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发表于 2023-9-6 06:39:24
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How is Copper Used?
how much is copper being accepted now
Industry and Extraction: Behind the Scenes of Copper Mining
Copper has long been considered the king of base metals, used in a wide range of applications from electrical wiring to construction, and being a key component in the transition to renewable energy. However, the demand for copper is set to surge in the coming years, driven by the electrification of transportation and increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure. At the same time, the global copper supply is facing significant challenges due to aging mines, declining ore grades, and geopolitical risks that may interrupt the supply chain. According to the Copper Development Association, the demand for copper is expected to increase by 50% by 2050, as renewable energy technologies replace fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) alone require significantly more copper than internal combustion engine vehicles. An electric car can contain up to three times more copper compared to a conventional car, according to the International Copper Association. Similarly, renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems all require significant amounts of copper. In fact, copper use in wind turbines and solar panels is expected to increase tenfold by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. Despite the optimistic outlook for copper demand, the global supply picture is not as rosy. Reportedly, around 40% of current copper production comes from mines that are more than 100 years old, with ageing infrastructure and declining ore grades. Furthermore, the biggest copper-producing nations such as Chile, Peru, and Indonesia are facing political and social challenges and environmental issues that are impacting production capacity. According to the International Copper Study Group, the global refined copper supply was in deficit by about 28,000 tonnes in the first seven months of 2021, marking the second straight year of deficits. The copper market is also being impacted by a range of other factors such as logistics disruptions, trade tensions, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The supply-demand mismatch could result in higher copper prices and greater market volatility in the coming years. In turn, this could impact the availability and affordability of copper, potentially threatening the transition to clean energy. There are calls for increased exploration and investment in copper mining to ramp up supply and meet future demand. However, mining in itself carries negative environmental and social impacts and must be balanced against sustainability concerns. In conclusion, copper is essential for the transition to clean energy and these energy systems may be hampered by supply shortages and resultant higher costs. While efforts are being made to increase the supply of copper, these solutions must be environmentally and socially responsible to support a sustainable future for the planet Scrap Copper recycling machines Copper scrap reuse
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