The copper market is seeing big changes lately. A short-term trade truce between the US and China has helped push copper prices up, giving investors some relief. At the same time, China is producing more refined copper than ever before.

But there’s a problem, there isn’t enough copper ore to meet demand. Even with record imports, supply is still tight. With inflation and global growth concerns still hanging around, the market remains on edge.

Let’s study deeper…

Copper Prices Rally on Eased Trump’s Tariff Tensions

COMEX July Futures: Copper futures for July delivery are trading at approximately $4.68 per pound (or $10,296 per tonne), reflecting a 1.3% increase following the recent US-China trade truce.

This boost came after a temporary easing in trade tensions between the US and China. Investors welcomed the news, anticipating smoother trade flows and fewer disruptions in global commodity markets.

What’s Driving the Copper Price Surge?

Elaborating further, both countries have rolled back tariffs for the next 90 days. US tariffs on Chinese goods dropped to 30%, while China cut its tariffs on US imports to 10%. This move has created a positive ripple effect across commodities, stocks, and currencies.

According to media sources, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the agreement as a “very good framework” and stressed that the US is not seeking full economic decoupling from China. This statement helped further calm market fears.

Another significant factor that pushed up copper prices was China’s record-high imports in April. The world’s largest copper consumer imported nearly 3 million tonnes of copper concentrate last month. Experts predict that this increase could ease supply tightness and help local smelters, which have been struggling with low ore availability.

Challenges Still Persist for Chinese Copper Smelters

While China’s copper imports have surged, its smelters remain under pressure. According to Discovery Alert, spot treatment charges turned negative in December and fell further to -$57.50 per tonne by early May. Smelters are now paying to process ore, which is a sign of tight supply and intense competition.

China’s refined copper production has hit all-time highs, even though copper ore remains in short supply. The situation worsened due to a two-month export halt at Indonesia’s PT Freeport mine and a smelter shutdown in the Philippines. Both events tightened global supply but later helped China when ore flow resumed.

According to Mysteel Global analyst Li Chengbin, Chinese plants are better prepared this year, securing long-term contracts and benefiting from resumed exports out of Indonesia.

• READ MORE: Nornickel’s Big Copper Bet: Will It Disrupt China’s Smelting Power? 

A Look Back: The Copper Price Shakeup

Just days before the trade truce, copper prices took a hit. On April 4, Bloomberg reported a sharp decline in both copper and global equity markets. On the London Metal Exchange, prices dropped as much as 7.7%, briefly reaching $8,735 per tonne before rebounding slightly.

Earlier, traders had rushed to ship copper into the US to avoid rising tariffs. Premiums surged to $500 per tonne. Major firms like Mercuria and Trafigura had predicted copper prices could hit $12,000 per tonne. But when the US unexpectedly shortened the tariff deadline, buyers were caught off guard, and stockpiles began piling up outside US ports.

• RELATED: Copper Prices Crash as U.S.-China Tariff War Triggers Market Mayhem 

Copper Market Outlook 2025–2026

The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) shared its latest copper forecast during a meeting held on April 25, 2025, in Lisbon. Both mine and refined copper production are expected to see solid growth through 2026.

ICSG expects a surplus of about 289,000 tonnes for 2025, slightly higher than the surplus of 194,000 tonnes forecast last September. It’s a surplus of about 209,000 tonnes is currently expected for 2026. This is attributed to weak global demand, particularly influenced by U.S. tariff policies.

Mine Production on the Rise

In 2025, global copper mine production is projected to increase by 2.3%, reaching around 23.5 million tons. This growth will be driven mainly by the continued ramp-up of major projects like Kamoa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, along with the commissioning of the new Malmyz mine in Russia.

However, some of these gains will be partially offset by expected output declines in Australia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

For 2026, the ICSG expects a slightly higher growth rate of 2.5%. This will be supported by ongoing capacity expansion, particularly in China, as well as an expected recovery in Indonesia and improved output from Chile and Zambia.

