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Course:EOSC311/2025/Copper & the Human Resource: Connecting People to the Materials They Use

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Overview

Copper Ore

Copper (Cu) is found in its pure state in nature and is a metal that is used in many aspects of daily life. Many are most familiar with copper for its conductibility of heat and electricity and its use in wires[1]. However, copper is used in many other areas of daily life such as electronics, lighting and HVAC systems[2].

Copper is mining and processing is essential for our daily uses of this versatile metal, however, it has environmental impacts that must be considered. Examining closely what copper is, how it is mined and processed and the environmental impacts that accompany these practices is vital in understanding the overall impact of using this metal in various aspects of life[3][4].

It can be difficult to understand the ways in which individuals can have a significant impact toward the effects of copper mining and pollution. By examining closer how copper is used in workplaces and how small actions can create a difference, businesses can better inform their employees on their impact on the Earth[5][6].

Statement of Connection

In EOSC 311, we take a close look at different geological processes, including a section focussing on copper deposits and the mining of copper in British Columbia. While completing the activities in that learning module and gaining a deeper understanding of how vital of a resource copper is, I began to think of all the ways in which copper is used that people (including myself) do not even think about. My mind immediately thought of office spaces in the corporate world and how copper is used for things like lighting, electronics and so much more. As someone studying business with a specialization in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources with a concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact, it is at the core of my studies to think about a company's impact on the Earth and its resources. While I believe there are courses that take a closer look at this on a grander scale, I wanted to focus more specifically how a Human Resources department can influence the behaviour of employees resource usage through awareness training.

In order for employees to carry forth a value that their company wants to establish, they must first internalize it. Therefore, it would be impossible for a company's employees to have a desire to decrease their usage of electronics for the purpose of copper sustainability without understanding it first. The ethical issues surrounding copper mining are significant and provide insight on why extending the lifespan of the copper currently in circulation is important. While it may seem minor, employees' every day actions can have a significant impact on reducing copper waste and mining pollution. Therefore, by providing employees with awareness training, better efforts can be made to avoid pollution.

Copper at a Glance

What is Copper and Why is it Used?

Unlike some other minerals found in the Earth's crust, copper can be found in its pure metal form in nature - meaning it is an element on the periodic table defined as Cu. Copper appears as a reddish metal and is the only metal besides gold that has a natural colour - all other metals are either grey or white[7]. It is extremely conductive or ductile, second only to silver, and is a versatile metal due to its malleability, while not being reactive to most acids. After it is used, copper can be recycled without the loss of any of its properties, making it an essential element in today's age of sustainability[7]. Given this nature, it is no surprise that copper has many uses[1].

Some of the first uses of copper was as a substitute for stone by the New Stone Age or Neolithic humans and is humanity's oldest metal[7][1]. It was not until later, in the Mesopotamian era, around 4,000 BCE, that copper was used in its metal form. During this time, copper was mainly sourced from Cyprus and had the name "Cyprium". It was commonly melted from ore using charcoal and fused with tin (or Sn on the Periodic Table) to form bronze[1].

As mentioned, copper can be found naturally as a pure metal. However, it can also be found in basaltic lavas as a primary mineral, in other copper compounds, and in various minerals such as malachite, chalcocite, and chalcopyrite, among others[1]. Copper also plays a major role in animal and human life. While iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body in red-blooded animals, copper takes on this function in blue-blooded animals (electricity link)[1]. In red-blooded animals, copper helps form hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen throughout the body. animals[1][8].

From Ore to Usable Metal

Copper ore can be found in igneous and sedimentary rock and can be mined in two ways:

Underground Mining

Underground mines typically produce copper sulfide and use shafts that sink into the Earth to the level where ore can be achieved[9]. While the depth of underground mines can differ for different minerals, copper ore is typically extracted at 500 meters, but can be up to 1,500 meters in depth. There are standards that regulate the depth of mines as the deeper a mine gets, the less efficient the equipment and the mines become[3]. Once the proper depth has been achieved, horizontal tunnels called adits are made to reach the iron ore[3]. However, a major issue with this form of mining is how expensive it is. Given its expense, this kind of mining is typically limited to rich ores.

Open Pit Mining

Open pit mines are large in area, extracting copper ore that is located close to the Earth's surface, typically copper oxide[9]. With this style of mining, large chunks of rock are dug from the ground, meaning that the rock must experience thorough processing before it is ready for use[3]. These mines common in the copper industry as they are less expensive than underground mines, with many across North America[3]. These mines produce lower grade copper as the ore has a lower copper concentration. While more ore needs to be extracted to compete with the higher grade ore from underground mines, the more affordable nature of these mines allow more ore to be extracted while still creating profit[3][9].

In order to extract the copper from these pits, boring machines are used to drill holes where explosives can be placed. The blast from the explosives produces large boulders containing ore that can then be processed for copper[9].

