Copper is no longer just a critical industrial material. It is a foundational enabler of modern life. From electrification and renewable energy to digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the rapid expansion of data centers, copper underpins the systems shaping today’s economy and tomorrow’s growth.
In a recent interview on CNN Chile, Juan Ignacio Díaz, President and CEO of the International Copper Association, discussed the strategic role copper plays in the global economy and why the coming decades will be decisive for copper producing countries. Global demand for copper is expected to double by 2040, reflecting the scale of transformation underway as countries work to decarbonize energy systems, expand electric mobility, strengthen power grids, and build the digital infrastructure required for a more connected world.
Meeting this demand is not optional. It is essential. For copper producing nations, this moment represents a historic opportunity. But it is not simply an opportunity to extract more material. It is an opportunity to drive national development, create high quality jobs, strengthen regional economies, and increase fiscal contributions, while supporting global climate and technology goals.
The path forward requires more copper produced responsibly. As highlighted in the CNN Chile conversation, accelerating permitting processes and providing certainty for investment are critical steps, but they must be achieved without compromising environmental or social standards. Faster does not mean weaker. It means clearer timelines, predictable rules, and efficient decision making. When approval processes stretch across a decade or more, investment does not wait. It goes elsewhere.
Expectations across the value chain are also changing. Manufacturers and end users increasingly look beyond price alone, demanding responsible production, circularity, reduced carbon footprints, and secure supply.
There is an immediate opportunity to respond. Expanding existing operations offers a faster, more efficient, and more sustainable way to increase supply. Brownfield projects can deliver tangible benefits for workers, communities, suppliers, and families today, while helping the world meet its most pressing challenges tomorrow.
Copper is ready to lead. The moment to act is now.
