Copper Supply Gap Could Reach 20 Million Metric Tons by 2050

Global copper demand is projected to outpace supply starting in 2028, with the gap potentially reaching 20 million metric tons by 2050 as electrified transport and power grids need more metal. The 2050 shortfall would represent 44% of projected worldwide demand. Bridging it would require an estimated $332 billion in new mine investment. Copper demand is projected to grow 61% from 2026 to 2050, reaching nearly 46 million tons. Demand from electrified transport is expected to rise 244% to 11.4 million tons over the same period. Those figures measure expected demand, which may exceed the amount producers can supply.

Source: TokenPost