<p>The expansion of global energy transition is now leading a significant increase in demand for critical metals. As a critical metal, the rising demand for copper is accompanied by the deepening of its global production division, while the impact of the global production division on economic and resource security has become increasingly notable. To address this pressing issue, we established a framework based on the Multi-Regional Input–Output (MRIO) model and Global Value Chain (GVC) method, to investigate the copper ores related resource and economic dependence of countries dominating the copper ore global trade from 2011 to 2021. Our results reveal a growing complexity in the GVCs of copper, with over 75% of global copper ores processed by at least two countries since 2018. In some prominent countries, more than 80% of the value added of copper ore mining are dependent on the commodity production and sales in other countries. Complex GVCs can reduce the resource-exporting countries’ extreme reliance on specific trading partners for value added from copper ore mining, despite more potential breakpoints. The civil engineering construction sector uses the highest volumes of copper ores, while the consumer service and public service sectors in developing countries and the energy transformation related sectors have conspicuous potential to influence copper ore global value chains. Our findings emphasize the importance of enhanced trade policies and dependence-mitigating measures tailored to the distinctive characteristic of regions to safeguard global and regional resources and economy.</p>