Ex-US Navy commander: war risks copper supply

As conflict in the Middle East raises fresh concerns over global supply chains, former US Navy Commander Phil Ehr says the consequences are already being felt — warning the situation amounts to a “strategic failure.”

In this interview with MINING.COM, Ehr explains why copper has become a critical component in modern warfare, from drones to advanced defence systems, and how geopolitical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt supply.

He also discusses his role advising NovaRed Mining Inc., and whether projects like Wilmac can help North America close the growing gap between supply and demand.