Copper Demand Expected to Surpass Production Within a Decade

A new study warns that global demand for copper will significantly outstrip production capacity by 2040, driven primarily by the energy transition and the technology sector.

Key Highlights

• Projection: Production to peak at 33 million metric tons in 2030.
• Demand Growth: Expected to reach 42 million metric tons by 2040 (50% increase).
• Deficit: A gap of nearly 10 million metric tons is predicted.
• Drivers: Electric vehicles, renewable energy (solar/wind), and AI data centers.
• Consequence: Rising costs for manufacturing electronics and IT equipment.

The Electrification Bottleneck

According to The Register, the study points to a worrying scenario for the tech industry. AI infrastructure and data center expansion are adding unexpected pressure on copper reserves, a metal essential for power and data transmission. Without massive new investment in mining, hardware costs could skyrocket in the coming decades.