Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color. Mined from open pits, copper ore must be crushed as part of the process that occurs between extraction and production. Using today’s compact mining equipment, copper ore is extracted from the mine. It has very good resistance to weathering and soil corrosion, and it has antimicrobial properties.
Due to its ductility and electrical and thermal conductivity, copper is oftentimes used in the production of electrical conductors, switches, transformers, and telecommunications. Being naturally resistant to weathering and soil corrosion makes copper an ideal material for the production of roofing and plumbing applications.
