Copper has a long history stretching back thousands of years, and even today it remains the world's third most-used metal.

1. Electrical Systems

Equipment including electronics is the single largest use of copper in Australia, accounting for 31% of demand according to ING. Copper is widely used in consumer electronics, appliances, generators and cables due to its excellent conductivity.

2. Heating Systems

Copper is also a good conductor of heat. This makes it ideal for applications such as motor vehicle radiators, water boilers, home heating and cooling systems and the bottom of cooking pots.

3. Water Pipes

Resistant to rust, copper has been used for water pipes since Ancient Egypt. The metal's flexibility also makes it easier for pipes to bend and curve as needed.

4. Building Construction

Making up 28% of demand, building construction is the second main use of copper in Australia after electrical equipment. The strong and malleable metal can be found in many places in buildings, from roofing to plumbing and electrical connections.

5. Infrastructure and Transport

Copper and bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) are key metals in road and rail transport and infrastructure projects. The use of copper in the automotive industry is set to grow substantially in the coming decades, as electric vehicles require two to four times the copper of a combustion vehicle for their electrical components.

6. Coins

Australian coins are mostly made from copper. $1 and $2 coins are 92% copper combined with aluminium and nickel, while smaller values are made from a mixture of 75% copper and 25% nickel known as cupronickel.

7. Fungicides, Insecticides and Fertilisers

Copper sulphate is applied to drains, sewers and reservoirs to kill algae and deter plant roots, while copper naphthenate and copper-chrome-arsenate help to protect treated timber against pests. Copper can also be an effective ingredient in crop fertilisers.

8. Medical Apparatus

Another growing market for copper is the medical field. The metal's antimicrobial properties can help to prevent the spread of infections and diseases when used on a range of surfaces from counters, handrails and door handles to chairs.

Copper Mining and Exploration in Australia

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY)

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) is an Australian exploration company. They are focused on identifying and assessing opportunities for the acquisition, exploration and development of copper and other mineral resources projects in Australia that have the potential to deliver significant growth for shareholders.

Locksley Resources was incorporated in October 2018 and has acquired 100% legal and beneficial interest in the highly prospective Tottenham Copper-Gold Project.

To keep up to date with Locksley Resources' news and progress, and for more information about copper investment as a whole, subscribe to the Locksley Resources Limited Chairman's List.