Copper products are widely used in building construction, electrical grids, electronics, the medical sector and transportation.
Copper’s abundant uses make it a valuable indicator for global economic health, and for that reason the red metal has earned itself the moniker “Dr. Copper.”
Copper also forms alloys more freely than most metals, and corrosion-resistant copper alloys are used in many industries, including manufacturing and construction. The red metal is even employed in the medical field to curb the spread of dangerous infections — a use case that is quickly gaining attention.
According to the US Geological Survey, the five top copper-producing countries are Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China and the US. The island nation of Australia and the continent of Africa are also significant sources of copper ore.
Here the Investing News Network highlights copper uses in five industries driving copper demand.
Copper tubing has a number of applications and can be found in water pipes, refrigeration lines, heat pumps and HVAC systems. And don’t forget the copper wiring for moving electricity throughout the house and linking to telecommunications and cable networks. Home appliances also contain copper tubing and electrical wires.
Copper’s supreme electrical conductivity properties and abundance as a raw material make it the most efficient and cost-effective metal for electronics. The red metal is found in the form of electrical wiring and printed circuit boards in the vast majority of today’s consumer electronics — from cell phones, laptops and TVs to surveillance systems, power tools and robotic vacuum cleaners.
The use of copper is also highly prevalent in the transportation sector, including in the fabrication of ships, railways, planes and automobiles.
Copper alloys are standard materials in shipbuilding, from bolts and rivets to propellers and condenser pipes. In the railway industry, the metal is used to manufacture many train parts, including motors, brakes and controls, and can also be found in electric and signal systems. Planes need copper for cooling, hydraulics and navigation, plus electrical systems. In the auto industry, copper is an essential component in brakes, bearings, connectors, motors, radiators and wiring. One conventional vehicle alone can contain as much as 50 pounds of copper.
Corrosion-resistant copper alloys are critical materials in the fabrication of undersea installations, such as desalination machinery and offshore oil and gas drilling platforms.
As with the EV industry, copper’s cleantech metal status stems from its use as a raw material to manufacture windmill turbines and solar energy systems.
Additionally, copper is used in the surgical and medical devices in hospitals, such as surgical robots, MRI machines and medical implants.
This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing news Network in 2011.
Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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