Jump to navigation

The University of Arizona Wordmark Line Logo White
College of Engineering
Home
  • Home
  • Give Today
  • Contact Us

Search form

  • About
    • Welcome
    • Contact Us
  • Undergrad Programs
    • Admissions
    • Degrees
    • Courses
    • Advising
    • Scholarships & Financial Aid
    • Research & Internships
    • Student Clubs & Organizations
    • ABET Accreditation
  • Grad Programs
    • Admissions
    • On-Campus Degrees
    • Online Degrees
    • Courses
    • Advising
    • Research Focus Areas
    • Funding
  • Research
    • Focus Areas
    • Facilities
  • Faculty & Staff
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • Employee Resources
    • Open Positions
  • Alumni
    • Give Today
    • Job Board
  • News & Events
    • MGE News Archive
    • Events
    • Lacy Lecture Series
News & Events
Home / News & Events / Poulton Discusses Rising Copper Prices with CNBC

Poulton Discusses Rising Copper Prices with CNBC

Sunday, August 22, 2021
Mary Poulton speaking with mining engineering students

In a recent interview with CNBC, MGE professor emerita Mary Poulton discussed the high demand and increased prices for copper due to its role in the rapidly expanding field of green energy. Poulton was joined in the discussion by Freeport-McMoRan CEO Richard Ackerson. 

Copper prices have been surging throughout 2021. In fact, May 2021, commodities analysts at Goldman Sachs called copper "the new oil." Due to its role in a variety of industries, CNBC describes the copper market as a barometer for larger economic growth throughout the world. But with the growth of green energy, copper is seeing additional demand. 

"A typical gas-powered car has about 50 pounds of copper, but an electric vehicle is more like 184 pounds," Poulton said. "As we move to a decarbonized economy, we're replacing 'C' in the Periodic Table with 'Cu'."

  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • MGE News Archive
  • Events
  • Lacy Lecture Series
  • Employee Resources
The University of Arizona
Department of Mining & Geological Engineering
1235 E. James E. Rogers Way
P.O. Box 210012
Tucson, AZ 85721-0021
520.621.6063

Facebook  LinkedIn

 


University Privacy Statement

© 2022 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona.