当算力狂飙撞上全球铜荒，一场关于国运的金属博弈

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights an impending global copper crisis triggered by the shutdown of key copper smelting facilities by Glencore, which could significantly impact future technological advancements and economic stability due to copper's essential role in various industries [4][5][34]. Supply Side - Glencore's decision to close its two major copper smelting plants in Canada is a critical signal of a broader supply crisis in the copper industry, marking the collapse of a 30-year supply-demand balance [10][11]. - The copper smelting industry is facing unprecedented pressure due to a severe shortage of copper concentrate, leading to negative processing fees (TC/RC), indicating that smelters are losing money just to keep operations running [12][34]. - Environmental regulations and the high costs of modernizing aging smelting facilities are further complicating the supply situation, making it economically unfeasible for companies to continue operations under current conditions [13][28]. Demand Side - The demand for copper is driven by three major engines: the transition to green energy, the AI revolution, and the global upgrade of electrical grids, all of which are creating a structural and irreversible increase in copper consumption [15][24]. - Electric vehicles (EVs) require significantly more copper than traditional vehicles, with each EV using 4 to 6 times more copper, contributing to the rising demand [16][20]. - AI data centers are emerging as new growth areas for copper consumption, necessitating extensive electrical infrastructure and cooling systems that rely heavily on copper [19][20]. Structural Challenges - The copper supply chain is constrained by geological limits, with declining ore grades in major producing countries like Chile, leading to increased extraction costs and environmental pressures [28][29]. - The long investment cycle in mining means that even with high copper prices, new production cannot be brought online quickly enough to meet demand, creating a significant supply gap [31]. - Geopolitical risks in major copper-producing countries are rising, with resource nationalism leading to stricter regulations and potential disruptions in supply [32][34]. Strategic Responses - To address the looming copper crisis, China must adopt a dual strategy of expanding overseas resource acquisition while simultaneously developing a domestic recycling system for copper [43][48]. - The focus on recycling and urban mining can help mitigate reliance on imported copper, as China has a substantial stock of waste copper that can be repurposed [48][49]. - Establishing a robust overseas presence in resource-rich but politically stable regions is essential for securing copper supplies and reducing vulnerability to geopolitical risks [44][46].