Society and Economy
Driving progress toward social and economic development
Throughout history, copper has been central to economic and societal progress. Today, ICA’s members and the copper industry fuel economic and societal growth by creating jobs, building community capacity and resilience, supporting diversity and equality initiatives, investing in research and development and spurring innovation to meet society’s future needs.
The copper industry employs more than one million people and brings an added value of $144 bn to the global economy.
Copper production is often the backbone of its surrounding communities. ICA’s members provide more than just direct economic impact to its local neighbors.
ICA members are invested in circular practices to meet future demand with more and more secondary copper. They are working closely with policy makers to remove regulatory barriers to closing copper’s loop and increasing recycling rates. ICA members are also ensuring that byproducts of copper production from refining and recycling processes stay in the loop, avoiding unnecessary waste.
The copper industry plays key roles in addressing issues critical to society. Through contributions to infrastructure, the food chain, manufacturing, medical devices and technology, the copper industry works to drive employees, communities and governments to address the difficulties encountered in providing vital materials for society. Working with multiple partners, from UN Women on a program to aid local communities near mining sites to UN Environment on United for Efficiency, an initiative focused on transforming developing countries via standards for energy-efficient appliances and lighting, ICA and its members use innovative ways to spur local economies and build stronger communities.
Feature Resources
Serving as Responsible Stewards
The Paris Agreement was signed on Earth Day in 2016. Signers of the Agreement committed…
Industrial Symbiosis: The opportunity from shared infrastructure and joint services
