Copper Industry in India

News: Copper industry in India faces a major copper shortage following the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on refined copper from December 1, 2024.

Japan, which supplies 80% of India’s copper imports, is still awaiting BIS certification, causing a potential supply disruption.

About Copper

• Copper is a reddish-brown metal known for its high thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Properties:
  • Malleability and Ductility: Copper can be easily shaped into wires and sheets without cracking.
  • Corrosion Resistance: When exposed to air, copper develops a protective layer of copper oxide that prevents further corrosion.
  • Recyclability: Copper is one of the few materials that can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality, making it an eco-friendly metal.

Copper mining and processing

• Open-pit Mining: Used for extracting surface-level copper deposits.
• Underground Mining: Applied for deeper copper reserves.
• Leaching: A chemical method to extract copper from ores.
• Refining: Involves smelting and electrolytic refining to produce pure copper.

Applications of Copper

• Electrical Industry: Copper’s excellent conductivity makes it ideal for wiring, motors, generators, transformers etc.
• Plumbing: Copper pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in water supply lines and refrigeration systems.
• Construction: Used in roofing, cladding, gutters, and decorative elements due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to form alloys like brass and bronze.
• Electronics: Copper is essential in devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs. Its thermal conductivity helps manage heat from electronic circuits.

Major Copper mines in India

• Malanjkhand Mine- largest copper mine in India (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kolihan Mine (Rajasthan)
• Khetri Mine (Rajasthan)
• Banwas Mine (Rajasthan)
• Surda Mine (Jharkhand)

Largest Copper Exporters Worldwide

• Chile: Leads with over 30% of global copper production.
• Peru: Renowned for vast copper mines.

Current issues with copper industry in India

• India imports 30-40% of its refined copper, with Japanese suppliers accounting for 80% of imports.
• Reasons for Copper Shortage:
  • Quality Control Order (QCO): Imports of refined copper are stalled due to pending BIS certification, causing potential supply issues.
  • Sterlite Plant Closure: The shutdown of Tamil Nadu’s Sterlite smelter, which once supplied 36% of India’s copper, has reduced domestic production.
• Consequences of Supply Shortage:
  • Production Disruptions:Industries like wire, cable, and electrical equipment manufacturing may face operational halts, rising input costs, and project delays.
  • Economic Impact:The shortage is likely to heavily affect domestic industries, particularly small and medium enterprises reliant on refined copper.