Copper boom alert: Are businesses sitting on hidden cash?

As global copper prices surge and demand intensifies, Australian businesses are being urged to take urgent action to identify and recover valuable materials sitting unused across warehouses, plant rooms and infrastructure.
 

According to Maddy Gupta, founder and CEO of Manhari Recycling, many organisations are unknowingly holding significant amounts of copper and other high-value metals, missing a major opportunity to generate income and improve cash flow.
 

"Copper is booming globally, driven by electrification, renewable energy and technology," Maddy Gupta said.
 

"Yet across Australia, businesses are sitting on thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of recoverable material without even realising it."
 

Hidden value in everyday business operations
 

Gupta said one of the biggest misconceptions is that scrap metal only refers to obvious piles of steel or construction waste.
 

"In reality, copper and other valuable metals are embedded in everyday equipment, infrastructure and machinery," he said.
 

"What many businesses see as clutter or obsolete equipment is actually a financial opportunity."
 

Copper is widely used because of its conductivity, durability and versatility. It can be found in electrical systems, building services, machinery and technology across almost every commercial and industrial site.
 

Where copper is commonly found in workplaces
 

According to Maddy Gupta, businesses can uncover significant value by looking in places they often overlook.
 

Electrical wiring and cabling are among the most valuable sources. Older buildings, factories and warehouses can contain large volumes of copper wiring hidden in walls, ceilings and underground conduits.

Air-conditioning and HVAC systems are another major source. Copper piping, coils and compressors are present in most cooling and refrigeration equipment, particularly in commercial and industrial environments.
 

Machinery, motors and transformers also contain copper windings and components. Even equipment that is no longer operational often retains high scrap value because of the materials inside.
 

Data centres and technology infrastructure, including server racks, cabling and power systems, also hold valuable recoverable metals.
 

"In older facilities especially, copper can be everywhere," Maddy Gupta said.
 

"The challenge is awareness. Most businesses do not know what to look for."
 

Refurbishments and upgrades create opportunity
 

Maddy Gupta said building upgrades and refurbishments present a critical moment to recover value.
 

"When companies replace plant and equipment, copper and other metals are frequently discarded without being separated," he said.
 

"This is where significant revenue can be lost."
 

Electrical upgrades, solar installations, energy efficiency projects and technology modernisation all generate recoverable material.
 

"As businesses transition to new technologies, the amount of recyclable copper entering the market is increasing," Maddy Gupta said.
 

Regional and agricultural businesses also hold value
 

Agricultural and regional operations often store machinery, irrigation systems and electrical infrastructure for years.
 

Old pumps, generators, fencing, power systems and redundant equipment frequently contain copper that can be recovered.
 

"What looks like scrap can actually be a valuable resource," Maddy Gupta said.
 

"Many regional businesses are sitting on decades of accumulated value."
 

From waste to working capital
 

In a climate of rising costs, Maddy Gupta said recycling copper and other metals can improve financial performance without reducing workforce or productivity.
 

"Recovering unused materials can free up capital, reduce storage costs and lower landfill expenses," he said.

"It is a simple way for businesses to unlock value from assets they already own."
 

Separating metal from general waste streams also supports sustainability goals and strengthens environmental credentials.
 

Global demand driving prices higher
 

The surge in copper demand is being driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles, infrastructure and digital technology. Recycled copper plays a critical role in global supply chains, as it reduces costs and environmental impact.
 

"When global demand increases, local scrap becomes more valuable," Maddy Gupta said.
 

"That is why now is the time for businesses to act."
 

A simple first step
 

Gupta is encouraging business owners, facility managers and operations teams to conduct a simple audit of their sites.
 

"Walk through your workplace and ask what equipment is no longer used, what infrastructure is being upgraded and what contains copper," he said.
 

"Before anything goes to landfill or sits idle, review it. You may be surprised by how much value is hidden in plain sight."
 

With copper prices strong and global demand continuing to rise, Gupta said businesses that act now will be best placed to benefit.
 

"The opportunity is real," he said.
 

"Copper is not just a commodity. For many businesses, it is untapped cash."
 

About Manhari Recycling
 

Founded in 2007 by Maddy Gupta, Manhari Recycling is one of Victoria's largest and most trusted scrap metal recycling companies. With operations spanning nearly five hectares across Tottenham, Horsham and Ararat, Manhari processes over 250,000 metric tons of metal annually and exports to major manufacturing markets worldwide. The company offers comprehensive services including auto recycling, whitegoods disposal, construction scrap recovery and e-waste processing. Committed to innovation, sustainability and customer service, Manhari is evolving into a leader in circular economy solutions, helping industry and community reduce waste, recover value and build a cleaner, greener future for Victoria.
 

To get a free quote or book a pick-up, visit www.manhari.com.au