Schneider Electric & Glencore Strengthen Copper Circularity

Copper is one of the world’s most in-demand resources, integral to electrification and clean energy solutions.

With the global demand for copper set to double by 2035, its sustainable sourcing has never been more critical.

Schneider Electric has partnered with Glencore to enhance copper circularity and decarbonise its supply chain through digitalisation and automation.

Despite its key role in the clean energy transition, copper production is a major contributor to carbon emissions.

The mining sector is responsible for around 7% of global CO2 emissions, with scope 3 emissions making up the bulk of this.

The ‘copper contradiction’ lies in copper’s importance for green technologies, while its extraction presents sustainability challenges.

Schneider Electric, known for its sustainability leadership, has joined forces with Glencore to address this contradiction. By providing digital technologies, automation and consulting services, the company is helping Glencore optimise its operations, improve circularity and reduce emissions.

Improving circularity in the copper supply chain

Schneider Electric, which uses more than 100,000 tonnes of copper annually, will now source raw materials directly from Glencore, ensuring responsibly sourced materials with a high level of recyclability.

This partnership aims to integrate circularity into copper’s life cycle, from production to reuse, helping to minimise waste and carbon output.

In return, Schneider Electric offers Glencore a range of support, from automating processes to developing new energy-efficient standards. This collaboration covers four key areas:

1. Sustainable procurement of capital equipment
   Schneider Electric is working with Glencore to develop low-carbon procurement standards for capital equipment, aligning with Schneider’s Zero Carbon Project. This ensures that Glencore’s operations are optimised for sustainability from the ground up.

2. Enhanced energy consumption reporting
   Glencore’s energy use will be monitored more precisely through Schneider’s Power and Energy Management Systems. These systems provide detailed analytics that help Glencore develop strategies for fuel switching and improving energy efficiency, driving down emissions.

3. Lowering carbon intensity in copper production
   Schneider Electric is assisting Glencore with industrial digital transformation services that focus on lowering the CO2 output of its copper supply. Advanced technologies like the AVEVA PI System analyse energy data, while the ETAP electrical simulation optimises power distribution in mining operations, crucial for the sector’s move towards renewable energy sources.

4. Automation and digitalisation
   Schneider Electric is also helping standardise Glencore’s IT/OT systems. The deployment of digital twins, central control, and predictive analytics supports efficient resource management and further boosts circularity across Glencore’s operations.

Commitment to circularity and emissions reduction

Both companies are committed to reducing their carbon footprints through increased circularity in their supply chains.

Schneider Electric’s Rob Moffitt, President of Mining, Minerals & Metals, highlights the importance of this partnership: “By leveraging digitisation, we can close the material loop and boost our circularity... this is a critical component in our race towards net zero.” 

In addition to copper circularity, Schneider Electric is working on other sustainability initiatives with Glencore, such as a lithium-ion battery recycling programme through Glencore’s Li-Cycle portfolio.

The company is also exploring copper and electronic waste take-back programmes to ensure used materials are recycled and reintegrated into the supply chain.

Jyothish George, Head of Copper & Cobalt Marketing at Glencore, echoes the positive impact of this collaboration: “This 360-degree partnership will help both companies establish circular supply chains, significantly reducing our respective carbon footprints.”

A path to a sustainable future

By prioritising circularity, emissions reduction, and sustainable practices in copper production, Schneider Electric and Glencore are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

As the demand for copper continues to grow alongside the electrification of industries, partnerships like this will be crucial in minimising environmental impacts and ensuring a responsible transition to clean energy.

This collaboration highlights the vital role that digitalisation and automation play in creating more sustainable industries, with Schneider Electric and Glencore leading the charge towards a more circular, low-carbon future for copper production.

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