Copper

Copper is a remarkable metal - it is the first metal that the mankind learned to process and fabricate. Already 10 000 years ago metallic copper found in ground was worked into small objects. Since then copper has been one of the most important materials of the mankind as long as Scandinavia has been free of ice. Still our modern society would not cope without copper because for instance its importance in electricity production and transportation.

Element number 29
Copper is number 29 in the periodic table of elements. Its density is 8.94 g/cm³, melting point 1083 °C and chemical symbol Cu.

Copper is found everywhere in the nature - sea water, plants, as mineral deposits and even as pure copper. It doesn't end by using, its value is enhanced by its eternal recyclability.

100% recyclability
In the modern society consuming and discarding are increasing. The recyclability of materials is increasingly important. For example in cars' bill of materials it is required to give indication about the recyclability of the components. Here the metals industry has been a forerunner traditionally. About 40% of the production of copper and copper alloys in Europe is covered by recycled raw materials. Copper can be recycled completely and over and over again without any loss in quality. That's why it is truely a sustainable metal.

Today copper is used widely in production of renewable energies thanks to its excellent heat and electricity conductivity and it has an established role in improving energy efficiency.

The largest copper deposits and producers are in Chile, United States, Australia and Indonesia.

The price of copper is determined in the London Metal Exchange.

Cuprum
The name of copper originates from the Latin word cuprum or Ancient Greek kyprium.