EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1001838
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1001838_10-K_2025_0001558370-25-002017.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
THE COMPANY
We believe Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”, “Southern Copper” or the “Company”) is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world. Our major production includes copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver. All of our mining, smelting and refining facilities are located in Peru and Mexico, and we conduct exploration activities in those countries and in Argentina and Chile. See Item 2 “Properties-Review of Operations” for maps of our principal mines, smelting facilities and refineries. The considerable scale of our operations makes us one of the largest mining companies in Peru and Mexico. We believe we have the largest copper reserves in the world. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952 and have conducted copper mining operations since 1960. Since 1996, our common stock has been listed on both the New York and Lima Stock Exchanges.
Our Peruvian copper operations involve mining, milling and flotation of copper ore to produce copper concentrates and molybdenum concentrates; the smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; and the refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes. As part of this production process, we also produce significant amounts of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid. Our precious metals plant at the Ilo refinery produces refined silver, gold, and other materials. Additionally, we produce refined copper using solvent extraction/electrowinning technology (“SX-EW”). We operate the Toquepala and Cuajone open-pit mines high in the Andes Mountains, approximately 860 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima, Peru. We also operate a smelter and refinery west of the Toquepala and Cuajone mines in the coastal city of Ilo, Peru.
Our Mexican operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Mexico”), which we acquired in 2005. Minera Mexico engages primarily in the mining and processing of copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold and lead. Minera Mexico operates through subsidiaries that are grouped into three separate units. Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “La Caridad” unit) operates La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, the Pilares open-pit copper mine, a copper ore concentrator, a SX-EW plant, a smelter, refinery and a rod plant. The La Caridad refinery has a precious metals plant that produces refined silver, gold and other materials. Operadora de Minas e Instalaciones Mineras, S.A de C.V. (the “Buenavista unit”) operates Buenavista, an open-pit copper mine, which is located on the site of one of the world’s largest copper ore deposits, two copper concentrators, a zinc concentrator and two operating SX-EW plants. Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “IMMSA unit”) operates five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, and a zinc refinery.
We utilize modern, state of the art mining and processing methods, including global positioning systems and computerized mining processes. Our operations have a high level of vertical integration, which allows us to use our facilities, employees and equipment to manage the entire production process, including ore mining and production of refined copper rod and other products, and to execute most associated transport and logistics functions.
The sales prices for our products are largely determined by market forces beyond our control. Our management, therefore, focuses on cost control and production enhancement to remain profitable. We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs. Our focus is on remaining profitable during periods of low copper prices and maximizing results in periods of high copper prices. For additional information on the sale prices of the metals we produce, please see “Metal Prices” in this Item 1.
Currency Information:
Unless stated otherwise, all our financial information is presented in U.S. dollars and any reference herein to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” or “$” are to U.S. dollars; references to “sol,” “soles” or “S/”, signify Peruvian soles; and references to “peso,” “pesos,” or “Ps.,” represent Mexican pesos.
Unit Information:
Unless otherwise noted, all tonnages are in metric tonnes. To convert to short tons, multiply by 1.102. All ounces are troy ounces. All distances are in kilometers. To convert to miles, multiply by 0.621. To convert hectares to acres, multiply by 2.47.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The following chart describes our organizational structure, starting with our controlling stockholders, as of December 31, 2024. For the purpose of clarity, the chart identifies only our main subsidiaries and eliminates intermediate holding companies.
We are a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”). As of December 31, 2024, Grupo Mexico, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”), owned 88.9% of our capital stock. Grupo Mexico’s principal business is to act as a holding company for the shares of other corporations engaged in the mining, processing, purchase and sale of minerals and other products and in the provision of railway and other related services.
We conduct our operations in Peru through a registered branch (the “SPCC Peru Branch,” “Branch” or “Peruvian Branch”). The SPCC Peru Branch comprises virtually all of our assets and liabilities associated with our copper operations in Peru. The SPCC Peru Branch does not constitute a corporation that is separate from SCC, and, as such, the obligations of the SPCC Peru Branch are direct obligations of SCC and vice-versa. The SPCC Peru Branch is, however, registered as a branch of a foreign company pursuant to Peruvian law and through this entity, we hold assets, incur liabilities and conduct operations in Peru. Although the SPCC Peru Branch has no capital or liability that is separate from that held or applicable to SCC, the SPCC Peru Branch is deemed to have equity capital for purposes of determining the economic interests of holders of our investment shares (See Note 14 “Stockholders’ Equity” of the consolidated financial statements).
In April 2005, we acquired Minera Mexico, from Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, our controlling stockholder. Minera Mexico is a holding company and all of its operations are conducted through subsidiaries that are grouped into three units: (i) the La Caridad unit, (ii) the Buenavista unit and (iii) the IMMSA unit. We own 99.96% of Minera Mexico.
In 2008, our Board of Directors (“BOD”) authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, through December 31, 2024 we have purchased 119.5 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $2.9 billion. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. We may purchase additional shares from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time. Please see Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act effective in 2023, including a 1% excise tax on certain stock repurchases.
REPUBLIC OF PERU AND MEXICO
Our revenues are derived primarily from our operations in Peru and Mexico. Risks related to our operations in both countries include those associated with economic and political conditions, the effects of currency fluctuations and inflation, the effects of government regulations and the geographic concentration of our operations.
OUR BUSINESS
COPPER BUSINESS
Copper is an important component in the world’s infrastructure chain. It is the third most widely used metal, after iron and aluminum. Copper has unique chemical and physical properties, including high ductility; malleability; thermal and electrical conductivity; and resistance to corrosion, and as such, is considered a prime material for use in electrical and electronic products, including components for power transmission and generation, which accounts for about three quarters of copper global use, and for telecommunications, building construction, transportation and industrial machinery. Copper is also an important metal in non-electrical applications such as plumbing and roofing and, when alloyed with zinc to form brass, is used in many industrial and consumer applications.
Copper is an internationally traded commodity whose prices are mainly determined by the major metal exchanges, the Commodities Exchange, or “COMEX,” in New York and the London Metal Exchange or “LME,” in London. Copper is usually found in nature in association with sulfur. Pure copper metal is generally produced in a multi-stage process, beginning with the mining and concentrating of low-grade ores containing copper sulfide minerals, and followed by smelting and electrolytic refining to produce a pure copper cathode. An increasingly larger share of copper is being produced from acid leaching of oxidized ores. Copper is one of the oldest metals known to man and has contributed significantly to the development of civilization.
BUSINESS REPORTING SEGMENTS:
Our management divides Southern Copper into three reportable segments and manages each as a separate segment.
The three segments identified are groups of individual mines, each of which constitutes an operating segment with similar economic characteristics, product types, processes and support facilities, regulatory environments, employee bargaining contracts and currency risks. In addition, each mine within the individual group earns revenues from similar types of customers for their products and services and each group incurs expenses independently, including commercial transactions between groups.
Inter-segment sales are based on arm’s length prices at the time of sale. These may not be reflective of actual prices realized by the Company due to various factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to outside customers and transportation cost. Information regarding the Company’s sales is included in the segment data. The segments identified by the Company are:
1. Peruvian operations, which include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, including a precious metals plant, industrial railroad and port facilities that service both mines. Sales of its products are recorded as revenue from our Peruvian mines. The Peruvian operations produce copper, by-products of molybdenum, silver and other materials.
2. Mexican open-pit operations, which include the La Caridad-Pilares and Buenavista mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, including a precious metals plant and a copper rod plant and support facilities that service both mines. Sales of its products are recorded as revenue of our Mexican mines. The Mexican open-pit operations produce copper and zinc, with production of by-products of molybdenum, silver and other materials.
3. Mexican underground mining operations, which include five underground mines that produce zinc, copper, lead, silver and gold; and a zinc refinery. This group is identified as the IMMSA unit and sales of its products are recorded as revenue from the IMMSA unit.
Financial information is periodically prepared for each of the three segments and the results are reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) on a segment basis. The CODM focuses on operating income and on total assets as measures of performance to evaluate different segments and to make decisions to allocate resources to the reported segments. These are common measures in the mining industry.
Segment information is included in Item 2 “Properties.” More information on business segment and segment financial information is included in Note 19 “Segment and Related Information” of the consolidated financial statements.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM AND EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
For a description of our capital investment program, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Capital Investment Program” and for our exploration activities, see Item 2 “Properties-Explorations Activities.”
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS
Copper is primarily used in the building and construction industries; in the power generation and transmission industry; and in the electrical and electronic products; and, to a lesser extent, in industrial machinery and equipment; consumer products; and in the automotive and transportation industries. Molybdenum is used to toughen alloy steels and soften tungsten alloy and is also used in fertilizers, dyes, enamels and reagents. Silver is used for electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, in brazing alloys and solder, jewelry, coinage, photographic, silverware and catalysts. Zinc is primarily used as a coating on iron and steel to protect against corrosion; it is also used to make die cast parts to manufacture batteries and to form sheets for architectural purposes.
Our marketing strategy and annual sales planning emphasize developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships. As such, acquiring annual or other long-term contracts for the sale of our products is a high priority. Generally, 80% to 90% of our metal production is sold under annual or longer-term contracts. Sales prices are determined based on the prevailing commodity prices for the quotation period according to the terms of the contract.
We focus on end-user customers as opposed to selling on the spot market or to trading companies. In addition, we devote significant marketing efforts to diversifying our sales both by region and customer base. We also strive to provide superior customer service, including timely deliveries of our products. Our ability to consistently fulfill customer demand is underpinned by our substantial production capacity.
For additional information on sales please see “Revenue recognition” in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 19 “Segment and Related Information” of the consolidated financial statements.
METALS PRICES
Prices for our products are principally a function of supply and demand and, with the exception of molybdenum, are established on COMEX and LME. Prices for our molybdenum products are established by reference to the publication Platt’s Metals Week. Our contract prices also reflect any negotiated premiums and the costs of freight and other factors.
From time to time, we have entered into hedging transactions to provide partial protection against future decreases in the market price of metals and we may do so under certain market conditions. For a further discussion of our products market prices, please see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Metal Prices.”
The table below shows the high, low and average COMEX and LME per pound copper prices during the last 10 years:
Copper (COMEX)
Copper (LME)
Year
High
Low
Average
High
Low
Average
2.95
2.02
2.51
2.92
2.05
2.50
2.69
1.94
2.20
2.69
1.96
2.21
3.29
2.48
2.80
3.27
2.48
2.80
3.29
2.56
2.93
3.29
2.64
2.96
2.98
2.51
2.72
2.98
2.51
2.72
3.63
2.12
2.80
3.61
2.09
2.80
4.78
3.54
4.24
4.86
3.52
4.23
4.93
3.21
4.01
4.87
3.18
4.00
4.27
3.54
3.86
4.28
3.54
3.85
2024-1st Q
4.11
3.69
3.86
4.07
3.67
3.83
2024-2nd Q
5.12
4.19
4.55
4.92
4.05
4.42
2024-3rd Q
4.66
3.94
4.23
4.47
3.91
4.17
2024-4th Q
4.60
3.99
4.22
4.48
3.95
4.16
5.12
3.69
4.22
4.92
3.67
4.15
The per pound COMEX copper price during the last 5- and 10-year periods averaged $3.83 and $3.23, respectively. The per pound LME copper price during the last 5- and 10-year periods averaged $3.81 and $3.22, respectively.
The table below shows the high, low and average prices per pound with the exception of silver, which is priced per ounce. The market prices for our three principal by-products over the last 10 years are as follows:
Molybdenum (Dealer
Oxide Platt’s
Silver (COMEX)
Metals Week)
Zinc (LME)
Year
High
Low
Average
High
Low
Average
High
Low
Average
18.35
13.67
15.68
9.40
4.30
6.59
1.09
0.66
0.88
20.67
13.74
17.10
8.60
5.10
6.42
1.32
0.73
0.95
18.49
15.37
17.03
10.25
6.85
8.13
1.53
1.00
1.31
17.55
13.95
15.65
13.00
10.60
11.86
1.64
1.04
1.33
19.39
14.28
16.16
12.70
8.28
11.27
1.37
0.90
1.16
29.25
11.74
20.62
10.90
7.00
8.57
1.29
0.72
1.03
29.40
21.46
25.18
20.10
9.95
15.51
1.73
1.15
1.36
26.89
17.55
21.76
31.85
13.90
18.61
2.05
1.22
1.58
26.04
20.01
23.41
38.50
16.65
23.73
1.59
1.01
1.20
2024-1st Q
25.20
22.10
23.35
20.85
19.18
19.84
1.18
1.04
1.11
2024-2nd Q
32.21
24.95
28.84
24.13
19.45
21.69
1.40
1.10
1.29
2024-3rd Q
32.11
26.83
29.43
23.25
20.63
21.68
1.40
1.14
1.26
2024-4th Q
34.83
28.94
31.36
22.18
21.05
21.61
1.47
1.32
1.38
34.83
22.10
28.25
24.13
19.18
21.21
1.47
1.04
1.26
The per ounce COMEX silver price during the last 5- and 10-year periods averaged $23.84 and $20.08, respectively. The per pound Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide molybdenum price during the last 5- and 10-year periods averaged $17.53 and $13.19, respectively. The per pound LME zinc price during the last 5- and 10-year periods averaged $1.29 and $1.20, respectively.
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
Competition in the copper market is based primarily on price and service basis, with price being the most important factor when supplies of copper are ample. Our products compete with other materials, including aluminum and plastics. For additional information, see Item 1A “Risk Factors-The copper mining industry is highly competitive.”
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2024, we had 16,133 employees, approximately 66% of whom are covered by a Collective Labor Agreement and represented by 16 collective bargaining agreements with nine different labor unions. We believe that the labor environment in our operations in Mexico and Peru is favorable, which has allowed us to increase productivity as we advance the goals of our capital expansion program. In addition, around 12,400 people were working as contractors in support of our operations. In accordance with our Community Development commitment, more than 70% of our workforce is hired locally.
Talent Development, Training and Retention
We value the talent and passion of our team members, and we offer numerous opportunities for professional development to our workforce in both Peru and Mexico. During 2024, we invested over $4.8 million in employee development, delivering more than 646,000 hours of formal instruction relative to occupational safety, health and wellness, technical competencies, professional development, and regulatory compliance in accordance with our Code of Ethics. We believe that employee development is strengthened through formal and on-the-job learning.
All employees receive initial training as part of their onboarding program and are offered opportunities for development, which facilitates talent retention.
Company Culture
We are committed to cultivating a unified organizational culture through our mission, vision, and values while strengthening our position as an employer of choice. Our objective is to generate value for our team by providing an exceptional working experience. This involves fostering a safe, collaborative workplace culture where employees feel connected to the Company’s values. We prioritize honesty, respect and responsibility, and these core values are embedded in our daily operations.
As part of our commitment to corporate culture, we prioritize the ongoing development of our employees. We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of our workforce while emphasizing goal-oriented principles to deliver results that benefit key stakeholders and the communities we serve. Our focus is on enhancing productivity and innovation, supporting human development, promoting environmental stewardship, and implementing forward-thinking solutions.
