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Copper is a natural element – a metal |
Copper adds to the durability of buildings |
Copper conducts electricity reliably and efficiently |
South Africa has copper mines, smelters and refineries |
Copper is hygienic, easy to alloy and resists corrosion |
Copper keeps drinking water safe and pure |
Copper is by far the most sustainable of nature's gift of natural bounty |
Copper handles extremes of heat with no problems or long-term degradation |
Copper is strong, ductile and easily joined by soldering or brazing |
Big 5 Copper Producers |
| Country |
Metal Content |
| Chile |
4383 kt |
| USA |
1630 |
| Indonesia |
767 |
| Australia |
735 |
| Canada |
614 |
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Average home has ± 180kg of copper for electrical wiring, water pipes and appliances |
Copper is a better conductor of heat and electricity than any other metal except silver |
Copper is the only naturally occurring metal other than gold that has a distinctive colour |
Palabora Copper Mine is South Africa's deepest and largest open cast mine |
The word copper comes from the Latin word "cuprum", which means "ore of Cyprus" |
Copper is an essential nutrient enabling the body to metabolize energy and function properly |
The Statue of Liberty contains 179,000 lbs of copper |
When tin is alloyed with copper, bronze is made |
Copper compounds are used as algaecides and pesticides |
South Africa accounts for 1% of world copper production |
Plants and animal health rely on adequate copper intake |
Copper is virtually 100% recyclable |
Copper has excellent corrosion resistance |
Copper is biostatic, i.e. it does not sustain bacterial growth |
When zinc is alloyed with copper, brass is made |
