Recycled Copper: Smelting or Melting?

In this article, we explore smelting or melting and the nuances of secondary copper smelter emissions. Copper is indispensable for the clean energy transition. It conducts electricity better than almost any other metal and is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and smart grids. According to the ICSG, secondary copper accounted for 17% of global refined production in 2024. As demand for copper rises, investors and policymakers are asking where the material comes from and what its carbon footprint looks like.

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