Compensation and Benefits
Our recruitment strategy focuses on attracting and retaining employees by providing market-competitive remuneration packages, tailored to position requirements, geographical considerations, and local statutory requirements in the countries where we operate. Our compensation practices consider many factors, including individual performance and responsibilities; years of service; elements of compensation mandated by Peruvian and Mexican law; future challenges and objectives; contributions to the future success of our Company; the employee’s total compensation and our financial performance. We may also look at the compensation levels of comparable companies. We offer productivity bonuses to our employees, which motivates them to grow the Company’s results.
Health and Safety
Our comprehensive occupational health and safety program, administered jointly our Medical and Human Resources departments, encompasses preventive care, periodic health assessments, wellness education, and an integrated digital wellness platform for our employees.
In 2024, we launched 178 health campaigns in Mexico, supported by 6,787 collaborators to promote early detection of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, subarachnoid hemorrhage, dyslipidemia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. These campaigns were also focused on administering vaccines and providing dental health services. We conducted 8,413 health talks on various promotional topics, reaching 50,476 attendees. Additionally, we also held 4,569 occupational health talks and conducted workshops on the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) to mitigate occupational risks and diseases. We also provided 657 nutrition talks to 8,541 participants. In partnership with health institutions, we offered campaigns for workers and their families in the communities where we operate providing general screenings; dental care; vaccinations; imaging studies; and laboratory tests, with an emphasis on breast and prostate cancer screening.
As of 2024, the occupational health and safety management systems at all our mining operations in Mexico and Peru had been certified under the ISO 45001 standards and through ELSSA certification, awarded by the Social Security Institute (“IMSS”) in Mexico.
Our health and safety programs are supported by comprehensive annual training plans. We comply with regulations at each site and implement risk management and Behavior Based Safety programs in collaboration with our contractors to foster a shared safety culture.
Talent Attraction and Recruiting
As part of our talent attraction strategy, we have enhanced our employer brand through initiatives designed to solidify our status as an employer of choice in the regions where we operate.
We recognize social media's strategic importance in modern talent acquisition and community engagement. Therefore, we have strengthened our presence on LinkedIn, where our number of followers has risen 110% in the last two years with an engagement rate of 59% (2024), one of the highest in the mining industry. We continue to participate in job fairs to leverage our presence at the most important universities in the countries where we operate.
To attract and develop high-potential university graduates, we implement structured recruitment and development programs designed to integrate young professionals into operational divisions. In 2024, we attracted more than 228 graduates from different academic disciplines in Mexico. These strategies consolidate Human Resources Planning.
More than 48% of the positions are covered by internal employees and our retention rate is around 90%.
We maintain transparent recruitment processes and are committed to upholding the principles of human rights, inclusivity, equity, merit, and equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Employee Engagement
Every year we make concerted efforts to enhance employee engagement; foster a positive organizational environment; and strengthen our culture. We encourage participation from all employees, both unionized and non-unionized, in our human talent initiatives. One noteworthy example is our “Family Day” held in Mexico, which attracted over 14,700 attendees (employees with their families). This one-day event introduced participants to our Company’s values; showcased our processes; highlighted our culture; and provided opportunities for colleagues to socialize in a positive and enjoyable environment.
For the fourth consecutive year, Great Place to Work Mexico has certified our Sonora Metallurgical Complex as one of the best places to work. This award acknowledges our organization's dedication to fostering an inclusive and innovative work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its people.
In 2024, our Metallurgical Complex in Sonora obtained the following awards after competing with more than 100 organizations in Mexico and Latin America in the category of 500 to 5,000 employees:
•1st place in The Best Workplaces Regional - Northwest 2024
•3rd place in The Best Workplaces for Women Mexico 2024
•4th place in The Best Workplaces Mexico 2024
•23rd place in The Best Workplaces in Latin America 2024
•Recognition among the 100 Best Chief Human Resources Officers in Mexico
•Recognition among the 100 Best Chief Executive Officers in Mexico
The Company has a corporate social responsibility policy that is designed to integrate its operations with local communities in our areas of influence. This policy focuses on creating permanent and positive relationships to generate optimal social conditions and promote sustainable development in the area. We continue to make significant expenditures for community programs. For additional information on our community programs, refer to Corporate Social Responsibility under Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements.
2025 Strategic Workplace Plan
We strive to create a workplace culture where our personnel feel included, welcomed and valued for their personal and professional contributions. This vision is grounded in our core values of respect, honesty and responsibility.
In line with our Code of Conduct and Human Rights Policy, our objectives are to (i) cultivate an organizational culture that fosters equality and well-being, emphasizing excellence, equal opportunity, inclusivity and non-discrimination, (ii) enhance the sensitivity, knowledge and skills in our leaders and employees to build diverse and inclusive teams and promote a culture of respect, and (iii) extend this inclusive culture to the communities in which we operate.
We developed our 2025 Strategic Workplace Plan with six strategic initiatives:
1. Communication: Awareness campaigns on inclusivity, equity and non-discrimination to promote diverse, inclusive and safe work environments.
2. Training: Implement comprehensive education programs to strengthen understanding of and respect for workplace inclusivity and equity, while promoting collaborative practices that foster inclusive and equitable team environments.
3. Data generation and statistics: Establish and maintain comprehensive data collection systems to measure, analyze, and monitor inclusivity and equity metrics and strategic outcomes.
4. Adaptations to infrastructure: Adapt the workplace to be compatible with and inclusive of the needs of our personnel.
5. Hiring: Strategically utilize data from inclusivity and equity metrics to promote inclusivity, equity and excellence representation across all organizational levels and business units.
6. Retention: Implement actions that foster an environment where people feel valued, supported, and safe.
In 2024, we implemented a comprehensive online training program for non-unionized personnel in Mexico and Peru with the aim of fostering workplace culture and enhance our employees’ understanding of workplace inclusivity and equity principles.
We have established procedures to uphold a Zero Tolerance policy for workplace harassment in Mexico and Peru. These procedures were disclosed in Mexico in 2024 and aim to foster a violence-free environment; promote fair and equitable dispute resolution; support good faith complaints with a policy of non-retaliation; establish secure and confidential channels for reporting incidents; implement measures to investigate and address allegations; and ensure the safety and well-being of all employees.
CODE OF ETHICS
All our employees, including our new hires, must certify compliance with the Code of Ethics yearly by reviewing and signing this principal document, which serves as our primary guidance tool for professional conduct in terms of ethical obligations, both in our business dealings and our interpersonal relationships.
Peru
As of December 31, 2024, 56.9% of our 5,120 Peruvian employees were unionized. Currently, there are six separate unions, none of which represents the majority of workers, as defined by current Peruvian labor legislation. The Company maintains regular dialogue with union representatives to ensure labor harmony and proper management of labor
relations. The Company has collective bargaining agreements with each of the six unions, the earliest of which expires in 2027 and the latest, in 2033. These agreements govern benefits related to compensation and working conditions.
From 2021 to 2022, the Company signed collective bargaining agreements with the six unions with durations between three to six years. These agreements were executed in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company began applying the terms of the agreements entered into with the six unions pursuant to Law 31632, which stipulates new conditions for compensation of leaves granted during COVID-19. Within the current framework of labor regulations and the agreements with all six unions, this compensation has been adapted to align with current working hours in the mining sector. These conditions were in effect until December 1, 2023.
In the second and third quarter of 2024, the Company held meetings with five of its six unions to discuss collective bargaining agreements. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company signed long-term extensions of the collective bargaining agreements with these five unions, each lasting six years and commencing on the day after the expiration of the prior agreements, in accordance with the law. This allows the Company to maintain consistency in economic benefits and working conditions for over 2,000 workers. Additionally, the Company reached agreements with these five unions to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its facilities, preventing stoppages by unions and workers for a period of six years. As a result of these agreements, the Company made a signing payment to each worker, totaling $62 million approximately.
Meetings with the remaining union were held in accordance with the established collective bargaining procedure, as required by labor law. In February 2025, the Company signed a three-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement with this union. The Company made a signing payment to each worker of the union, totaling approximately $6.3 million.
Our employees at the Toquepala and Cuajone mining units reside in the 3,700 houses and apartments that we have built at the townsites. We also have 90 houses in Ilo for staff personnel. Housing, maintenance and utility services are provided to most of our employees for a nominal cost. Our townsite and housing complexes provide schools, medical facilities, churches, banks, shops, social clubs, recreational facilities and other services.
Mexico
As of December 31, 2024, 71% of our 10,988 Mexican employees were unionized and represented by ten collective bargaining agreements distributed among three labor unions. Under Mexican law, the terms of employment for unionized workers are set forth in collective bargaining agreements. Mexican companies negotiate the salary provisions of collective bargaining agreements with the labor unions on an annual basis and negotiate other benefits every two years. We conduct negotiations separately at each mining complex and each processing plant.
Our Taxco mine in Mexico has been on strike since July 2007. For a discussion of labor matters, refer to the information contained under the caption “Labor matters” in Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements.
Employees of La Caridad and Buenavista units reside in townsites at Nacozari and Cananea, where we have built approximately 1,800 houses and apartments. Most of the employees of the IMMSA unit reside on the grounds of the mining or processing complexes where we have built 356 houses and apartments. Housing, together with maintenance and utility services, is provided at nominal cost to most of our employees. Our townsites and housing complexes include educational and medical facilities, churches, social clubs, shopping centers, banking and other services. Through 2007, the Buenavista unit provided health care services to employees and retired unionized employees and their families through its own on-site hospital. In 2010, the Company signed an agreement with the Secretary of Health of the State of Sonora to provide these services to its retired workers and their families. The new workers of Buenavista receive health services through the Mexican Institute of Social Security as is the case for all Mexican workers.
FUEL, ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES
The principal raw materials used in our operations are fuel, gas, electricity and water. We use natural gas to power boilers and generators and utilize diesel fuel to power mining equipment for metallurgical processes at our operations. We believe that sufficient sources of fuel, electricity and water are readily available. Fluctuations may occur in the prices of these raw materials that are beyond our control; as such, we focus our efforts on reducing costs through cost and energy-saving measures.
Energy generates the main cost in mining, so concern for its conservation and efficient usage is critical. We have energy management committees at most of our mines, which meet periodically to discuss consumption and to develop measures directed at saving energy. Alternative sources are also being analyzed at the corporate level, including both traditional and renewable energy sources. This approach has helped us to develop a culture of energy conservation directed at ensuring the sustainability of our operations.
Peru:
Fuel: In Peru, we obtain fuel primarily from Valero Peru, a local subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation, a U.S. producer of fuel and power. The Company believes that adequate supplies of fuel are available for its operations in Peru.
Electricity: In June 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120 megawatts (“MW”) with the state owned company Electroperu S.A., which began supplying energy to our Peruvian operations for a twenty-year period that started on April 17, 2017. In July 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120MW with a private power generator Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”), which began supplying energy to our Peruvian operations for a ten-year period that started on April 17, 2017. In May 2016, we signed an additional power purchase agreement for a maximum of 80MW with Kallpa, under which Kallpa began supplying energy to the operations related to the Toquepala expansion and to other minor projects for a period starting on May 1, 2017, and ending on October 31, 2029. We feel confident that additional power can be obtained from the Peruvian national grid, should the need arise.
Additionally, we have nine megawatts of power generation capacity from two small hydro-generating facilities at Cuajone. Power is distributed over a 224-kilometer transmission line circuit, which is connected to the Peruvian network.
Water: We have water rights or licenses for up to 2,011 liters per second from well fields at the Huaitire-Gentilar, Vizcachas and Titijones aquifers and surface water rights from Lake Suches. Three additional water sources are: Quebrada Honda, Quebrada Tacalaya and a smaller resource from the Cuajone mine pit. We believe these water sources are sufficient to supply the water demands of our operating units at Toquepala and Cuajone. Additionally, we have permits in Ilo to use water at three desalination plants that generate water for industrial use and domestic consumption; we believe these facilities will produce sufficient water to cover the requirements of both current and projected needs. Additionally, we have two licenses for the use of non-desalinated seawater for the Smelter.
The Branch has a surface water permit for the Locumba river, which will facilitate the conservation and maintenance of a portion of the wetlands in Ite. The Company has also been studying alternative sources of water to cover future needs as operations expand and our mining projects grow.
Mexico:
Fuel: In Mexico, since 2018, we have purchased fuel from Petroleos Mexicanos (“PEMEX”), the state producer, and from private suppliers.
The La Caridad unit imports natural gas from the United States through its pipeline (between Douglas, Arizona and Nacozari, Sonora). This allows us to import natural gas at market prices and thereby reduce operating costs. Several contracts with PEMEX and the United States provide us with the option of using a monthly or daily fixed prices for our natural gas purchases.
Natural gas is used for metallurgical processes and to power furnaces, converters, casting wheels, boilers and electric generators. Diesel oil is a backup method for all these uses. We use diesel oil to power mining equipment at our operations.
Electricity: Electricity is used as the main energy source at our mining complexes. We purchase most of our electricity from Mexico Generadora de Energia S. de R. L. (“MGE”), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico which has two power plants designed to supply power to La Caridad and Buenavista units. In 2024, MGE supplied 20.2% of its power output to third party energy users. These plants are natural gas-fired combined cycle power generating units, with a net total capacity of 516.2 megawatts. In 2012, we entered into a power supply agreement with MGE that will last until 2032. The first plant was completed in 2013 and the second in 2014. The first plant began to supply power to the Company in December 2013, and the second plant in June 2015.
We also purchase electricity from the Comision Federal de Electricidad (the Federal Electricity Commission or the “CFE”), the state’s electrical power producer. In addition, we recover some energy from waste heat boilers at the La Caridad smelter. Accordingly, a significant portion of our operating costs in Mexico is dependent upon the pricing policies of CFE and PEMEX, which are affected by political and regulatory environments, international market prices for crude oil and natural gas; and conditions in the refinery markets.
Some IMMSA mining operations also purchase electricity from Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I de C.V. (“Eolica”), a windfarm energy producer that is an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. In August 2013, IMMSA and other of the Company’s mining operations entered into a purchase agreement and in late 2014 started to purchase electricity from Eolica. Due to the nature of the production process there is not a fixed power capacity contracted. In 2024, Eolica el Retiro supplied approximately 25.5% of its power output to IMMSA and Mexcobre.
On February 20, 2020, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V., and indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply 611,400 MWh of power per year to some of the Company´s Mexican operations for 20 years. This agreement commenced in the third quarter of 2024. In 2024, Parque Eolico de Fenicias supplied approximately 58.6% of its power output to IMMSA.
