Copper is obtained from copper ores or by recycling copper.

• Copper ores are non-renewable.
• Copper ores can be obtained by mining.
• Some scrap copper goes to landfill sites.
  Give three reasons why we should use recycled copper instead of copper from copper ores.

Recycling copper has significant advantages over extracting it from its ore. 1. **Conservation of Resources:** Copper ore is a finite, non-renewable resource. By recycling existing copper, we reduce the rate at which we deplete these natural reserves, making them last longer for future generations. 2. **Energy Savings:** Mining, transporting, and extracting copper from its ore (often through smelting and electrolysis) are very energy-intensive processes. Recycling copper, which mainly involves melting it down and reforming it, requires significantly less energy. This also means lower carbon emissions. 3. **Reduced Waste and Pollution:** Recycling copper means less scrap metal ends up in landfill sites. Landfills take up valuable space and can be a source of pollution. Furthermore, mining itself can cause significant environmental damage, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and large amounts of waste rock.