Macroeconomic Themes ~ Copper Stock Picks - April 2022

Our Equities Trader, Joseph Raad, discusses macroeconomic themes for the month of April.

Copper’s uses and relevance in the global push towards a decarbonised world is becoming more prevalent. It is one of the most utilised commodities in the world and can be recycled repeatedly without a loss in performance. Its conductivity, malleability and durability make it integral in the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy generation through solar, hydro, thermal and wind. Copper's applications help reduce CO2 emissions and lowers the amount of energy needed to produce electricity. In many renewable energy systems, there is 12 times more copper than in traditional systems.

electric-car-charging-2021-09-04-11-25-17-utc-1

According to Copper Development Association, conventional cars contain around 8kg-22kg of copper, whereas battery electric vehicles contain approximately 83kg. Demand for EVs has continued to exceed expectations. Infrastructure such as charging stations and improved transmission lines will be required to support this growing trend. Deloitte has forecasted total EV sales growing from 2.5 million in 2020 to 11.2 million in 2025, then reaching 31.1 million by 2030, representing approximately 32 per cent of the total market share for new car sales. This has been spurred by the announcements of various political initiatives to combat global warming. For example, in July 2021, the EU proposed an effective ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, aiming to speed up the switch to zero-emission EVs.

According to Reuters, copper used in EVs, batteries and chargers could account for as much as 10% of world refined consumption by 2030, and such consumption is expected to grow at a healthy annual rate of 1.7% to reach 28 million tonnes in 2027. However, according to Rystad Energy, global demand for copper will outweigh supply by more than six million tonnes by 2030. A deficit as such would have far-reaching ramifications for the energy transition, as there is currently no substitute for copper in electrical applications. Copper demand is projected to rise 16% by the end of the decade, reaching 25.5 million tpa by 2030, compared with a supply forecast showing a 12% decrease versus 2021 levels, coming in at 19.1 million tpa. 


Copper Stock Picks

 

OZ Minerals (ASX:OZL)

OZ Minerals (OZL) logo

 

Being one of the biggest producers in the market, OZ Minerals (ASX:OZL) explores for and mines mainly copper. Copper is important for a low carbon future and economic wellbeing which, in turn, helps the Company achieve its purpose and contributes to a better future. 

 

Hot Chili Limited (ASX:HCH)Hot Chilli (HCH)

Hot Chili Limited (ASX:HCH) has three key copper projects, Cortadera, Productora, and El Fuego. These are all located in close proximity to one another. They are planning to be production by 2026 and if that’s the case, they will capitalise on those macroeconomic themes and trends. They have a very large resource base of almost one billion tonnes of copper across all their projects and are approaching the DFS stage.

 

Locksley Resources (ASX:LKY)Locksley-Resources-512x330-1

Locksley Resources (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.


 

Summary

 

Significant investment in copper mining will be required to ensure the global demand for the metal is met over the course of the next decade.


Read the Conversation:

 

Joseph Raad:

“Joseph Raad here from Barclay Peace Capital, discussing copper's outlook moving forward. Conventional cars typically contain around 8 to 22 kilograms of copper, whereas electric vehicles contain up to 83 kilogram. Demand for EVs has exceeded expectations and significant investment in infrastructure will be required to uphold this trend, Deloitte has forecasted total EV sales to grow from 2.5 million in 2020 to 31.1 million in 2030, representing at that time approximately a 32% of the total market share of cars.

This has been spurred by the announcements of various global political initiatives to help combat the effects of global warming. For example, in July, 2021, the EU announced a ban on the sale and importation of all new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 onwards. Despite the increased interest for copper, many predict that by 2030 global demand will outweigh supply by more than 6 million tons. This will have far-reaching implications for the energy transition as there is currently no substitute for copper.

In order to reach net zero emission targets set out by many global leaders. Significant demand in both copper mining and development will be required to reach these targets. The following three ASX stocks to keep an eye out for focuses each on a producer, a developer, and an explorer. These stocks are OZ Minerals, Hot Chili Limited, and Locksley Resources. For more information on copper, or if you would like to enter a position in the stocks mentioned, please click on the link in the description.”

 

Where to from here?

Trading equities is all about having access to the right investment opportunities and making decisions based on accurate, unbiased information. Often, this means hours of research on a daily basis, keeping up with several ASX announcements, understanding economy-impacting events and regularly consuming broader news updates. If you're not an equities trader by profession, then it can quickly become rather overwhelming, especially once you have built a considerable-sized investment portfolio.

Our Equities Trading team, backed by our independent research department is the ideal solution for said situation. Our clients receive access to exclusive investment opportunities, daily ASX research reports, our expert weekly outlook on the Australian markets and direct access to our equity traders.

Trading with Barclay Pearce Capital is about building long-term returns, trust, confidence and a mutually beneficial relationship.

Trent Primmer
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