1. World problems
  2. Copper ore and concentrates shortage

Copper ore and concentrates shortage

Nature

Copper is extensively used as a conducting material in many industries. It has a base-life-index of between 30-60 years at current rate of extraction.

Incidence

If the consumption level of developing countries were to grow to that of rich industrial countries, then copper reserves would only last 9.6 more years (1994 estimate).

Counter-claim

Substitutes for copper have been found and in many of its former uses it is already replaced.

Broader

Aggravates

Theft of cable
Presentable

Value

Shortage
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSustainable Development Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(E) Emanations of other problems
Subject
  • Fundamental sciences » Metallic elements and alloys
  • Industry » Products
  • Resources » Minerals
  • Societal problems » Scarcity
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020