• The transition to a more resilient energy sector largely relies on an increasing use of renewable energy sources and the adoption of new technologies. Both require extensive use of minerals, particularly critical minerals. Copper, being one of the most conductive non-precious metals, is vital for many industries necessary for the energy transition.
• Global copper demand is projected to surge by approximately 70% by 2050, with large-scale uses in power delivery and electrification, expansion of electric vehicles, and other renewable energy technologies.
• Our data shows that sustainability issues, such as access to water, pollution, and human rights, present potential risks to investors in the metals and mining industry, particularly copper mining.
• Institutional investors can benefit from having a better understanding of the sustainability profile of the copper-mining companies in their portfolio and help assess which companies are best positioned to manage sustainability risk and meet international global standards and regulations around responsible mining.

ISS STOXX’s Natural Capital Research Institute, in collaboration with colleagues across the ESG research and product teams, is launching a publication series that examines the sustainability profile of mining companies, leveraging data from various solutions, including the ESG Corporate Rating, Biodiversity Impact Assessment Tool, Modern Slavery Solution, Norm-Based Research, and Economic Value Added. This first publication focuses on copper mining.