During this year's Investing in African Mining Indaba week in Cape Town, Juan Ignacio Diaz joined Marna Cloete for a fireside chat at the Benchmark Summit 2026, moderated by Ntuthuko Sithole, to explore a critical question shaping the future of the global economy: Is the world ready for rising copper demand?
The discussion highlighted copper's growing importance beyond electrification alone. While copper is widely recognized as a foundational material for clean energy technologies, speakers emphasized its essential role across broader global megatrends including urbanization, digitalization, climate action, and industrial development. Copper's durability, recyclability, conductivity, and antimicrobial properties continue to make it indispensable to modern life and future infrastructure.
Africa's strategic role in the future copper supply chain was also a central theme. With approximately 30% of global copper reserves located on the continent, Africa is positioned to play a vital role in building resilient and diversified supply chains needed to support the global energy transition.
The conversation also underscored the importance of circularity and responsible production. Today, roughly two-thirds of all copper ever produced remains in use, demonstrating the material's long-term value and recyclability. While recycled copper currently supplies around one-third of global demand, panelists noted that growing future demand will also require expanded responsible primary production, streamlined permitting processes, and continued support for independent sustainability initiatives such as The Copper Mark.
Speakers agreed that meeting future copper demand will require an "all-of-the-above" approach — combining recycling, mining investment, open trade, supportive policy frameworks, and collaboration across the full copper value chain.
The International Copper Association continues to work alongside members and partners globally to promote, protect, and defend copper's role in enabling a more sustainable future.
ICA also thanks Colin Hamilton for providing valuable insights on macroeconomic trends and trade dynamics that helped frame the discussion, as well as Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and SBG Securities for convening the summit in Cape Town.
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