Copper and its various alloys are used in industrial and consumer applications because of high electrical and thermal conductivities, wear and corrosion resistance, and mechanical and aesthetic properties. These metals are vital to nearly every industrial sector. Uses of copper and alloy mill products may be broken down into five principal markets: building construction, electrical and electronic products, industrial machinery and equipment, transportation, and consumer and general products. In addition, copper and its alloys are a strategic material essential to the production of equipment critical to the U.S. economy and national defense. The various copper minerals, mining, ore treatment, smelting, and refining are discussed as is fabrication of products and the chemical reactions specific to these processes. There have been significant process innovations in the copper industry, particularly in hydrometallurgy, solvent‐extraction technology, and continuous casting production methods. Pure copper is most often produced by electrorefining. Sulfuric acid is a principal by‐product of copper smelting. The United States is a world leader in smelting and refining capacity. It is the second largest copper ore producer and repository of one‐fifth of the world's recoverable reserves. U.S. and world production is discussed.

Copper and its various alloys are used in industrial and consumer applications because of its high electrical and thermal conductivities, wear and corrosion resistance, and mechanical and aesthetic properties. Pure copper is most often produced by electrofining. Sulfuric acid is a principal by‐product of copper smelting. These various copper minerals, mining, ore treatment, and refining are discussed. as are the chemical reactions specific to these processes. Copper is vital to every industrial sector. World and U.S. production is discussed. Uses of copper and alloys mill products can be broken down into five principal markets: building construction, electrical and electronics products, transportation, consumer products and industrial machinery. Copper and its alloys are considered strategic materials essential to the U.S. economy and national defense. Copper is and essential trace element required for human metabolism.