All About Copper
In Today's Red Hot Resource Market, why is Copper Making Waves?
Copper’s prolific surge is expected to relax a little in 2022, but remains relatively high compared to recent years.
Goldman Sachs is predicting that Copper’s value will rise in the long term. With it averaging $11,875/tonne in 2022 and by 2025 raised to $15,000/tonne.
However, The World Bank is predicting that by 2025 copper will be down to $7,769/tonne.
When trying to forecast a price projection for Copper, it is crucial to remember that these financial institutions are varied, as shown above. It's essential to evaluate the market yourself and do your research when deciding if investing in Copper is where you want to put your money.
A Brief History of Copper
Copper has a long history of use by humans. Evidence of Copper being used dates as far back as 9000 BCE. Its early discovery was used as a decorative metal due to it being too soft to use as a tool or weapon when in its purest form.
Thanks to its soft nature, Copper wasn't used as much more than a decoration until the Mesopotamians discovered combining Copper with tin created a much more durable and mouldable metal they called Bronze.
Copper alloy went on to be used for pots, saucers, trays, and cups, as well as tools, were made from the copper alloy, Bronze, such as razors, chisels, arrows, harpoons, and spearheads.
Modern day use of Copper
Fast forward to the present day, and Copper is used worldwide. There's a good chance you use Copper, probably every day. Making Copper one of the most valuable metals to humans.
Cookware
Copper has excellent thermal properties, making it perfect for cookware, such as pots and pans.
Musical Instruments
Brass is a Copper alloy, and Brass is used to construct trombones, trumpets, and saxophones. Thanks to the use of Copper, these instruments are resistant to corrosion.
Watches
Copper is not magnetic, which is perfect for watches since it is not magnetized to the small pins and gears.
Electrical
Copper is a very effective conductor and is widely used for electrical applications. Thanks to its malleability, ductility, corrosion resistance, and versatility in a wide range of power networks, Copper is ideal for electrical uses.
Recently, mobile phones, televisions, computers, and portable electronic devices have become huge consumers of Copper. You will also find Copper widely used for transformers, busbars, conductors used to distribute electricity, and motor windings are highly dependent on the use of Copper thanks to its high levels of conductivity.
Telecommunications
Copper is still heavily relied on in devices like modems and routers despite the development of wireless technology. Copper is also used in wires for ADSL and HDSL wiring for LAN internet lines.
Transportation
The thermal and electrical components are precious in the transportation industry. From trains, cars, planes, and boats, they all rely on Copper. You will find Copper used in various functions such as:
o Anti-lock brake system
o Radiators and oil coolers
o Navigation systems (GPS)
o Wiring for defrosting functions
o Wiring for window and mirror control
o Bronze sleeve bearings
o Fasteners, fittings, and brass screws
Copper is heavily used in this industry, and as electric cars and hybrid cars are becoming more popular, the demand for Copper is going to increase.
Construction
Copper is invaluable to the construction industry. It is still used for aesthetic purposes in architecture. You will also find it used for handles, light fixtures, hinges, faucets, and doorknobs. Copper is also the standard for the lining of pipes, thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is often used in pipes for:
o Pipes in homes that deliver drinkable water
o Agricultural sprinkler systems
o Feed lines for seawater
o Piping for gas distribution
o Distillation plant piping
Grades of Copper
Pure Copper
This is Copper in its purest form. It is very soft and malleable. Other elements will need to be added to the Copper to make it stiffer and easier to work with.
Oxygen-free Coppers
This grade of Copper is an extremely pure version of Copper like the one mentioned previously, but with little to no oxygen content. Copper in this form is excellent for thermal and electrical conductivity, and when the oxygen is reduced, those properties are heightened.
Electrolytic Copper
Electricity is passed through this Copper to remove impurities. The Copper is placed into a solution as electricity passes through it until the Copper contains less than 50 ppm of impurities.
Free-machining Copper
This Copper has telluride and sulphur added to it to increase its stiffness. This Copper is used for tools such as the tips of soldering irons, gas welding nozzles, and electrical components.
Copper has always been an important metal for human use, and it doesn't seem like we will be done with it anytime soon. There are so many uses for Copper in our modern-day world, so as we turn to more sustainable practices, Copper remains as useful and as valuable as ever.