| Copper Industry |
 Copper is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with excellent electrical conductivity, and finds extensive use as an electrical conductor, heat conductor, as a building material, and as a component of various alloys. Copper has played a significant part in the history of mankind, which has used the easily accessible uncompounded metal for nearly 10,000 years. Civilizations in places like Iraq, China, Egypt, Greece and the Sumerian cities all have early evidence of using copper. During the Roman Empire, copper was principally mined on Cyprus, hence the origin of the name of the metal as Cyprium, "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to Cuprum. A number of countries, such as Chile and the United States, still have sizeable reserves of the metal which are extracted through large open pit mines. Nevertheless, the price of copper rose rapidly, increasing 500% from a 60-year low in 1999, largely due to increased demand. This metal has come into the limelight on account of high volatility in prices. According to New Scientist, the earth has an estimated 61 years supply of copper left. Copper is traded around the world. Producers store it in warehouses until it is sold and shipped to the buyer. The price changes daily, depending on the supply of copper and the demand for copper. The principal place where the trading takes place is in London, at the London Metal Exchange. There, copper sellers try to find a buyer who will pay the highest price for shipment at a certain time, while buyers look for the lowest priced copper. The average price per pound has fallen in 1995, going from a high of $1.37 per pound to around $.91 per pound. Other metals can substitute for copper in some uses. For example, aluminum may be used in electrical equipment, automobile radiators and refrigerator tubing. Titanium and steel are used in heat exchangers. Steel is used for artillery shell casings. Plastics substitute for copper in water pipe and plumbing fixtures. Copper is a critical component of modern industry. Copper sheets are used in cooking utensils and in roofs. Copper tubes are used to make pipes for plumbing and carrying natural gas. Copper wire is used to carry electric current. Extruded copper, that is, copper that has been squeezed through a hole, forms rods, hinges, tubes, and door handles. The use of copper is increasing. In the 1970s, a 1,500 square-foot house used about 280 pounds of copper. Today, a 2,200 square-foot house uses about 450 pounds of copper. |
Contact Information
| Address | Ciftlik Cad. Arcelik Ambar Yolu Uzeri No:2 Cayirova - Kocaeli / TURKEY |
| Phone | +90 262 743 63 73 (4 hat) |
| Fax | +90 262 743 63 69 |
 |
|