Copper remains one of the most valuable and sought after metals on the planet. This perfect metal is used for a variety of things in the home and in businesses. Without copper, the world would be a very poor place and harder to live in. For example, without copper, we would not have a 6mm Copper Pipe like that from https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems to help warm our homes with hot water. Where do you look to get this precious metal from?
The biggest mine of copper is located deep in Chile. The Escondida mine employs hundreds and thousands to carve out its depths. It has so far produced over 1.4 million tonnes of copper in its lifetime. There is thought to be plenty more where that came from. However, there is some cause for concern. Although the yields are high, the quality of the copper is becoming worse and worse. This means that other sources might be needed. Chile also has the second biggest mine in Collahuasi but they are also finding the same problem there.
To complicated matters, the demand for copper is rising meaning that the price will go up for an inferior product. It means that mines in Africa might be the new source for the worlds copper needs. This would mean a big shift in the worlds metal supply and further pressure on Africa’s delicate ecosystem.