Any idea what this will do to copper scrap prices??

Originally Posted by olddude

The price of copper is not determined by rarity. It is determined by cost of recovery, demand, and processing. ie. the cost of leasing one tire from one truck used in a copper mine.

So, electricity costs would be a big factor. The copper mine is powered by electricity, the vehicles by gasoline.
The Copper that comes from the mine will be used for Copper pipe etc.

Then its recycled, using electric cells, into electrical wire etc.

From what i have figured out, 'virgin Copper' the stuff straight from the mine, has contaminates in it, its still good for Copper pipe etc, but not good enough for carrying electricity.
To upgrade it to electrical standard they need to rerefine it. Thats a waste of power etc when thats whats going to happen to the recycled Copper anyway.

So, while the supply of Copper does dictate its price, how much it costs to get out of the ground.
Its the power/fuel costs that probably affect it the most.
Is this correct?

If gasoline and electricity prices go down, whats going to happen to the price of copper?
What happens if they go up?