Soaring copper prices and… cable theft: a scourge that affects the Internet, telephony and trains. “Copper has seen its demand double over the last twenty-five years globally,” explains Orange.
A tonne is now worth 8,400 euros, compared to around 6,000 euros in 2020. According to forecasts from the International Energy Agency, global demand for metals is set to increase sixfold by 2040. If devices are stolen, they can be replaced with copper cables.