Quantitative characterization of the economic process of copper exploration is valuable and practical in predicting copper exploration trends and policy-making in resource governance. Here, we analyzed the driving mechanisms of economic development in copper exploration from four main segments: the effect of economic development on copper consumption; the effect of copper demand and supply on copper prices; the effect of copper price variation on copper extraction; and the effect of copper extraction on copper exploration. Copper consumption was closely related to the level of national industrialization, industrial shifts globally and changes in industrial structure will have profound impacts on copper consumption in China. Fluctuations in medium and long-term copper prices showed cyclic changes, subjected to changes in copper demand and supply. Each surge in copper pricing could be attributed to the initiation and advancement of regional industrialization. The timing of the next surge in copper pricing will depend on countries that initiated their industrialization after China. Mine copper production is lagging copper consumption and prices, and copper prices obviously effect investments, costs, and benefits of mine enterprises. The returns from copper exploration were subjected to copper extraction and development, and influencers included copper prices, profit of copper mining, copper resources and reserves. Copper exploration is a high-risk activity in the mining market. An investment-friendly environment, stability of policy, and transparency are essential for the development of copper exploration in any country.