The hard numbers are that copper prices have increased 275 percent since they dipped during the 2008 recession. Prices are now hovering between $9,000 and $10,000 a ton, with the expectation that they'll hit $12,000 by 2012.
Copper is used in nearly every industry: pipes and tubing in heating, ventilation and air condition; roofing material in construction; and copper wires, electromagnets and switches in electronics are just a few examples. Copper and its alloys (blends with other metals) like brass and bronze have countless further applications in jewelry and in the creation of other common metals.
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.