Why in News
Recently, copper prices reached a fresh all-time high in December, with the benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) crossing USD 12,000 per tonne. The surge reflects strong global demand, especially from clean energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure sectors.
About Copper
Copper is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol Cu. It is one of the most widely used metals and has played a central role in human civilisation for over 10,000 years, beginning with the Copper Age.
Occurrence of Copper
Copper occurs in nature both in native (free) metallic form and in combination with other elements. It is commonly found in minerals such as chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and bornite.
Properties of Copper
Physical Properties
Copper is well known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Recyclability
Copper is 100 percent recyclable without any loss of quality. This makes it an environmentally sustainable metal and a key component of the circular economy.
Major Copper Reserves
In India
Rajasthan: Khetri–Jhunjhunu belt
Madhya Pradesh: Malanjkhand mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in India
Jharkhand: Singhbhum copper belt
In the World
Major countries with significant copper reserves include Chile, Australia, Peru, and Russia.
Applications of Copper
Copper has wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors due to its versatile properties.
Electrical Industry: Used extensively in electrical wiring, motors, and transformers because of its high conductivity.
Construction Sector: Employed in roofing, plumbing, and heating systems due to its durability and corrosion resistance.
Automobile Industry: Essential for vehicle wiring, radiators, and electrical connectors.
Electronics Industry: Widely used in integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Renewable Energy Sector: Plays a crucial role in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, supporting the global energy transition.
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