Primary Crushing

Regardless of whether the ore is copper sulfide or copper oxide, the larger boulders that are extracted from the Earth are put through a primary crushing phase. This is where the rock is crushed to golf ball-sized chunks, making it easier to process further[9].

Copper Sulfide Ore

The golf ball-sized rocks that are taken from primary crushing are taken through further crushing steps that eventually result in a sand. Water is added to this sand to make a kind of sludge that can be processed. Copper sulfide ore is processed through pyrometallurgy - a process that uses the application of heat to extract and purify the copper ore through four steps[9]:

1. Froth Floatation:

Chemicals are added to the sludge that allow the copper to bind and become essentially waterproof. Air bubbles are then blown into the bottom of the tank, and foam will rise to the surface. Given the copper's now hydrophobic tendency, it will rise on top of the air bubbles and can be extracted off of the surface of the water[9]. The rest of the sludge that was not used can then be disposed of as it is waste rock.

2. Thickening:

In this stage, the froth from step one is poured into tanks where solids can settle to the bottom as the bubbles burst. This stage results in 30% copper and other metals that can be sent to the smelter[9].

3. Smelting:

The copper concentrate from step two is then melted to liquid in a furnace of around 2,300 °F and placed in a furnace that allows it to settle. The resulting metal, called molten matte, will only contain roughly 60% copper as there are still other metals mixed in. The matte is taken to another furnace where the other metals are burned off[9]. This resulting metal is comprised of about 98% copper and are processed one more time to burn off excess oxygen in the metal, which will change it to a copper colour. These are now 99% pure copper and are in a form called anode slabs that can weigh 750 pounds[9].

4. Electrolysis:

This is the final step in the refining process. The anode slabs are put in a tank with copper sulfate and sulfuric acid and an electric current is sent through the tank. Any final impurities in the slabs will drop to the bottom of the tank and can be refined into other metals like silver and gold. The electrolysis process takes two weeks, after which the copper is 99.99% pure and can now be made into wires, tubes, instruments and various other products[9].

Copper Oxide Ore

Copper oxide ore is processed through hydrometallurgy - a process that uses water-based solutions through three steps to extract copper from the ore[9]:

1. Heap Leaching:

Once the ore is in golf ball-sized chunks, the ore is put on a slant on top of an impenetrable surface. Then, a form of sulfuric acid is sprayed onto the top of the slant, allowing it to run down and coat the rock. It will then dissolve the copper from the ore, which is collected in a small pool. This stage is comprised of up to 70% copper[9].

2. Solvent Extraction:

The pool is then combined with a liquid that does not mix, which allows the copper to move from the pool into the newly introduced liquid (a solvent). While the copper migrates from the leach to the solvent, any impurities will remain in the leach solution which is then filtered out and disposed of[9].

3. Electrowinning:

This is a type of electrolysis where an electrical current is passed through the solution, leaving 99.99% pure copper behind[9]. This metal is now ready for distribution and can be used in wires, tubes, instruments and various other products.

Where and Who are the Main Copper Producers?

The copper import and export market is one that is very sizeable and has grown over the last five years at an annual rate of around nine percent[10]. As of 2023, the copper industry reached $95 billion globally and accounted for 0.43% of world trade[10]. As of 2024, the world's five largest producers of copper are Chile (5,300,000 metric tons), Democratic Republic of the Congo (3,300,000 metric tons), Peru (2,600,000 tons), China (1,800,000 tons), and United States (1,100,000 tons)[11].

As the largest producer of copper, Chile is home to both the world's largest underground and open pit mines. These are El Teniente and Escondida, respectively[1].

The Ethical Copper Dilemma

Environmental Impacts of Copper Mining

As described in the mining and development process, the use of chemicals is necessary to transform copper into a usable form for products. Many of the chemicals used in these processes are toxic, and can contaminate ecosystems. Copper sulfide mines, in particular, release mercury, lead and sulphites into the surrounding area[12].

Mercury

The release of mercury into the ecosystem can be devastating to marine life. When mercury seeps into the ocean or bodies of water, it becomes easily absorbable by planktons and other small marine life. As the food chain progresses and larger fish eat smaller fish that have been contaminated, the concentration of mercury increases. This can leave marine life of all sizes with various side effects, and leave larger sea animals like dolphins with reproductive issues, behavioural failure and even cause death[13]. This process is called biomagnification, and it can greatly impact human life too. Humans around the world consume seafood that could be contaminated, leading to various long-term health concerns[13].

Sulfuric Acid

Sulfates are a bi-product of underground mining. Sulfates can become sulfuric acid when exposed to oxygen, which can then seep into ground water and soil. This impacts plant life as it is extremely corrosive, harm land animals who rely on nearby sources of water, and marine life[12]. A local example of this is at the Britannia Mine in Squamish, where acid runoff was devastating the local marine life. After its closure, the mine implemented a filtering system that now removes acid runoff from the water and allows clean water to flow back into Howe Sound[14].

