As a major copper consumer and copper producer, China is facing a shortage of copper resources. The reasons for China's copper shortage can be divided into three aspects: uneven distribution of copper resources, continuous growth in copper consumption demand, and large fluctuations in copper.
In terms of the distribution of copper ore resources, China's copper ore resources are mainly concentrated in **, Jiangxi, Yunnan and other places, accounting for 63% of the country's total reserves. However, the high terrain, harsh climate, and inconvenient transportation in these areas have brought great difficulties to the exploration and development of copper mines. In addition, China's copper ore grades are generally low, averaging only 06%, well below the world average of 09%, which means that copper extraction is more expensive and less efficient.
In terms of copper consumer demand, China is the world's largest copper consumer, accounting for more than 50% of total global consumption. With ChinaEconomyWith the rapid development of copper, the application of copper in various fields continues to expand, especially in theNew energy, new materials, new infrastructure and other strategic emerging industries, the demand for copper is more vigorous. For example, wind power, photovoltaic power, electric vehicles, etcEnergyIndustries all need a lot of copper to make equipment and components. According to the International Copper Research Organization, in 2022, China's copper consumption reached 14.5 million tonnes, while China's copper production was only 8 million tonnes, resulting in a copper supply-demand gap of 6.5 million tonnes in China, accounting for more than 80% of the global total.
In terms of copper fluctuations, copper's volatility is influenced by a variety of factors, including globallyEconomysituation、Monetary policyGeopolitics, epidemic prevention and control, climate change, etc. In 2022, there was a large fluctuation in copper, from US$10,845 tonnes at the beginning of the year to US$7,200 tonnes at the end of the year, which brought pressure and uncertainty to copper production and consumption.
Copper is a versatile metal with excellent properties, which makes it widely used in a variety of applications. Its main uses and values include:
1.High electrical conductivity: Copper is one of the excellent conductive materials and is widely usedElectricity, electronics,Communicationsand other fields. It is second only to silver in conductivity and conductsCurrentto achieve energy transfer.
2.High thermal conductivity: Copper has good thermal conductivity, so it is widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, heat exchange and other fields.
3.Good corrosion resistance and antibacterial: Copper has strong oxidation and corrosion resistance, and is widely used in chemical, medical, health and other fields.
4.Good plasticity and ductility: Copper can be easily processed into products of various shapes and sizes, such as wire, tube, plate, strip, foil, etc., so it is widely usedArchitecture, decoration, machinery and other fields.
5.Good alloyability: Copper can be alloyed with other metals to improve its strength, hardness, wear resistance and other properties, and is widely used to manufacture high-performance alloy materials.
A wide range of applications of copper involve:Electricity, electronics,Communications, automobiles,Architecture, machinery, aviation and other fields. According to statistics, China's copper consumption in 2022 is mainly distributed in:Architectureindustry (30%)Electricityindustry (25%), transportation industry (15%),New energyindustry (10%) and other industries (20%).
With ChinaEconomyThe transformation and upgrading of copper resources and the implementation of carbon neutrality goals have become crucial for the sustainable development and reuse of copper resources. In order to meet future copper demand, the following measures should be taken:
1.Strengthen exploration and development: increase the exploration and development of copper ore resources, improve the level of exploration technology and equipment, and discover new copper ore resources.
2.ImproveOreMining and smelting technology: the use of innovative technologies and equipment, improvementOreMining and smelting efficiency and grade, reducing costs.
3.Promote the comprehensive utilization of resources: In copper mining, it is necessary to pay attention to the comprehensive utilization of resources and minimize the waste of resources. At the same time, strengthenScrap copper** and reuse, promoteCircular economydevelopment.
4.Encourage imports and diversify ** channels: by increasing copperOreof imports, broaden the best channels, reduce China's domesticOreThe degree of dependency on resources.
5.Optimize the copper consumption structure: through technological innovation and industrial structure adjustment, reduce the demand for copper and improve the efficiency of resource utilization. For example, advocate green and low-carbon production methods and products, and strengthen energy conservation, environmental protection andCircular economyR&D and application in the field.
In general, solving the problem of copper resource shortage in China requires the joint efforts of China, enterprises and all parties in society. ** We can increase policy support for the development and utilization of copper resources, encourage scientific research institutions and enterprises to strengthen technological innovation and cooperation, and promote the development of green and circular copper industry. Enterprises can optimize the production process, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, and strengthenScrap copper** and reuse. The public can raise awareness of resource utilization and advocate conservation and environmental protectionlifeway, and actively participateScrap copper** Activities. Only by the joint efforts of all parties can the sustainable development and utilization of copper resources be realizedEconomyContribute to the sustainable development of society.