Horses vs. Machines: A Comparative Energy Analysis between Eighteenth Century- and Modern Copper Mining

Abstract: This study shows the positive benefits of early 18th century copper mining in terms of energy efficiency due to the utilization of animate power, pre-industrial machinery, biofuels and a small-scale of organization. Based on the concept of embodied energy, this study calculates the inputs in early 18th century Falun Coppermine in Sweden and compares it with present-day Chibuluma Coppermine in Zambia. The results show that the raising of copper ore in Falun Coppermine in Sweden was 14 times more energy efficient per unit of copper ore compared to the Chibuluma Coppermine in Zambia. With a growing concern for a potential peak copper as a result of declining ore grades, a discussion on future copper supply is crucial. Drawing on E. F. Schumacher’s Small Is Beautiful (1973), this study presents alternative perspectives on metal extraction, arguing that mining does not have to be large-scale nor fossil fuel driven to be energy efficient, but can even save energy if pre-industrial methods of metal extraction are applied. In relation to Podolinsky’s principle, this thesis also argues that the energy efficiency of human labour degrades if a high level of per capita material consumption is assumed. Lastly, with reference to an increase of copper demand per capita, I discuss the feasibility of degrowth and the necessity for a downscaling in copper consumption.