Why in News?
Copper consumption increased by 16% year on year in FY23, prompting governments and enterprises to Copper has an important function in promoting economic progress.
Key Points Related to Copper
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About:
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Properties:
- Copper is a highly malleable and ductile metal known for its exceptional heat and electricity conductivity.
- It also exhibits corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties.
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Malleability:
- It can be pressed or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
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Ductility:
- It can be stretched or drawn out into thin wires without losing strength.
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Applications:
- Widely used in construction, consumer durables, transportation, and industrial manufacturing.
- Integral to clean energy technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy-efficient motors.
- It’s a 100% recyclable metal, supporting a circular economy.
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Occurrence and Composition:
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Natural Occurrence:
- Copper is found in various forms in the Earth’s crust.
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Deposits:
- Found in sulphide deposits (chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, covellite), carbonate deposits (azurite, malachite), and silicate deposits (chrysycolla, dioptase), as well as in pure native copper.
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Average Grade:
- Most commercial copper ore deposits contain an average grade of 0.8% copper, while Indian copper ore averages around 1%.
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Natural Occurrence:
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Properties:
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Mining Methods:
- Two primary methods: open-pit and underground mining.Open-pit mining dominates global copper mining operations, constituting 80% of operations.
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Copper Deposits in India:
- Mainly located in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Rajasthan) districts.
- Minor deposits found in Agnigundala (Andhra Pradesh), Chitradurg and Hasan (Karnataka), and South Arcot (Tamil Nadu) districts.
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India’s Demand Scenario:
- Witnessing a surge in demand propelled by infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and urbanization.
- Facing significant reliance on imports due to limited domestic reserves.
- Government initiatives aimed at boosting investments in smelters and refineries, with Indian companies acquiring copper mines abroad to ensure a stable supply and decrease dependence on international markets.
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Key Importance:
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Economic Barometer:
- Reflects demand/supply dynamics, monetary markets, and speculation, serving as a pivotal global economic indicator.
- Integral across all economic sectors, distinguishing it from sector-specific commodities.
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For Energy Efficiency:
- Facilitates energy efficiency in buildings owing to its outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity. Utilized in wiring, heat exchangers, and roofing, contributing to reduced energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting.Supports a more sustainable future by minimizing energy losses.
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Chile: Leading Copper Producer:
- Chile holds the top position in global copper production with a significant 27% share.Home to the world’s largest mines, including Escondido and Collahuasi.
- By understanding these crucial points, one can appreciate the significance of copper in various sectors and its pivotal role in shaping economic and environmental sustainability.
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Economic Barometer:
people also ask
Q1: What are the properties of that make it valuable?
Ans: Valued for its exceptional malleability, ductility, and conductivity, both thermally and electrically, is also known for its corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Q2: What are the main applications of ?
Ans: Finds extensive use in construction, consumer durables, transportation, and industrial manufacturing. It is also integral to clean energy technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy-efficient motors.
Q3: How is mined?
Ans: Primarily mined through two methods: open-pit and underground mining. Open-pit mining dominates global mining operations, constituting about 80% of operations.
Q4: Where are deposits found in India?
Ans: Major deposits in India are located in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Rajasthan) districts. Minor deposits can be found in Agnigundala (Andhra Pradesh), Chitradurg and Hasan (Karnataka), and South Arcot (Tamil Nadu) districts.
Q5: Why is heavily reliant on imports despite having domestic reserves?
Ans: Increasing demand for , driven by infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and urbanization, surpasses its domestic production capacity. Hence, the country heavily relies on imports to meet its needs.