Additionally, several smaller mining operations and mid-sized projects in countries like Brazil, Iran, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Eritrea, Greece, Angola, and Morocco will contribute to the overall production increase.

Refined Copper Output Expanding

Refined copper production is forecast to rise by about 2.9% in 2025. The increase will be fueled by continued capacity expansion in China and new refining operations starting in Indonesia, India, and the DRC.

Growth in 2026 is expected to slow slightly to 1.5%, but output will still benefit from ongoing upgrades and new capacity additions across several countries.

In short, the global copper market is on a growth path, with new projects and recovering output in key regions setting the stage for steady production gains through 2026.

Other Forecasts

• Long-Term Price Predictions: According to LongForecast, copper prices are expected to average around $4.535 per pound in May 2025, with potential fluctuations ranging from $4.180 to $4.896.

• Goldman Sachs has revised its copper price forecast for Q2 2025 to $9,330 per tonne, up from the previous estimate of $8,620, citing shifts in the global metals market.

The US-China trade truce has breathed new life into the copper market, lifting prices and calming investor nerves. China’s record copper imports have also helped support global demand. But the road ahead is still uncertain. All in all, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth will all play a role in copper’s next move.

• FURTHER READING: Copper Crunch! How Trump’s Tariffs and Supply Shocks Drive Prices Up

The post Copper Prices Surge to $10,296/Tonne as US-China Truce Sparks Market Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Carbfix has made a big move in Europe’s battle against climate change. It received the first permit for onshore carbon dioxide (CO2) storage under EU law. This project, based in Iceland, makes history by allowing the underground storage of CO2 in line with the EU’s strict climate policies. It is the first time the EU has formally approved an onshore geological storage project under its 2009 CCS Directive.

Carbfix’s storage method uses Iceland’s natural basalt rock to turn captured CO2 into solid minerals. This innovative approach supports the EU’s Green Deal, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

The mineral storage operator shows that carbon capture and storage (CCS) can work well on land. This sets a strong example for other European countries.

Understanding the Science Behind Carbfix’s CCS Tech

The Carbfix process is both simple and groundbreaking. First, carbon dioxide is captured from industrial sources or directly from the air. Then it is dissolved in water and injected into underground rock formations.

In Iceland, natural basalt rock reacts with CO2 solution. This forms solid carbonate minerals that trap carbon permanently. Carbfix’s method is different from other carbon storage methods. Instead of keeping gas trapped under rock layers, it turns gas into stone. This process removes the risk of leakage in the long run.

Key features of the project include:

• Location: The site is in Iceland, where volcanic basalt is plentiful and ideal for mineralizing CO2.

• Technology: The CO2 reacts with minerals in the rock to form stable solids in under two years.

• Safety: The National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun) checked the project to ensure it follows EU safety rules for geological storage.

Carbfix’s innovative technology has already been used in smaller pilot projects in Iceland, including at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. Getting a permit under the EU’s tough rules is a major step for wider use in Europe.

Highlighting the growing importance of CCS technology in Europe’s climate strategy, Carbfix CEO, Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir stated:

“With this first onshore storage permit in Europe, Iceland also retains a certain leadership role in building a new industry that is essential to both the EU’s and IPCC’s climate goals.”

Why the EU Supports Carbon Capture and Storage

The European Union is focused on cutting greenhouse gases to fight global warming. Technologies like CCS play a key role in achieving this.

The European Commission’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy says that by 2050, the EU will store around 250 million tonnes of CO2 each year. This will be in underground storage.

Total carbon capture could reach around 450 million tonnes yearly, which includes some CO2 that is used instead of stored. This could account for 7-8% of the region’s emissions.

The EU’s climate plan encourages both public and private investment in carbon storage projects. Experts estimate that suitable sites in Europe could store up to 300 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.

The European Climate Law requires net-zero emissions by 2050. This law pressures all sectors, including heavy industry, to cut or offset their emissions.

While the company is pioneering onshore CCS, most EU CCS capacity and projects focus on offshore storage, especially in the North Sea region.

