Overview
This course examines the physical copper value chain from exploration and mining through concentration, smelting, refining, fabrication, distribution, manufacturing, use, and recycling. Students distinguish open-pit and underground mining; sulfide and oxide ores; concentrates, blister, anodes, cathodes, rods, semi-fabricated products, scrap, and recycled copper.
The course develops practical understanding of mine-to-port logistics, rail and maritime transport, warehousing, customs documentation, insurance, Incoterms, trade finance, inventory management, quality specifications, assays, sampling, contamination, payment terms, treatment and refining charges, penalties, premiums, and settlement procedures.
Students analyse supply-chain bottlenecks, port disruptions, labor disputes, weather events, energy shortages, sanctions, force majeure, and counterparty risk. Sustainability topics include water use, tailings, emissions, community relations, responsible sourcing, traceability, recycling, and circular-economy strategies. Applied work includes mapping a complete shipment, evaluating a concentrate contract, calculating delivered cost, and designing a resilience plan.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the principal stages, products, participants, and transactions in the physical copper value chain.
- Distinguish mining, processing, refining, fabrication, recycling, and distribution operations for major copper-bearing materials.
- Interpret commercial terms relating to Incoterms, customs, insurance, payment, treatment and refining charges, penalties, premiums, and settlement.
- Calculate delivered copper costs using freight, handling, financing, quality adjustments, and commercial charges.
- Evaluate sampling, assay, contamination, specification, and settlement risks in concentrate and refined-copper transactions.
- Analyse logistical, operational, geopolitical, environmental, and counterparty risks affecting copper supply chains.
- Assess sustainability challenges involving water, tailings, emissions, communities, responsible sourcing, traceability, and circularity.
- Design a practical supply-chain improvement plan that strengthens efficiency, transparency, continuity, and resilience.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Seminar | 1 hour | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Copper value-chain map and operational commentary | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Commercial terminology and physical-market concepts quizzes (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Concentrate contract evaluation | 20.00% |
| Test | Delivered-cost calculation and risk analysis test | 20.00% |
| Capstone | Supply-chain resilience and sustainability plan | 25.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 14 NCEA Level 2 English credits, externally assessed
- Requirement 14 NCEA Level 2 Mathematics credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
