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ADVANCING EVERYDAY LIFE
Preparing for tomorrow
We’re one of Australia’s largest producers of green metals – the key to a low carbon future
How is Glencore advancing a low carbon future?
As a leading producer of green metals, Glencore safely, responsibly and sustainably provides the green metals used in everything from solar panels and wind turbines, to electric cars and smart homes. Our green metals aren’t just advancing everyday life. They’re advancing a low carbon future, too.
What are green metals?
Green metals like copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc can be found in almost every electronic device, making them a fundamental part of modern life today. And they’ll play an even greater role in our lives tomorrow to spread the use of renewable energy technology like solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage.
What makes these metals ‘green’?
Green metals play an essential role in creating low carbon technologies, like electric cars, which require more than 120 kilograms of green metals. And importantly, green metals can be recycled endlessly. So the same metals can go from a phone, to a computer, to a plane and more.
Why are green metals key to a low carbon future?
Without green metals, a low carbon future wouldn’t be possible. To achieve net zero total emissions by 2050, it’s estimated that the world needs to produce twice as much copper and zinc and four times as much cobalt and nickel as it does today.
What are green metals?
Green metals for a low carbon future
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Nickel
From your kitchen to the skyline, nickel-based stainless steel is everywhere. As a good conductor of heat and electricity, it’s also a key component of electric car batteries, helps power smart devices, and makes it possible to integrate wind and solar power into the grid.
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Cobalt
Resistant to very high temperatures, Cobalt is used to create the batteries that store solar power, as well as run our phones, tablets and laptops. It’s also playing a lead role in renewable energy and the electric vehicle revolution.
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Zinc
You’ll find zinc on almost every city street, protecting steel buildings and bridges from corrosion. It’s used to make musical instruments, along with the batteries that power hearing aids – so those who need them can enjoy the music.
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Copper
Copper is one of the first metals used by humans. Today, copper is a key component in renewable energy technologies. Its high conductivity of heat and electricity means it’s found in virtually every electrical device we use. It also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills germs and viruses – making hospitals and care environments safer.
Net zero
Climate change is a global challenge and a shared responsibility. We believe we can contribute to a low carbon future, and we're working hard to help make it happen.