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Millennials @ Home

China’s Top Solar Firm Makes Switch from Silver to Copper

China’s biggest solar maker, LONGi Green Energy, has started mass production of solar cells that replace silver with copper at a new plant in Shaanxi — a key step in…

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Copper Weekly Brief — Week Ending 10 July 2026

  Copper held near historic highs through the second week of July, but the market remained in consolidation mode rather than extending the sharp rally seen earlier in 2026. LME…

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Copper Weekly Brief — Week Ending 3 July 2026

  Market overview Copper remained elevated through the first days of July, but the market continued to consolidate rather than extend the sharp rally seen earlier in the quarter. LME…

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Material Movement – Haulage Electrification

ConnectOre Research Briefing, June 2026 Mine haulage is the single largest source of emissions at most open-cut operations — and the place where decarbonisation and cost discipline converge most forcefully.…

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September 11, 2024 · General, John’s Blog, Mining, Smart Wiring

Homes have been getting smarter for decades—which is why we created Smart Wiring of course—but a younger generation sees smart homes somewhat differently it seems.

A new Australian snapshot from Samsung says Gen Z and Millennials—anyone born after 1997—not only expect high tech homes, but want their appliances to look great, communicate & anticipate their needs. It’s a big call.

The study—Australians @ Home Report: 2024 Smart Living Edition—showed that younger generations prioritise sleek design and Artificial Intelligence functionality, a clear break with their parents. 

Over a third of Gen Zers say they’re more likely to invite people over if they have a fancy smart fridge, while just under a third say they feel judged for outdated or mismatched appliances. 

Boomers see it differently, with over half seeing appliances as ‘what they are’ and are least likely to discuss their appliances with friends compared to other generations.

It looks like a generation gap to me. Gen Zers & Millennials are already home technology converts & see value in an appliances ecosystem for control of things that matter most to them, such as energy management and food waste reduction.

It suggests that smart homes are continuing to evolve, with even higher expectations of what they can & should do once AI is an integral part of the deal. 

We launched Smart Wiring over twenty years ago in anticipation of the future. We just didn’t expect the kids to take it and run with it quite so enthusiastically. 

Cheers, John Fennell.

Featured

China’s Top Solar Firm Makes Switch from Silver to Copper

China’s biggest solar maker, LONGi Green Energy, has started mass production of solar cells that replace silver with copper at…

Read More

Copper Weekly Brief — Week Ending 10 July 2026

  Copper held near historic highs through the second week of July, but the market remained in consolidation mode rather…

Read More

Copper Weekly Brief — Week Ending 3 July 2026

  Market overview Copper remained elevated through the first days of July, but the market continued to consolidate rather than…

Read More

Material Movement – Haulage Electrification

ConnectOre Research Briefing, June 2026 Mine haulage is the single largest source of emissions at most open-cut operations — and…

Read More

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