International Copper Study Group
The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) is an intergovernmental organisation of copper producing and consuming States that functions as the international commodity board for copper. Its main purpose is to increase copper market transparency and promote international discussions and cooperation on issues related to copper. ICSG member States represent approximately 85 percent of world copper mine production, refined production and usage. The creation of the ICSG was negotiated in 1989 in Geneva and was agreed to in a multilateral treaty known as the 'Agreement Establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Copper Study Group'. The  ICSG came into existence on 23 January 1992, with the secretariat headquarters located in Lisbon, Portugal. The Study Group has three main objectives: The ICSG maintains one the most exhaustive and complete statistical databases on copper and publishes monthly Bulletins containing highly detailed statistical data on copper mine, smelter and refinery production, copper usage, stocks, prices and trade. The Group also publishes comprehensive information on operating and planned mines, smelters and refineries around the world as well as an annual Directory regarding the current status of copper semi-fabricator plants. Meetings of the Group's member States' delegates and industry  representatives are held on a twice yearly basis, usually in April and October. The ICSG World Copper Factbook provides a concise and up-to-date overview of the global copper market. This is available free of charge on the ICSG website. Topics covered in other ICSG reports and studies include: Membership. Membership of the ICSG is open to any State that is involved in the production, trade, or consumption of copper. As of 2022, the Group comprised 25 members, including the European Union: There are seven States that were previously full members of the ICSG: International Copper Study Group The