Copper production is vulnerable to drought, risking the technology industry. The PwC report states that mines require steady water supply and face increasing drought risks due to climate change. By 2035, 32% of semiconductor production will depend on copper supplies at risk. If greenhouse gas emissions aren't reduced, this risk may increase to 58% by 2050. Urgent actions are needed from copper exporters and semiconductor buyers to adapt supply chains. Mining companies can invest in desalination and improve water efficiency while semiconductor makers might diversify materials and suppliers.
Copper mines require a steady water supply to function, and many are situated in places around the world that face a growing risk of severe drought due to shifts in climate.
It takes 16 years, on average, to develop a new mine, indicating the long lead time necessary to bring new copper sources online.
Nearly a third (32 percent) of global semiconductor production will be reliant on copper supplies that are at risk from climate disruption by 2035.
If something is not done to rein in climate change, the share of copper supply at risk rises to 58 percent by 2050, which emphasizes the urgency of action.
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