Lecture notes
Copper - case study for mineral security
- Module
- Resource Security (7037)
- Institution
- AQA
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CopperGeneral Info:
- Uneven distribution of resources so need for them to be found and recorded
- Ariel satellite remote sensing is used nowadays E.G infrared geography and radar
scanning
- Much of world’s minerals found in rocks of cratons as the Baltic shield
Sources of the ore:
Comes from three mineral deposits:
- Porphyry ore occur in subduction zones as melting copper rich upper players
makes magma concentrated with copper. 0.2% copper content
- Sulphide deposits occur at volcanic hypothermal vents at constructive plate
boundaries. 2-5% copper content
- Sediment strata bound mineral deposits in the ground but originally originated by
sea floor spreading. Richest copper ore = content 4-6%
Distribution of reserves / resources:
- Chile largest reserves of copper twice more than country with second largest country
- In future previously hitherto reserves like in exploration ocean floor nodules may
become viable
End uses of the ore:
- Highly recycled = over 1/3 of copper used each year is recycled
Key uses:
- Highly conductive electricity generation pylons + circuits
- Highly magnetic electric goods
- Anti-bacterial qualities + malleable plumbing pipe
average car contains 1.5 km of copper wire
Components of demand for the ore:
- China 40% of global demand.
- 2100 demand will exceed supply
- Substitutes like graphene will take coppers place in tech in the future
- Demand linked to EG as more construction + expansion
- Speculators drive up price as seen in London Metal Exchange
The role of copper on global commerce industry:
- Organised through TNC’s which determine rate of ore extraction + therefore price
2nd largest is Codelco in Chile. State owned. HQ is in Santiago.
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