As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future, the role of metals in revolutionising transportation cannot be understated.
Copper is critical in the transition to green, energy-efficient, and low-emission technologies, from electric vehicles (EVs) to maritime vessels.
Copper's unique properties – high electrical conductivity, thermal efficiency, durability, and recyclability – make it indispensable in the development of modern transportation infrastructure, especially in electrified systems.
In EVs, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), and even in emerging hydrogen fuel cell technologies, copper is the backbone that facilitates energy transfer, storage, and system efficiency.
As automotive and maritime industries shift away from fossil fuels, copper's importance only continues to grow.
Copper in EVs
The transportation sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the adoption of electric vehicles.
Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are being replaced by electric vehicles (EVs) that depend heavily on copper to function.
An average ICE car contains about 20 kg of copper, but an EV, depending on its size and range, uses between 80 kg to 180 kg of copper.
The increased copper demand arises from several factors:
- Electric motors: Copper’s superior conductivity is crucial in the stators and rotors of electric motors. These motors are more energy-efficient than combustion engines, using copper to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy with minimal energy loss.
- Battery systems: Copper is essential in the wiring, connectors, and thermal management systems of EV batteries. The reliability and efficiency of these batteries depend on copper's ability to manage electricity flow while minimising heat loss.
- Charging infrastructure: As EV adoption grows, the demand for copper also surges in charging stations and associated infrastructure. High-powered fast chargers, in particular, rely on substantial amounts of copper to efficiently transfer electricity from the grid to the vehicle.
- In-vehicle wiring: EVs typically have significantly more wiring than their gasoline counterparts. The intricate electrical architecture needed to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and navigation systems all requires high-quality copper wiring to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.
- Thermal management: Copper’s excellent thermal conductivity makes it ideal for managing the heat generated in EVs, ensuring the systems remain within safe operating temperatures, which is particularly important for extending battery life.
Our contributions to the EV supply chain
Through FutureSmart Mining™, we are working to reduce the environmental footprint of copper extraction, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing water usage, and ensuring responsible waste management.
This focus on sustainability aligns with the increasing demand from automakers (as one example) for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible materials.
We are committed to minimising carbon emissions throughout the production process. By adopting renewable energy sources, implementing advanced ore processing technologies, and embracing digitisation, we aim to deliver copper with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. This is essential, as the global push for EVs is driven by the need to combat climate change, and the metals used in these vehicles must also adhere to clear sustainability standards.
Building the copper supply chain for the future
With the demand for copper projected to increase as countries around the world pursue net-zero carbon goals, the mining industry is under pressure to scale production while minimising environmental impacts.
As the world continues to push for sustainable solutions across all sectors our approach to copper production will remain crucial in supporting the transformation of the transportation industry, helping to power the future of mobility with one of the planet’s most valuable and versatile resources.