New study maps risks the mining industry must overcome to unlock new copper reserves.
Australian researchers have identified a matrix of risks including environmental, social or governance that could impede future copper discoveries.
University of Queensland geologist Professor Rick Valenta said copper would be crucial in a renewable-powered future, but global supplies were far from guaranteed.
“The rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles means copper is a critical metal for society,” he said.
Using new orebodies will be crucial but rising prices wont be enough the Queensland team said.
“The remaining three-quarters of the complex orebodies face environmental, social and governance risks.”
“The investor community is increasingly aware of environmental, social and governance risks, but there is still a way to go if we are to harness these important copper reserves.”
The research, Re-thinking complex orebodies: Consequences for the future world supply of copper, is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.