The Copper Crunch: Our Digital Future is Running Out of Wire 🚨
S&P Global just issued a massive warning: the world is facing a 10 million tonne copper shortage by 2040. That is 25% of global demand that simply won't exist.
The Three-Way Tug-of-War
We used to think EVs were the main driver. Now, the demand is being pulled in three directions:
AI Infrastructure: Massive data centers require heavy-duty power grids.
Defense: Modern military tech is becoming increasingly "electrified."
Net Zero: You can't build wind turbines or solar farms without miles of copper.
The 17-Year Problem
We can’t just "turn on" more supply. It takes an average of 17 years to get a new mine from discovery to production. With supply expected to peak in 2030 and then drop, the math for our "electric future" doesn't add up.
The Result?
If we don't fix the supply chain now, we're looking at permanent inflation for electronics, failed climate goals, and a global scramble for resources that could mirror the oil crises of the past.
The "Red Metal" is the new oil. And we're running low.