TIPS_report_Measures_to_prevent_theft_of_scrap_metal_April_

To that end, the analysis includes the following: 1) An assessment of the economic impacts of the thefts, which sets key parameters for weighing the costs of proposed solutions against the benefits. [...] This assessment derives from extensive interviews with and written inputs from experts and stakeholders in the scrap value chain; analysis of the available data, which is limited because of the relatively small size of the scrap industry; a review of international experience; and a systematic evaluation of proposals using the theory-of-change and SEIAS methodologies. [...] • The theft of copper often damages the associated structures and equipment, with the cost of repairs equalling up to 10 times the value of the stolen material. [...] This section explores the factors that enable copper theft in each phase of the value chain: the supply of scrap; the role of informal smelters; the scrap dealers; and the ability to export stolen material. [...] The cost of copper theft to the economy and society far outweighs the value of both the stolen metal itself and the export of copper scrap, especially in light of the limited employment in the metal recycling industry.