| One of the very first metals ever taken out of the earth and used was copper. As early as 8000 B.C., it was used in coins and ornaments. By 5000 B.C., it was used to form tools that helped mankind emerge out of the Stone Age. Since that time, the metal has become ubiquitous, as copper is used now in building materials, power generation, plumbing, money, and even in electric vehicles.
The mining industry extracts copper ore from the earth, and prepares it to be used as a feedstock to produce copper-based products. Copper is found in large deposits. In its most basic form, copper ore comes in two types: sulfide ores and oxide ores. Each type requires a different method of extraction and processing by the copper industry...............................................Full Article: Source
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