COPPER

NEWS: Recently, copper prices touched a fresh alltime high (ATH) in December, with prices crossing USD 12,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange (LME). This reflects rising global demand, especially from renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and infrastructure expansion.

Copper

• Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring chemical element.
• It is one of the earliest metals used by humans, marking the Chalcolithic (Copper) Age.
• It has played a central role in human civilisation for more than 10,000 years.

Physical Properties

• High Electrical & Thermal Conductivity → second only to silver
• Malleable & Ductile → can be drawn into thin wires
• Corrosion Resistant → suitable for plumbing and roofing

Major Copper Reserves in India

• Rajasthan: Khetri & Jhunjhunu belt
• Madhya Pradesh Malanjkhand Mine – largest open-pit copper mine
• Jharkhand Singhbhum copper belt

Major Copper Reserves Globally:

• Chile – largest copper reserves & producer
• Australia
• Peru
• Russia

Copper Prices Are Rising

• Rapid EV adoption
• Expansion of renewable energy
• Infrastructure growth in developing economies
• Supply constraints & geopolitical issues