One of the oldest metals, mined for over 7,000 years -- copper
has been an integral part of the development of civilization --
and it continues to be a crucial metal in our global economy
today. Copper consumption continues to grow - due in part to its
physical properties of high ductility, malleability, thermal and
electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. It is a
major industrial metal ranking third after iron and aluminum in
terms of quantities consumed. Electrical uses of copper,
including power transmission and generation, building wiring,
telecommunication and electrical and electronic products,
account for about three quarters of total copper use. Building
construction is the single largest market, followed by
electronics and electronic products, transportation, industrial
machinery, and consumer and general products. Copper is also
used in power stations and deep-sea oil platforms as it can
withstand extreme environments, and is non-magnetic and
corrosion-resistant. Copper byproducts from