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Energy and environmental implications of copper production

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  • Alvarado, Sergio
  • Maldonado, Pedro
  • Jaques, Iván

Abstract

Primary copper production is a major activity in the mining sector. It is highly energy-intensive, ranking third in specific energy consumption (SEC) among the five major basic metals (aluminum, copper, iron, lead and zinc) and poses important environmental hazards. We examine the large discrepancy between theoretical (from thermodynamics) and actual (from empirical data) SECs and then describe relevant environmental issues, focusing on the most significant energy-related environmental impacts of primary copper production with emphasis on greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. An example of GHG energy-related abatement that concurrently improves energy use is presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Alvarado, Sergio & Maldonado, Pedro & Jaques, Iván, 1999. "Energy and environmental implications of copper production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 307-316.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:24:y:1999:i:4:p:307-316
    DOI: 10.1016/S0360-5442(98)00093-0
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    Cited by:

    1. Fthenakis, Vasilis & Wang, Wenming & Kim, Hyung Chul, 2009. "Life cycle inventory analysis of the production of metals used in photovoltaics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(3), pages 493-517, April.
    2. Correa, Juan A. & Gómez, Marcos & Luengo, Andrés & Parro, Francisco, 2021. "Environmental misallocation in the copper industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    3. Alvarado, S & Maldonado, P & Barrios, A & Jaques, I, 2002. "Long term energy-related environmental issues of copper production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 183-196.
    4. Northey, S. & Mohr, S. & Mudd, G.M. & Weng, Z. & Giurco, D., 2014. "Modelling future copper ore grade decline based on a detailed assessment of copper resources and mining," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 190-201.
    5. Bruno Lanz & Thomas F. Rutherford & John E. Tilton, 2013. "Subglobal Climate Agreements and Energy-intensive Activities: An Evaluation of Carbon Leakage in the Copper Industry," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 254-279, March.
    6. Najdenov, Ivan & Raić, Karlo T. & Kokeza, Gordana, 2012. "Aspects of energy reduction by autogenous copper production in the copper smelting plant Bor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 376-384.
    7. Lu, Jiajun & Yang, Shiliang & Wang, Hua, 2024. "Investigation of the oxygen-methane combustion and heating characteristics in industrial-scale copper anode refining furnace," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).

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