Jakarta, Sept. 3 -- Behind the growth of artificial intelligence on screens and in data centers lies a physical requirement that is easy to overlook: metal, particularly copper, needed to power and connect the digital economy.

Data centers require large amounts of electricity. Transmission networks need cables, while solar and wind projects and electric vehicles depend on extensive electrical infrastructure and components.

Copper is central to that transformation because of its strong electrical and thermal conductivity, making it essential to electrification and many emerging technologies.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) identifies copper as one of the key minerals. Under its Stated Policies Scenario, total copper demand is proj...