Copper Is the New Gold: A Mission for India’s Young Entrepreneurs and Investors

In a symbolic shift that marks the beginning of a new era, Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold producer, is rebranding itself as simply Barrick. This is more than just a name change—it’s a bold declaration of intent. The mining giant is pivoting its focus from the age-old allure of gold to the dynamic promise of copper, a metal that is fast emerging as the cornerstone of the global transition to a greener and more technologically advanced future.

Copper: The Super Metal of the 21st Century

Copper is no longer just an industrial staple—it’s now the lifeblood of the world’s most transformative technologies. From electric vehicles and renewable energy grids to AI hardware and next-generation defense equipment, copper’s unique properties make it indispensable. As nations double down on electrification, decarbonization, and digitalization, copper has become the super metal powering progress.

The global landscape reflects this momentum. Existing copper mines are being revived with modern techniques, new mining projects are being launched at record pace, and smelting capacity is being ramped up around the world. Countries are racing to secure stable supplies of this strategic resource, knowing that the road to sustainability is paved with copper.

India’s Untapped Potential in Critical and Transition Metals

India stands at a strategic crossroads. Blessed with significant yet underexplored mineral wealth, the country has tremendous potential to become a global hub for critical and transition metals—including copper, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. However, realizing this potential will require bold vision, robust policy support, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem willing to take risks and innovate.

The government has already taken promising steps, such as identifying strategic minerals, easing exploration policies, and encouraging private sector participation. But the real game-changer lies in unlocking this sector for India’s youth—entrepreneurs, technologists, and investors with the drive to transform ideas into impact.

A Call to Action: Mission Copper India

This is a call to action for India’s emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. The global copper rush is not just an opportunity—it’s a mission. A mission to build sustainable supply chains, invest in exploration and mining technologies, and develop circular economy models around copper and other transition metals.

India can be more than a consumer of advanced technology—it can be a global producer and supplier of the materials that power the future.

Let’s seize this moment. Let’s make critical minerals a national priority. Let’s turn India into a strategic player in the new energy economy.

Let’s make it a mission. Mission Copper India.