Copper Latest News
Recently, copper prices recorded a fresh all-time high in December, with the benchmark price climbing to over $12,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange (LME).Â
About Copper
- Copper is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol Cu.
- It is a highly versatile and essential metal, and has been at the core of human development for over 10,000 years.
- Occurrence: It is found as a free metal in nature. It also occurs in minerals like chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and bornite.
Properties of Copper
- Physical Properties: It is known for its high conductivity, malleability, and corrosion resistance.
- Recyclability: Copper is 100% recyclable without any loss in quality, making it an eco-friendly metal.
Major Copper Reserves in India and World
- Rajasthan: Khetri and Jhunjhunu belt.
- Madhya Pradesh: Malanjkhand mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in India.
- Jharkhand: Singhbhum copper belt.
- Major Countries with Copper Reserve: Chile, Australia, Peru and Russia
Applications of Copper
- Electrical Industry: Used in wiring, motors, and transformers due to its high conductivity.
- Construction: Roofing, plumbing, and heating systems utilize copper.
- Automobile Industry: Essential for wiring, radiators, and connectors.
- Electronics: It is used in integrated circuits and semiconductors rely heavily on copper.
- Renewable Energy: It is crucial for wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
Source: IE
Copper FAQs
Q1: What is the primary ore of copper?
Ans: Chalcopyrite
Q2: Which country is the largest producer of copper?
Ans: Chile