Water: In Mexico, water is deemed public property and industries that are not connected to a public service water supply must obtain a water concession from Comision Nacional del Agua (the National Water Commission or the “CNA”). Water usage fees are established in the Ley Federal de Derechos (the Federal Rights Law), which distinguishes several availability zones with different fees per unit of volume according to each zone, with the exception of Mexicana de Cobre. All of our operations have one or several water concessions and pump out the required water from wells. Mexicana de Cobre pumps water from the La Angostura dam, which is close to the mine and plants. At our Buenavista facility, we maintain our own wells and pay the CNA for water usage. Water conservation committees have been established at each plant to conserve and recycle water. Water usage fees are updated on a yearly basis and have been on the rise in recent years.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS
To the Company's knowledge, during the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024, no legal, environmental, labor or tax regulations came into effect in the jurisdictions where the Company operates that (i) required the Company to incur material costs of compliance, (ii) had a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations, or (iii) materially impacted the execution of the Company’s projects. As of the date hereof, the Company believes that its facilities in Peru and Mexico are in material compliance with all applicable environmental, mining and other laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
On September 15, 2024, the Mexican Congress approved a constitutional reform to the Judicial Branch that replaces the existing appointment-based system for selecting judges with a system of popular election of Congress pre-selected
judges. The implementation of this reform is ongoing, and the Company cannot currently assess its potential impact on the Mexican federal judicial system or the Company's operations.
For a discussion of environmental and labor matters, reference is made to the information contained in Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements. For more information on tax matters, refer to Note 7 “Income taxes” of the consolidated financial statements.
MINING RIGHTS AND CONCESSIONS
Peru:
We have 154,535 hectares in concessions from the Peruvian government for our exploration, exploitation, extraction and production operations, at various sites, as follows:
Toquepala
Cuajone
Ilo
Other
Total
(hectares)
Mine concessions
22,783
27,380
4,670
99,702
154,535
We believe that our Peruvian concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws and as such, comply with all material terms and requirements applicable to said concessions. The concessions have indefinite terms, subject to our payment of concession fees of up to $3.00 per hectare annually for the mining concessions and a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing concessions. Fees paid during 2024, 2023 and 2022, were approximately $5.2 million, $3.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively. We have two types of mining concessions in Peru: metallic and non-metallic concessions.
Mexico:
In Mexico we have 502,688 hectares in concessions from the Mexican government for our exploration and exploitation activities as outlined on the table below:
IMMSA
La Caridad
Buenavista
Projects
Total
(hectares)
Mine concessions
223,313
103,821
93,706
81,848
502,688
We believe that our Mexican concessions are in full force and in effect under applicable Mexican laws and that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to these concessions. Under Mexican law, mineral resources belong to the Mexican nation and a concession from the Mexican federal government is required to explore or mine mineral reserves. Mining concessions have a 50-year term that can be renewed for another 50 years. Holding fees for mining concessions can be from $0.53 to $11.60 per hectare depending on the start date of the mining concession. Fees paid during 2024, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $11.6 million, $11.7 million and $8.7 million, respectively. In addition, all of our operating units in Mexico have water concessions that are in full force and effect. Although ownership is not required in order to explore or mine a concession, we generally own the land related to our Mexican concessions. We also own all of the processing facilities of our Mexican operations and the land on which they are built.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a website that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information that issuers (including Southern Copper Corporation) file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.
Our website is www.southerncoppercorp.com. The first document on the list of materials available on this website is Form 8-K, dated March 14, 2003. We offer, free of charge, downloads of our annual, quarterly and current reports, as soon as they can be reasonably made available following electronic or physical filing with the SEC. Our website also includes the Company’s Corporate Governance guidelines and the charters of our main Board Committees. However, the information found on our website is not part of this or any other report.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include information regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, including taxes, as well as projected demand or supply for the Company’s products. Actual results could differ materially depending upon certain factors, including the risks and uncertainties relating to general U.S. and international economic and political conditions, the cyclical and volatile prices of copper, other commodities and supplies, including fuel and electricity, the availability of materials, insurance coverage, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, water and geological problems, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, failure to obtain financial assurance to meet closure and remediation obligations, labor relations, litigation and environmental risks, as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations. Results of operations are directly affected by metal prices on commodity exchanges, which can be volatile.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
Mineral Reserves and Resources
In our public filings in the U.S. and Peru and in certain other announcements not filed with the SEC, we disclose proven and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, each as defined in Item 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”). The estimation of measured mineral resources and indicated mineral resources implies greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into S-K 1300-compliant reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.
Technical Report Summaries and Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by third-party “qualified persons” pursuant to S-K 1300. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Technical Report Summaries for each of the Company’s material properties which are included as exhibits to, and incorporated by reference in this report.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Every investor or potential investor in Southern Copper Corporation should carefully consider the following risk factors.
Financial risks
Our financial performance is highly dependent on the price of copper and the other metals we produce.
Our financial performance is significantly affected by the market prices of the metals that we produce, particularly the market prices of copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver. Historically, these prices have been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous and complex factors beyond our control. Market prices are affected by a number of factors, including global economic and political conditions in general, and in particular by: international policies and regulations in the ambits of trade, taxes and tariffs; levels of supply and demand; the availability and cost of substitutes; inventory levels maintained by users; actions of participants in the commodities markets; interest rates; expectations
regarding future inflation rates; currency exchange rates and changes in technology. In addition, the market prices of copper and certain other metals have on occasion been subject to rapid short-term changes. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, copper prices were initially impacted by economic uncertainty. However, in mid-2020, copper prices began to rise and reached a record highs during 2021. Volatility in global economic growth, particularly in developing countries, has the potential to adversely affect future demand and prices for commodities. Geopolitical uncertainty and protectionism have the potential to inhibit international trade and negatively impact business confidence, which can create price volatility and constraints on our ability to trade in certain markets.
In addition to the factors discussed above, copper prices may be affected by demand from China, which is currently
the largest consumer of refined copper and concentrate in the world.
Over the last three years, approximately 76.1% of our revenues have come from the sale of copper; 11.4% from molybdenum; 4.5% from silver; and 3.5% from zinc. Please see the distribution of our revenues per product on Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” Note 19 “Segment and Related Information-Sales value per segment”.
See also the historical average price of our products on Item 1 Business caption “Metals prices”.
We cannot predict if metals prices will rise or fall in the future. Extended significant future declines in metals prices, particularly copper, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and value of our assets. Under very adverse market conditions, we might consider curtailing or modifying some of our mining and processing operations. We may be unable to decrease our costs in an amount sufficient to offset reductions in revenues, in which case, we may incur losses, which may be material.
Declines in the prices of metals we sell could also result in metals inventory adjustments and impairment charges for our long-lived assets. Other events that could result in the impairment of our long-lived assets include, but are not limited to, decreases in estimated proven and probable mineral reserves and any event that might have a material adverse effect on current and future expected mine production costs.
Volatility in metals prices may also impact the price of our outstanding securities.
Although our results of operations and cash flow will reflect fluctuations in the prices of copper and other metals we produce, short-term volatility in prices may generate significant fluctuations in the price of our securities. Such volatility in the price of our securities may not be reflective of our operating performance or financial results.
Our business requires levels of capital investments that we may not be able to maintain.
Our business is capital intensive. Significant capital investments are required specifically for the exploration and exploitation of copper and other metal reserves, mining, smelting and refining costs, the maintenance of machinery and equipment and compliance with laws and regulations. We must continue to invest capital to maintain or increase the amount of copper reserves that we exploit and the amount of copper and other metals we produce. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our production at levels that generate sufficient cash, or that we will have access to sufficient financing to continue our exploration, exploitation and refining activities at or above present levels.
Restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness and the indebtedness of our Minera Mexico subsidiary may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.
Our financing instruments and those of our Minera Mexico subsidiary include financial and other restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our and Minera Mexico’s abilities to incur additional debt and sell assets. If either we or our Minera Mexico subsidiary fails to comply with these obligations, we could be in default under the applicable agreements. This situation, if not addressed or waived, could require immediate repayment of debt obligations. Our Minera Mexico subsidiary is further limited by the terms of its outstanding notes, which also restrict the Company’s applicable incurrence of debt and liens. In addition, future credit facilities may contain limitations on our capacity to incur additional debt and liens, dispose of assets, or pay dividends to our common stockholders.
We may not pay a significant amount of our net income as cash dividends on our common stock in the future.
We have distributed a significant amount of our net income as dividends since 1996. Our dividend practice is subject to change at the discretion of our Board of Directors at any time. The amount that we pay in dividends is subject to a number of factors, including the results of our operations; our financial condition; cash requirements; tax considerations; future prospects; legal restrictions; contractual restrictions in credit agreements; limitations imposed by the government of Peru, Mexico and other countries where we have significant operations; and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. Depending on our capital investment program and global economic conditions, it is possible that future dividend distributions will be lower than the levels seen in recent years.
Our ability to recognize the benefits of deferred tax assets is dependent on future cash flows and taxable income.
Through 2024, the Company recognized the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax benefit was considered more likely than not to be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which management believes that the related benefits will not be realized. Determining the amount of the valuation allowance and assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income and existing tax laws. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recognize the expected future benefits of deferred tax assets; this inability could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.
Operational risks
Our actual reserves and resources may not conform to our current estimates of our ore deposits and our long-term viability depends on our ability to replenish mineral reserves and resources.
There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the estimation of reserves and resources. Until reserves are actually mined and processed, the quantity of ore and grades must be considered estimates only. We disclose proven and probable reserves and measured, indicated and inferred resources, each as defined in Item 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”). Additionally, the scientific and technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K has been reviewed and approved by third-party “qualified persons” pursuant to S-K 1300. We may be required in the future to revise our reserves and resources estimates based on our actual production. We cannot assure you that our actual reserves and resources conform to geological, metallurgical or other expectations or that the estimated volume and grade of ore will be recovered. Market prices of our metals, increased production costs, reduced recovery rates, short-term operating factors, royalty charges and other factors may render proven and probable reserves uneconomic to exploit and may result in revisions of reserves data from time to time. Reserves data may not be indicative of future results of operations. Our reserves are depleted as we mine. We depend on our ability to replenish our mineral reserves and resources for our long-term viability. We use several strategies to replenish and increase our mineral reserves and resources, including exploration and investment in properties located near our existing mine sites and investing in technology that could extend the life of a mine by allowing us to cost-effectively process ore types that were previously considered uneconomic. Acquisitions may also contribute to increasing mineral reserves and resources, and we review potential acquisition opportunities on a regular basis. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue with our strategy to replenish reserves indefinitely.
Our operations are subject to risks, some of which are not insurable.
The business of mining, smelting and refining copper, zinc and other metals is subject to a number of risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, changes in the regulatory environment, environmental hazards, weather and other natural phenomena, such as seismic activity, wall failures and rock slides in our open-pit mines, structural collapses of our underground mines or tailings impoundments, and lower than expected ore grades or recovery rates. The Company’s operations may also be affected by mudslides and flash floods caused by torrential rains.
Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining operations resulting in monetary losses and possible legal liability. In particular, surface and underground mining and related processing activities present inherent risks of injury to personnel, loss of life and damage to equipment.
The waste rock and tailings produced in our mining operations represent our largest volume of waste material. Managing the volume of waste rock and tailings presents significant environmental, safety and engineering challenges and risks. We maintain large tailings impoundments containing sand of ground rock, moistened with water, which are effectively large dams that must be engineered, built and monitored to assure structural stability and avoid leakages or structural collapse. Defects, errors and failures at tailings dams and in other impoundments at any of our mining operations could cause severe property and environmental damage and loss of life. The importance of careful design, management and monitoring of large impoundments was emphasized in recent years by large scale tailings dam failures at unaffiliated mines, which caused extensive property and environmental damage and resulted in the loss of life. For more information regarding our tailing dams, please see Item 2 “Properties-Slope Stability-Tailing Dams.”
During recent years, social and political demands has caused violence which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining operations resulting in monetary losses and possible legal liability.
In our proactive approach to managing operational sustainability risks, we have implemented the Critical Risk Registry, aligning with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Good Practice Guide on Health and Safety Critical Control Management. This robust system addresses both environmental and health and safety risks, ensuring compliance with best practices. By focusing on critical controls through this approach, we optimize resource allocation and bolster our efforts in sustainability risk management.
To enhance the monitoring of controls, we recently introduced a comprehensive company procedure and digital tool. This platform facilitates detailed oversight by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, reminders, and notifications. It streamlines the chain of command, enabling the prompt identification of deviations from established protocols and facilitating the implementation of corrective actions along with subsequent monitoring. Through the digital tool, we can measure, verify, and audit controls, promptly identifying instances of incorrect implementation or threshold breaches.
In addition, we maintain insurance against many of these and other risks, which under certain circumstances may not provide adequate coverage. Insurance against certain risks, including certain liabilities for environmental damage or hazards as a result of exploration and production, is not generally available to us or other companies within the mining industry. Nevertheless, recent environmental legal initiatives contemplate requirements for environmental damage insurance. If these regulations come into force, we will have to analyze the need to obtain said insurance. We do not have nor do we intend to obtain, political risk insurance. We cannot assure you that these and other uninsured events will not have an adverse effect on our business, properties, operating results, financial condition or prospects.
Changes in the demand level for our products and copper sales agreements could adversely affect our revenues.
Our financial results may be affected by fluctuations in demand for the refined, semi-refined metal products and concentrates we sell at both the industrial and consumer level, and may also be affected by changes in the global economy, including economic upturns and downturns of differing magnitudes. Changes in technology, industrial processes, concerns over weaknesses in the global economy and consumer habits may affect the level of demand to the extent that those increase or decrease the need for our metal products. Our revenues may also be adversely affected by events of force majeure that could have a negative impact on our sales agreements. These events include acts of nature, labor strikes, fires, floods, wars, transportation delays, government actions or other events that are beyond the control of the parties to the agreement.
However, the success of the energy transition is intrinsically linked to copper, our key product, critical for the production of technological solutions to the decrease the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Given copper's crucial role in electrification and the generation of clean energies, there exists an increasing expectation from both corporate entities and societal stakeholders that copper sourcing should emanate from entities committed to rigorous and responsible production practices.
This commitment has driven us to pledge certifications for all our copper production under international standards.
Interruptions of energy supply or increases in energy, fuel and gas costs, shortages of water supply, critical parts, equipment, skilled labor and other production costs may adversely affect our results of operations.
We require substantial amounts of fuel oil, electricity, water and other resources for our operations. Fuel, gas and power costs constituted approximately 26% of our total production cost in 2024, 29% in 2023 and 34% in 2022. We rely upon third parties for our supply of the energy resources consumed in our operations. Therefore prices for and availability of energy resources may be subject to change or curtailment due to new laws or regulations; imposition of new taxes or tariffs; interruptions in production by suppliers; and variations in global prices or market conditions, among other factors. Regarding water consumption, although each of our operations currently has sufficient water supplies to cover its operational demands, the loss of some or all water rights for any of our mines or operations, in whole or in part, shortages relative to the water to which we have rights or a lack of additional back-up water supplies at an acceptable cost, or at all, could require us to curtail or shut down mining production and could prevent us from pursuing expansion opportunities, thereby increasing and/or accelerating costs or foregoing profitable operations. In addition, future shortages of critical parts, equipment and skilled labor could adversely affect our operations and development projects.
