Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world due to its high conductivity and its malleability. Copper is often used to conduct heat and electricity, which makes it ideal for circuit boards and electric motors, as well as wires and cable. Copper is also used in alloys like bronze and brass. Copper's atomic number is 29, with a symbol Cu.
Copper Supply
Though copper is one of the oldest metals used, its 20th-century use has created supply concerns. Rising economies have created increasing demands—up to half a million tons a year.((http://www.salon.com/2006/03/02/peak_copper/ Retrieved 24 April 2015.)) In 2015, China, for instance, produced less than 10% of the copper, but demanded 40%.((http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2015/04/24/the-impact-of-unwinding-copper-financing-deals-on-freeport-mcmoran/ Retrieved 24 April 2015.))
Trade
Copper can be traded on metals markets, such as the London Metal Exchange. Copper can be trade in physical forms, but also as futures and options.
Copper Chart
Copper Reserves
Around the world, copper reserves are estimated at around 700,000 million metric tons.((http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/copper/mcs-2015-coppe.pdf Retrieved 24 April 2015.)) The large holders of copper reserves are:
| Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|
| Chile | 209,000 |
| Australia | 93,000 |
| Peru | 68,000 |
| Mexico | 38,000 |
| United States | 35,000 |
| China | 30,000 |
| Russia | 30,000 |
| Poland | 28,000 |
| Indonesia | 25,000 |
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