The highly atom efficient three-component reaction of aldehydes, secondary amines and acetylenes to form propargylamines (A(3)-coupling) has been studied with twelve readily available copper-containing minerals. It was found that the reaction could easily be performed in the presence of malachite, brochantite, chrysocolla and azurite in toluene at reflux. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.