Our Company is subject to health and safety laws that may restrict our operations, result in operational delays or increase our operating costs and adversely affect our financial results of operations.
We are required to comply with occupational health and safety laws and regulations in Peru and Mexico where our operations are subject to periodic inspections by the relevant governmental authorities. These laws and regulations govern, among others, health and safety workplace conditions, including high risk labor and the handling, storage and disposal of chemical and other hazardous substances. We believe our operations comply in all material respects with applicable health and safety laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. Compliance with existing and new laws and regulations that may be applicable to us in the future could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our financial results of operations and cash flows.
Our objective is to preserve the health and safety of our workforce by implementing occupational health and training programs and safety incentives at our operations that meet all regulatory requirements and enhance employee performance. Despite the Company’s efforts, we are not exempt from accidents. These are reported to Mexican and Peruvian authorities as required. Regarding non-fatal accidents, during the last four years, the Company’s Dart rate (rate to measure workplace injuries severe enough to warrant Day Away from work, job Restrictions and/or job Transfers) was much lower than the MSHA Dart rate (the MSHA Dart rate is published by the U.S.’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, and is used as an industry benchmark).
In 2024, we recorded one fatality of a contractor. In 2023, we recorded five fatalities (two contractors and three employees) and in 2022, four fatalities (two contractors and two employees) were registered. The amounts paid to the Mexican and Peruvian authorities for reportable accidents had no adverse effects on our results. Under Mexican and Peruvian law penalties and fines for safety violations are generally monetary, but in certain cases may lead to the temporary or permanent shutdown of the affected facility or the suspension or revocation of permits or licenses. Additionally, violations of security and safety laws and regulations at our Peruvian operations can be considered criminal activity and punishable by a sentence of up to 10 years of prison.
Our metals exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may be unsuccessful.
Metals exploration is highly speculative in nature because it involves many risks and is frequently unsuccessful. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling until production is possible. During such time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures must be made to determine proven and probable mineral reserves, which requires drilling to establish the metallurgical processes that will be needed to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. We cannot assure you that our exploration programs will result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new proven and probable mineral reserves.
Development projects have no operating history upon which we can base estimates of proven and probable mineral reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs. Estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of
geological data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques and on pre-feasibility or feasibility studies that generate estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed; the configuration of the ore body; expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore; comparable facility and equipment operating costs; anticipated climatic conditions; and other factors. As a result, actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon the development of proven and probable mineral reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated. Moreover, significant decreases in actual or expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce.
We may be adversely affected by challenges relating to slope stability.
Our open-pit mines get deeper as we mine them, presenting certain geotechnical challenges including the possibility of slope failure. If we are required to decrease pit slope angles or provide additional road access to prevent such a failure, our stated reserves could be negatively affected. Furthermore, hydrological conditions relating to pit slopes, renewal of material displaced by slope failures and increased stripping requirements could also negatively affect our stated reserves. We take action to maintain slope stability, but we cannot assure you that we will not have to take additional action in the future or that our actions taken to date will be sufficient. Unexpected slope failures, or additional requirements to prevent slope failures, may negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition and may diminish our stated mineral reserves.
We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.
In the last several years, we have experienced several strikes and other labor disruptions that have had an adverse impact on our operations and operating results. As of December 31, 2024, unions represented approximately 57% of our workforce in Peru and 71% of our workforce in Mexico. Currently, we have labor agreements in effect for our Mexican and Peruvian operations.
Our Taxco mine in Mexico has been on strike since July 2007. It is expected that operations at this mine will remain suspended until these labor issues are resolved. In addition, workers at the San Martin mine were on strike from July 2007 to August 2018. After eleven years of an illegal stoppage, we resumed control of the San Martin mine in August 2018. During this period, the San Martin facilities deteriorated and we undertook a major renovation to restart operations during the second quarter of 2019 for a total expense of approximately $90.5 million. For additional information, see Item 2, “Properties-Mexican IMMSA Unit-San Martin and Taxco”, and Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies-Labor matters”, to the consolidated financial statements.
We cannot assure you when the pending strike will be settled, or that in the future we will not experience strikes or other labor related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our mining operations or metal production projects may be subject to stoppage and additional costs due to community actions and other factors.
In recent years, global mining activity has been pressured by neighboring communities for financial commitments to fund social benefit programs and infrastructure improvements. Our projects in Peru are not exempt from these demands. Our Tia Maria project in Peru has experienced delays while trying to resolve issues with community groups.
Seemingly in the Peruvian mining environment, it is becoming crucial to obtain acceptance from local communities for projects in their areas, which may entail compliance with the demands for substantial investments in community infrastructure development and modernization to proceed with the mining projects.
We are confident that we will move forward with the Tia Maria project. However, we cannot assure you when and that we will incur no additional costs for community infrastructure development and modernization to obtain approval from the communities for current or future mining projects.
In 2022, violent protests by some of communities adjoining the Cuajone mine negatively affected the mine’s operations. In February 2022, the railway between Cuajone and Ilo was blocked and Viña Blanca water reservoir facilities were seized, cutting off the water supply to some residents of the Cuajone mining camp.
After numerous efforts to restore order through dialogue by the authorities, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the Moquegua region in April 2022 and ordered the protestors to return the Viña Blanca facilities and the railway to the Company. After an evaluation of the damage, the Company resumed production at the Cuajone mining unit and the facilities are currently operating at full capacity.
On April 30, 2022, the Peruvian government issued a Ministerial Resolution to set up a three-party-dialogue-table involving community members, government representatives and Company executives to better understand and address the concerns of all parties. Between 2023 and 2024, several meetings were held with community representatives, but no agreements were reached. In January 2025, new community representatives were appointed for two years. These individuals have demonstrated a greater willingness to engage in dialogue and are interested in collaborating with the Company on joint social programs. We anticipate resuming discussions soon to tackle current issues and discuss our proposed plans for investing in social programs that address community needs. The Company has also indicated interest in purchasing land near the Cuajone operations to create a buffer zone to protect our facilities and future production.
However, we cannot guarantee that any additional incidents will not arise or assert that any future incidents that occur will imply no adverse impacts for our facilities, the results of our operations or our financial position.
In addition, collective action lawsuits and civil action lawsuits have been filed against the Company in Mexico through both federal courts and state courts in Sonora. Constitutional lawsuits have also been filed against various government authorities and the Company. These lawsuits are seeking damages and demand remediation actions to restore the environment. The Company believes that the lawsuits are without merit and that it is not possible to determine the extent of the damages sought. Moreover, the Company cannot offer any assurances that the outcome of these lawsuits will not have adverse effects on the Company.
Environmental regulation, climate change and other regulations may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations or result in operational delays.
Our exploration, mining, milling, smelting and refining activities are subject to a number of Peruvian and Mexican laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, and certain industry technical standards. Additional matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, concession fees, transportation, production, water use and discharge, power use and generation, use and storage of explosives, surface rights, housing and other facilities for workers, reclamation, taxation, labor standards, mine safety and occupational health. As the world and the countries in which we operate become more conscious of the importance of environmental aspects, we expect additional environmental laws and regulations will be enacted over time.
Please refer to Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies-Environmental matters” of our financial statements for further information on this subject.
The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and depend on the geographic location of our facilities. These may include droughts and the associated changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changes in sea levels, and high temperatures. These effects may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations. In addition, substantial weather-related conditions could impact our relationships and arrangements with our major customers and suppliers by materially affecting the normal flow of our transactions, especially seaborne transactions. For example, severe weather events could damage transportation infrastructures and lead to interruptions or delays in the supply of key inputs and raw materials or sold products.
We monitor fluctuations in weather patterns in the areas where we operate. Aligned with government efforts, we measure our carbon footprint and have updated our climate strategy to reduce the contributions to greenhouse gas emissions of our operations. We also evaluate our water demand, as weather changes may result in increases or decreases that affect our needs.
Efforts to comply with more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru and Mexico and with relevant trade agreements could impose constraints on operations and imply additional costs. Consequently, we may need to make significant investments in this regard in the future. We cannot assure you that current or future legislative, regulatory or trade developments will not have adverse effects on our business, properties, operating results, financial condition or prospects.
Our mining and metal production projects may expose us to new risks.
Our Company is in the midst of a large expansion program, which may expose us to additional risks in terms of industrial accidents. While we believe our contractors employ safety standards and other procedures to ensure these projects are completed with proper governance, it is possible that increased activity at our sites could cause environmental accidents or endanger human life.
Our business depends upon information technology systems that may be adversely affected by disruptions, damage, cyber-attacks, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration.
Our operations depend upon information technology systems that may be subject to disruption, damage or failure from different sources, including, without limitation, the installation of malicious software, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks and defects in design. In recent years, cybersecurity incidents have increased in frequency and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. We have taken appropriate preventive measures to mitigate potential risks by implementing an information security management system that conducts frequent monitoring; which ensures the application of controls that are frequently reviewed and tested.
Given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of information technology disruptions, we could potentially be subject to manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks, operational delays, situations that compromise confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of our operations.
Our business is exposed to certain risks associated with artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other new technologies.
Information and operational technology systems continue to evolve and, in order to remain competitive, we must implement new technologies in a timely, cost-effective and efficient manner. For example, nowadays a major number of software, hardware, services and in general technological solutions vendors are including AI components for a very wide range of applications; and we may find improvement opportunities by developing and applying AI in several of our business and operational processes. These applications may become important in our operations over time. Our ability to implement new technologies, including AI, may affect our competitiveness and, consequently, our results of operations.
In addition, we may utilize AI and other new technologies in software provided by third parties to enhance our capabilities in producing copper, improving business processes and responding to threats to our technology platforms. The use of AI when lacking of a strategy and a governance model may increase our exposure to cybersecurity risks and additional risks relating to the protection of data.
Other risks
Applicable law restricts the payment of dividends from our Minera Mexico subsidiary to us.
Our subsidiary, Minera Mexico, is a Mexican company and, as such, may pay dividends only out of net income that has been approved by shareholders. Shareholders must also approve the actual dividend payment, after mandatory legal reserves have been created and losses for prior fiscal years have been satisfied. These legal constraints may limit the
ability of Minera Mexico to pay dividends to us, which in turn, may have an impact on our ability to pay stockholder dividends or to service debt.
Global and local market conditions, including the high competitiveness in the copper mining industry, may adversely affect our profitability.
Our industry is cyclical in nature and fluctuates with economic cycles. Therefore, we are subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global economic and political conditions, such as a potential global recession, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, lower levels of consumer and corporate confidence, lower business investment, higher unemployment, reduced income and asset values in many areas, currency volatility and limited availability of credit and access to capital. Additionally, we face competition from other copper mining and producing companies around the world. Along these lines, significant competition exists to acquire properties that produce or are capable of producing copper and other metals, and some of our main competitors have consolidated, which makes them more diversified than we are.
We cannot assure you that changes in market conditions, including competition, will not adversely affect our ability to compete in the future on the basis of price or other factors with companies that may benefit from future favorable trading or other arrangements.
We are controlled by Grupo Mexico, which exercises control over our affairs and policies and whose interests may be different from yours.
As of December 31, 2024, Grupo Mexico owned indirectly 88.9% of our capital stock. Some of our officers and directors, and those of Minera Mexico, are also directors and/or officers of Grupo Mexico and/or of its affiliates. We cannot assure you that the interests of Grupo Mexico will not conflict with those of our minority stockholders. Grupo Mexico has the ability to determine the outcome of substantially all matters submitted for a vote to our stockholders and thus exercises control over our business policies and affairs, including the following:
● the composition of our Board of Directors and, as a result, any determinations of our Board concerning our business direction and policy, including the appointment and removal of our officers;
● determinations concerning mergers and other business combinations, including those that may result in a change of control;
● whether dividends are paid or other distributions are made and the amount of any dividends or other distributions;
● sales and dispositions of our assets;
● the amount of debt financing that we incur; and
● the approval of capital projects.
We cannot assure you that an increase in the financial obligations of Grupo Mexico or AMC, which may be attributable to financing or to other reasons, will not result in a scenario in which our parent corporations obtain loans, increase dividends or receive other funding from us.
In addition, we have in the past engaged in, and expect to continue engaging in, transactions with Grupo Mexico and its other affiliates that are related party transactions and may present conflicts of interest. For additional information regarding the share ownership of, and our relationships with, Grupo Mexico and its affiliates, see Note 18 “Related Party Transactions” to the consolidated financial statements.
Unanticipated litigation or negative developments in pending litigation or with respect to other contingencies may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We are currently, and may in the future become, subject to litigation, arbitration or other legal proceedings with other parties. If rulings are against the Company, these legal proceedings, or others that could be brought against us in the future, may adversely affect our financial position or prospects. For further detailed discussion of pending litigation, please see Note 13 “Commitment and Contingencies-Litigation matters” of the consolidated financial statements.
Developments in the United States, Europe and emerging market countries may adversely affect the Company business, the market value and trading price of our common stock and our debt securities.
The business, market value and trading price of securities of companies with significant operations in Peru and Mexico is, to varying degrees, affected by the economic policies and market conditions in the United States, Europe and emerging market countries. Although economic policies and conditions in these countries may significantly differ from policies and conditions in Peru or Mexico, the market’s reactions to developments in any of these countries may adversely affect the Company’s business causing a fluctuation on the market value or the trading price of our securities, including debt securities.
In addition, in recent years economic conditions in Mexico have shown to have an increased correlation to U.S. economic conditions. Therefore, changes in economic policies and conditions in the United States could also have a significant adverse effect on Mexican economic conditions, affecting our business and the price of our common stock or debt securities.
We cannot assure you that the market value or trading prices of our common stock and debt securities, will not be adversely affected by events in the United States or elsewhere, including emerging market countries.
Potential developments in the United States, regulatory uncertainty, tariff threats and trade tensions may affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
Our business operations may be adversely affected by changes in regulatory policies. Imposing new tariffs on imports could significantly affect our cost structures and pricing strategies. The uncertainty surrounding potential tariff policies may complicate our supply chain planning and international trade relationships while increasing costs for raw materials and goods. These events, should they materialize, may impact our profitability and competitive positioning in the market.
Additionally, changes in international trade policies and relationships may affect global commodity prices and market conditions and could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions; trade tensions; or other changes in governmental policies related to taxes, tariffs, trade agreements or any policies, are difficult to predict and could adversely affect the demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers and the U.S. economy and, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.
Despite our risk management efforts and mitigation strategies, we cannot provide any assurance that such measures will be successful in addressing or minimizing the impact of political, regulatory, and trade-related risks on our business operations and financial results.
Other international risks
We are a company with substantial assets located outside of the United States. We conduct production operations in Peru and Mexico and exploration activities in these countries as well as in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Accordingly, in addition to the usual risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, our business may be adversely affected by political, economic and social uncertainties in each of these countries. Such risks include possible expropriation or nationalization of property, confiscatory taxes or royalties, possible foreign exchange controls, changes in the national policy toward foreign investors, extreme environmental standards, etc.
