The copper market - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Copper is a chemical element (atomic number 29, atomic weight 63,55, symbol Cu) light-red colored metal, quite hard, very ductile, present in nature copper 1 both free and in the form of minerals (chalcopyrite, azurite, cuprite, malachite) and contained in traces in soil, plants and animals, excellent conductor of electricity and heat. It is one of the most widely used metals for containers, machine parts, electrical conduits, coins, and for obtaining alloys such as bronzes and brasses. The global market for copper was estimated at 23.8 million metric tons in the year 2020, is expected to reach a size of 26.7 million metric tons by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 1.7% over the period.

Electrics and electronics, one of the key segments, will register a CAGR of 2.2% and reach 11.3 million metric tons. In Italy, one of the top European markets, the production of semi-finished copper products in 2017 was more than 500,000 metric tons, while consumption around 550,000 metric tons. In terms of trends, in the last year, copper crossed the $10,000 per tonne threshold for the first time since February 2011, and the trend will continue in the coming year.

According to the managing director of the financial consulting firm T-Commodity, the electrification process will be the development direction for many economies in the years to come, while the dynamics on mining and refining remain stable, causing a gap between supply and demand. Key international players in the market include: Anglo American Plc, Antofagasta Plc BHP Billiton Group, Codelco, First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Grupo México S.A.B. DE C.V, Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd, JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corp, KGHM Polska MiedŸ S.A.