What is copper used for?
Exploring its many applications 

Copper may be a humble metal which has existed for thousands of years, but its impact on the modern world is anything but. This versatile material is central to many industries and technologies that shape our daily lives and is set to play an even bigger role in the future. 

So, what is copper used for? From powering renewable energy to making our buildings more sustainable, copper’s value extends far beyond what you initially may expect.

At Coda Minerals, we believe copper is the metal of the future, and in this blog, we’ll take a closer look at its many applications—and why it’s such a crucial resource for the world.

Copper in electrical applications

When it comes to electrical conductivity, copper stands out as one of the best materials on the planet. Its high electrical conductivity is the reason why copper has long been the go-to metal for electrical wiring. But this application is only the tip of the iceberg. Copper plays a key role in the generation, transmission, and use of electricity across various sectors.

Power generation and distribution

Copper is integral to both traditional and renewable energy systems. In conventional power plants, copper is used in generators, transformers, and motors. 

Meanwhile, the transition to renewable energy sources—like wind and solar—has further increased the demand for copper. 

Wind turbines, for example, require significant amounts of copper to generate and distribute power. Similarly, photovoltaic cells in solar panels rely on copper wiring to conduct electricity efficiently.

Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) represents one of the most exciting frontiers for copper demand. Each EV contains roughly four times as much copper as a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, thanks to the extensive wiring required for batteries, motors, and electrical systems. Beyond the vehicles themselves, copper is also essential in the development of EV charging stations. As more countries push for electric vehicle adoption, copper will be a critical resource in powering the future of transportation.

Copper in infrastructure

Copper is not only crucial to electrical systems but also plays a vital role in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The properties of copper—durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability—makes it a material of choice in both traditional and modern infrastructure projects.

Building construction and plumbing

From high-rise office buildings to residential homes, copper is a crucial material in construction, particularly in plumbing and electrical systems. Copper piping, for instance, is widely used for plumbing due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It is also used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, helping to maintain efficient energy use within buildings.

Sustainable building practices

Sustainability is at the forefront of today’s construction industry, and copper fits right into that strategy. Not only is copper highly durable, meaning that structures built with copper components can last longer, but it’s also 100% recyclable. Recycled copper retains its properties, making it a cornerstone of the circular economy—where materials are reused, and waste is minimised.

Smart infrastructure

As cities become smarter and more connected, copper’s importance in infrastructure continues to grow. Smart grids, which monitor and manage energy use in real-time, rely heavily on copper for their electrical components. Additionally, copper wiring supports the communication networks that connect smart buildings, traffic systems, and urban utilities, creating more efficient and sustainable urban environments.

Copper in technology

Copper’s uses extend well beyond construction and energy; it’s also an important part of the everyday technologies that keep us connected in our increasingly digital world. From telecommunications to everyday electronics, copper is everywhere.

Telecommunications and data transmission

In telecommunications, copper wiring has been the backbone of global networks for decades. While fibre optics are becoming more common, copper continues to play an essential role in the transmission of data—particularly in last-mile connections that link homes and businesses to broader networks. 

Last-mile connections are crucial in the delivery of services like internet and telephone, particularly in the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), which is the government’s effort to modernise and standardise high-speed internet access across the country. 

Copper is also critical in the rollout of 5G technology, which promises faster, more reliable wireless communication.

Consumer electronics

Many of the gadgets we rely on daily—smartphones, tablets, laptops—contain copper components. Copper’s excellent conductivity ensures that these devices operate efficiently, whether in powering processors or facilitating battery charging. As our dependence on consumer electronics grows, so does the demand for copper.

Copper in healthcare

One of copper’s lesser-known, yet incredibly important, uses is in healthcare. Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties, which make it an effective tool in reducing the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This quality is particularly valuable in medical environments and healthcare settings, where infection control is paramount.

Antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings

Copper-infused surfaces are increasingly being used in hospitals to help reduce the risk of infections. Door handles, bed rails, and other frequently touched surfaces made from copper or copper alloys can significantly decrease the presence of harmful microbes. Given the growing focus on hygiene and infection control—increased by recent global health crises—copper’s role in healthcare is likely to expand.

Medical equipment

Beyond surfaces, copper is also used in various medical devices. Pacemakers, for instance, often include copper components due to the metal’s reliability and conductivity. Copper can also be used for the following medical instruments and devices:

• Surgical tools (e.g., forceps, scalpels, clamps)
• Hospital bed rails and IV poles
• Wheelchair components
• Catheters
• Stents
• Dental tools and orthodontic devices
• Copper-infused wound dressings and compression garments

As medical technology continues to advance, copper’s role in this sector will become even more critical.

Sustainability and the circular economy

At Coda Minerals, sustainability is a core value, and a focus on copper perfectly embodies this principle. 

Copper is unique in its ability to be recycled endlessly without losing its essential properties. Its durability, even under typical environmental conditions, makes it a critical component of the circular economy. By keeping materials in use for as long as possible, copper helps minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. 

Recycling copper

The recycling process for copper is highly efficient, and nearly 80% of all copper ever mined is still in use today. Recycling copper not only reduces the need for new mining operations but also consumes far less energy compared to extracting and refining new copper. This positions copper as an environmentally friendly option, especially in industries that are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Sustainable copper production

Mining practices are evolving to become more sustainable, and Coda Minerals is at the forefront of this shift. We are committed to ethical exploration and production methods that minimise environmental impact while ensuring a reliable supply of this crucial resource. By investing in responsible copper mining, we’re contributing to a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

The future of copper: a bright outlook

As the world transitions to cleaner energy and smarter technologies, the demand for copper is only expected to rise. Global efforts to reduce carbon emissions are driving investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure—all of which depend heavily on copper. This makes copper an essential material for building a greener, more connected future.

For investors, copper presents a potentially unique opportunity. Its growing use in forward-looking industries such as renewable energy and electric vehicles highlights its relevance as a vital resource for years to come. And with increasing pressure on supply, driven by environmental and geopolitical factors, and growing copper consumption, the potential outlook for copper prices remains strong.

At Coda Minerals, we believe in copper’s potential to power the future. Whether it’s enabling the next wave of renewable technology, supporting sustainable building practices, or helping reduce infections in hospitals, copper is truly the metal of tomorrow.

Interested in learning more about copper’s role in the future? Read our blog, What is Copper? Discover why it’s so important, & how it’s used every day, or explore how Coda Minerals is driving sustainable copper exploration and production by viewing our projects.