Our international operations must comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in the other jurisdictions in which we operate. There has been a substantial increase in global enforcement of these laws in recent years. As such, our corporate policies and processes may not prevent or detect all potential breaches of the law. Any violation of those laws could result in significant criminal or civil fines and penalties, litigation, and loss of operating licenses or permits, and may damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
Our insurance does not cover most losses caused by the aforementioned risks. Consequently, our production, development and exploration activities in these countries could be substantially affected by factors out of our control, some of which could materially and adversely affect our financial position or results of operations.
We may be adversely affected by natural disasters, pandemics (including the recent coronavirus outbreak) and other catastrophic events, and by man-made problems such as terrorism, which could disrupt our business operations and our business continuity. Furthermore, disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, floods, pandemics (including the recent coronavirus outbreak), acts of terrorism and other catastrophic or geo-political events may cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce and the global economy, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Risks Associated with Doing Business in Peru and Mexico
There is uncertainty as to the termination and renewal of our mining concessions.
Under the laws of Peru and Mexico, mineral resources belong to the state and government. Therefore, concessions are required in both countries to explore or exploit mineral reserves. In Peru, our mineral rights derive from concessions from Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MINEM”) for our exploration, exploitation, extraction and/or production operations. In Mexico, our mineral rights derive from concessions granted, on a discretionary basis, by the Ministry of Economy, pursuant to Mexican mining law and regulations thereunder.
Mining concessions in both Peru and Mexico may be terminated if the obligations of the concessioner are not satisfied. In Peru, we are obligated to pay certain fees for our mining concession. In Mexico, we are obligated, among other things, to explore or exploit the relevant concession, to pay any relevant fees, to comply with all environmental and safety standards, to provide information to the Ministry of Economy and to allow inspections by the Ministry of Economy. Any termination or unfavorable modification of the terms of one or more of our concessions, or failure to obtain renewals of such concessions subject to renewal or extensions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and prospects.
Peruvian economic and political conditions, as well as illegal mining activities may have an adverse impact on our business.
A significant portion of our operations is conducted in Peru. Accordingly, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be affected by changes in the political, regulatory or economic developments in the country and changes in the economic or other policies of the Peruvian government. Over the past several decades, Peru has had a succession of regimes with differing political agendas and policies. In the twentieth century, past governments have frequently intervened in the nation’s economy and social structure. Among other actions, past governments have imposed controls on prices, exchange rates and local and foreign investments; placed limitations on imports; restricted companies’ abilities to dismiss employees and have prohibited the remittance of profits to foreign investors.
Between 2019 and 2023, Peru experienced heightened political instability in a context marked by ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption and confrontation on the political front. Significant political turmoil in Peru led to a shutdown of the Peruvian Congress and the removal of three Peruvian presidents.
On December 7, 2022, the Peruvian congress invoked its powers under the Constitution to remove the current President from office. The Vice President immediately assumed the presidency, which has led to considerable turmoil, particularly in the south of Peru, where acts of vandalism and violence escalated. Roadblocks were scattered throughout the country, which negatively affected the normal course of business in various regions. Fortunately, our operations were not impacted. This climate of violence gradually subsided during the year and was replaced by a general concern about the economic recession and personal insecurity.
Because we have significant operations in Peru, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions, including any changes to economic policies or the adoption of other reforms proposed by existing or future administrations in Peru and/or other factors will have no material adverse effects on market conditions, the prices of our securities, our ability to obtain financing, our results of operations, or our financial condition.
Mexican economic and political conditions, as well as drug-related violence, may have an adverse impact on our business.
The Mexican economy is highly sensitive to economic developments in the United States, mainly because of its high level of exports to this market. Other risks in Mexico are increases in taxes on the mining sector and higher royalties, such as those enacted in 2013. As has occurred in other metal producing countries, the mining industry may be perceived as a source of additional fiscal revenue.
In addition, public safety organizations in Mexico are under significant stress, as a result of drug-related violence. This situation creates potential risks, particularly for transportation of minerals and finished products, which may affect a small portion of our production. Drug-related violence has had a limited impact on our operations, as it has tended to concentrate outside of our areas of production. The potential risks to our operations might increase if the violence spreads to our areas of production.
On May 9, 2023, Mexican Congress approved several changes effective immediately to the Mining Law, the National Waters Law, the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste. The main aspects of the Company´s business that will be affected by the legislation are the terms for mining concessions from 50 to 30 years; new conditions on water use; provision of guarantees for site closure and remediation; a new 5% contribution of net earnings to indigenous communities for new projects and significant changes to exploration rules.
Down the line, the aforementioned changes could trigger amendment, additions and repeals of provisions of a number of laws, including the Mining Law, the National Water Law, the General Law for Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the General Law for the Prevention and Management of Mine Waste.
Although the Company believes that there will be no material impact on the Company's current operations or financial situation as a result of these changes, we cannot assure you that future developments in these laws will not affect our business.
Additionally, on September 15, 2024, the constitutional reform to the Judiciary approved by the Mexican Congress was published and became effective, which establishes that judges, magistrates and ministers of the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice will be elected by the citizens. It is currently not possible to determine the effects of the reform on the Company's operations.
Because we have significant operations in Mexico, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions, including any changes to economic policies or the adoption of other reforms proposed by existing or future administrations in Mexico, or the advent of drug-related violence in the country, will have no material adverse effect on market conditions, the prices of our securities, our ability to obtain financing, our results of operations or our financial condition.
Peruvian inflation and fluctuations in the sol exchange rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Although the U.S. dollar is our functional currency and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, as we operate in Peru, portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian soles. Accordingly, when inflation or deflation in Peru is not offset by a change in the exchange rate of the sol, our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and the market price of our common stock could be affected.
Inflation in Peru in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was 2.0%, 3.2% and 8.5%, respectively. In 2024, the sol depreciated 1.5% against the U.S. dollar, versus a 2.8% appreciation in 2023 and a 4.5% appreciation in 2022. Although the Peruvian government’s economic policy reduced inflation and the economy has experienced significant growth in the past decade, we cannot assure you that inflation will not increase from its current level or that such economic growth will continue in the future at similar rates or at all. Additionally, a global financial economic crisis could negatively affect the Peruvian economy.
To manage the volatility related to the risk of currency rate fluctuations, we may enter into forward exchange contracts. We cannot assure you, however, that currency fluctuations will not have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Mexican inflation, restrictive exchange control policies and fluctuations in the peso exchange rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Although all of our Mexican operations’ sales of metals are priced and invoiced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of its costs are denominated in pesos. Accordingly, when inflation in Mexico increases without a corresponding depreciation of the peso, the net income generated by our Mexican operations is adversely affected. Inflation in Mexico was 4.2% in 2024, 4.7% in 2023 and 7.8% in 2022. The peso depreciated 20.0% against the U.S. dollar in 2024, versus a 12.7% appreciation in 2023 and a 5.9% appreciation in 2022. The peso has been subject in the past to significant volatility, which may not have been proportionate to the inflation rate and may not be proportionate to the inflation rate in the future.
Currently, the Mexican government does not restrict the ability of Mexican companies or individuals to convert pesos into dollars or other currencies. While we do not expect the Mexican government to impose any restrictions or exchange control policies in the future, it is an area we closely monitor. We cannot assure you the Mexican government will maintain its current policies with regard to the peso or that the peso’s value will not fluctuate significantly in the future. The imposition of exchange control policies could impair Minera Mexico’s ability to obtain imported goods and to meet its U.S. dollar-denominated obligations and could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
SUMMARY DISCLOSURE
The following maps show the locations of our principal mines, smelting facilities, refineries and projects. We operate open-pit copper mines in the southern part of Peru-at Toquepala and Cuajone-and in Mexico, at La Caridad and Buenavista. We also own five underground mines, three out of which currently produce zinc, copper, silver and gold.
The below description of the Company’s mining operations is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Technical Report Summaries included as exhibits to this report and incorporated by reference into this Item 2.
EXTRACTION, SMELTING AND REFINING PROCESSES
Our operations include open-pit and underground mining, concentrating, copper smelting, copper refining, copper rod production, solvent extraction/electrowinning (“SX-EW”), zinc refining, sulfuric acid production, molybdenum concentrate production and silver and gold refining. The extraction and production process are summarized below.
OPEN-PIT MINING
In an open-pit mine, the production process begins at the mine pit, where waste rock, leaching ore and copper ore are drilled and blasted and then loaded onto diesel-electric trucks by electric shovels. Waste is hauled to dump areas and leaching ore is hauled to leaching dumps. The ore to be milled is transported to the primary crushers.
UNDERGROUND MINING
In an underground mine, the production process begins at the stopes, where copper, zinc and lead veins are drilled and blasted and the ore is hauled to the underground crusher station. The crushed ore is then hoisted to the surface for processing.
CONCENTRATING
The copper ore above an established cut-off from the primary crusher or the copper, zinc and lead-bearing ore from the underground mines is transported to a concentrator plant where gyratory crushers break the ore into sizes no larger than three-quarters of an inch. The ore is then sent to a mill section where it is ground to the consistency of fine powder. The finely ground ore is mixed with water and chemical reagents and pumped as a slurry to the flotation separator, where it is mixed with certain chemicals. In the flotation separator, reagent solutions and air pumped into the flotation cells cause the minerals to separate from the waste rock and bubble to the surface where they are collected and dried.
If the bulk concentrated copper contains molybdenum, it is first processed in a molybdenum plant as described below under “Molybdenum Production.” In addition, some of the concentrates contain economic amounts of gold and silver that are recovered in the smelters and refineries.
COPPER SMELTING
Copper concentrates are transported to a smelter, where they are smelted using a furnace, converter and anode furnace to produce either blister copper (which is in the form of cakes with air pockets) or copper anodes (which are cleaned of air pockets). At the smelter, the concentrates are mixed with flux (a chemical substance intentionally included for high temperature processing) and then sent to reverberatory furnaces producing copper matte and slag (a mixture of iron and other impurities). Copper matte contains approximately 65% copper. Copper matte is then sent to the converters, where the material is oxidized in two steps: (i) the iron sulfides in the matte are oxidized with silica, producing slag that is returned to the reverberatory furnaces, and (ii) the copper contained in the matte sulfides is then oxidized to produce copper that, after casting, is called blister copper, containing approximately 98% to 99% copper, or anodes, containing approximately 99.7% copper. Most of the blister and anode production is sent to the refinery and the remainder is sold to customers.
COPPER REFINING
Anodes are suspended in tanks with a solution containing water, sulfuric acid and copper sulfate. A weak electrical current is passed through the anodes and chemical solution and the dissolved copper is deposited on very thin starting sheets to produce copper cathodes containing approximately 99.99% copper. During this process, silver, gold and other metals (for example, palladium, platinum and selenium), along with other impurities, settle on the bottom of the tank (anodic muds). This anodic mud is processed at a precious metal plant where selenium, silver and gold are recovered.
COPPER ROD PLANT
To produce copper rod, copper cathodes are first smelted in a furnace and then dosed in a casting machine. The dosed copper is then extruded and passed through a cooling system that begins solidification of copper into a 60×50 millimeter copper bar. The resulting copper bar is gradually stretched in a rolling mill to achieve the desired diameter. The rolled bar is then cooled and sprayed with wax as a preservation agent and collected into a rod coil that is compacted and sent to market.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION/ELECTROWINNING (“SX-EW”)
A complementary processing method is the leaching and SX-EW process. During the SX-EW process, low-grade sulfides ore and copper oxides are leached with sulfuric acid to allow copper content recovery. The acid and copper solution is then agitated with a solvent that contains chemical additives that attract copper ions. As the solvent is lighter than water, it floats to the surface carrying with it the copper content. The solvent is then separated using an acid solution, freeing the copper. The acid solution containing the copper is then moved to electrolytic extraction tanks to produce copper cathodes.
MOLYBDENUM PRODUCTION
Molybdenum is recovered from copper-molybdenum concentrates produced at the concentrator. The copper-molybdenum concentrate is first treated with a thickener until it becomes slurry. The slurry is then agitated in a chemical and water solution and pumped to the flotation separator. The separator creates a froth that carries molybdenum to the surface but not the copper mineral (which is later filtered to produce copper concentrates. The molybdenum froth is skimmed off, filtered and dried to produce molybdenum concentrates.
ZINC REFINING
Metallic zinc is produced through electrolysis using zinc concentrates and zinc oxides. Sulfur is eliminated from the concentrates by roasting and the zinc oxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid solution to eliminate solid impurities. The purified zinc sulfide solution is treated by electrolysis to produce refined zinc and to separate silver and gold, which are recovered as concentrates.
SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION
Sulfur dioxide gases are produced in the copper smelting and zinc roasting processes. As a part of our environmental preservation program, we treat the sulfur dioxide emissions at two of our Mexican plants and at our Peruvian processing facilities to produce sulfuric acid, some of which is, in turn, used for the copper leaching process; the balance is sold to mining and fertilizer companies located mainly in Mexico, Peru, United States and Chile.
SILVER AND GOLD REFINING
Silver and gold are recovered from copper, zinc and lead concentrates in the smelters and refineries and from slimes through electrolytic refining.
