At Anglo American, we are focused on the metals and minerals that quietly power our world – and copper is one of the most vital. It underpins modern life in a way most people wouldn’t notice and, as societies become more digital and more sustainable, copper’s importance will grow rather than fade.
Its unmatched conductivity, durability, and versatility make it the backbone of countless technologies and infrastructure systems. From smartphones to solar panels, copper is everywhere – and often invisible.
Now, imagine a day without electricity, communication, or clean water.
That’s a world without copper.
Copper: the silent enabler
Copper is deeply embedded in the tools and infrastructure we use on a daily basis, including:
- Electricity supply: Copper wires and cables carry power to homes, hospitals, schools, and factories. Without it, the grid would fail.
- Data centres: Copper is used extensively in AI data centres for power distribution, cooling systems, and internal components like circuit boards and wiring. It is crucial for safely transmitting high amounts of power from the grid, efficiently dissipating the heat generated by intensive AI workloads
- Day-to-day electronics: Smartphones, laptops, TVs, and appliances rely on copper for internal circuitry and heat dissipation.
- Transportation: Cars, trains, planes, and electric vehicles use copper in motors, batteries, and charging systems.
- Renewable energy: Wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems depend on copper to generate and transmit clean power.
- Water and sanitation: Copper pipes deliver clean water and resist corrosion, supporting public health.
- Construction: Buildings use copper in wiring, roofing, and plumbing – ensuring safety and efficiency.
Without copper, the technologies we depend on would be slower, less reliable, and in many cases, completely impossible.
A future enabled by copper
As the world transitions to cleaner energy and smarter technologies, copper demand is set to rise.
We’re committed to meeting that demand sustainably, ensuring copper remains a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and human progress.
So next time you flip a switch, send a message, or use an AI chat bot, remember: copper made it possible.