半导体的新瓶颈：铜！

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry faces significant risks due to climate change, particularly concerning the availability of copper, which is essential for chip production. PwC warns that one-third of global semiconductor supply could be negatively impacted by climate change within the next decade [1][4]. Group 1: Importance of Water in Copper Mining - Water is crucial for open-pit copper mining, with over 8 million gallons required to produce one ton of copper. On average, a mine needs about 26,400 gallons of water daily, all of which is freshwater [3]. - The copper supply for semiconductor production is heavily reliant on Chile, which is experiencing extreme drought conditions exacerbated by weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. This leads to unpredictable and unstable copper supply [3]. Group 2: Future Risks and Projections - By 2035, the global semiconductor production share relying on threatened copper mines could rise to 32%, and in the worst-case scenario, it may reach 58% by 2050. Only three countries may provide stable copper supply under relatively stable climate conditions by 2050 [4]. - Current alternatives to copper, such as graphene or silver, are not considered economically viable, indicating a potential bottleneck for the semiconductor industry if copper supply cannot be secured [4]. Group 3: Recommendations for Mitigation - PwC suggests specific measures to reduce water usage in copper mining, such as recycling, tailings management, and seawater desalination. In Chile, the proportion of seawater used in copper mining is expected to rise to about 22% by 2020 [5]. - The use of recycled water is also increasing, with some mines achieving over 70% water recycling rates through closed-loop systems. Semiconductor manufacturers are encouraged to improve material efficiency, utilize recycled copper, and diversify their supply chains [5].