Copper is one of the most common metals in everyday life and a critical mineral in Australia's mining sector. Learn more about the vital red metal and the history, present and future of copper mining in Australia and worldwide.

1. Copper was the first metal to be mined

The oldest metal objects discovered by archaeologists are made of copper, dating back over 7,000 years. 

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2. Copper is the third most widely-used industrial metal

After iron and aluminium, copper is the most consumed industrial metal in the world. Around three quarters are used to make electric wires, telecommunication cables and other electronics.

3. Copper is vital for green energy

Copper is a key metal in batteries and wiring for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This has earned copper a place in the Australian Government's Critical Minerals Strategy for 2022.

4. Copper demand is skyrocketing

The clean energy revolution is seeing unprecedented growth in industrial demand for copper. The current supply must double by 2050 to meet the expected global demand of 60 million tons.

5. Copper is 100% recyclable

A fully recyclable metal, almost 80% of copper that has been mined in history is still in use in some form today.

6. Copper is widely used in the medical sector

Demand for copper is also growing in the medical field, where the metal is valued for its naturally antibacterial properties that help to reduce the spread of infections.

7. Copper forms hundreds of alloys

Copper combines with many other metals to form alloys. Some of the most popular are brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin).

8. Copper's colour is unique

Copper can be recognised by its distinctive red colour that turns green when exposed to water and air over time. It's the only metal element that is not grey, silver or gold.

9. Copper is named for its mining heritage

The name 'copper' is derived from the ancient Latin term 'Cyprium aes' ('metal from Cyprus'), as much copper in the region was mined in Cyprus. Copper's element symbol 'Cu' comes from its later Latin name, 'cuprum.'

10. Australia has some of the world's largest copper reserves

According to the US Geological Survey, Australia has the second highest copper reserves in the world at 93 million tonnes, behind Chile with 200 million tonnes. Many Australian mining companies are now focusing on copper to tap this essential and abundant resource.

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY)

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) is an Australian exploration company. They are focused on identifying and assessing opportunities for the acquisition, exploration and development of copper and other mineral resources projects in Australia that have the potential to deliver significant growth for shareholders.

Locksley Resources has a 100% legal and beneficial interest in the highly prospective Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in the NSW Lachlan Fold Belt.

The Company recently defined a 9.86Mt resource across the Tottenham Project's Carolina and Mount Royal to Orange Plains deposits.

To keep up to date with Locksley Resources' news and progress, and for more information about copper investment as a whole, subscribe to the Locksley Resources Limited Chairman's List.