Copper is the leader of the pack when it comes to base metal stocks.
Copper can be found on the periodic table under the symbol CU and is element 29.
From Copper coins in 8000 B.C. to the newest semi-conductor manufacturing in silicon chips, Copper is one of the first metals ever to be extracted and used by man.
In 5500 B.C. early man found out how to make copper into tools, and by combining with tin to make bronze, it was even more useful around 3000 B.C.
Copper is easy to mold, shape, stretch and resistant to corrosion. It is a conductor of heat and electricity and used in building construction, power generation and transmissions, electronic products, industrial machinery and copper wiring and plumbing materials.
In the automotive field, copper is used in:
MotorsWiringRadiatorsConnectorsBrakesBearingsA small vehicle has around 44 pounds of copper in its construction and almost 100 pounds go into hybrids and ATVs.
Newer uses today include the antimicrobial properties of Copper that reduce transfer of disease and germs; circuitry; microprocessors and copper rotors in electric motors. The Copper-Nickel alloy is used in hulls of ships as it doesn't corrode in salt water, and it reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency because sea life like barnacles don't adhere to it.
Copper goes "green" by being the most widely recycled metal worldwide. About 1/3 of all copper consumed is recycled. It is easily re-melted to use directly or reprocessed into refined copper without losing any valuable properties. 160 minerals are derived from Copper; the most common are chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite and turquoise.