A looming copper crunch and why recycling can’t fix it
Some cursory searching suggests that between 40 and 50% of copper is used in building construction.  I don’t know the further breakdown, but:Copper is widely used for flashing. For this application, galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel can substitute. All are less expensive.Copper is used for pipes. They are much more expensive than plastics. Arguably, depending on the particular application, one or more plastic options are as good or better.  (Copper is unharmed by moderate chlorine concentrations and sunlight.  It’s mechanically strong. It’s inert to water at appropriate pH.  It is quite reactive to water at the wrong pH.  Boiler condensate will quickly destroy it.)Copper is used for heavy-gauge electrical wire. For many of these applications, aluminum is much less expensive and arguable superior (it’s lighter and more flexible).Copper is used for 12 and 14 gauge branch circuits. Aluminum branch circuits are currently strongly discouraged.In any event, a lot of copper is consumed for applications that don’t need it. If prices go up, the industry can adapt.