What is Copper? Discover why it’s so important, & how it’s used every day
Copper is one of those materials that, while often taken for granted, plays an absolutely crucial role in our daily lives. Whether it’s the device you’re reading this on, the car you drive, or the energy powering your home—copper is at the heart of it all.
But what makes copper so special? Why is it so important, and why should investors be paying close attention to this versatile metal? We are going to tell you exactly why.
What is copper?
Copper is a reddish-brown metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity, meaning it’s excellent at transferring electricity and heat. It’s also malleable, ductile, and resistant to corrosion, making it incredibly versatile in many different applications.
The history of copper
Copper has been a crucial part of human history for over 10,000 years. Early civilisations first used copper for tools, weapons, and ornaments due to its malleability and availability in its native state.
Around 3,400 BCE, the discovery of bronze—an alloy of copper and tin—marked the beginning of the Bronze Age, a period of significant technological advancement. As societies evolved, copper became essential in coinage, art, and construction.
The Industrial Revolution further boosted its demand, with copper becoming a key material in electrical wiring and infrastructure.
In today’s world, copper’s applications have expanded far beyond these early uses. It is a cornerstone of modern technology and infrastructure, playing a vital role in everything from power generation and transmission to electronics and construction.
Where is copper found?
Copper deposits are spread around the globe, but the majority of the world’s copper is concentrated along the western side of the Americas, particularly in Chile and the southwestern United States. These regions are home to some of the largest and oldest copper mines, which have been supplying the world with this essential metal for decades.
However, despite copper’s widespread presence, the supply is tightening. Grades of copper ore are declining, and major mining companies have not been exploring for new deposits as aggressively as they once did. This creates a significant opportunity for companies like Coda Minerals, which are focused on developing new copper resources to meet the world’s growing demand, particularly in the area of sustainable energy.
How is copper extracted?
Copper is typically found underground in rocks, particularly in certain types of mineral deposits. It often occurs in large, concentrated ore bodies known as porphyry copper deposits, which are found deep beneath the Earth’s surface. These deposits contain copper minerals like chalcopyrite, bornite, and malachite, embedded within the surrounding rock.
To extract copper, mining companies dig deep into the earth, either through open-pit mining or underground mining, depending on how deep the copper deposit is located. After the ore is mined, it undergoes processing to separate the copper from the surrounding rock and other minerals.
Can copper be mined sustainably?
Copper can be mined sustainably by minimising environmental impact, using renewable energy, and managing resources like water efficiently. Recycling of copper plays a key role, reducing the need for new mining.
Another major point of discussion in sustainability is the location where exploration companies will set up a project. When a company truly values environmental custodianship and genuinely cares about the environment as much as we do at Coda Minerals, they will say no to projects located in areas that will have too much of an impact on our environment, such as National Parks, sacred sites, and animal habitats. Instead, copper can be explored and mined more sustainably by only exploring in unused areas fundamentally suited to developing a mine.
Sustainable practices also involve engaging with local communities, ensuring fair labour conditions, and adopting advanced technologies to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Together, these efforts help make copper mining more responsible and sustainable.
Copper in Australia
In Australia, copper is primarily found in several key regions known for their rich mineral deposits:
- South Australia: This state is home to the Olympic Dam, one of the world’s largest known copper deposits, located near Roxby Downs. The region also includes other significant copper-producing areas like the Prominent Hill and Carrapateena mines. Coda Minerals’ Elizabeth Creek project is located in South Australia, 40km Wwest of Carrapateena and 114km South of Olympic Dam.
- Queensland: The Mount Isa region is one of Australia’s major copper mining areas. It has been a significant source of copper since the early 20th century and continues to be a vital mining hub.
- Western Australia: The state’s copper deposits are mainly found in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. Notable projects include the Nifty and DeGrussa mines.
- New South Wales: The Cobar Basin, particularly around the town of Cobar, is known for its rich copper deposits, with several mines in operation.
These regions are integral to Australia’s copper production, contributing significantly to both domestic use and export markets.
So, why is copper important?
Copper’s importance lies in its unique properties, particularly its conductivity. Copper is the preferred material for electrical wiring due to its ability to carry electrical currents efficiently with minimal energy loss. This makes it indispensable in the production and transmission of electricity.
But copper’s utility doesn’t stop there. It’s also critical in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines. For example, an electric vehicle (EV) uses about four times as much copper as a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. And with electronic vehicles and other renewable energy technologies on a dramatic rise, copper is more important than ever before.
As the world shifts towards greener, more sustainable energy solutions, the demand for copper is set to skyrocket.
Industrial and technological uses of copper
Copper is essential in everything from the tiniest electronic devices to the massive wind turbines that generate clean energy. Here are some of the most common ways it’s used:
Electrical wiring and electronics
Copper plays a crucial role in the electrical and electronics industries. From power generation plants to the smallest electronic devices, copper is the primary material used for conducting electricity, second only to gold, which is not economically viable for widespread use. The wiring in your home, the circuitry in your smartphone, and the connections within your car’s engine all depend on copper to function effectively.
Renewable energy
As the world transitions to renewable energy, copper’s importance is only growing. Solar panels, wind turbines, and the extensive cabling required for energy storage and transmission all depend on copper. Copper is also used in the batteries that store energy, making it arguably the biggest key player in the green energy revolution.
