Copper could be the ‘new gold’ for South Africa: CEO

Big Tree Copper chief executive Jan Nelson expects a steady climb in demand for the red metal over the next three decades. This, as the world, has turned its full attention to sustainable energy and a greener economy.

Recent panic over the conflict in Ukraine and its subsequent threat to Europe’s reliance on Russian energy saw a surge in the metal trade to around $10,900 per ton (R169,700). Pricing has since eased to what Nelson calls a ‘more realistic level’ but he said that over the next few decades demand should steadily increase with a long-term view of 500% growth by 2050.

Nelson said demand is expected to exceed supply with an expected upward trajectory of around 16-20% by the end of the decade. At current production rates, a deficit of at least 6 million tons is forecast, he said.

“Sating demand, even in the next twenty years, may be challenging at this pace. There is not enough exploration presently to allow for the development of viable sources in good time.”

Given the metal’s history in the market, Nelson believes that the wild-card nature of copper’s pricing will continue to see short and near term fluctuations but a longer view forecasts an incremental upward trajectory.

“This is good news for South Africa and the Northern Cape. The province holds a substantial reserve of deposits and recyclable copper oxide waste.”

Nelson anticipates increased exploration interest in the area concomitant with growing economic activity. “The current view is that there is at least a century of copper in the ground with a potential provincial output of 6 to 10 million tons,” he said.

“Coupled with increased recycling efforts and mining in other areas of South Africa, Copper could become the new gold for South Africa.”

Read: Parliament calls for petrol price review in South Africa