Global copper demand outstrips supply, threatening electrification and industrial growth

Global copper demand outstrips supply, threatening electrification and industrial growth

Demand for copper is surging because of demand from new technologies, but suppliers are struggling to keep up, and they are likely to fall further behind in the coming years, resulting in shortfalls globally. Even though copper prices are at historically high levels, the financial risk involved in mining means that prices will need to go much higher before mining companies see profit in addressing the supply shortage.

Global copper demand outstrips supply, threatening electrification and industrial growth

Capstone Copper’s Pinto Valley Mine in Miami, Arizona. Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Morgan Bazilian, Colorado School of Mines and Adam Charles Simon, University of Michigan Demand for copper is surging because of demand from new technologies, but suppliers are struggling to keep up, and they are likely to fall further behind in the coming years, resulting in shortfalls globally. Even though copper prices are at historical…