With offices in Brussels , Santiago , New York and Singapore , the International Copper Association ( ICA ) organizes , executes and promotes the development of the market , as well as regulatory procedures , as and technological advances in the copper industry . With nearly 500 members form a supply chain that represents roughly 60 % of the world copper production and transformation . This network has 31 centers in 24 countries on the 5 continents and has a budget of about $ 70 million US dollars in support programs and incentives to promote the use and properties of copper . ICA has regional programs for efficient energy use , regulatory forms , health awareness and sustainable construction .

“ Copper was first used over 8 thousand years ago for the first time ”