If you didn’t know, ‘Copper’ is sometimes called “The Doctor” in the market because it is believed to have a “Ph.D.” in economics.
This nickname reflects the idea that copper prices are closely tied to the global economy’s health, and changes in copper prices can be a leading indicator of economic activity.
However, the importance of Copper in our daily lives has been downplayed over the years through various media channels. ‘Mining’, which is necessary for the production of Copper, has been vilified as harmful to the environment, and this has led to a decreased appreciation for the metal’s significance, which in itself is ludicrous, but unfortunately, it’s a reality. More must be done to highlight our biggest Commodity giants’ brilliant work to clean up this image.
In an article I wrote on March 11th, 2023, I discussed how ‘every time we clean something, we make something else dirty ‘. This concept reminds us that while delicate methods are being used to guide us towards a cleaner planet (per the Paris Agreement ), we must also be mindful that achieving this goal will require the assistance of “The Doctor” – Copper.
Although there are still issues around mining, particularly regarding safety and working conditions, it’s important to acknowledge the admirable work being done to improve conditions for miners and the communities in which the mines are located. The improvements range from better infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and medical centers, to improved living conditions with new homes prioritizing workers’ safety and comfort.
It’s crucial to remember that “Responsible Mining” must remain with “Responsible Miners.” The heavyweights in our industry spend significant time and effort and invest substantial profits in complying with regulations while maintaining their commitment to the health and safety of the planet. However, more regulation and support from governments and policymakers are needed to aid the mining industry in meeting its obligations.
Mining copper is a massive responsibility, and with adequate support for the development of resources, the industry may stay within its promises. So, let’s see more collaboration with policymakers that endorse, recognize, and support the efforts of responsible miners and ensure that they have the necessary resources and regulations to extract this vital commodity while prioritizing safety and environmental sustainability.
As “The Doctor” can help fix our planet. It’s widely acknowledged that renewable energy is crucial in mitigating global carbon emissions and addressing climate change. However, developing green technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, requires a significant amount of Copper, aluminum, and zinc. This fact highlights the crucial role of responsible miners and traders in developing and growing these technologies.
Unfortunately, we’re facing a shortage of Copper in the market, and this is not just due to the current suppliers but also because of the need for more government support for new mining projects. Goldman Sachs has reported a significant decline in permits granted for new copper mines over the last ten years. Obtaining permission and building a mine can take up to 20 years, making this trend a major cause for concern.
Moreover, Goldman predicts that the demand for Copper will increase rapidly, leading to a potential price increase of 67%, which could result in Copper reaching $15,000 per tonne by 2025. However, miners hesitate to invest in extensive new mining projects beyond their current initiatives.
As a result, the copper market is anticipated to experience a supply shortage by 2026 and 2027.
While the growing demand for Copper presents an opportunity for the mining industry to demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices and sustainable development, as responsible miners and traders, we need the support of governments and policymakers to work together to extract and deliver vital metals like Copper while protecting the Earth and its inhabitants.