Copper
June 6th 2008 04:21
Copper is one of the oldest materials used throughout history. Today it is so much a part of everything we use that we don't even realize how much we rely on it.
Pure copper metal is produced through a multiple step process. Simplified, it involves the mining and concentrating of low-grade ores that contain copper sulfide materials. Next, smelting, and electrolytic refining (leaching and electrowinning) produce a pure copper cathode.
Today, more than 46 percent of copper use is for building construction. An average single-family home has 440 pounds of copper in it. The typical American built car has over 55 pounds of copper in it with 45 pounds of it being electrical parts. (Copper Development Association)
Copper wiring is used in many office buildings as it can move information quickly between computer stations. In a year, 933,000 tons of copper is used in power transmission and generation, as wiring in buildings, in telecommunications, and in electrical and electronic goods.
Copper is excellent for electrical and communications wiring because it has:
High ductility: able to be drawn out into wire or hammered into very thin sheets
High malleability: can be shaped or bent without breaking
High Conductivity: the ability to transmit electricity.
There's more where that came from!
Known worldwide resources are estimated at close to 5.8 trillion pounds. Approximately 0.7 trillion pounds or 12 percent have been mined throughout all of history. (Source – Copper Development Association)
World copper mine production in 2007 rose by 3% to 15.5 million tonnes (Mt), an increase of 465,000 t compared with that in 2006.
(Source - International Copper Study Group - Forecast 2008-2009 - 28th April 2008)
Pure copper metal is produced through a multiple step process. Simplified, it involves the mining and concentrating of low-grade ores that contain copper sulfide materials. Next, smelting, and electrolytic refining (leaching and electrowinning) produce a pure copper cathode.
Today, more than 46 percent of copper use is for building construction. An average single-family home has 440 pounds of copper in it. The typical American built car has over 55 pounds of copper in it with 45 pounds of it being electrical parts. (Copper Development Association)
Copper wiring is used in many office buildings as it can move information quickly between computer stations. In a year, 933,000 tons of copper is used in power transmission and generation, as wiring in buildings, in telecommunications, and in electrical and electronic goods.
Copper is excellent for electrical and communications wiring because it has:
High ductility: able to be drawn out into wire or hammered into very thin sheets
High malleability: can be shaped or bent without breaking
High Conductivity: the ability to transmit electricity.
There's more where that came from!
Known worldwide resources are estimated at close to 5.8 trillion pounds. Approximately 0.7 trillion pounds or 12 percent have been mined throughout all of history. (Source – Copper Development Association)
World copper mine production in 2007 rose by 3% to 15.5 million tonnes (Mt), an increase of 465,000 t compared with that in 2006.
(Source - International Copper Study Group - Forecast 2008-2009 - 28th April 2008)
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