Renaud Saleur’s Post

"The bulk of new copper supply will come from large-scale mines due to their substantial production capacity. It highlights the need for the establishment of between 35 and 194 large new mines over the next three decades. That’s equal to an annual rate of 1.1 to 6 new mines to sustain the green transition and meet exploding demand." #copper #demand #supply #electrification #infrastructure #mining #exploration

An excellent non-technical study by the Int'l Energy Forum showing copper mining/production is a key limiting factor for the energy transition. In sum, "Many studies have raised concerns that copper supply cannot meet the copper demands of both the green energy transition and equitable global development, but the seemingly universal presumption persists that the copper needed for the green transition will somehow be available." (It won't be, at the current spot price, and under current mine development timelines.) "Our main purpose is to communicate the magnitude of the copper mining challenge to the broader public that is less familiar with upstream resource issues." The price of copper hit a new nominal high last week, but is still not at a high enough price to incentivize sufficient new supply, according to the copper mining CEO's that I meet with. (with the exception of high-grade deposits such as Ivanhoe's Kamoa-Kakula, et al) Volatility notwithstanding, this looks a compelling multi-year opportunity upstream from the wind/solar/EV technologies that most investors are focused on. 💡 (Not intended as investment advice. Please do your own work.)

A recent report from the International Energy Forum (IEF) highlights a critical challenge for the global energy transition: the demand for copper. To meet this demand, the world will need between 35 and 194 new copper mines by 2050. This increase is necessary to support the electrification of the global vehicle fleet and other technological developments. Key Points from the Report: Increase in Demand: To achieve a "business as usual" scenario, 115% more copper will be needed over the next 30 years compared to what was mined historically up until 2018. In a "net-zero emissions" scenario, up to 194 new mines may be required by 2050. Usage in Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles (EVs) currently need about 60 kilograms of copper, over twice as much as the 24 kilograms required for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This factor is crucial in understanding the pressure on copper demand. Production Challenges: The report notes that the lack of sufficient copper resources in the discovery pipeline is a significant concern. Between 1990 and 2022, only 16 out of 224 discovered deposits were large enough to be considered significant. Prospects and Solutions: Efficiency in Brownfield Expansions: The IEF highlights that expansions at existing mine sites can be more efficient. Examples include sites in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. New Technologies and Recycling: Extracting copper from surface stockpiles and improving leaching techniques represent opportunities to increase production without the costs and environmental challenges associated with traditional mining. Government Incentives: To achieve electrification and sustainability goals, governments must prioritize policies that incentivize new copper mining projects. Without these incentives, full adoption of electric vehicles may be unattainable. At Goldberg Resources, we recognize the importance of these challenges and opportunities. We are dedicated to providing strategic analysis and solutions in economic geology to support the sustainable development of copper mining projects. #Mining #Copper #EnergyTransition #ElectricVehicles #GoldbergResources https://lnkd.in/eH7d2mBq

With demand for #copper showing no sign of abating, questions over whether the sector is equipped to meet needs for a metal at the core of the energy transition linger on. “Over the remainder of the decade growth in demand for copper is expected to outstrip demand growth for other metals such as lead, zinc and iron ore,” says David Kurtz, director of mining and construction at GlobalData Plc. “Just nickel and lithium of the major commodities expected to witness higher growth demand.” However, this should not be seen in a negative light by the copper supply sector. For copper miners, rising demand and consequentially high prices – which hit an all-time high in the second quarter of 2024 – represent what Kurtz says is “a major opportunity,” with many looking to invest even more in existing and developing copper mines and other critical minerals. Read the full article by Andy Tunnicliffe on Mining Technology & MINE Magazine #mining #criticalminerals #energytransition

The IEF - International Energy Forum has just published a report title "Copper mining and vehicle electrification". It rightly points that copper is the metal of the energy transition, and that copper availability in the coming decades could be a bottleneck. However, the "solution" it proposes makes no sense: "changing the vehicle electrification goal from 100% EV to 100% hybrid manufacture by 2035". It rests on this claim: "Life cycle emissions for battery electric vehicles compared with hybrid electric vehicles are comparable with each other." But this is not the case, by far, and you don't find this information in the only paper by the ACEEEE they refer to on this. Although focussing on electric vehicle, the report makes another victim, net zero, with unproven claims relative to considerable consumption of copper in renewables, grids and storage. This is directly inspired from Michaux, as the authors recognise, and any energy expert knows how extraordinary misleading is the "study" by Michaux on the metals required by the energy transition. In sum, very bad work, confining to plain disinformation. Fatih BirolAlessandro Blasi Tim Gould Timur Gül Michael Liebreich Karim Megherbi Philippe Gauthier Emmanuel Hache Thomas Alan Kwan Olivier Vidal Pierre Audinet, PhD European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)

The energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards renewable energy and sustainable practices, and the mining sector is a notable example of this shift. As highlighted by the World Economic Forum, mining companies are increasingly focusing on resolving past and present issues through improved communication. They recognize the critical role their resources play in renewable energy, but they face obstacles in this transition. However, collaboration with governments and communities is key to addressing concerns and ensuring sustainable practices. This trend mirrors a broader movement within the energy sector, where traditional practices like fossil fuels companies are gradually transitioning towards more environmentally friendly practices. This transition marks an important step towards achieving net-zero emissions. By leveraging collective efforts and mutual support, we can expedite progress towards reaching our net-zero emissions targets. #EnergyIndustry #Mining #RenewableEnergy

Source: Morningstar Aterian plc - London-based, Africa-focused miner - Reports up to 4.0% of copper and 26.9 grammes per tonne of silver from the sedimentary-hosted copper target in the Azrar project in #Morocco, following sampling. Also identifies copper mineralisation within the previously mapped Adoudouian sediments. Chair Charles G. Bray says: "Multiple styles of copper mineralisation and gold have been discovered in the recently awarded expansion areas. We now better understand that the sedimentary-hosted copper potential of this project likely offers greater scale than previously determined. These recent results from the Azrar project are both very encouraging, with the continuation of the sedimentary-hosted copper, and fascinating, with the identification of multiple other geological sources of copper mineralisation. The laboratory analyses from these new licences are very positive, with the multiple zones of quartz veins identified reporting good #copper and unexpected associated #gold values." 👀 Booth ES8 of the Explorers Showcase, Mining Indaba. 👀 5th to 8th of Feb 2024, CTICC, Cape Town, SA. 👀 Pop by and hear what's happening in #Morocco. https://lnkd.in/eSDNneGe

Hydrogen Future Industries PLC (AQSE:HFI) said it has begun a first feasibility study of its technology in the #mining sector and has signed an agreement in #Australia to identify opportunities in the country’s nascent microgrid sector. In an update for investors on Thursday, the #Aquis listed company said the feasibility study (FS) has started with "one of the world's largest and most forward-thinking" mining companies on a working mine tailings and water treatment site in the USA. The study aims to demonstrate how HFI's system can use wastewater from tailings as a feedstock to generate clean energy and clean water as a by-product for on-site mining operations. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors #AQSE #HFI #HydrogenFutureIndustries http://ow.ly/IPX11059t3K

Copper can't be mined fast enough for US renewable energy goals, says University of Michigan and Cornell University study. Renewable energy technologies, clean water, wastewater, electricity — it cannot exist without copper. Electric vehicles and wind turbines require far more copper than current mining rates can supply. Permitting new mines takes about 20 years, making it difficult to meet demands. To meet demands for the year 2050, copper production must increase by 115%, needing six new large mines annually. Researchers suggest focusing on hybrid vehicles instead of fully electric ones to keep the goals achievable. Can the world meet this copper demand? Read More here: https://shorturl.at/jvIRu #Dorecopper #copper #coppermining #mining #mining #miningnews

Decarbonization, zero emissions, maximizing energy efficiency, reorientation of former mine areas to clean power supply. All these topics, while investment is needed, will change the image of mining. Mining is the way to provide resources to the people with Mother Nature, not against in. Europe must learn from USA. We cannot continue missing all the opportunities that the age of metals and energy transition bring. Mining is being buried under a mountain of prejudice, standards, regulations and excuses. We, in Europe, need to stop blocking everything, and adapt regulations and standards to higher levels while moving. The challenge is to deliver in a sustainable way for the good of future generations, while still catching the train of the 21st century adventure. This train will arrive to the station of prosperity and net zero, under command of mining. EU should realize it and governments, investors and miners must work together for a common goal. #mining #sustainablemining