Copper scrap, as an important renewable resource, holds a significant position in the copper industry chain. The main sources of copper raw materials in China include domestically produced and imported copper concentrate, imported copper anode, and recycled copper anode scrap. According to SMM data, in 2023, the smelting volume of copper scrap accounted for as much as 13.42% of China's copper raw material supply.
There are many types of copper scrap, which can be classified into several different categories based on their source, copper content, and other factors:
1. Classification by Source
New Copper Scrap: This type of copper scrap mainly comes from waste generated during the production, processing, and utilization of copper, such as slag and anode mud from the smelting process, and industrial defective goods and off-cuts from the processing process. Most new copper scrap is recycled internally by the factories that produce the waste and does not flow into the market in large quantities.
Old Copper Scrap: Old copper scrap refers to discarded copper-containing products after use, such as wires and cables, old household appliances, and construction waste. After being recycled and dismantled, these copper scraps become an important source of copper metal.
2. Classification by Copper Content
Bare bright copper consists of clean, uncoated, unplated, and non-oxidized pure copper wire; copper cable scrap (Cu＞99.5%) includes low-voltage and high-voltage copper cable scrap; motor copper, also known as enamelled wire, is used to generate motor coils and has an insulating varnish on the surface. After recycling, it can be used to manufacture new enamelled wire or other electronic components. #1 copper scrap mainly consists of oxygen-free copper, oxidized copper, and other metal impurities, with the oxygen-free copper content being greater than 99.95%. #2 copper scrap has a higher content of metal impurities such as iron, tin, nickel, and zinc, and a lower copper content than No. 1 copper scrap. Copper granules are small particles recovered from old wires and cables, mainly used for smelting or recycling, and are classified into #1, #2, and #3 copper granules.
In addition, brass, which is a copper-zinc alloy, is also widely circulated in the market, mainly sourced from imports. The prices of brass vary by country, with the best brass being American brass, followed by European brass, Southeast Asian brass, etc.
In summary, there are many types of copper scrap. These copper scraps have different characteristics and usage values in the recycling and reuse process, making them an important resource for promoting the sustainable development of the copper industry chain.
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