Anuario Brasileiro do Cobre | Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020

Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020 55 Copper: yesterday, today and tomorrow The sustainability provided is highlighted by the potential of copper to be recycled, which makes the environment more preserved. F or over 5,000 years, the only metal known to mankind was copper. It is as old as the pharaohs. The first time humans used it was over 10,000 years ago. In present-day northern Iraq, a copper pendant dating from 8,700 BC has been found. We now know that copper is a unique metal for its characteristics such as high conductivity, malleability and strength. It is therefore one of the most widely used materials in the world. Copper is the known resource with the highest reuse rate and it is infinitely recyclable. It is estimated that there are approximately 2.6 trillion kilos of copper worldwide, of which only 12% (317 billion kilos) have been extracted so far. In addition, due to its recyclability, this amount may still be in circulation. Annual US data show that the amount of copper recovered from recycling is equal to the amount mined in the same year. Approximately 72% of copper production, except wire, which uses new refined copper, is made from recycled copper scrap. Quality scrap usually represents 65% of the value of new metal. The sustainability provided is highlighted by the potential of copper to be recycled, which makes the environment more preserved. One of the wonders of the old world, the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue spanning the entrance to Rhodes Harbor, was said to have been made of copper.