TOKYO -- A wave of thefts targeting copper electrical cables amid rising prices of the metal is forcing solar farm operators and other businesses in Japan to switch to aluminum alternatives.
JX Advanced Metals' quote for copper -- the benchmark price in Japan -- rose 13% in 2024 on demand for use in electric vehicles and solar farms as well as a weak yen. It was hovering around 1.44 million yen (about $9,250) per tonne on Tuesday, roughly double that of five years earlier.
