Why in the News?

Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and rapidly rising demand from AI infrastructure, clean energy systems and electric vehicles.

Characteristics of Copper

Chemical Characteristics

Symbol: Cu
Atomic weight: 63.546 amu
High resistance to corrosion and oxidation
Forms important alloys
- Brass: Copper plus Zinc
- Bronze: Copper plus Tin

Physical Characteristics

Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
Highly ductile and malleable, suitable for wiring and shaping
Reddish brown in colour, among the few naturally coloured metals

Unique Properties

100 percent recyclable without loss of quality
Antimicrobial in nature, useful in healthcare settings
Improves energy efficiency and lowers CO₂ emissions over product life cycles

Applications of Copper

Energy and Power Sector

Power transmission lines and grids
Transformers and substations
Renewable energy systems like solar and wind
Battery energy storage systems

Electric Vehicles

EVs use more than twice the copper of conventional vehicles
Used in motors, batteries, inverters and charging infrastructure

Digital and AI Infrastructure

Data centres and hyperscale AI facilities
Power transmission and cooling systems

Construction and Manufacturing

Plumbing and roofing
Industrial machinery
Electronics and electrical appliances

Defence and Healthcare

Defence electronics and ammunition
Antimicrobial medical surfaces and equipment

India and Copper

India has recognised copper as a critical mineral under its resource strategy
Over 90 percent dependence on imported copper concentrate
Domestic demand expected to rise sharply due to EVs, renewable energy and digital infrastructure expansion

Major Copper Producing Countries

Chile, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo, China and the United States

Prelims Pointers

Copper is a critical mineral for energy transition and digital economy
EVs and AI driven data centres are major demand drivers
Copper is fully recyclable and antimicrobial
India is heavily import dependent for copper concentrat

[2021] Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?

1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment.

2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.

3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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