Along the earth’s crust, you will find copper metal existing in its natural state. As a unique metal, it contributes significantly to all kinds of developments in both the industry and domestic sector. Undoubtedly, at the dawn of civilization, it took its toll on it enhancing innovation. Historically, copper is the oldest metal that man used for various purposes. Combined with tin, it gives a precious alloy (bronze) which has numerous perks. Copper mainly comes from two sources. First is its natural state that involves extraction from the earth crust and processing. The other one entails recycling which, mainly focuses on copper metal that is already used and unwanted.

Essence of recycling

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The rapidly growing demand for copper necessitates the need for continual mining of copper ore. Notwithstanding, copper recycling takes a crucial part in the supply of copper to the ever growing market demand. It contributes a lot to reduction in both energy use and waste disposal. Ecologically, it helps keep the world safe from pollution and depletion of resources.  The main uses of copper are as follows.

Electrical use

The better part of the percentage of copper produced mainly goes into electrical application. It is a metal with the best electrical conductivity. Thus, it serves a crucial purpose in electrical generation and transmission from power plants. Generators, transformers and motors all function effectively and safely in delivering electricity to homes and work places. The demand for copper keeps soaring as more commercial buildings that require good ventilation and air condition crop up in urban centers. Moreover, circuitry is essential in many electrical devices such as TVs, PCs, and cell phones among others. Copper enables efficient circuitry for these electrical devices.

Construction purposes

During construction, certain things are necessary for the completion of a building. Cladding, plumbing and roofing are essential aspects that make a building better.  In plumbing, water pipes made of copper last for long. Roofing with copper makes the rooting structure more durable. All these three require copper in essence. Additionally, the good lighting structure that is durable in buildings comes from the use of copper.

Transport sector

Most locomotives rely on copper for effective and efficient performance.  Lorries, trains, cars just to name a few clearly account for nearly 10% of copper demanded globally. They need high purity copper for electrical transmission throughout the system as they perform a particular task. Electric super trams need electricity to function and as such, they have gigantic motors with overhead contact-wires made out of copper-silver alloy.

Ancient Egyptians and Romans share history in the use of copper for purposes of plumbing. They both made water pipes out of copper that beat the odds of time. Evidently, it shows how copper has been significant to human life since centuries ago. Recycling of copper comes in handy as it keeps the history alive and kicking. It maintains the supply of copper for various purposes and creates employment opportunities. To conserve copper, recycling has to go on. Production of more copper will come from the very things people deem unfit for use.