Chapter 07 · Materials & footprintsCircular Economy & Materials
Copper
Definition
Copper is a base metal whose electrical and thermal conductivity make it the default material for wiring, motors, transformers and power grids. The International Energy Agency identifies copper as the cornerstone of electricity-related technologies and a critical mineral for clean energy transitions: under its Sustainable Development Scenario, clean-energy technologies account for more than 40 per cent of total copper demand by 2040, while announced supply projects meet only about 80 per cent of projected 2030 needs.
References
copper's role, demand projections and supply gap
Overview
What it means
Electrifying transport and energy multiplies copper demand — an electric car uses around six times the minerals of a conventional car, with copper a leading component.
How it is used
Copper features in critical-minerals strategies, recycling policy (it is infinitely recyclable) and debates over mining's social and environmental footprint.
Why it matters
Copper supply is a potential bottleneck for the energy transition, linking decarbonisation goals to mining governance, recycling and material efficiency.