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Core Insights - Copper is becoming an essential resource in the modern semiconductor industry, particularly in the context of the global AI computing power race and the energy transition [1][3] - The demand for copper is expected to surge due to its critical role in various applications, including semiconductor manufacturing and green energy technologies [9][10] - The global copper supply chain faces significant challenges, including production difficulties, transportation risks, and climate change impacts, leading to a potential systemic shortage by the 2030s [12][15][16] Group 1: Copper's Role in Semiconductor Industry - Copper is primarily used for manufacturing interconnect lines in semiconductors, acting as the "vascular system" of chips to ensure efficient electronic signal flow [4][8] - The unique physical properties of copper, such as lower resistivity and higher thermal stability compared to aluminum, make it irreplaceable in high-performance chips [5][6] - The adoption of the "Damascene Process" has enabled the large-scale application of copper in semiconductor manufacturing, overcoming previous limitations [6][7] Group 2: Demand Drivers - The demand for copper is being driven by the explosive growth in AI computing and the renewable energy sector, fundamentally changing the demand landscape [9] - For instance, the NVIDIA H100 chip consumes copper at a rate 100 times higher than traditional electronic devices, highlighting the increasing copper requirements in advanced technology [10][11] - Electric vehicles (EVs) are also contributing significantly to copper demand, with varying copper usage across different vehicle types [10][11] Group 3: Supply Challenges - The global copper supply is facing a long-term imbalance due to the slow pace of new mine development, with only 12 large copper mines under construction expected to add 3 million tons by 2030, while demand is projected to increase by 8 million tons [13] - Geographical disparities in copper resources and processing capabilities create vulnerabilities in the supply chain, with South America holding a significant portion of the world's copper reserves [14] - Climate change poses a major risk to copper supply, particularly in water-scarce regions where mining operations are heavily reliant on water resources [15] Group 4: Geopolitical Factors - Recent geopolitical developments, such as the proposed 50% tariff on imported copper by the U.S., are likely to disrupt global copper trade dynamics [16] - Countries are increasingly adopting resource nationalism and export restrictions, further complicating the global copper supply landscape [16]