Why are India, China, US racing to secure supplies of copper?

By Aggam Walia – Indian Express

Demand, led by EV batteries and clean energy technologies, is projected to outstrip supply from mines by 2035. China controls half the world’s copper smelting and refining capacity. Everyone, including India, is looking at copper-rich countries in Africa.

On February 27, the government announced the securing of a 9,000-sq-km block to explore copper and cobalt in a region in Zambia known for high-grade deposits. With production in domestic mines faltering, the project is a crucial step for India to establish overseas mining operations.