Non-ferrous metals. Сopper

Abstract

Possessing high electrical and thermal conductivity, copper today is one of the strategically important valuable non-ferrous metals, ahead of silver in terms of the first index. It is because of this that it plays an important role in the development and design of electrical systems, heat removal parts of various installations, and other processes. Such demand creates a need to obtain more raw materials, however, the extraction of copper ore and the subsequent production of copper concentrates are labor-intensive processes, since the copper content in the ore usually does not exceed 10 %. Another problem in obtaining finished copper concentrates is that copper is often found in combination with zinc, lead, gold, silver and other metals, which also affects the complexity of the copper ore beneficiation process. Nevertheless, the demand for copper remains, as do its high prices. The Russian copper industry, which is considered quite developed, can strengthen its position on the world stage – according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2025‑2030 non‑ferrous metallurgy will experience rapid growth, possible only with an intensive increase in non‑ferrous metals production, processing volumes and exports. The transition to “green” energy will just strengthen the position of domestic industry – for example, an increase in copper consumption will be observed in the production of electric vehicles (batteries, windings), solar panels, wind generation and other areas.