Environmental Issues

Mining, smelting and associated activities are essential to provide the copper we need in our daily lives and provide jobs for many thousands of people around the world.  The mining industry takes steps to protect the environment from these operations.

Most copper ores are sulphides. During the production of the metal the acidic gas sulphur dioxide is produced. This is one of the gases responsible for acid rain and is a potential threat to the environment. However, most of the gas is collected and then converted into the useful chemical sulphuric acid. This acid is used in the chemical industry and to leach low grade copper ores to make best use of the copper deposits available.

Dust produced during open cast mining is collected from chimneys and water sprays in quarries and mines to reduce impact on the environment.

Copper and its alloys, such as brass, can be recycled indefinitely. Recycling reduces the need for new mines and reduces energy consumption by up to 90% compared with the production of new metal.

Over 40% of the copper we need each year for essential applications comes from recycled sources.

One estimate suggests that 80% of the copper produced throughout history is still in use today.