Product Profiles- Copper Ore

Description: Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is rather soft and malleable, and a freshly exposed surface has a pinkish or peachy color. It is used as a thermal conductor, an electrical conductor, a building material, and a constituent of various metal alloys.

Occurrence: Copper can be found as native copper in mineral form. It is a polycrystal, with the largest single crystals  

 Measuring 4.4×3.2×3.2 cm. Minerals such as the sulfides: chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), covellite (CuS),   chalcocite (Cu₂S) are sources of copper, as are the carbonates: azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂) and malachite  (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂)  

and the oxide: cuprite (Cu₂O).

Locations: Copper ore occurring in form of chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), is found in Zarara, Banke hills, Rishi in Bauchi state and Babban Tsauri area in Kastina  and some other parts of Nigeria like Nassarawa, Plateau, Zamfara, and Gombe State.

Specifications:

Copper Ore -        Cu 10-25%

Size -                      10-50mm

(As) -                      0.50%
(Pb) -                      6.00%
(F) -                         0.10%
(Cd) -                      0.05%
(Hg) -                      0.01%
Moisture -              5.0%

Uses:

Industrial Uses of Copper
There are many industrial uses of copper, due to its high ductility, malleability, thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It ranks third after iron and aluminum in the amount of quantities consumed for industrial purposes. It is alloyed with nickel and used in form of cupronicklel and monel for shipbuilding. The Watt's steam engine firebox is made from copper due to its high heat dissipation. Copper in liquid form is used as a wood preservative. It helps in restoration of original structures that are damaged due to dry rot. It is the main component of coins for many countries. The European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand use coins containing copper. 

The main uses of copper are in the construction industry. Copper is used for plumbing, roofing and cladding. Copper is a light and durable metal that helps build maintenance free structures. It has anti-microbial properties that help in providing hygienic surfaces in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Electrical Uses of Copper
About 65% of copper that is produced is used for electrical applications. The important uses of copper include, use in power generation and transmission of electricity. It is used in transformers, motors, bushbars, generators, etc., to provide electricity throughout the country, safely and efficiently. In case of electrical equipments, it is used in wiring and contacts for PC, TV, mobile phones and in the circuitry. 

Everyday Uses of Copper
The everyday uses of copper include doorknobs and other fixtures in the house. Copper uses also include frying pans, knives, forks and spoons that contain some copper, if they are made from electroplated Nickel silver. It is also used in copper water heating cylinders, copper bath tubs, copper sinks and copper counters. Copper in form of metal and as a pigmented salt is used to make decorative art like statutes and sculptures. Copper is an essential nutrient to all higher plants and animal life. In animals and humans it is present in tissues, liver, muscles and bone. The main function of copper in the body is to act as a co-factor in various enzymes and copper based pigments. 

Uses of Copper
The important uses of copper in the transportation industry include building of trams, lorries, cars, trains, etc. High purity copper wire harness system is used to carry the current from the battery throughout the vehicle. The current is carried to the lights, central locking, on-board computers, satellite navigation systems, etc. The electric supper trams made from copper and its alloys helps provide cities with clean and efficient transport system. It is also used in overhead contact wires that help pass the current throughout the train.

Export market: The major export markets copper ore is China. Other buyers next to china include Finland, Hong Kong, Taiwan. Other minor buyers include India, Germany and United state.

Export Price: Depending on the percentage purity of the copper ore and the prevailing London metal exchange (lme.com) price, the FOB price of copper ore could vary from US400-USD600/MT.

Local price: Depending on the percentage purity of the copper, the local market price at the loading point could vary from NGN30,000-NGN50,000/MT