PRODUCTION OVERVIEW
The table below provides an overview of Southern Copper’s aggregate annual production for all of its properties during each of the three most recently completed fiscal years:
Variance
Year Ended December 31,
2024 -2023
2023 -2022
Volume
%
Volume
%
COPPER (thousand pounds):
Mined
2,146,971
2,008,438
1,972,480
138,533
6.9
%
35,958
1.8
%
Smelted
1,347,597
1,383,597
1,405,421
(36,000)
(2.6)
%
(21,824)
(1.6)
%
Refined
1,403,040
1,419,817
1,495,767
(16,777)
(1.2)
%
(75,950)
(5.1)
%
Rod
336,785
340,182
344,893
(3,397)
(1.0)
%
(4,711)
(1.4)
%
SILVER (thousand ounces)
Mined
20,984
18,408
18,562
2,576
14.0
%
(154)
(0.8)
%
Refined
11,999
10,927
14,272
1,072
9.8
%
(3,345)
(23.4)
%
MOLYBDENUM (thousand pounds)
Mined
63,929
59,164
57,849
4,765
8.1
%
1,315
2.3
%
ZINC (thousand pounds)
Mined
286,625
144,422
132,300
142,203
98.5
%
12,122
9.2
%
Refined
217,734
222,695
220,225
(4,961)
(2.2)
%
2,470
1.1
%
GOLD (ounces)
Mined
70,056
65,373
65,134
4,683
7.2
%
0.4
%
Refined
35,386
37,666
43,306
(2,280)
(6.1)
%
(5,640)
(13.0)
%
KEY PRODUCTION CAPACITY DATA
We own and operate all production facilities. The table below provides details on the locations of production facilities as of December 31, 2024 by reportable segment, the processes used, and the key production and capacity data for each location:
2024 Capacity
Facility Name
Location
Stage
Process
Nominal Capacity(1)
Production
Use(3)
PERUVIAN OPEN-PIT SEGMENT
Mining Operations
Cuajone open-pit mine
Cuajone (Peru)
Production
Copper ore milling and recovery, copper and molybdenum concentrate production
90.0 ktpd-ore milled
85.7
95.2
%
Toquepala open-pit mine (Concentrator I+II)
Toquepala (Peru)
Production
Copper ore milling and recovery, copper and molybdenum concentrate production
120.0 ktpd-ore milled
111.7
93.0
%
Toquepala SX-EW plant
Toquepala (Peru)
Production
Leaching, solvent extraction and cathode electrowinning
56.3 ktpy-refined
24.1
42.8
%
Processing Operations
Ilo copper smelter
Ilo (Peru)
Production
Copper smelting, blister, anodes production
1,376.1 ktpy-concentrate feed
1,230.9
89.5
%
Ilo copper refinery
Ilo (Peru)
Production
Copper refining
294.8 ktpy-refined cathodes
287.9
97.7
%
Ilo acid plants
Ilo (Peru)
Production
Sulfuric acid
1,354.93 ktpy-sulfuric acid
1,185.0
87.5
%
Ilo precious metals refinery
Ilo (Peru)
Production
Slime recovery & processing, gold & silver refining
460 tpy
377.6
82.1
%
MEXICAN OPEN-PIT SEGMENT
Mining Operations
Buenavista open-pit mine; Concentrator I
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Copper ore milling & recovery, copper and zinc concentrate production
84.0 ktpd-milling
86.0
102.4
%
Concentrator II
115.0 ktpd-milling
119.7
104.1
%
Zinc concentrator
20.0 ktpd-milling
16.7
83.3
%
Buenavista: SX-EW plant I
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Leaching, solvent extraction & refined cathode electrowinning
11.0 ktpy-refined
-
-
%
SX-EW plant II
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Leaching, solvent extraction & refined cathode electrowinning
43.8 ktpy-refined
19.4
44.3
%
SX-EW plant III
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Leaching, solvent extraction & refined cathode electrowinning
120.0 ktpy-refined
64.6
53.8
%
La Caridad open-pit mine
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Copper ore milling & recovery, copper & molybdenum concentrate production
94.5 ktpd-milling
94.3
99.8
%
La Caridad SX-EW plant
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Leaching, solvent extraction & cathode electrowinning
21.9 ktpy-refined
23.3
106.2
%
Processing Operations
La Caridad copper smelter
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Concentrate smelting, anode production
1,000 ktpy-concentrate feed
991.5
99.1
%
La Caridad copper refinery
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Copper refining
300 ktpy copper cathode
217.1
72.4
%
La Caridad copper rod plant
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Copper rod production
150 ktpy copper rod
152.8
101.8
%
La Caridad precious metals refinery
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Slime recovery & processing, gold & silver refining
1.8 ktpy-slime
1.0
54.3
%
La Caridad sulfuric acid plant
Sonora (Mexico)
Production
Sulfuric acid
1,565.5 ktpy-sulfuric acid
996.0
63.6
%
IMMSA SEGMENT
Underground mines
Charcas
San Luis Potosi (Mexico)
Production
Copper, zinc, lead milling, recovery & concentrate production
1,460 ktpy-ore milled
1,300.9
89.1
%
San Martin
Zacatecas (Mexico)
Production
Lead, zinc, copper & silver mining, milling recovery & concentrate production
1,606 ktpy-ore milled
1,429.8
89.0
%
Santa Barbara
Chihuahua (Mexico)
Production
Lead, copper and zinc mining & concentrates production
2,190 ktpy-ore milled
1,701.9
77.7
%
Santa Eulalia
Chihuahua (Mexico)
Suspended
Lead & zinc mining and milling recovery & concentrate production
547.5 ktpy-ore milled
-
-
%
Taxco(2)
Guerrero (Mexico)
Suspended
Lead, zinc silver & gold mining recovery & concentrate production
730 ktpy-ore milled
-
-
%
Processing Operations
San Luis Potosi zinc refinery
San Luis Potosi (Mexico)
Production
Zinc concentrates refining
105.0 ktpy zinc cathode
98.8
94.1
%
San Luis Potosi sulfuric acid plant
San Luis Potosi (Mexico)
Production
Sulfuric acid
180.0 ktpy sulfuric acid
187.8
104.3
%
ktpd = thousands of tonnes per day
ktpy = thousands of tonnes per year
Tpy = tonnes per year
(1) Our estimates of actual capacity under normal operating conditions contemplating an allowance for normal downtime for repairs and maintenance and are based on the average metal content for the relevant period.
(2) The Taxco mine has been on strike since July 2007.
(3) In some cases, real production exceeds nominal capacity due to higher grades and recovery rates.
OTHER PROPERTIES
The table below provides details on the locations and other information as of December 31, 2024 for our properties under development or exploration. These properties are also owned and operated by SCC.
Property Name
Location
Stage
Mineralization
Mineral rights and acreage
Other properties in Peru
Tia Maria
Arequipa (Peru)
Development
Porphyry copper deposit; economic mineralization is oxide copper.
Consists of 55 concessions covering approximately 34,790 hectares.
Los Chancas
Apurimac (Peru)
Exploration
Porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit; copper sulfides are dominant.
Consists of 31 concessions, covering approximately 22,700 hectares.
Michiquillay
Cajamarca (Peru)
Exploration
Porphyry copper-molybdenum-gold deposit; copper sulfides are dominant.
Consists of 18 concessions covering approximately 4,051 hectares.
Other properties in Mexico
El Pilar
Sonora (Mexico)
Development
Predominantly consists of the copper oxide mineral chrysocolla.
Consists of 19 concessions covering approximately 9,571 hectares.
El Arco
Baja California (Mexico)
Development
Porphyry copper deposit; mineralization occurs in three sub-horizontal zones.
Consists of 11 concessions covering approximately 72,133 hectares.
PROPERTY BOOK VALUE
As of December 31, 2024, net book values of property and mine development were as follows (in millions):
Peruvian operations:
Cuajone
$
737.1
Toquepala
1,917.2
Tia Maria project
286.0
Ilo and other support facilities
546.6
Construction in progress
539.8
Total Peru
$
4,026.7
Mexican open-pit operations:
Buenavista mine and concentrator plants
$
2,445.3
Buenavista SX-EW and Quebalix
669.9
La Caridad mine and concentrator plant
257.0
La Caridad support facilities
790.5
Construction in progress
546.6
Total Mexico Open Pit
$
4,709.3
Mexican IMMSA unit:
San Luis Potosi
$
85.7
Zinc electrolytic refinery
74.4
Charcas
115.8
San Martin
131.0
Santa Barbara
183.3
Santa Eulalia
38.9
Other facilities
5.1
Construction in progress
- Zinc electrolytic refinery
13.5
- Charcas
53.0
- San Martin
17.7
- Santa Barbara
76.6
- Santa Eulalia
8.0
- Other Facilities
2.1
Total IMMSA Unit
$
805.1
Other property:
El Pilar
$
119.9
Mexicana del Arco
110.0
Total
$
229.9
Mexican administrative offices
$
112.3
Total Mexico
$
5,856.6
Total Southern Copper Corporation
$
9,883.3
SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
The following table contains certain operating data underlying our financial and operating information for each of the periods indicated.
Variance
Year Ended December 31,
2024 -2023
2023 -2022
Volume
%
Volume
%
COPPER (thousand pounds):
Mined
Peru open-pit
Toquepala
496,428
440,165
385,931
56,263
12.8
%
54,234
14.1
%
Cuajone
363,454
328,990
309,338
34,464
10.5
%
19,652
6.4
%
SX-EW Toquepala
53,165
55,672
58,315
(2,507)
(4.5)
%
(2,643)
(4.5)
%
Mexico open-pit
La Caridad
206,628
193,596
195,091
13,032
6.7
%
(1,495)
(0.8)
%
Buenavista
769,323
725,216
746,557
44,107
6.1
%
(21,341)
(2.9)
%
SX-EW La Caridad
51,257
50,691
51,449
1.1
%
(758)
(1.5)
%
SX-EW Buenavista
185,210
193,024
205,662
(7,814)
(4.0)
%
(12,638)
(6.1)
%
IMMSA unit
21,506
21,084
20,137
2.0
%
4.7
%
Total Mined
2,146,971
2,008,438
1,972,480
138,533
6.9
%
35,958
1.8
%
Smelted
Peru open-pit
Blister Ilo
3,323
4,088
4,508
(765)
100.0
%
(420)
(9.3)
%
Anodes Ilo
790,612
798,342
771,630
(7,730)
(1.0)
%
26,712
3.5
%
Mexico open-pit
Anodes La Caridad
553,662
581,167
629,283
(27,505)
(4.7)
%
(48,116)
(7.6)
%
Total Smelted
1,347,597
1,383,597
1,405,421
(36,000)
(2.6)
%
(21,824)
(1.6)
%
Refined
Peru Open-pit
Cathodes Ilo
634,707
638,589
638,741
(3,882)
(0.6)
%
(152)
(0.0)
%
SX-EW Toquepala
53,165
55,672
58,315
(2,507)
(4.5)
%
(2,643)
(4.5)
%
Mexico Open-pit
Cathodes La Caridad
478,701
481,841
541,600
(3,140)
(0.7)
%
(59,759)
(11.0)
%
SX-EW La Caridad
51,257
50,691
51,449
1.1
%
(758)
(1.5)
%
SX-EW Buenavista
185,210
193,024
205,662
(7,814)
(4.0)
%
(12,638)
(6.1)
%
Total Refined
1,403,040
1,419,817
1,495,767
(16,777)
(1.2)
%
(75,950)
(5.1)
%
Rod Mexico Open-pit-La Caridad
336,785
340,182
344,893
(3,397)
(1.0)
%
(4,711)
(1.4)
%
SILVER (thousand ounces)
Mined
Peru Open-pit
Toquepala
3,062
2,615
2,220
17.0
%
17.8
%
Cuajone
2,635
2,395
2,298
10.1
%
4.2
%
Mexico Open-pit
La Caridad
2,208
2,065
2,086
6.9
%
(21)
(1.0)
%
Buenavista
6,304
4,669
5,208
1,635
35.0
%
(539)
(10.3)
%
IMMSA unit
6,775
6,664
6,750
1.7
%
(86)
(1.3)
%
Total Mined
20,984
18,408
18,562
2,576
14.0
%
(154)
(0.8)
%
Refined
Peru-Ilo
4,070
3,526
3,741
15.5
%
(215)
(5.7)
%
Mexico-La Caridad
7,929
7,398
8,569
7.2
%
(1,171)
(13.7)
%
IMMSA unit
-
1,962
(3)
(100.0)
%
(1,959)
(99.8)
%
Total Refined
11,999
10,927
14,272
1,072
9.8
%
(3,345)
(23.4)
%
MOLYBDENUM (thousand pounds)
Mined
Toquepala
19,771
13,916
16,934
5,855
42.1
%
(3,018)
(17.8)
%
Cuajone
9,740
8,252
7,992
1,488
18.0
%
3.3
%
Buenavista
12,991
11,937
11,848
1,054
8.8
%
0.8
%
La Caridad
21,427
25,059
21,075
(3,632)
(14.5)
%
3,984
18.9
%
Total Mined
63,929
59,164
57,849
4,765
8.1
%
1,315
2.3
%
ZINC (thousand pounds)
Mined
IMMSA
144,875
144,422
132,300
0.3
%
12,122
9.2
%
Buenavista
141,750
-
-
141,750
100.0
%
-
-
%
Total Mined
286,625
144,422
132,300
142,203
98.5
%
12,122
9.2
%
Refined IMMSA
217,734
222,695
220,225
(4,961)
(2.2)
%
2,470
1.1
%
(1) Copper production reported under “smelted” and “refined” is a subset of the mined copper and it is not additive to the mined copper.
SUMMARY DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL RESOURCES
The following table contains the summary of our mineral resources exclusive of mineral reserves as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 per pound of copper, $11.50 per pound of molybdenum ($10.35 per pound of molybdenum in the case of our El Arco mine), $23.00 per ounce of silver, $1.32 per pound of zinc, $1.04 per pound of lead and $1,725 per ounce of gold.
