One mineral that can substitute for copper in certain applications is aluminum. In electrical applications, aluminum has been used as an alternative to copper due to its lower cost and lighter weight, although it generally has lower conductivity compared to copper. Additionally, some industries are exploring the use of materials such as graphene or carbon nanotubes for specific applications where copper is traditionally used, particularly in advanced electronics and conductive materials.
In other contexts, certain alloys or composite materials may also serve as substitutes for copper in plumbing and construction, thereby potentially reducing the demand for copper mining. However, the effectiveness of these alternatives can vary depending on the specific application and requirements.
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