Construction and infrastructure
Copper is also heavily used in the construction industry. Its physical properties, particularly its durability and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for plumbing, roofing, and other building materials. Additionally, copper’s antimicrobial properties make it a preferred material in hospitals and other settings where hygiene is critical.
Emerging technologies
The future is electric, and copper is essential in this transition. From electric vehicles to smart grids and advanced battery technologies, copper is at the forefront of innovation. As these technologies develop and become more widespread, the demand for copper is expected to increase significantly.
Copper and the green economy
One of the most exciting aspects of copper is its role in the green economy. Copper is not just crucial for transmitting electricity; it’s also key to making the production and storage of energy more sustainable.
For example, the amount of copper in a wind turbine is significant—about 150 kilograms are required per meter of cable within a turbine. The cabling that connects these turbines to the grid also contains large amounts of copper.
Additionally, copper is recyclable. In fact, about 80% of all the copper ever mined is still in use today. Recycling copper not only helps meet growing demand, but also reduces the environmental impact of mining and production. Approximately 10-20% of the copper used each year comes from recycled sources, making it a highly sustainable material.
Copper: powering the future
As the world shifts away from traditional energy sources like coal and gas, copper is becoming increasingly vital in the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. While much of the world’s power is still generated using fossil fuels, we’re seeing a significant move towards electricity-based solutions in various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, in places like Victoria, Australia, new homes are no longer being fitted with gas appliances. Instead, we’re turning to electric water heaters and cookers, which, of course, require more copper.
One of the most talked-about aspects of this transition is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). It’s no secret that EVs are heavily reliant on copper—each one uses about four times as much copper as a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. While EVs currently account for only about 1% of global copper demand, this is set to change dramatically. As the adoption of electric vehicles grows, including hybrids, buses, and other electrified forms of transportation, the demand for copper will multiply.
This surge in demand isn’t just limited to vehicles. As countries like India urbanise and expand their infrastructure, the use of copper in power grids and renewable energy projects will also increase significantly. Whether it’s in the wiring of a solar panel system, the cabling of wind turbines, or the extensive networks needed to distribute electricity, copper is essential in powering the future.
Potential investment opportunities in copper
Given copper’s critical role in modern technology and the green economy, it’s no surprise that it’s a hot commodity in the investment world. The global demand for copper is on the rise, driven by urbanisation, the expansion of renewable energy, and the electrification of transportation. However, with the supply of high-grade copper ore dwindling, prices are increasing dramatically.
Copper prices are closely linked to supply and demand dynamics. As we’ve mentioned, the supply of copper is getting tighter. Major producers are facing declining ore grades, meaning less copper is being found in each ton of rock, and new projects are becoming harder to find and develop. This tightening supply, coupled with increasing demand, is likely to drive copper prices higher in the coming years.
Companies that are already producing copper or are advancing their copper projects, such as Coda Minerals, stand to benefit significantly from this situation.
Pictured: Elizabeth Creek project
Coda Minerals: positioned for the future
Coda Minerals is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for copper. Our Elizabeth Creek project in South Australia is one of the most promising copper developments in the region, with a focus on sustainability, high-grade ore, and ethical production practices.
Why Elizabeth Creek?
Elizabeth Creek sits in one of the most favourable locations for copper mining—right next door to some of the world’s largest copper mines, including Olympic Dam.
The project benefits from a high-grade copper equivalent deposit, meaning it contains not just copper but also cobalt, another critical material for battery production. This combination makes Elizabeth Creek a particularly valuable asset in the context of the global shift towards electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Coda Minerals’ commitment to sustainability
At Coda, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s central to our operations.
We recognise the importance of sustainable practices in mining and copper production, and this commitment is evident in our Elizabeth Creek project in South Australia. With the world’s highest percentage of renewable energy in its grid, South Australia offers us a unique opportunity to produce copper in an environmentally responsible way.
Our goal is to be part of a virtuous circle where the copper we produce helps power the green technologies of the future, using renewable energy throughout the production process.
We are committed to minimising our environmental impact and working closely with local communities, including the traditional owners of the land.
Our sustainable practices extend to protecting wildlife and ensuring no harm to animals, as we carefully preserve natural habitats around our mining sites.
By using renewable energy, focusing on recycling, and reducing waste, and living and breathing true custodianship for the environment, we set ourselves apart in the mining industry, striving to sustain tomorrow.
A team with proven results
Our team has a strong track record of delivering results. Since our listing just four years ago, we’ve quadrupled the size of our resource at Elizabeth Creek, finding not just more copper but better-quality copper. This success is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our team, who are passionate about solving problems and pushing the project forward.
Want to learn more?
Copper is more than just a metal—it’s the backbone of modern society, and central to our future. As the world continues to move towards a greener, more electrified future, copper’s role will only become more significant. For investors, this represents a unique opportunity to be part of a critical industry that’s set for growth.
Coda Minerals is at the forefront of this industry, with a project that’s not only economically viable but also sustainable and ethically managed.
If you’re interested in learning more about copper, our Elizabeth Creek project, or Coda Minerals, we invite you to get in touch with our friendly team. Together, we can help power the future.
