Watch Billion-Dollar Elements: Copper

Billion-Dollar Elements: Copper from discovery+ is a fascinating show that delves into the world of copper mining and the industry's global impact on economies and societies. Hosted by the knowledgeable and affable Diriki Mack, the show offers an insider's view into the complex process of extracting copper from the earth and the intricate network of buyers, sellers and traders who negotiate its worth.

The show takes us on a journey across the world, from the remote copper mines of Mongolia to the bustling ports of Shanghai and the trading floors of New York, highlighting the multifaceted aspects of the copper industry. Through interviews with miners, traders, financiers and experts in the field, we gain an understanding of the geological, political, economic and social factors that shape the copper trade.

One of the key strengths of the show is its ability to simplify complex concepts and explain them in an accessible, yet informative, manner. The host, Diriki Mack, is a natural communicator who is able to break down technical jargon and make it comprehensible to the layperson. Whether he is explaining the geological formation of copper deposits or the role of derivatives in hedging price risk, he does so with clarity and enthusiasm.

The show also succeeds in shedding light on the human side of the copper industry, from the backbreaking labour of the miners who extract the ore from the depths of the earth to the executives who make multimillion-dollar decisions based on market trends. We meet characters like the Mongolian nomads who run a small-scale mine in the Gobi desert, the Chilean families who have been mining copper for generations and the Wall Street traders who buy and sell copper futures without ever seeing a physical bar of the metal.

Throughout the series, one of the recurring themes is the tension between the need for copper as a vital component of modern life and the environmental and social costs that come with its extraction. We see the devastating impact that large-scale mining can have on local communities, from the displacement of indigenous peoples to the destruction of natural habitats. We also learn about initiatives aimed at mitigating these effects, such as sustainable mining practices and the use of recycled copper.

From a cinematic perspective, the show is visually stunning. The camera work is exceptional, capturing the rugged beauty of the Mongolian steppe, the gritty reality of the mine shafts and the frenetic energy of the trading floor. The cinematography is complemented by a strong soundtrack that adds to the sense of drama and urgency.

As the title suggests, Billion-Dollar Elements: Copper from discovery+ is also interested in the economic implications of the copper industry. We learn about the role that copper plays in the global economy, from its use in electronics and infrastructure to its status as an indicator of global trade. We also gain insight into the complex world of commodity trading, from the mechanisms of futures contracts to the volatility of spot prices.

Ultimately, the show succeeds in providing a comprehensive overview of the copper industry that is both educational and entertaining. It manages to strike a balance between the technical and the human aspects of the trade, appealing to both experts and laypeople alike. The host, Diriki Mack, is a charismatic guide who takes us on an eye-opening journey through the world of copper, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the natural resource that makes modern life possible.

Billion-Dollar Elements: Copper is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between September 30, 2020 and on discovery+