By 2030, Europe might reach a storage capacity of 140 million tonnes per year. However, only about 66 million tonnes per year is expected in EU member states. Most of the onshore projects are small, mainly in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Iceland’s Carbfix project is unique as an onshore basalt mineralization site. The Carbfix permit allows storage of up to about 106,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, totaling around 3.2 million tonnes over 30 years.

• RELATED: Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies Expand Northern Lights CCS with $714 Million Investment

It proves that onshore CO2 storage is possible within the EU’s legal framework. It opens the door for similar projects in other member countries. By proving that this kind of storage is safe and effective, Carbfix is leading the way for other innovators to follow. It also opens opportunities for generating carbon credits.

The Growing Role of Carbon Markets

With more companies and governments trying to lower emissions, the demand for carbon credits is growing. These credits allow companies to pay for carbon reductions elsewhere if they cannot cut emissions directly.

Projects like Carbfix generate carbon credits by permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere. This makes them especially attractive to buyers seeking high-quality, verifiable carbon offsets.

Recent projections indicate the average EU carbon price could reach about €92/t CO2e in 2025. It could rise to €130/t by 2026 and €195/t by 2030.

Analysts expect the global carbon market to more than double in size by 2030, possibly reaching $100 billion. More storage projects like Carbfix are starting up that can increase the supply of high-quality carbon credits. As a result, the market will stabilize and new investment opportunities will arise.

Carbon credit markets help create a circular carbon economy. In this system, captured emissions are reused or stored permanently, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. As countries strengthen their climate commitments, demand for such credits will likely increase.

A Model for Future Projects

Carbfix could serve as a model for future carbon storage projects across Europe and beyond. Other European countries are already exploring similar opportunities. Reports say that up to 10 new onshore storage projects might start in the next five years. This is especially true in areas with volcanic or sedimentary rock formations.

To support this growth, the EU is working on clearer rules and funding support for carbon capture projects. This includes easier permitting, better carbon pricing, and more public-private partnerships. The Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe are two major EU programs supporting climate technology, including CCS.

Experts agree that CCS must grow quickly to meet climate targets. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are vital. However, technologies like Carbfix can cut emissions in tough industries, which include cement, steel, and chemicals.

The Carbfix carbon storage permit marks the beginning of a new phase in Europe’s climate journey. As the EU looks to scale up CCS efforts, the success of onshore projects will be crucial. With the right policies and technologies in place, the region could become a global leader in carbon storage innovation.

• READ MORE: Netherlands Invests $726 Million in Aramis CCS as Shell and Total Shift Strategies

The post Carbfix Secures First EU Permit for Onshore Carbon Capture and Storage appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Bitcoin began as an idea shared by a small group of technology enthusiasts. In the last ten years, it has become a global digital asset. It draws interest from big investment firms, governments, and regular people.

Today, Bitcoin is not just a digital currency used for online payments. It is also seen as a new type of asset, similar to gold or stocks, that people can invest in. However, this transformation has come with significant challenges, particularly regarding energy use and environmental impact. As the Bitcoin mining industry matures, the focus is shifting toward more sustainable practices.

The Digital Pickaxe: How Bitcoin Mining Actually Works

In 2024, a major event for Bitcoin took place. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This decision made it much easier for regular investors and big institutions to buy and sell Bitcoin.

More companies and financial firms now offer Bitcoin to their clients. So, the digital asset is becoming more accepted in mainstream finance. Here’s how its market value compares with other cryptoassets and traditional assets. 

Bitcoin depends on a process called “mining” to keep its network secure and to create new coins. Mining is done by powerful computers that solve complex math problems. When a computer solves a problem, it adds a new “block” to the Bitcoin blockchain. The miner then gets new bitcoins and transaction fees as a reward.

This process is called “Proof-of-Work.” It is designed to make sure that no one can cheat the system or take over the network. The more computers, or “hashrate,” that are working to mine Bitcoin, the more secure the network becomes.

