Used to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery storage, copper is critical to the global energy transition.
Following Thiess’ recent announcement as preferred mining services provider for the Hillside Copper Project, we look at what this reddish-gold coloured metal is used for and why it’s so critical.
Copper is considered a base metal that is ductile, malleable, and an effective conductor of heat and electricity. It is ranked the third-most-consumed industrial metal in the world after iron and aluminium and is 100% recyclable.
You’ll find copper in electrical wiring in household appliances, cars, jewellery, plumbing and industrial machinery – just to name a few. We even need 1.2 milligrams of copper daily to help enzymes transfer energy inside our cells.
And it’s the only metal, aside from gold, whose colouring isn’t naturally silver or grey!
Mining for a sustainable future
Our copper projects form a key part of our strategy to diversify commodities and position our business to be at the forefront of sustainable mining.
We currently operate on copper projects across our regions, including:
For more facts on copper, check out this resource.
Do you want to learn more about a critical mineral or one of our projects? Let us know in the comments below, or email communication@thiess.com.