The Copper Alliance® represents the network of regional copper centers and their industry-leading members, which is led by the International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA). ICA’s status as a not-for-profit trade association provides its members with a credible, independent advocate to address challenges faced by the collective industry. ICA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. ICA and its Copper Alliance® partners are active in more than 60 countries worldwide. For additional information visit copperalliance.org.
ICA and its 35 members bring together the global copper industry to develop and defend markets for copper and to make a positive contribution to society’s sustainable-development goals. ICA’s members represent a majority of global copper production and include many of the largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. Each year, its members invest $50 million into ICA’s programs with the largest share of those funds going toward initiatives producing a positive impact on sustainable development.
The history of the Copper Alliance spans more than 50 years. ICA and certain affiliated copper organizations have roots stretching back to 1927. The formation of the International Copper Research Association (INCRA) in 1959 strengthened certain global copper promotion centers, helping to drive copper-related technological innovations. Over the next 29 years, INCRA invested $44 million (more than $140 million in current dollars) toward ensuring strong growth for traditional copper applications and paving the way for new uses.
In 1989, 24 of the world’s leading copper producers united to form ICA with the recognition of a need to coordinate and integrate efforts in copper promotion worldwide. ICA quickly expanded its program activities and geographic reach beyond the work of its predecessor organization, INCRA.
Globalization and an increased demand for copper product technologies drove the copper industry to expand its vision for copper. Not only does this unique element propel technological advancements, but it fulfills broad societal needs to protect the environment and improve the quality of life. Many of the global trends driving the sustainable-development agenda rely on copper and its unique properties: climate-change mitigation and adaptation, energy efficiency and energy security, water quality, electrified transport, renewable energy, energy access, public health, and others.