Copper is one of the earliest found mineral by human. In modern civilization copper plays an important role in daily life. For instance copper is used for
? Conducting electricity and heat;
? Communication system
? Transporting gas and water
Still after 10,000 years copper is a high technology material. Copper is an excellent conductor of the electricity and hence is used to produce either insulated or uninsulated power cables for low, medium or high voltage applications. Due to its strength, resistance it is a safest and preferred conductor for wiring of both commercial and residential building. Recently copper increased its importance due to ADSL, which provide high speed internet through the ordinary copper telephone line. Copper wires are also used for wiring personal computer and networking products. Current market size for copper wires and cables is as following
Estimated Global Market Size
(Hundred Thousand tones)
Building Wire 1400
Telecom Wire 800
Automotive Wire 700
Transformer winding wire 2,000
World Copper Usage (1900-2006)
LME Copper Prices
Source: International Copper Study Group: World Copper Fact Book 2007
World Economic outlook
According to the survey published by the Economist – London, May-2008 (week 2), the economic growth for the world will be between 2.9-3.1 percents, which is expected to decrease to 2.5-2.8 percent in 2009.
Demand for copper
The demand for refined copper in 2007 was approx ...