About Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color.
Key facts
- Symbol: Cu
- Melting point: 1,085 °C
- Atomic number: 29
- Atomic mass: 63.546 u
Criticality
Most of the targeted by-products elements are Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). CRMs combine raw materials of high importance to the EU economy and of high risk associated with their supply.
Copper is not part of the EU 2020 Critical Raw Materials List.
Main uses of Copper
Power circuits: Copper’s main application is in all types of wiring, from electric energy supply from the power plant to the wall socket, through motor windings for electrical motors, to connectors in computers.
Infrastructure & Building construction: in buildings, Copper is used as wiring, pipes and fittings, roofing, electrical outlets, switches, etc.
Automotive & Transport sector: Copper is used in heat exchangers and radiators. Modern hybrid cars and electric vehicle lead to an even higher Copper consumption in cars.
And also: in jewellery, oxides and dopants, in electrolytic refined copper, and more.