Mining
The Gold Series: Uses and Demand (Part 3)
Generally speaking, half of all gold demand is comprised of jewelry sales. About 10% of gold is used in technology, where it is used in devices ranging from computers, cell phones, space shuttles, and defense technology. Lastly, 40% of gold is used as an investment – and this percentage is growing significantly.
In this infographic we also look at how gold growth in China will impact the future of the precious metal. In Q4 of 2011 and continuing into 2012, China has bought more gold overall than even India and will continue to play an important role in consumption.
Mining
An Investor’s Guide to Copper in 3 Charts
Explore three key insights into the future of the copper market, from soaring demand to potential supply constraints.
An Investor’s Guide to Copper
Copper is the world’s third-most utilized industrial metal and the linchpin of many clean energy technologies. It forms the vital connections in our electricity networks, grid storage systems, and electric vehicles.
In the above infographic, iShares digs into the forces that are set to shape the future of the copper landscape.
How Much Copper Do We Need?
Copper is poised to experience a remarkable 54% surge in demand from 2022 to 2050.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected demand for copper across clean energy technologies.
| Technology | 2022 (kt) | 2050P (kt) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity networks | 4364 | 8862 |
| Other low emissions power generation | 93.7 | 142.2 |
| Solar PV | 756.8 | 1879.8 |
| Grid battery storage | 24.6 | 665.2 |
| Wind | 453.5 | 1303.3 |
| Hydrogen technologies | - | 0.22 |
| Electric vehicles | 370 | 3582.9 |
| Other uses | 19766 | 22382 |
Copper is vital in renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle batteries because of its high electrical conductivity and durability.
It ensures the effective transmission of electricity and heat, enhancing the overall performance and sustainability of these technologies.
The rising demand for copper in the clean energy sector underscores its critical role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
When Will Copper Demand Exceed Supply?
The burgeoning demand for copper has set the stage for looming supply challenges with a 22% gap predicted by 2031.
Given this metal’s pivotal role in clean energy and technological advancements, innovative mining and processing technologies could hold the key to boosting copper production and meeting the needs of a net-zero future.
Investing in Copper for a Prosperous Future
Investors looking for copper exposure may want to consider an ETF that tracks an index that offers access to companies focused on the exploration and mining of copper.
-
Strategic Metals1 week agoThe Critical Minerals to China, EU, and U.S. National Security
Ten materials, including cobalt, lithium, graphite, and rare earths, are deemed critical by all three.
-
Mining3 weeks agoAll the Metals We Mined in One Visualization
This infographic visualizes the 2.8 billion tonnes of metals mined in 2022.
-
Precious Metals2 months ago200 Years of Global Gold Production, by Country
Global gold production has grown exponentially since the 1800s, with 86% of all above-ground gold mined in the last 200 years.
-
Strategic Metals4 months agoCharted: America’s Import Reliance of Key Minerals
The U.S. is heavily reliant on imports for many critical minerals. How import-dependent is the U.S. for each one, and on which country?
-
Batteries5 months agoRanked: The World’s Top Cobalt Producing Countries
Cobalt, an essential component for certain types of EV batteries, has seen a significant shift in its global production landscape.
-
Energy5 months agoHow Big is the Market for Crude Oil?
The oil market is bigger than the 10 largest metal markets combined, with production value exceeding $2 trillion annually.
-
Energy7 days agoRanked: Electric Vehicle Sales by Model in 2023
-
Maps2 weeks agoMapped: Which Countries Recognize Israel or Palestine, or Both?
-
Education2 weeks agoRanked: America’s Best Universities
-
War2 weeks agoRanked: Share of Global Arms Imports in 2022
-
Countries2 weeks agoRanked: Share of Global Arms Exports in 2022
-
Markets1 week agoCharted: The Industries Where Asian Companies are the Strongest
-
Markets1 week agoVisualizing U.S. GDP by Industry in 2023
-
Energy1 week agoVisualizing the Top Energy Priorities of Major Countries