Copper Crisis Looms as AI and Clean Energy Demand Outstrip Supply
The global copper market faces a structural deficit as AI infrastructure and renewable energy projects accelerate demand. Current annual consumption of 30 million tonnes—with only 4 million tonnes recycled—fails to meet projected needs for 3% GDP growth. Industry expert Robert Friedland warns this shortfall could derail technological progress unless mining output scales dramatically.
Copper prices test record highs as the metal becomes a strategic commodity. Its role in data centers, EV components, and power grids mirrors historical oil shocks. The next 18 years will determine whether supply chains can adapt to serve both industrialization and decarbonization agendas.