Mining has changed a lot since Bitcoin started. At first, anyone with a home computer could mine Bitcoin. Now, most mining is done by large companies using special machines called ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). These companies often have mining farms with thousands of machines running day and night.

The Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report states that a recent survey covered 49 mining companies. These companies control almost half of the total computing power for Bitcoin mining. These companies operate in 16 countries. The United States is now the biggest mining hub, accounting for over 75% of mining activity.

The Energy Debate: Powering Bitcoin

One of the biggest debates about Bitcoin is how much energy it uses. Bitcoin mining is a high-energy process. Because mining requires so much computing power, it also needs a lot of electricity. Some people worry this might hurt the environment. This is a concern, especially if the electricity comes from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.

The Cambridge report estimates that Bitcoin mining uses about 138 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year. This is similar to the annual electricity use of a country like Sweden.

• The mining activity also produces about 39.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. However, this share of global emissions remained under 0.1%.

However, the report also shows that the energy mix for Bitcoin mining is changing. More than half (52.4%) of the electricity used by miners now comes from sustainable sources. This includes hydropower (23.4%), wind (15.4%), nuclear (9.8%), and solar (3.2%). Still, natural gas remains the single largest energy source at 38.2%, followed by coal (8.9%).

Many mining companies are trying to use more renewable energy and to find ways to reduce their environmental impact. Some are even using energy that would otherwise be wasted, such as gas flaring from oil fields. These efforts are important as the industry faces growing pressure to be more environmentally friendly.

Meanwhile, the survey shows a possible scenario when miners want to offset the emissions of their activities by buying carbon credits. The chart below compares the cost of removing Bitcoin’s carbon emissions using two methods: nature-based solutions like planting trees, and high-tech solutions like direct air capture (DAC).

Nature-based methods cost about $5 to $9 per ton of CO2, while DAC costs much more—between $134 and $344 per ton. Lower emissions mean lower total costs, and higher emissions mean higher total costs for offsetting.

Wall Street Meets Blockchain: Institutions Dive In

Bitcoin’s price has seen big changes in recent years. In early 2025, Bitcoin reached a new high of about $109,000 before dropping to around $74,000 in April. By May, it had recovered to about $95,000. These price swings show how quickly the market can change.

However, the broader market trend shows growing maturity:

• Institutional adoption is rising. Major firms—including BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy—have invested directly in Bitcoin or launched crypto-related products.
• Spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in early 2024 have brought mainstream exposure, unlocking billions in capital inflows.
• Bitcoin’s market cap briefly surpassed $1.5 trillion in early 2025, signaling continued investor interest even amid macroeconomic uncertainty.

RELATED: BlackRock Bets on Abu Dhabi for Strategic Growth. Is Crypto Part of the Plan?

Experts have different predictions for where Bitcoin’s price will go next. Some believe it could reach $150,000 or even $200,000 by the end of 2025, especially as more institutional investors enter the market.

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has made it easier for large funds and retirement accounts to invest in Bitcoin. Even a small investment from these big players could have a big impact on Bitcoin’s price.

The growing interest from companies is also important. Some businesses, like MicroStrategy, have bought large amounts of Bitcoin as a way to store value. This shows that Bitcoin is being used not just as a currency, but as a financial asset.

These trends point to Bitcoin’s growing acceptance as both a store of value and a portfolio diversifier. This financial legitimacy is helping drive the push toward more sustainable and compliant mining practices. And one name stands out in this direction – American Bitcoin Corp. 

Stars, Stripes, and Satoshis: The Rise of American Bitcoin

American Bitcoin Corp. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 Corp., one of North America’s leading digital asset mining companies. In early 2025, Hut 8 teamed up with American Data Centers to launch American Bitcoin. This partnership includes investors Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. American Bitcoin will focus on large-scale Bitcoin mining and creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Hut 8 serves as American Bitcoin’s exclusive infrastructure and operations partner. American Bitcoin uses Hut 8’s strong data center skills, energy setup, and large-scale operations. They do this through long-term business agreements.

