SUMMARYBT could earn more than $2.7 billion by recycling copper from its aging UK landline network as Openreach replaces legacy wiring with full-fiber broadband. Copper prices have climbed on demand from AI data centers, renewable energy, and electrification, lifting the estimated value well above earlier forecasts. Openreach has recovered nearly 10,000 metric tons in the latest financial year and more than 22,000 metric tons since 2023, with a plan to connect 30 million residences by the end of the decade.
BT could make more than $2.7 billion by recycling copper from its aging UK landline network as BT subsidiary Openreach replaces legacy wiring with full-fiber broadband. Engadget reports: BT's recovered copper was previously valued at around $2 billion. But prices have surged, thanks to rising global demand tied to AI data centers, renewable energy and electrification. With global demand expected to grow sharply over the next decade, the value of BT's copper could potentially exceed even that $2.7 billion estimate.
The BT subsidiary Openreach is in the process of replacing its legacy copper network with full-fiber broadband, with plans to connect 30 million residences by the end of the decade. It's already recovered nearly 10,000 metric tons of copper in its latest financial year and over 22,000 metric tons since 2023. "Copper has become one of the most strategic materials in the modern economy," according to Openreach's head of sustainability, Abby Chicken.
Unsurprisingly, BT isn't waiting to profit from the recovered metal. It has an agreement with EMR, a cable recycling company, and recently received $133 million up front for recovered copper.