Lead

Lead is commonly found in copper ore, and can seep into waterways during the mining process. Lead poisoning has been shown to cause neurological disabilities and reproduction issues, among others[12].

Polychlorinated Biphenyls

While polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs are not a product of the mining or chemical processes of copper mining, many companies use electrical equipment that have PCBs in them. PCBs are carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer and break down extremely slowly in the environment. When coupled with the effect of biomagnification, PCBs can be devastating to wildlife and humans alike[12].

Social Impacts of Copper Mining

Besides the environmental impacts of copper mining, there are various social implications to copper mining. Given the expanse of land needed to mine for copper, people can be displaced when mines expand. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the world's largest copper producers, copper is being extracted for use in lithium batteries. Due to the desire of companies to expand copper mines, many nearby homes are being demolished, forcibly removing families from their home and displacing them[15]. Over 39,000 people were impacted by the mine's expansion, with demand for copper in this region continuing to expand. This means that other residents of the surrounding area will continue to be impacted by the mines (displacing link).

Mines in close proximity to communities also risks contamination. In 2008, a pump at a copper mine in Zambia malfunctioned and contaminated the drinking water of nearby communities. This case impacted the health of 1,000 local residents who documented various illnesses following the event[16]. While there are regulations in place to avoid disasters like that of Zambia, the effects of incidents like this can be catastrophic to surrounding communities.

Copper in the Workplace

Employee Devices

Copper is used in various ways throughout the office. Two of the ways employees experience this is in the devices they receive on their very first day. Copper is used in laptops due to its ability to conduct electricity and manage thermal levels in the system. This is seen through a thermal block used in the laptop that helps pull heat away from the chips that function as the computer's brain. Copper pipes are used that conduct heat toward the fans within the computer, keeping the computer from overheating and the circuitboard from frying[17]. Essentially, without the use of copper, computers would not be able to function. However, when computers are left running for too long, the copper can begin to overheat over time and degrade. The heat degradation results in a shortened lifespan for the device[18]. Similarly, copper is used more than any other metal in phones. It is used in the wiring of phones and helps send signals throughout the device due to its high conductivity[19].

It is important to take care of the devices used in the workplace to avoid wear and tear. This can look like shutting computers down at the end of the day rather than putting them to sleep. Additionally, closing excess programs or tabs while using the computer can help with easing strain on your device, expanding its lifespan[20].

Office Infrastructure

There are many other uses for copper in the workplace. For example, HVAC systems, wiring, and lighting all use copper wiring. In the case of lighting and wiring, these use copper for the aforementioned reasons of electric conductibility.

HVAC systems are vital for work places as they help regulate temperature, keeping employees comfortable throughout their work day. Copper pipes are used in HVAC systems due to their durability, ability to work with refrigerants without any tarnishing or corrosion, and their inexpensive manufacturing nature[2].

Ensuring the continual maintenance of the office's HVAC system is a simple way to extend the life of the copper within the system. To do this, filters and ducts should be cleaned regularly, debris should be removed promptly, and the system should remain on consistently through warmer periods[21]. While this might seem counter intuitive, turning the system on and off as needed is more strenuous than having it maintain a regular temperature.

Employee Awareness

Training Programs

The Importance of Awareness

1. From the Company's Perspective

Training and awareness programs within the workplace can have great impact on establishing and reinforcing company culture. Not only is this reflected in employee behaviour, but employers that invest in the training of their employees see an 11% increase in profitability year over year[22]. In one study, 80% of employees showed that they would have increased job satisfaction if they were offered training in their place of work, and over 50% of newly hired employees that are not offered training will consider leaving the company[22].

2. From the Employee's Perspective

Training programs are just as important for companies to ensure employee retention as it is for employees well-being. Employees that feel their company aligns with their values have increased job satisfaction and a deeper internalization of the impact of their work[23]. This sense of meaningfulness also manifests in employees' personal lives through mental health and emotional well-being as they feel their values are being heard and respected rather than dismissed while in the office.

Impact Through E-Waste

Training can take various shapes and forms for different companies, but they are essential in reducing e-waste. E-waste is a major concern in today's age as only around 17.4% of electronic waste is disposed of properly, meaning that (as of 2021) approximately 47.45 million tons of electronic waste was not being disposed of correctly[24]. Therefore, copious amounts of valuable metals and minerals, including copper, are being improperly disposed of, not recycled, and therefore wasted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copper is an extremely valuable and versatile metal and the demand for it only continues to grow. While the copper mining market is ever-expanding, it is important to recognize the impacts that the expansion of this industry has on the environment. It is easy to become disconnected from the materials that make up goods used in every day life, particularly when at work. However, it is important that employees be aware of how their choice to leave their device running, keep the lights turned on, or improperly dispose of their broken device has greater impacts on the environment and copper mining industry.

