Telecommunications companies worldwide anticipate substantial financial gains from the sale of copper extracted from obsolete copper cables.

Forecasts suggest they could earn over $10 billion within the next 15 years. This is due to the transition to more modern technologies, such as fiber optics and wireless networks, rendering older copper cables redundant.

Operators are expected to generate approximately $720 million from copper sales in 2025. British company BT, Scandinavian firms Telia and Telenor, and Australian company Telstra have already secured buyers for this metal.

Over two financial years, Telstra earned AU$211 million ($132 million) from copper cable sales. Telenor is preparing to sell approximately 250 tons of copper in 2025, which will generate over €1 million ($1.04 million) under an agreement with a contractor. Telia has already earned over €25 million ($26 million) from selling old copper cables and plans to receive €2–3 million ($2.08–3.12 million) in 2025.

Demand for copper is expected to rise due to the energy transition and the construction of new power grids. It is projected that the price of copper could reach $12,000 per ton by 2035, significantly higher than current prices.

However, not all companies are prepared for copper extraction, as it may be economically unviable due to high dismantling and recycling costs. Some operators, such as Belgian company Proximus, have already stated that the revenue from copper sales was insignificant compared to the expenses. Nevertheless, overall, this process can generate significant profits and assist in financing new technologies.

ORIENT