Copper News | News | William Rowland

The Photovoltaic Effect and the Solar Cell

Posted in Reflections on 14th October 2011

Solar panels use wafers of crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon. The conducting wires that take the current off the panels may contain silver, copper or other conductive (but generally not magnetic) transition metals. Due to the vagaries of the weather solar panels must be able to withstand a wide range of climatic changes from heatwaves to prolonged periods of rain fall and the harsh conditions that icy winters brings.

Copper Mine Workers Strike At Codelco

Posted in Industry News on 25th July 2011

For the first time in nearly two decades, Codelco closed for 24 hours for a national strike due to disagreements between management and unions over restructuring plans at the business.

Chile's state controlled copper molybdenum mine lost $40 million because of the closure and 4,600 tonnes of copper.

Copper & Zinc - Metal For New Solar Batteries

Posted in Industry News on 19th July 2011

Researchers in Japan from the Kanazawa Institute of Technology have developed a solar battery that is able to convert energy from sunlight using copper oxide at a rate of 3.26%.

Copper: An Overview

Posted in The World Of Metal on 27th April 2011

Copper and its alloys have been used for at least 10,000 years. During Roman times it was mainly sourced from Cyprus, and thus was originally named cyprium, meaning Metal of Cyprus. Despite its long history, over 95% of mined copper has been extracted since 1900 and estimates of remaining reserves vary between 25 and 60 years.

Increased Copper Prices by 2013 Despite Ireland Bailout

Posted in Industry News on 6th December 2010

Copper prices have rebounded in the last few days on the local non-ferrous metal market following an increased demand from its consumers and a firm trend at the LME (London Metal Exchange)

Weak Dollar Spurs Metal Demand

Posted in Industry News on 24th March 2010