Trends in copper ore mining and processing

摘要

Consumption of copper has increased enormously in recent years. Demand is greater than supply and prices are climbing to record levels. Despite the fact that a very large amount of copper is recycled, the deposits are becoming progressively depleted and the content of copper in the ores is declining. The time will come when the entire consumption of copper has to be covered by recycled material. This report provides current market data, information about changes in the applied technologies and an overview of the main producers.