Copper recycling increases as demand soars

Copper manufacturers in Montreal are boosting recycling efforts to meet rising demand.

Jennifer McDermott reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Nexans mill in Montreal now produces copper rods with 14% recycled metal, aiming for 20%.
• The shift towards electrification to reduce greenhouse gases is driving up copper demand, projected to nearly double by 2035.
• Recycling copper reduces the need for new mining, lessening environmental impacts.

Key quote:

“We say to our customers: Your waste of today, your scrap of today is your energy of tomorrow, so bring back your scrap.”

— Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans

Why this matters:

Mining copper is an energy-intensive process that often results in substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. By recycling copper, manufacturers can diminish their reliance on mining, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural landscapes.