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February 18, 2025 at 02:13 PM
Copper Industry – Key Insights & Business Update 🚀
For those tracking the copper industry and its evolving dynamics, here are some key insights and updates:
📌 Business Highlights
Global Copper Demand Growth 📈
Demand is expected to double from 25 million tons (Mt) in 2021 to approximately 49 Mt by 2035, driven largely by energy transition technologies.
Global electrification will push annual copper demand to 36.6 Mt by 2031, up from the current 25 Mt.
Copper Value Chain 🌍
The copper value chain consists of four main stages:
Mining – Copper is extracted from underground rocks.
Smelting – The mined copper ore is heated at high temperatures to obtain pure copper.
Refining – The smelted copper undergoes further purification.
Manufacturing & End-Use – The refined copper is processed into wires, rods, sheets, or tubes and used in electrical wiring, plumbing, automotive, and other industries.
⚠️ Challenges
Raw material sourcing remains a significant challenge for copper smelters.
A potential supply gap of 6.5 Mt is expected by the next decade.
💰 Financial Aspects
Treatment charges/refining charges (TCs/RCs) serve as a major revenue source for smelters.
China: The cost of standard-grade copper cathodes was approximately CNY 73,860 – CNY 74,260 per metric ton, translating to $10,000 – $10,200 per ton (as of mid-November 2024).
India: Recent data shows copper cathode prices at around INR 4,600,090 per ton, approximately $5,500.
🚨 Risks to Watch
Fluctuations in raw material prices could impact profitability.
A 6.5 Mt supply gap may emerge within the next decade.
📢 Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute investment advice. Do your own research before making any financial decisions.
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