Copper Flashcards
1
Q
Porphyry deposits
A
Most common - found in igneous rocks - formed at destructive plate boundaries - continental plate melts to form magma that contains copper - as magma rises it cools copper compounds crystallise.
2
Q
Sedimentary deposits
A
When mineral rich water flows through gaps in sedimentary rock - chemicals cause it to solidify.
3
Q
Details
A
Chile the biggest producer - accounted for 31% of all copper mined in 2014 - continue to invest to meet demands of China - very versatile metal - can be combined into lots of alloys - copper industry accounted for 20% of China’s GDP in 2013 - in refined forms.
4
Q
Prices
A
Oversupply of copper - combined with financial prices - caused copper prices to halve.
