Source: ET
Subject: Economics
Context: Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and surging demand from AI, clean energy and EVs.
About Copper:
What it is?
- Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring metallic element (Atomic number: 29) known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
- It is among the oldest metals used by humans and is central to modern industrial, digital and green economies.
Characteristics of Copper:
- Chemical characteristics:
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- Symbol: Cu and Atomic weight: 63.546 amu
- High resistance to corrosion and oxidation
- Forms important alloys such as brass (Cu+Zn) and bronze (Cu+Sn)
- Physical characteristics:
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- Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity (second only to silver)
- Ductile and malleable, enabling easy wiring and shaping
- Naturally reddish-brown; one of the few coloured metals
- Unique properties:
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- 100% recyclable without loss of quality
- Antimicrobial in nature, useful in healthcare settings
- Enhances energy efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions over product life cycles
Applications of Copper:
- Energy and power sector: Used extensively in power grids, transformers, renewable energy systems, and battery storage.
- Electric vehicles (EVs): EVs use over twice the copper of conventional vehicles due to motors, batteries and wiring.
- Digital and AI infrastructure: Data centres, especially hyperscale AI facilities, require massive copper volumes for cooling and power transmission.
- Construction and manufacturing: Plumbing, roofing, industrial machinery and electronics rely heavily on copper.
- Defence and healthcare: Used in defence electronics, ammunition and antimicrobial medical surfaces.
India and Copper: Current Status
- India is recognised copper as a critical mineral under its resource strategy.
- Over 90% dependence on imported copper concentrate
Major producers across globe: Chile, Peru, DR Congo, China, USA
