Harsh LunawatIII SemesterB.B.A LL.B1060

Copper in IndiaSome thousands of years ago, ancient

people of India used copper in Ayurveda, which is a holistic form of medicine for surgical tools. Hippocrates, who is the father of medicine, followed Indian practice of using copper for medicinal purposes. The early usage of this form of metal added its value and from the industry began to grow. Now, the situation is that the copper industry in the nation takes up 3% of the entire world of copper market. The country has earned the status of net exporter of copper from the position of net importer of Copper.

Factors contributing towards the development of copper industry in India

• Domestic increase in industries like automobile, telecommunications, power and construction

• Industrial development in the nation• Increase  in the global usage of copper

COMPETITON

Top four companies in Copper industry in India• Sterlite Industries Limited• Hindustan Copper Limited• Hindalco (Birla) Industries Limited• Jhagadia Copper Limited

Only four companies are leading the copper industry but they are also not sufficient to tap the opportunities available in this industry.

This industry demands more deployment of resources.

Many miners are required to meet the raw material demand of many other industries as is discussed later in this presentation.

There are also many other ways to survive and flourish in this industry as discussed in next section.

OPPORTUNITIES

No Supply RestrictionReserves Under Exploration 20,000 sq.km out of 60,000 sq.km

Indian refining capacity higher than local demand- net exporter of refined copper (Opportunity to trade internationally)

Opportunity to increase ore production through expansion and green field (without any hindrance of lack of technology in finding new fields and mining it) exploration.

DIVERSE USES OF COPPER (DEMAND)

Architectural ApplicationsCopper is heavily employed in the

construction industry. It is commonly found in buildings because it is waterproof. This makes it suitable for cladding, roofing and plumbing. 

Lightning rods and roofs are often built of copper.

Industrial ApplicationsThe metal’s high ductility makes it a practical

tool for industrial use. It is the third most widely used metal in industries next to aluminum and iron. It is commonly used in shipbuilding. The metal is alloyed with nickel.

Uses of Copper in Electricity

More than half of the copper produced is for electricity. Its core functions are transmission of electricity and power generation. The metal is employed in generators, motors and transformers. Properly set the metal produces electricity efficiently and safely. The metal is also used in wiring and electrical equipment. It is present in mobile phones, TV and computers.

Application in Transportation

The element is used in construction of trains, cars, lorries and other vehicles. Battery currents use high purity copper wire harness systems (an assembly of cables or wires which transmit signals or electrical power.). The current is transmitted to satellite navigation systems, on-board computers, central locking and lights.

Practical Daily Application of CopperThe metallic element is applied in fixtures,

doorknobs and other elements in a house. Copper electroplated nickel silver is used for some knives, spoons, knives and frying pans.

Biological ApplicationsModern medicine applies copper bracelets to

reduce arthritis and joint pains. Its anti-microbial elements assist in producing hygienic surfaces in healthcare institutions.