The World Copper Factbook 2019 International Copper Study Group 17 Trends in Copper Smelting Capacity 2000 and 2023 Percentage share of total capacity by technology type Source ICSG Directory of Copper Mines and Plants H1 2019 Edition The us e of Fl ashConti n u o us tech nol o gy accounted for 59 in tot a l copper sme l t i n g capacity in 2000 This share rose to 69 in 2018 It is expected to re ma in a r o und this le ve l un t i l 2023 There has als o been a rapid expansion of Chinese tech nol o gy whic h first eme r ge d in 2004 It no w accounts fo r around 12 of to tal co pp er smel tin g ca p aci t y 2000 2023 Note Capacity data refle c ts product i on capabilities not necessari ly production forecasts