Hut 8’s CEO, Asher Genoot, highlights that separating American Bitcoin helps it raise growth capital on its own. This move also keeps Hut 8 shareholders connected to Bitcoin’s potential gains.

Just recently, American Bitcoin announced a merger with Gryphon Digital Mining. This stock-for-stock deal will take them public. They plan to trade on Nasdaq with the ticker symbol “ABTC.” This move aims to scale American Bitcoin as a low-cost Bitcoin accumulation vehicle, unlocking new capital to expand mining capacity and Bitcoin holdings.

The combined company will be led by a board including Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot and other key executives such as Mike Ho and Eric Trump. American Bitcoin aims to be the largest and most efficient Bitcoin miner globally. They plan to achieve over 50 exahashes per second (EH/s) of mining power. Their goal is also to maintain an average fleet efficiency below 15 joules per terahash (J/TH).

By combining Hut 8’s operational excellence and infrastructure with strategic capital and market access, American Bitcoin is positioned to lead the U.S. Bitcoin mining industry and build a robust Bitcoin reserve for long-term growth.

Hurdles on the Hashrate Highway

Bitcoin’s future hinges on overcoming several key challenges. Regulatory uncertainty is a big problem. Governments have different rules for digital assets, which makes it hard for mining companies to plan for the long term.

Energy costs are a big concern. Mining only makes money when Bitcoin’s price is higher than electricity and equipment costs. If energy prices keep rising, miners might lose and shut down.

Additionally, as more miners join, mining becomes harder and requires continuous equipment upgrades to remain competitive. Environmental impact remains a concern, but innovations like AI are improving efficiency.

Despite these challenges, Bitcoin mining continues to evolve, with new technologies emerging to enhance sustainability and possibly even support power grids. The balance between growth and these hurdles will shape Bitcoin’s future in the global economy.

• READ MORE: The Energy Debate: How Bitcoin Mining, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Shape Our Carbon Future

The post Bitcoin’s New Gold Rush: ETFs, Energy Battles and the Rise of American Bitcoin appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The global tech sector faces a growing challenge to power energy-hungry services, like AI and cloud computing, while cutting carbon emissions. Google, one of the world’s largest technology companies, is pushing ahead on both fronts.

The tech giant is making new investments in advanced nuclear energy. It is also taking strong steps to cut powerful greenhouse gases. These actions help Google become a leader in corporate sustainability.

This article looks at Google’s latest clean energy strategies — combining nuclear power, carbon removal, and superpollutant destruction — to support its long-term carbon-free goals.

A Big Bet on Advanced Nuclear Energy

Google has teamed up with Elementl Power to invest in 3 new advanced nuclear projects in the U.S. Each plant will produce at least 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This move supports Google’s goal to run its operations on carbon-free energy 24/7.

The collaboration focuses on small modular reactors (SMRs). These next-gen nuclear designs offer better safety, more flexibility, and lower costs than traditional nuclear plants. SMRs are modular, meaning they can be built in factories and assembled on-site more quickly and at lower risk.

Key facts about the projects:

• Total capacity: At least 1,800 MW (600 MW each x 3)
• Location: United States (specific sites not yet disclosed)
• Expected benefits: Reliable, zero-carbon baseload power to complement intermittent wind and solar energy

By adding reliable, carbon-free power, Google hopes to support its growing energy needs while cutting emissions. Nuclear energy can provide steady electricity even when wind or solar power is unavailable. This is important as Google works toward running on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. The project is also expected to create thousands of new jobs and boost local economies.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), nuclear energy could provide up to 25% of U.S. electricity by 2050. This makes it a crucial player in the transition to a clean energy grid. In 2023, nuclear power was responsible for generating 100 GW of power in the country, per Bloomberg data.

Beyond decarbonization, the projects will create thousands of jobs during construction and operations. This will help boost local economies, in addition to decarbonization efforts.

Google’s investments in nuclear align with broader industry trends. Governments in the U.S., Canada, and Europe are ramping up funding for advanced reactors. The Trump administration has proposed billions in support for nuclear innovations.