Measured mineral resources
Indicated mineral resources
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
Inferred mineral resources
Amount
Metal
Amount
Metal
Amount
Metal
Amount
Metal
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
Copper:
Peru:
Cuajone Sulfides
62.0
0.35
%
471.9
444.2
0.33
%
3,225.6
506.2
0.33
%
3,697.5
865.3
0.28
%
5,420.8
Cuajone Leach
-
-
%
-
0.0
0.55
%
0.3
0.0
0.55
%
0.3
0.0
0.64
%
0.2
Toquepala Sulfides
99.3
0.57
%
1,241.2
179.0
0.39
%
1,525.3
278.3
0.45
%
2,766.6
161.4
0.29
%
1,017.4
Toquepala Leach
11.3
0.15
%
37.4
46.0
0.15
%
153.4
57.3
0.15
%
190.8
52.4
0.15
%
177.0
La Tapada deposit
-
-
%
-
90.4
0.21
%
420.3
90.4
0.21
%
420.3
1.6
0.18
%
6.4
Tia Maria deposit
-
-
%
-
35.5
0.17
%
135.2
35.5
0.17
%
135.2
21.8
0.22
%
107.8
Los Chancas Oxide
-
-
%
-
98.0
0.45
%
972.0
98.0
0.45
%
972.0
33.0
0.38
%
276.0
Los Chancas Sulfide
-
-
%
-
52.0
0.59
%
676.0
52.0
0.59
%
676.0
1,400.0
0.45
%
13,889.0
Michiquillay
-
-
%
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
%
-
2,287.9
0.43
%
21,554.8
Mexico:
Buenavista Mill
-
-
%
-
627.0
0.38
%
5,243.0
627.0
0.38
%
5,243.0
7,848.0
0.34
%
58,477.6
Buenavista Leach
-
-
%
-
53.0
0.33
%
377.1
53.0
0.33
%
377.1
373.0
0.18
%
1,457.4
Buenavista zinc plant
-
-
%
-
203.0
0.44
%
1,985.5
203.0
0.44
%
1,985.5
705.0
0.37
%
5,809.5
La Caridad Mill
89.0
0.15
%
295.4
2,136.0
0.14
%
6,675.6
2,224.0
0.14
%
6,971.0
5,315.0
0.13
%
14,764.0
La Caridad Leach
5.0
0.07
%
7.2
113.0
0.07
%
161.9
117.0
0.07
%
169.2
342.0
0.08
%
610.7
Charcas
-
-
%
-
18.1
0.35
%
138.8
18.1
0.35
%
138.8
15.8
0.32
%
109.8
Santa Barbara
-
-
%
-
19.9
0.47
%
205.2
19.9
0.47
%
205.2
47.3
0.45
%
465.4
San Martin
-
-
%
-
13.8
0.62
%
190.2
13.8
0.62
%
190.2
55.7
0.46
%
570.8
El Arco Mill
-
-
%
-
826.6
0.41
%
7,544.9
826.6
0.41
%
7,544.9
2,344.9
0.37
%
19,352.3
El Arco Leach
-
-
-
51.3
0.30
%
335.3
51.3
0.30
%
335.3
63.8
0.25
%
350.9
El Pilar
2.2
0.20
%
9.0
81.3
0.18
%
317.0
83.4
0.18
%
326.0
88.6
0.12
%
234.4
Pilares Mill
-
-
%
-
30.1
0.55
%
364.2
30.1
0.55
%
364.2
3.4
0.46
%
34.4
Pilares Leach
-
-
%
-
0.0
0.16
%
0.1
0.0
0.16
%
0.1
0.0
0.09
%
0.0
Total
268.8
2,062.2
5,118.1
30,646.8
5,384.9
32,709.0
22,025.8
144,686.7
Molybdenum:
Peru:
Cuajone
62.0
0.014
%
18.7
444.2
0.012
%
116.1
506.2
0.012
%
134.8
865.3
0.008
%
160.2
Toquepala
99.3
0.038
%
83.0
179.0
0.021
%
81.7
278.3
0.027
%
164.8
161.4
0.008
%
28.6
Mexico:
Buenavista Mill
-
-
%
-
627.0
0.008
%
110.7
627.0
0.008
%
110.7
7,848.0
0.008
%
1,384.1
Buenavista zinc plant
-
-
%
-
203.0
0.004
%
17.9
203.0
0.004
%
17.9
705.0
0.009
%
139.8
La Caridad Mill
89.0
0.025
%
50.7
2,136.0
0.022
%
1,026.6
2,224.0
0.022
%
1,077.2
5,315.0
0.024
%
2,806.5
El Arco Mill
-
-
%
-
826.6
0.008
%
146.5
826.6
0.008
%
146.5
2,344.9
0.006
%
298.2
Pilares Mill
-
-
%
-
30.1
0.014
%
9.3
30.1
0.014
%
9.3
3.4
0.014
%
1.1
Total
250.3
152.4
4,445.9
1,508.8
4,695.2
1,661.2
17,242.9
4,818.5
Silver: (2)
Mexico:
Charcas
-
-
-
18.1
57.1
33,198.3
18.1
57.1
33,198.3
15.8
62.7
31,775.8
Santa Barbara
-
-
-
19.9
97.5
62,334.6
19.9
97.5
62,334.6
47.3
81.5
124,080.7
San Martin
-
-
-
13.8
76.1
33,793.2
13.8
76.1
33,793.2
55.7
71.1
127,473.0
El Arco Mill
-
-
-
826.6
1.6
41,875.3
826.6
1.6
41,875.3
2,344.9
1.5
110,887.3
Total
-
-
878.4
171,201.3
878.4
171,201.3
2,463.7
394,216.7
Zinc:
Mexico:
Buenavista zinc plant
-
-
%
-
203.0
0.37
%
1,645.6
203.0
0.37
%
1,645.6
705.0
0.18
%
2,858.1
Buenavista Cu plant
-
-
%
-
627.0
0.04
%
553.4
627.0
0.04
%
553.4
7,848.0
0.04
%
6,747.4
Charcas
-
-
%
-
18.1
3.74
%
1,492.8
18.1
3.74
%
1,492.8
15.8
3.32
%
1,152.7
Santa Barbara
-
-
%
-
19.9
3.36
%
1,473.3
19.9
3.36
%
1,473.3
47.3
3.34
%
3,480.5
San Martin
-
-
%
-
13.8
1.89
%
574.9
13.8
1.89
%
574.9
55.7
2.55
%
3,136.2
Total
-
-
881.8
5,740.1
881.8
5,740.1
8,671.8
17,374.9
Lead:
Mexico:
Charcas
-
-
%
-
18.1
0.24
%
97.0
18.1
0.24
%
97.0
15.8
0.35
%
123.1
Santa Barbara
-
-
%
-
19.9
1.71
%
751.0
19.9
1.71
%
751.0
47.3
1.87
%
1,950.2
San Martin
-
-
%
-
13.8
0.34
%
102.4
13.8
0.34
%
102.4
55.7
0.31
%
384.3
Total
-
-
51.8
950.4
51.8
950.4
118.8
2,457.6
Gold: (2)
Mexico:
Santa Barbara
-
-
-
19.9
0.16
99.6
19.9
0.16
99.6
47.3
0.12
185.9
El Arco Mill
-
-
-
826.6
0.12
3,226.1
826.6
0.12
3,226.1
2,344.9
0.11
8,053.5
Total
-
-
846.5
3,326
846.5
3,326
2,392.2
8,239.4
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024. Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves. Figures have been rounded.
(2) Gold and silver grades are denominated in grams per tonne. Gold and silver contents are expressed in thousand ounces.
(3) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the mineral resource estimates, for the following operations: Cuajone, Toquepala, Buenavista and La Caridad (including Pilares); please refer to their individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and the technical report summaries prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibits 96.1, 96.2, 96.6 and 96.7, respectively, of this Form 10-K.
(4) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the mineral resource estimates, for the Charcas and Santa Barbara operations; please refer to their individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and the technical report summaries prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibits 96.10 and 96.11 respectively in this Form 10-K.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates for the San Martin operations, please refer to their individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and Chapter 11 of the project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.13 of the 2023 Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2024.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates for the following operations: El Arco, Tia Maria, Los Chancas, Michiquillay and El Pilar, please refer to their individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and Chapter 11 of the project technical report summaries prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.10, 96.3, 96.4, 96.5 and 96.9, respectively of 2021 Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022.
SUMMARY DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL RESERVES
The following table contains the summary of our mineral reserves as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 per pound of copper, $10.00 per pound of molybdenum ($9.00 per pound of molybdenum in the case of our El Arco mine), $20.00 per ounce of silver, $1,500 per ounce of gold and $1.15 per pound of zinc.
Proven mineral reserves
Probable mineral reserves
Total mineral reserves
Amount
Metal
Amount
Metal
Amount
Metal
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
(million tonnes)
Grades
Content (million lb)
Copper:
Peru:
Cuajone Mill
588.5
0.52
%
6,764.8
910.4
0.45
%
9,012.3
1,498.8
0.48
%
15,777.1
Cuajone Leach
19.1
0.50
%
211.6
0.3
0.72
%
5.5
19.4
0.51
%
217.1
Toquepala Mill
1,184.8
0.57
%
14,987.0
583.9
0.47
%
5,992.0
1,768.8
0.54
%
20,979.0
Toquepala Leach
2,107.1
0.16
%
7,297.8
502.8
0.20
%
2,242.5
2,610.0
0.17
%
9,540.3
La Tapada deposit
-
-
%
-
487.6
0.41
%
4,449.2
487.6
0.41
%
4,449.2
Tia Maria deposit
-
-
%
-
223.8
0.29
%
1,412.5
223.8
0.29
%
1,412.5
Mexico:
Buenavista Sulfides
-
-
%
-
2,413.0
0.44
%
23,307.2
2,413.0
0.44
%
23,307.2
Buenavista Leach
-
-
%
-
2,118.0
0.27
%
12,389.0
2,118.0
0.27
%
12,389.0
La Caridad Mill
272.0
0.28
%
1,697.2
1,671.0
0.21
%
7,628.2
1,943.0
0.22
%
9,325.3
La Caridad Leach
66.0
0.23
%
341.7
315.0
0.16
%
1,102.3
381.0
0.17
%
1,443.9
Pilares Mill
-
-
%
-
22.6
0.80
%
398.6
22.6
0.80
%
398.6
Pilares Leach
-
-
%
-
2.2
0.35
%
16.7
2.2
0.35
%
16.7
El Arco Mill
-
-
%
-
1,229.5
0.40
%
10,822.1
1,229.5
0.40
%
10,822.1
El Arco Leach
-
-
%
-
140.5
0.27
%
846.3
140.5
0.27
%
846.3
El Pilar
63.0
0.27
%
370.4
254.0
0.25
%
1,373.5
317.0
0.25
%
1,743.9
Total
4,300.5
31,670.4
10,874.7
80,997.8
15,175.2
112,668.2
Molybdenum:
Peru:
Cuajone
588.5
0.019
%
252.3
910.4
0.015
%
303.6
1,498.8
0.017
%
555.9
Toquepala
1,184.8
0.040
%
1,032.5
583.9
0.021
%
275.5
1,768.8
0.034
%
1,307.9
Mexico:
Buenavista
-
-
%
-
2,117.0
0.009
%
399.0
2,117.0
0.009
%
399.0
La Caridad
272.0
0.042
%
251.3
1,671.0
0.036
%
1,334.9
1,943.0
0.037
%
1,586.2
El Arco Mill
-
-
%
-
1,229.5
0.006
%
166.7
1,229.5
0.006
%
166.7
Pilares
-
-
%
-
22.6
0.006
%
3.2
22.6
0.006
%
3.2
Total
2,045.3
1,536.1
6,534.4
2,482.9
8,579.7
4,018.9
Silver: (2)
Mexico:
El Arco
-
-
-
1,229.5
1.8
70,464.9
1,229.5
1.8
70,464.9
Total
-
-
1,229.5
70,464.9
1,229.5
70,464.9
Zinc:
Mexico:
Buenavista zinc plant (3)
-
-
%
-
296.0
0.58
%
3,758.3
296.0
0.58
%
3,758.3
Gold: (2)
Mexico:
El Arco
-
-
-
1,229.5
0.14
5,584.8
1,229.5
0.14
5,584.8
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024. The reference point for the estimate is delivery to the process plant. Figures have been rounded.
(2) Gold and silver grades are denominated in grams per tonne. Gold and silver contents are expressed in thousand ounces.
(3) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the mineral reserve estimates, for the following mineral properties: Cuajone, Toquepala, Buenavista and La Caridad (including Pilares), please refer to the individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and to the technical report summaries prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibits 96.1, 96.2, 96.6 and 96.7 respectively of this Form 10-K.
(4) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates for the following mineral properties: El Arco, Tia Maria and El Pilar, please refer to the individual property disclosure in this Form 10-K and to the project technical report summaries prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.10, 96.3 and 96.9 respectively of Form 10-K/A, filed on March 7, 2022.
Tailings Dams
Tailings are comprised of solid particles originating at the concentrator plants during the grinding process that, combined with water, are sent to specially built structures where they are impounded. The water is recovered to be reused in the process.
Tailings dams are basically built in two manners: by using the coarse fraction from the same tailings or by using external material, often known as “borrowed material” such as rock, clay etc. We believe SCC’s tailings dams are built according to international standards and national accepted engineering practices. We comply with the country’s current regulations and adhere to the recommendations of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). In addition, we have a committee, comprised of both internal and external specialists, which periodically reviews the safety and operation of each dam. In 2020, we implemented the project “Automation and Real Time Monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation in the Pit and Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam” and conditioned a location to install three radars to conduct geotechnical monitoring of the Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam. We do not expect that these activities will generate any adverse material effects in our operations.
We have six tailings dams in operation in Mexico and one in Peru as follows:
Country
Operation
Name
Current Height
Material
Method
Mexico
Buenavista
Tailings dam # 3
85 meters
Borrowed
Downstream
Mexico
Buenavista
New tailings dam
92 meters
Borrowed
Downstream
Mexico
La Caridad
Tailings dam # 7
182 meters
Borrowed
Downstream
Mexico
Charcas
Tailings dam
57 meters
Coarse tailings
Upstream
Mexico
Santa Barbara
Noriega dam
51 meters
Coarse tailings
Upstream
Mexico
San Martin
Tailings dam 5 & 7
74 meters
Coarse tailings
Upstream
Peru
Cuajone and Toquepala
Quebrada Honda
144 meters
Coarse tailings
Downstream
INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE
In 2021, we adopted the disclosure requirements of S-K 1300. The definitions and allowed assumptions for mineral reserves under previous guidance (Industry Guide 7) are significantly different from the defined terms and allowed assumptions for mineral reserves under S-K 1300. Additionally, Industry Guide 7 did not permit mineral resource reporting.
PERUVIAN OPERATIONS
Operations in our Peruvian segment include the Cuajone and Toquepala mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, the industrial railroad that links Ilo, Toquepala and Cuajone and the port facilities. Other properties include our Tia Maria, Los Chancas and Michiquillay projects. We conduct ongoing maintenance and improvement programs to ensure the satisfactory performance of our equipment. We believe all of the equipment at our Peruvian plants is in good physical condition and is suitable for our operations.
The map below indicates the approximate location of, and access to, our Cuajone and Toquepala mine complexes and our Ilo processing facilities:
Cuajone
The Cuajone operations consist of an open-pit copper mine and a concentrator and are located in the Torata District, Mariscal Nieto Region, of Moquegua, approximately 878 km from the city of Lima and 27 km from the city of Moquegua. The Project centroid is at about 17° 3.130’S latitude and 70° 44.499’W longitude, while the open pit is centered at approximately 17° 2.601’S latitude and 70° 42.481’W longitude.
The Cuajone mine is accessible by paved road from Lima or Tacna by the Pan-American Highway. The Quebrada Honda tailings storage facility (“TSF”) is about 120 km via local roads, south of the Cuajone operations. Access within the project area is via developed roads that are routinely maintained. Tacna, Moquegua, and Ilo have regularly scheduled air services from Lima. Additionally, a spur railway runs from the Toquepala operations to the Cuajone operations.
The Cuajone operations are owned and operated by SPCC Peru Branch and contain a single mining concession, “Acumulacion Cuajone”, which covers an area of 14,875.66 hectares. Power is transmitted for process needs from the Peruvian grid using two Southern Copper-owned transmission lines of 138 kV and 220 kV. Additionally, the Cuajone operations use surface and underground water from a variety of sources as fresh make up water.
The property is currently in the production stage. Southern Copper has had an interest in the Cuajone area since 1954. Predecessor companies included Cerro de Pasco Corporation, Newmont and Asarco. Overburden removal commenced in 1970 and ore production commenced in 1976. Our Cuajone operations utilize a conventional open-pit mining method to drill/blast/haul copper ore for further processing at the concentrator, which has a milling capacity of 90,000 tonnes per day. Book value of the property and its associated plant and equipment is available under “Property Book Value” on page 36 of this report.
