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“The relationship between Schneider Electric and Glencore is built on the joint aim of decarbonizing copper production and building resilience in its supply. In the past, lowering emissions has been a challenge due to the complexity of supply chains, but by leveraging digitization, we can close the material loop and boost our circularity.”
Rob Moffitt,
President of Mining, Minerals & Metals,
Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric and Glencore have embarked on a transformative journey to decarbonize the copper supply chain, addressing the rising demand for this critical metal while navigating the complexities of sustainability. With copper playing an essential role in global electrification and the clean energy transition, this partnership seeks to revolutionize both the sourcing and use of copper, focusing on creating circular supply chains that prioritize efficiency, recycling, and carbon reduction.
Copper, often referred to as the lifeblood of the electrical and renewable energy sectors, is essential to Schneider Electric’s operations, with the company procuring over 100,000 tons annually. Through this collaboration, Schneider Electric will acquire copper directly from Glencore and distribute it across its European factories, focusing on materials that are responsibly sourced and have high recyclable content.
But this partnership goes beyond securing copper supply. Schneider Electric is also playing a vital role in helping Glencore advance its global operations through automation, digitalization, and electrification. By deploying cutting-edge technologies and providing expert consulting, Schneider Electric is supporting Glencore in making its copper production more efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable.
Additionally, this partnership aligns with Schneider Electric’s Zero Carbon Project, a significant initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. Schneider Electric is helping Glencore develop high-efficiency, low-carbon procurement standards for capital equipment, a critical step in lowering the carbon footprint of copper production. Also the mining giant is assisting with energy consumption reporting, enabling Glencore to better monitor and reduce CO2 emissions throughout its supply chain.
Rob Moffitt, President of Mining, Minerals & Metals at Schneider Electric, captures the essence of this collaboration.
He said, “The relationship between Schneider Electric and Glencore is built on the joint aim of decarbonizing copper production and building resilience in its supply. In the past, lowering emissions has been a challenge due to the complexity of supply chains, but by leveraging digitization, we can close the material loop and boost our circularity.”
Schneider Electric’s work does not stop at copper production. The company is also involved in recycling initiatives, partnering with Glencore and their portfolio company, Li-Cycle, a major battery recycler. Together, they are developing a take-back program for copper and electronic waste, ensuring that once these materials are used, they are returned to Glencore for recycling, further promoting circular supply chains.
Furthermore, the collaboration also opens up new avenues for end-of-life copper recycling and circularity, where materials can re-enter the production process instead of being discarded. This closed-loop approach is a vital part of both companies’ commitment to reducing their carbon footprints and promoting sustainability.
As S&P Global predicts that copper demand will double by 2035, driven by the clean energy transition, partnerships like this are critical in ensuring that supply chains can meet this growing demand while minimizing environmental impact. The mining industry, responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions, is under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, and this collaboration between Schneider Electric and Glencore marks a major step forward in that direction.
Jyothish George, Head of Copper & Cobalt Marketing at Glencore, emphasizes the significance of this partnership saying, “We are delighted to work with Schneider Electric in a comprehensive 360-degree collaboration. By digitizing and decarbonizing our supply chains, we are building a more sustainable future for copper production and beyond.”
Conclusively, as the global push for cleaner energy and resource efficiency accelerates, Schneider Electric and Glencore are setting a powerful example of how industries can work together to reduce emissions, promote circularity, and ultimately create a more sustainable planet. This partnership not only secures copper supply but also lays the foundation for a greener, more efficient future in mining and industrial operations.