Africa’s copper sector continues to shape global supply chains, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, South Africa and Namibia emerging as the continent’s most important exporters of the red metal.

Copper is a critical metal for modern infrastructure, from renewable energy systems and electric vehicles to telecommunications and construction, and Chile holds far more copper beneath its soil than any other country, according to the latest figures on global mineral reserves.

The world has unearthed roughly 700 million metric tons of copper in total throughout history. That’s enough to fill a cube roughly 430 metres on each side, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Trump has once again stirred fresh diplomatic tensions in the Arctic as he is pushing for the United States to take control of Greenland.

Over the last few years, the world has shifted towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future, thus, copper is emerging as a critical component in the transition.