. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Mitsubishi Materials is involved in several business segments, including metal products, such as copper and aluminum products, and cement and building materials. The company also has a presence in the resource exploration and development sector, and produces materials for the automotive, electronics, and energy industries, among others.
Market cap: $2.063b
9. Jiangxi Copper Co Ltd (China)
The largest copper producer in mainland China, the company is engaged in the exploration, mining, smelting, and refining of copper, as well as other related businesses. It was established in 1983 and is based in Jiangxi Province, China. Jiangxi Copper is one of the largest copper producers in China and has operations both domestically and internationally. The company's product portfolio includes copper cathode, copper rod, copper wire, and other copper-related products.
Market cap: $7.7b
8. Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd (China)
Aluminium Corporation of China, also known as Chalco, is a state-owned Chinese company that is one of the largest producers of aluminum in the world. The company was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.
The company produces aluminum products, including primary aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum sheets, and aluminum foil, among others. The company also has interests in bauxite mining, alumina refining, and energy production, and is involved in various other businesses related to aluminum production.
Market cap: $13.01b
7. South32 Limited (Australia/Asia)
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company based in Perth, Western Australia. It was spun off from mining giant BHP Billiton in 2015 and has operations in Australia, Southern Africa, and South America. The company is involved in the production of a range of commodities, including aluminum, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead, and zinc.
Market cap: $14.68b
6. Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited (CIL) is an Indian state-owned company that is primarily involved in the production and sale of coal and related products. The company was established in 1975 and is headquartered in Kolkata, India.
Responsible for producing a large portion of India's coal, the company operates several coal mines throughout the country and is involved in the production, transportation, and sale of coal, as well as the development of coal-based products.
Market cap: $16.63b
5. China National Gold Group Corporation (China)
China National Gold Group Corporation (China National Gold) is a state-owned Chinese company that is involved in the exploration, mining, and production of gold and other minerals. The company was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.
China National Gold is one of the largest gold producers in China, and as well as gold exploration, the company is also interested in other mineral resources in several regions, including China, Russia, and Central Asia. The company also has interests in gold trading, refining, and processing, as well as the production of gold-based products.
Market cap: $21.67b
4. China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. (China)
China Shenhua Energy Company Limited is a state-owned Chinese company that is primarily involved in the production and sale of coal and related products. The company was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.
Shenhua Energy is one of the largest coal producers in the world, as well as being heavily involved in the production of electricity and the development of coal-based chemical products. The company operates mines and production facilities in several countries, including China, Australia, and Mongolia.
Market cap: $79.97b
3. China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (China)
China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. (CMOC) is a Chinese mining company that specialises in the production of molybdenum and other minerals. The company was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Luoyang, China.
CMOC is involved in the exploration, mining, processing, and sale of molybdenum and other minerals, including copper, tungsten, and cobalt. The company operates mines in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, and continents, including Asia, South America, and Europe.
Market cap: $119.88b
2. Rio Tinto (Australia/Asia)
Rio Tinto is a multinational mining company headquartered in London, UK, with operations and assets around the world. The company was established in 1873 and has a long history of operations in Australia, where it is one of the largest producers of minerals, including iron ore, bauxite, and aluminum.
Rio Tinto is involved in the exploration, mining, and processing of a wide range of minerals, including iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds, gold, and uranium. The company operates mines and production facilities in several countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, South America, and Africa.
Market cap: $121.09b
1. BHP (Australia/Asia)
BHP Group (formerly known as BHP Billiton) is a multinational mining and resources company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The company was established in 2001 through the merger of BHP and Billiton, and has a long history of operations in Australia and around the world.
The mining giant operates mines and production facilities in several countries, including Australia, the Americas, and South Africa.
Market cap: $167.06b