Similarly, it is vital that employers prioritize the education of their employees and internalize values that align with environmental sustainability. In doing so, employees will perform better, internalize the company's mission and have greater sense of loyalty. Essentially, there is no down-side to caring more for your employees and the environment simultaneously.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, June 10). Copper. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/copper
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Why are copper pipes used in HVAC systems?. Conditioned Air Solutions. (2021, August 2). https://www.conditionedairsolutions.com/blog/why-are-copper-pipes-used-in-hvac-systems/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Copper ore mining. SOXRF. (n.d.). https://soxrf.com/articles/copper-ore-mining?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  4. ↑ Copper mining and processing: Processing Copper Ores. Superfund. (2021, March 17). https://superfund.arizona.edu/resources/learning-modules-english/copper-mining-and-processing/processing-copper-ores
  5. ↑ The importance of workplace training and development. Seismic. (2023, August 24). https://seismic.com/uk/enablement-explainers/the-importance-of-training/
  6. ↑ Patterson, J. (2023, August 13). Creating a culture of training and development in the Workplace. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/06/13/creating-a-culture-of-training-and-development-in-the-workplace/
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 About copper. International Copper Association. (n.d.). https://internationalcopper.org/sustainable-copper/about-copper/
  8. ↑ Vandergriendt, C. (2023, July 12). What is hemoglobin? normal levels and potential problems. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-hemoglobin#low-hemoglobin
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 Copper mining and processing: Processing Copper Ores. Superfund. (2021, March 17). https://superfund.arizona.edu/resources/learning-modules-english/copper-mining-and-processing/processing-copper-ores
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Copper Ore. The observatory of economic complexity. (n.d.). https://oec.world/en/profile/hs/copper-ore
  11. ↑ US Geological Survey. (February 3, 2025). Major countries in copper mine production worldwide in 2024 (in 1,000 metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 19, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/264626/copper-production-by-country/
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Montgomery, E., & Hierbaum, S. (2025, February 21). How copper mines pollute. Environment America Research & Policy Center. https://environmentamerica.org/center/articles/how-copper-mines-pollute/
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Toxic Mercury, a significant threat to marine wildlife. Toxic mercury, a significant threat to marine wildlife | Minamata Convention on Mercury. (n.d.). https://minamataconvention.org/en/news/toxic-mercury-significant-threat-marine-wildlife#:~:text=Mercury%20can%20enter%20the%20ocean,from%20land%2C%20and%20industrial%20discharges.
  14. ↑ GSSI, D. (2024, July 16). Britannia Mine Site Remediation. Fraser Basin Council. https://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/britannia-mine-site-remediation/#:~:text=The%20mine%20site%20discharged%20large,marine%20life%20in%20Howe%20Sound.
  15. ↑ Forced evictions at industrial cobalt and copper mines in the DRC. Amnesty International. (2023, October 31). https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/09/drc-cobalt-and-copper-mining-for-batteries-leading-to-human-rights-abuses/
  16. ↑ Seidenfaden, J. (2016, January 22). Impacts of copper mining on people and nature. Danwatch. https://danwatch.dk/en/impacts-of-copper-mining-on-people-and-nature/
  17. ↑ Laptops 101: Understanding what goes into designing an efficient laptop cooling solution. MSI. (n.d.). https://www.msi.com/blog/laptops-101-understanding-what-goes-into-designing-an-efficient-laptop-cooling-solution
  18. ↑ Understanding the causes of electrical wire failures. Dunedin Electric. (2023, November 8). https://www.dunedinelectric.com/understanding-the-causes-of-electrical-wire-failures
  19. ↑ Lotzof, K. (2020). Your mobile phone is powered by precious metals and Minerals. Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/your-mobile-phone-is-powered-by-precious-metals-and-minerals.html
  20. ↑ Panel, E. (2024, August 13). Protecting your hardware: 20 ways to extend the life of Tech devices. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/11/07/protecting-your-hardware-20-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-tech-devices/
  21. ↑ Average HVAC system lifespan and how to extend it. Constellation. (n.d.). https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/energy-efficiency-tips/hvac-lifespan-and-tips-to-extend.html#:~:text=Regular%20HVAC%20System%20Maintenance&text=Doing%20these%20things%20will%20likely,remove%20debris%20from%20outside%20components
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 The importance of workplace training and development. Seismic. (2023, August 24). https://seismic.com/uk/enablement-explainers/the-importance-of-training/
  23. ↑ Evans, M. (2024, August 13). The importance of a workplace that aligns with personal values. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/07/25/the-importance-of-a-workplace-that-aligns-with-personal-values/
  24. ↑ The growing environmental risks of e-waste. Geneva Environment Network. (2024). https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/


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