testo=<B>Copper</B><BR>Copper is one of the most used metals in the history of mankind: its discovery dates back to 6000 years ago. The presence of copper artifacts in many Egyptian tombs showed that it was already known at the times of the first dynasties and probably extracted from the Sinai mines. Since 3000 BC copper had been alloyed with tin to produce bronze which played a significant part in manufacturing weapons and artworks. Its malleability and high corrosion resistence rendered it suitable for many applications. The metallurgy of copper and its applications were originated and developed in the area of the Mediterranean. <BR>Today copper is used both in pure form and as basic metal for many alloys. The production of copper (I) derives from mineral processing. Then there is the production of massive copper (II) obtained by recycling and refining scrap or by fusion to produce copper artefacts. Copper can be perfectly recycled and is fully recycled all over the world. 40 % of all semi-finished copper and copper alloy goods produced in Italy are obtained by recycling scrap. Recycled copper has the same chemical-physical and technological characteristics as copper (I).