Synopsis; production statistics; concentration of copper ores; matte smelting; flash smelting - Outokumpu process; flash smelting - Inco process; reverberatory furnace matte smelting; electric furnace matte smelting; Noranda and Teniente processes; emerging matte smelting technologies; converting of Cu matte; copper loss in slag; direct-to-blister flash smelting; continuous multi-furnace smelting - Mitsubishi process; capture and fixation of sulphur; fire refining and casting of anodes - sulphur and oxygen removal; electrolytic refining of copper; hydrometallurgical copper extraction - introduction and leaching; solvent extraction transfer of copper from leach solution to electrolyte; electrowinning; recycle of copper and copper alloy scrap; melting, casting, quality; costs of extracting copper.