The World Nuclear Association says about 440 reactors supply 10% of the world’s electricity now. They expect this to grow to 15% in the next ten years.

• RELATED: Google Speaks: Why Nuclear Energy Could be Big Tech’s Next Bet

Eliminating Superpollutants: Tackling Potent Greenhouse Gases

Alongside its nuclear push, Google is stepping up efforts to eliminate superpollutants. These gases trap far more heat than carbon dioxide (CO₂) per ton. These include:

• Methane (CH₄)
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
• Fluorinated gases (HFCs, HCFCs)

Although short-lived, these gases contribute significantly to near-term global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates they’ve caused nearly 50% of historical warming.

Google announced new partnerships with Recoolit and Cool Effect to target these superpollutants. 

Recoolit, based in Indonesia, partners with HVAC technicians. They recover and destroy harmful HFC refrigerants from air conditioners. This process prevents leaks into the atmosphere.

Cool Effect, in Brazil, helps destroy landfill methane. They install systems to capture and flare methane from waste as it decomposes.

Through these initiatives, Google aims to eliminate over 25,000 tons of superpollutants by 2030. This is equal to 1 million tons of CO₂ in long-term warming impact.

These programs build on Google’s other superpollutant work:

• Partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on the MethaneSAT satellite to detect global methane leaks
• Supporting the Global Methane Hub through grants
• Using low-GWP refrigerants in Google’s own cooling systems

By targeting both long-lived CO₂ and short-lived superpollutants, Google is attacking climate change from many angles. As Randy Spock, Carbon Credits and Removals Lead at Google, noted,

“We can’t combat climate change without solving for superpollutants – and we’re eager to use every tool we have available to catalyze the range of solutions needed to address near-term warming…”

Google’s Broader Carbon-Free Strategy

These new initiatives fit into Google’s overarching goal of running on 24/7 carbon-free energy globally by 2030. This means using carbon-free sources for every hour of electricity consumption, not just offsetting yearly totals.

To date, Google has:

• Signed contracts for over 7 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy worldwide
• Helped pioneer hourly clean energy tracking to measure real-time carbon-free electricity use
• Invested in direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and other emerging carbon removal technologies

The company is also a founding member of Frontier, a $1 billion advanced market commitment that supports early-stage carbon removal companies. These efforts aim to eliminate Google’s operational emissions and its carbon footprint since 1998 by 2050.

Why Tech Companies Are Betting on Nuclear

Google isn’t the only one that views nuclear energy as a solution for the next-gen AI data centers. These centers need a lot of power, all day and night.

Other big tech companies in the U.S., such as Amazon and Microsoft, are also looking into nuclear power purchase agreements. They are also considering data center co-location with nuclear plants.

For example, Amazon acquired a data center campus powered by Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Nuclear Plant. Moreover, Microsoft signed a 20-year nuclear PPA with Constellation Energy to restart a retired reactor.

Data center energy demand in the U.S. is set to rise by 19% each year until 2029, according to 451 Research. This makes reliable, carbon-free power sources like nuclear more appealing.

• SEE MORE: Big Tech’s Clean Energy Rush to Power the AI Era, With Nuclear Boosting Growth

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Clean Energy

Google’s investments in nuclear energy and superpollutant destruction show a clear strategy: diversify its clean energy mix to deliver reliable, zero-carbon power while tackling the most potent climate pollutants.

Google leads in sustainable innovation by using advanced nuclear technology, carbon removal, and pollutant destruction. As energy demands grow and climate goals tighten, these bold moves could serve as a model for how major businesses can meet both their power needs and environmental responsibilities.

If successful, these efforts will cut Google’s carbon footprint. They will also speed up the technologies and markets needed for a sustainable global economy.

• READ MORE: Google Ignites Taiwan’s First Corporate Geothermal Deal for 24/7 Clean Energy

The post Google Bets Big on Next-Gen Nuclear and Carbon Credits from Superpollutants For a Greener AI appeared first on Carbon Credits.