The Inconvenient Truth About Copper: Implications for Electrification Goals
The International Energy Forum, an internation organization of energy ministers from 73 countries, has published a report, ( [ief.org] Copper Mining and Vehicle Electrification, that examines the issue of whether there will be enough copper to meet the demands of the energy transition, in particular EVs. An EV requires substantially more copper (https://wattsupwiththat.com/2024/05/19/the-inconvenient-truth-about-copper-implications-for-u-s-electrification-goals/) (60 kg) than an ICE vehicle (24 kg), and with policies mandating 100% EV production by 2035 there will be a strain on copper supply resources.

Just to meet business-as-usual trends (no energy transition), 115% more copper must be mined in the next 30 years than has been mined historically until now. Electrifying the global vehicle fleet would require 55% more new mines, which carries significant environmental and social costs. The reality presented in the IEF report highlights the error of poor planning and idealistic climate policy.