Copper’s unique properties, such as its high melting point (1,981°F), durability, malleability, conductivity and recyclability, make it an ideal material for use in a variety of applications. As a micro-nutrient, copper is essential to all plant, animal and human life as it is necessary for the growth, development and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart and many other organs. The metal’s natural anti-microbial properties make it ideal for use in food preparation and medical facilities to help protect against food and hospital-borne microbes. This has recently led EPA to register copper as an antimicrobial agent, the first and only solid material to ever receive this EPA registration.

Copper is also used in the production of photovoltaic panels, geothermal heat pumps and hybrid and electric vehicles, making it an invaluable tool in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is committed to making this versatile material available through the most responsible means possible, across the life cycle of mining, processing, manufacturing and use to recycling or disposal. Our products are covered by Material Safety Data Sheets. We are actively involved in industry-wide efforts to comply with Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) regulations in Europe. Effective June 2007, these regulations aim to protect human health and the environment by giving industry greater responsibility for managing the risks from the chemicals and substances they produce.

Through the European Copper Institute, a consortium of companies – including Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. – has collaborated to prepare background documentation and registration materials for major copper products, which are now being reviewed by European Union regulators and member nations. Our molybdenum business, Climax Molybdenum, is represented on the steering committee of the Molybdenum Consortium, an industry group that is conducting similar activities toward REACH registration of molybdenum products.

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