The Twin Metals Minnesota project results in metals that are critical components of today’s economy and to the development of a sustainable green economy. Copper, nickel and platinum are essential to many industries, including power generation, electronics, aerospace, food processing, construction, automotive and healthcare.
Annually, imports total 650,000 metric tons of copper, 139,000 metric tons of nickel, 210,000 kilograms of palladium and platinum.
Copper
Copper Products and Uses
Copper is a ductile, malleable, reddish-brown metallic element that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and resistant to corrosion. Copper is used in electrical conductors, power generation, transmission and distribution, piping, roofing and gutters, electronic components, phones, locks and electrical wiring.
Nickel
Nickel Products and Uses
Nickel is a hard, malleable, ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to corrosion. Nickel is found in stainless steel and therefore found in hospital and kitchen equipment, aircraft engines, wind turbines, coinage and gas and power plant turbines. For the United States, nickel is both a critical and strategic metal, as the United States imports all of its primary nickel supply.
Palladium
Palladium Products and Uses
A Platinum Group Metal (PGM), palladium is an extremely pliable material and can be rolled into thin sheets or drawn into fine wire. It is very resistant to corrosion, but susceptible to attack from strong acids. Palladium is used in catalytic converters which remove toxins from automobile emissions. In addition, palladium is used in jewelry, scientific instruments, for electroplating and is used in dentistry as filling material and sometimes in dental instruments.
Platinum
Platinum Products and Uses
Another PGM, platinum is soft and malleable, with good resistance to corrosion and chemical contact. Platinum is used in electrical resistance wires, electrodes, catalytic converters, medical devices, coatings on missile nose cones, jet engine fuel nozzles, jewelry, electrical contacts and photography. It is the only metal that can be successfully soldered to glass without causing it to break.