Australia's copper production is expected to fall 7.9% year over year to 710,400 tonnes in 2025 before recovering in 2026, according to a statement by Research and Markets on Thursday, citing a report by GlobalData.

The fall is largely attributed to the closure of the Mount Isa mine in Queensland as well as operational disruptions at other key mines. The Mount Isa mine produced 41,200 tonnes of copper in 2024.

Newmont's (ASX:NEM) Cadia mine in New South Wales is progressing towards its next panel cave development, while its Boddington mine in Western Australia continues with an extensive waste-stripping campaign, per the report. Evolution Mining's (ASX:EVN) Ernest Henry mine in Queensland is scheduled for maintenance shutdowns. Depletion challenges at other mines are also expected to further weigh on production in 2025.

Production is expected to recover from 2026 as operating conditions normalize. The Cadia and Boddington mines are scheduled to return to regular production levels. The Whim Creek project in Western Australia, held by Anax Metals (ASX:ANX) and Develop Global (ASX:DVP) in a joint venture and currently under construction, is planned to start operations in late 2026.

Evolution Mining's shares were down 1% in recent Friday trade, Anax Metals tumbled 5%, and Develop Global shed 2%.