The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) was established in 1992 in order to promote international co-operation on issues concerning copper by improving the information available on the international copper economy and by providing a forum for intergovernmental consultations on copper.

In order to fulfill its mandate, the Study Group has three objectives:

1. Promoting international cooperation on matters related to copper, such as health and the environment, research, technology transfer, regulations, and trade.

2. Providing a global forum where industry and governments can meet and discuss common problems/objectives. The ICSG is the only inter-government forum solely dedicated to copper. The meetings of the Study Group are open to government members, their industry advisors, and invited observers. 

3. Increasing market transparency and promoting an exchange of information on production, consumption, stocks, trade, and prices of copper by forecasting production and consumption and by assessing the present and future capacities of copper mines, plants, smelters and refineries.