Copper's critical role in powering the AI revolution, electric vehicles, and renewable energy has driven demand to record highs, with prices surging. Major mining companies like Rio Tinto and Glencore are reportedly in talks for a potential megadeal, spurred by copper's strategic importance and forecasts predicting a significant supply deficit by 2040. This surge in demand and supply concerns are prompting consolidation within the mining sector as companies seek to increase production.