Copper is widely used due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties. Its main uses include:

• Electrical wiring and equipment: Copper is the preferred metal for electrical wires, cables, motors, generators, and electronic circuitry because it conducts electricity very well and is easy to work with. About 60% of copper is used for electrical wiring and related applications in power generation, distribution, telecommunications, and electronics

• Construction: Copper is used in roofing, plumbing, water pipes, heating systems, air conditioning, and building wiring due to its durability and corrosion resistance

• Industrial machinery: Copper is employed in heat exchangers, radiators, boilers, and various industrial equipment because of its superior heat conduction

• Alloys: Copper forms important alloys such as brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin), which are used in marine hardware, musical instruments, statues, bearings, and decorative items

• Transportation: Copper is essential in automotive, aerospace, and railway industries for wiring, motors, radiators, connectors, brakes, and hydraulic systems. The rise of electric vehicles has increased copper demand significantly

• Medical and antimicrobial uses: Copper’s antibacterial properties make it useful for touch surfaces in healthcare settings to reduce pathogen spread

• Coins and decorative items: Copper and its alloys have long been used in coinage and jewelry due to their appearance and workability

• Agriculture and fungicides: Copper compounds are used as fungicides, insecticides, and wood preservatives

• Electronics: Copper is increasingly used in printed circuit boards and integrated circuits due to its superior conductivity compared to aluminum

In summary, copper’s versatility makes it indispensable in electrical, construction, industrial, transportation, medical, and agricultural applications