Copper is the oldest metal used by man. It’s use
dates back to prehistoric times. Copper has been
mined for more than 10,000 years with a Copper
pendant found in current day Iraq being dated to
8700BC. By 5000BC Copper was being smelted
from simple Copper Oxides.
Copper is found as native metal and in minerals
cuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite and
bornite. It is also often a by-product of silver
production. Sulphides, oxides and carbonates are
the most important ores.
Copper and Copper alloys are some of the most
versatile engineering materials available. The
combination of physical properties such as
strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance,
machinability and ductility make copper suitable
for a wide range of applications. These properties
can be further enhanced with variations in
composition and manufacturing methods.