The table below shows production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our Cuajone operations:
Variance 2024 -
Amount
%
Mine annual operating days
Mine
Total ore mined
(kt)
30,872
27,469
25,049
3,403
12.4
%
Copper grade
(%)
0.625
0.640
0.658
(0.015)
(2.3)
%
Leach material mined
(kt)
1,129
1,817
23.7
%
Leach material grade
(%)
0.605
0.590
0.713
0.015
2.5
%
Stripping ratio
(x)
3.58
4.15
4.21
(0.57)
(13.7)
%
Total material mined
(kt)
146,690
146,261
139,916
0.3
%
Concentrator
Total material milled
(kt)
30,850
27,398
24,985
3,452
12.6
%
Copper recovery
(%)
85.50
85.30
85.30
0.20
0.2
%
Copper concentrate
(kt)
657.3
601.4
562.8
55.9
9.3
%
Copper in concentrate
(kt)
164.9
149.2
140.3
15.7
10.5
%
Copper concentrates average grade
(%)
25.08
24.81
24.93
0.27
1.1
%
Molybdenum
Molybdenum grade
(%)
0.022
0.020
0.023
0.002
10.0
%
Molybdenum recovery
(%)
64.60
63.30
63.22
1.30
2.1
%
Molybdenum concentrate
(kt)
8.4
7.0
6.7
1.4
19.8
%
Molybdenum concentrate average grade
(%)
52.60
53.43
53.86
(0.83)
(1.6)
%
Molybdenum in concentrate
(kt)
4.4
3.7
3.6
0.7
18.1
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
x = Stripping ratio obtained dividing waste by leachable material plus ore mined.
Copper and molybdenum grades are referred to as total copper grade and total molybdenum grade, respectively.
Geology
The Cuajone deposit is considered to be an example of a porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit. The basal regional geology consists of Precambrian metamorphic rocks that are cut by Paleozoic granite, unconformably overlain by Upper Triassic to Jurassic marine volcanic and sedimentary lithologies. Overlying these rocks are late Cretaceous to early Tertiary rhyolite, andesite and agglomerate of the Toquepala Group. These lithologies are intruded by the composite, polyphase Cretaceous to Paleogene Coastal (Andean) Batholith.
Mineralization and alteration at the Cuajone deposit is directly related to a multi-stage latite porphyry that intrudes basaltic andesites and the overlying 370 m of rhyolite porphyries of the Toquepala Group. The Cuajone porphyry deposit exhibits a zoned alteration pattern that includes potassic, propylitic, sericitic and intermediate argillic hydrothermal alteration styles. The Cuajone mineralogy is typically simple and consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and bornite, with sparse sphalerite, galena, and enargite.
Concentrator
Our Cuajone operations use state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems at the concentrator, the crushing plant and the flotation circuit to coordinate inflows and optimize operations. The process designs were based on existing technologies and proven equipment, and the plants constructed using those designs have been operating for 48 years. Material with a copper grade over 0.25% is loaded to the in-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) system and sent to the milling circuit, where giant rotating crushers reduce the size of the rocks to approximately one-half of an inch. The ore is then sent to the ball mills, which grind it to the consistency of fine powder. The finely ground powder is agitated in a water and reagents solution and is then transported to flotation cells. Air is pumped into the cells to produce foam for floating the copper and molybdenum minerals while waste materials called tailings are separated. This copper-molybdenum bulk concentrate is then treated by inverse flotation, where molybdenum is floated and copper is depressed. The copper
concentrate is shipped by rail to the smelter at Ilo and the molybdenum concentrate is packaged for shipment to customers.
Tailings are sent to thickeners to recover water. The remaining tailings are sent to the Quebrada Honda dam, our principal tailings storage facility.
A major mill expansion was completed in 1999 and the eleventh primary mill began operations in January 2008. In December 2013, the high-pressure grinding roll was put in operation. At the end of 2016, the Larox filter press for molybdenum concentrate began operations. The overland primary crusher began operations in May 2018. The new tailings thickener began operations in September 2019.
In November 2023, the "HPGR optimization as a quaternary crushing circuit" project began operational testing and ramping-up. In February 2024, the quaternary crushing circuit began working at full capacity with favorable results.
Slope stability
The Cuajone pit is approximately 900 meters deep. Under the present mine plan configuration, the Cuajone pit will reach a depth of 1,320 meters. The increases in the depth of the pit present us with a number of geotechnical challenges. Perhaps the foremost concern is the possibility of slope failure, which all open pit mines face. To meet the geotechnical challenges relating to slope stability of the open pit mines, we have taken the following steps:
At the Cuajone mine, the Company maintains many monitoring systems with radars in order to prevent the risk of slope instability. The equipment acquired through these years have helped to control the walls of the pit and anticipate possible damages. In addition, in 2015 a geotechnical study was conducted to increase the inter ramp angle by an average of three degrees and include 40 meters wide geotechnical berms for inter ramp heights above 150 meters.
In 2020, equipment to extract rock samples was implemented in the rock mechanics laboratory. This equipment allows us to obtain cylindrical rock specimens and perform rock mechanics tests under current technical standards and norms. A drone was also incorporated in the slope reconciliation activities to obtain detailed topographic information on the slopes and identify good practices or opportunities to build stable walls. In 2021, as part of the equipment update and the requirement to improve the slope monitoring coverage due to the growth of the pit, two slope monitoring radars were acquired. Three pieces of monitoring equipment have also been added to monitor slopes in the leaching pads. Likewise, the first study of the physical stability of waste rock deposits was carried out by a consulting firm.
In 2022, seismic refraction equipment was used to record information on fracturing frequency, determine the dynamic parameters of the rock mass, and modify designs in the buffer and pre-split blasting rows, as a complement in minimizing the impact on the final slopes of the pit. A digital inclinometer has been replaced to monitor slopes in the pit and identify potential deformation zones.
In 2023, an evaluation of the physical stability of the waste rock deposits and leach heaps was carried out, in compliance with article 400 of the Supreme Decree 024-2016 and its amendments contained in the Supreme Decree 023-2017 E.M. Eight digital extensometers were also acquired to monitor and control waste rock deposits.
In 2024, we drilled 3,000.2 meters for geotechnical and conventional exploration purposes; implemented structural mapping with 3D laser scanning technology; and installed geotechnical instruments, such as the Casagrande piezometer, and vertical inclinometers. In accordance with Supreme Decree 034-2023-EM, we performed inspections to meet compliance and safety requirements; control management for the “Slope Slide / Rockfall” standard was also implemented.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral resources for Cuajone as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 and $11.50 per pound respectively; these prices were fixed over the remaining years of mine life:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
- Sulfides
62.0
0.35
%
84.0
%
471.9
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
- Leach (oxides)
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
%
-
%
-
0.0%
Indicated mineral resources
- Sulfides
444.2
0.33
%
84.0
%
3,225.6
329.5
0.38
%
84.8
%
2,746.6
17.4%
- Leach (oxides)
0.0
0.55
%
36.8
%
0.3
0.2
0.54
%
42.4
%
2.6
(89.4)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
506.2
0.33
%
3,697.7
329.7
0.38
%
2,749.2
34.5%
Inferred mineral resources
- Sulfides
865.3
0.28
%
84.0
%
5,420.8
836.0
0.32
%
84.8
%
5,831.2
(7.0)%
- Leach (oxides)
0.0
0.64
%
36.8
%
0.2
0.3
0.51
%
42.4
%
3.4
(93.3)%
Total inferred mineral resources
865.3
0.28
%
5,421.0
836.3
0.32
%
5,834.6
(7.1)%
Molybdenum
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
62.0
0.014
%
61.1
%
18.7
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Indicated mineral resources
444.2
0.012
%
61.1
%
116.1
329.5
0.014
%
62.9
%
103.4
12.3%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
506.2
0.012
%
61.1
%
134.8
329.5
0.014
%
62.9
%
103.4
30.4%
Inferred mineral resources
865.3
0.008
%
61.1
%
160.2
836.0
0.011
%
62.9
%
200.5
(20.1)%
(1) The Variation column refers to metal content variation.
(2) The point of reference for mineral resources is in place and are current as of December 31, 2024. Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves. Wood is responsible for the estimate.
(3) Mineral resources are constrained within an optimized pit shell based on copper and molybdenum revenues only. The following parameters were used in estimation: assumed open-pit mining methods; assumed concentration and heap leaching processes; copper price of $3.80/lb, molybdenum price of $11.50/lb; marginal NSR cut-off values of $8.21/t-processed for concentration material (approximately equivalent to 0.127% Cu ), and $9.95/t-processed for leach material (approximately equivalent to 0.326% Cu); variable metallurgical recoveries (average recoveries of 84.0% for copper by concentration, 61.1% for molybdenum by concentration, and 36.8% for copper by leaching); average copper recoveries of 97.1% for smelting and 99.9% for refining; average mining cost of $2.09/t-mined; average process costs of $8.21/t-processed for concentration material, and $9.95/t for leach material; average smelting and refining cost of $0.17/lb Cu; selling costs of $0.001/lb Cu for concentration process, $1.83/lb Mo for concentration process, and $-0.005/lb Cu for leaching process; and 1% NSR royalty applied to Cu and Mo.
(4) No estimates for molybdenum are reported for leachable material, as this element cannot currently be recovered using the leach process envisaged.
(5) Numbers in the table have been rounded. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
(6) For further information on the assumptions used to prepare the 2024 estimates and a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Cuajone operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.1 to this Form 10-K.
(7) For further information on the assumptions used to prepare the 2023 estimates, please refer to the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.1 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral reserves for Cuajone as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 and $10.00 per pound respectively; these prices were fixed over the remaining years of mine life:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Proven mineral reserves (mill)
588.5
0.52
%
85.0
%
6,764.8
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Proven mineral reserves (leach)
19.1
0.50
%
54.8
%
211.6
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Probable mineral reserves (mill)
910.4
0.45
%
85.0
%
9,012.3
1,294.7
0.48
%
84.4
%
13,749.7
(34.5)%
Probable mineral reserves (leach)
0.3
0.72
%
43.5
%
5.5
20.6
0.51
%
48.2
%
232.0
(97.6)%
Total mineral reserves
1,518.2
0.48
%
15,994.2
1,315.3
0.48
%
13,981.6
14.4%
Molybdenum
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Proven mineral reserves
588.5
0.019
%
62.7
%
252.3
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Probable mineral reserves
910.4
0.015
%
62.7
%
303.6
1,294.7
0.017
%
62.5
%
493.0
(38.4)%
Total mineral reserves
1,498.8
0.017
%
555.9
1,294.7
0.017
%
493.0
12.7%
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024. Wood is responsible for the estimates.
(2) The point of reference is the point at which the mineral reserves are delivered to the processing facility. Mineral reserves are constrained within an engineered pit based on copper and molybdenum revenues only. The following parameters were used in estimation: assumed open-pit mining methods; assumed concentration and heap leaching processes; copper price of US$3.30/lb, molybdenum price of US$10.00/lb; marginal NSR cut-off values of US$9.61-US$9.77/t-processed for concentration material (approximately equivalent to 0.170%-0.173% Cu), and US$14.27-US$14.40/t-processed for leach material (approximately equivalent to 0.539%-0.544% Cu); mining recovery and dilution are accounted for and generally offset each other; additional ore loss was considered on isolated blocks; variable metallurgical recoveries (average LOM recoveries of 85.0% for copper by concentration, 62.7% for molybdenum by concentration, and 43.5% for copper oxide by heap leaching, including concentration ore existing in stockpile); average copper recoveries of 97.1% for smelting and 99.9% for refining; variable mining costs of US$2.58-US$3.78/t-mined; average process costs of US$9.72/t-processed for concentration material, and US$14.32/t for leaching material; average smelting and refining cost of US$0.21/lb Cu; selling costs of US$0.001/lb Cu for concentration process, US$1.83/lb Mo for concentration process, and US$-0.005/lb Cu for leaching process; and 1% NSR royalty applied to Cu and Mo.
(3) The point of reference for the leach from stockpile mineral reserves is in place on the stockpile with marginal NSR cut-off values of US$14.27-US$14.40/t-processed (approximately equivalent to 0.40% Cu) and an average LOM recovery of 54.8%.
(4) No estimates for molybdenum are reported for leach material as this element cannot currently be recovered using the leach process envisaged.
(5) Numbers in the table have been rounded. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates and a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the Cuajone operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.1 to this Form 10-K.
(7) For further information on the assumptions used to prepare the 2023 estimates, please refer to the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.1 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
Toquepala
The Toquepala operations are situated in Southern Peru, approximately 150 km by road from the city of Tacna and 30 kilometers from Cuajone. The Project centroid is at about 17° 3.130’S latitude and 70° 44.499’W longitude while the open pit is centered at approximately 17° 2.601’S latitude and 70° 42.481’W longitude. Road access from Tacna is via the Pan-American highway and other local roads. Alternative access is from Lima, using the Pan-American highway to Alto Camiara, and then driving for 70 km on a paved road to the Toquepala camp. The Quebrada Honda tailings storage
facility (TSF) is 40 km south of the mine and is located at approximately 17° 27.724’S latitude: 70° 47.810’W longitude. The Quebrada Honda tailings can be accessed via the MO-107 route that connects Alto Camiara with Toquepala. Within the operations area, access is by unpaved mine and exploration roads. The city of Tacna has a regional airstrip, with regular service within Peru. Additionally, railways extend from Ilo to Toquepala, and a spur railway runs from the Toquepala operations to the Cuajone operations.
The Toquepala operations are owned and operated by SPCC Peru Branch and consist of 15 mining concessions which cover an area of 24,168.76 hectares. Power is transmitted for process needs from the Peruvian grid using two Southern Copper-owned transmission lines of 138 kV and 220 kV. Additionally, the Toquepala operations use surface and underground water from a variety of sources as fresh make up water.
The property is currently under the production stage. Our Toquepala operations consist of an open-pit copper mine and two concentrators; each with a milling capacity of 60,000 tonnes per day. We also refine copper at the SX-EW facility through a leaching process. The SX-EW facility has a production capacity of 56,336 tonnes per year of LME grade A copper cathodes. Southern Copper has had an interest in the Project area since 1945. Prior to Southern Copper’s Project interests, the area had been subject to artisanal mining activities. Overburden removal commenced in 1957 and ore production commenced in 1960. Our Toquepala operations utilize a conventional open-pit mining method to collect copper ore for further processing in our concentrators. The second concentrator began operations in the fourth quarter of 2018. Book value of the property and its associated plant and equipment is available under “Property Book Value” on page 36 of this report.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our Toquepala operations:
Variance 2024 -
Amount
%
Mine annual operating days
Mine
Total ore mined
(kt)
40,419
41,657
41,558
(1,238)
(3.0)
%
Copper grade
(%)
0.607
0.529
0.476
0.078
14.7
%
Leach material mined
(kt)
17,256
51,870
41,499
(34,614)
(66.7)
%
Leach material grade
(%)
0.093
0.096
0.214
(0.003)
(3.1)
%
Stripping ratio
(x)
2.54
1.49
1.53
1.05
70.5
%
Total material mined
(kt)
203,995
232,795
209,745
(28,800)
(12.4)
%
Concentrator
Total material milled
(kt)
40,417
41,547
40,319
(1,130)
(2.7)
%
Copper recovery
(%)
91.78
90.80
91.21
0.98
1.1
%
Copper concentrate
(kt)
840.0
787.0
689.8
53.0
6.7
%
Copper in concentrate
(kt)
225.2
199.7
175.1
25.5
12.8
%
Copper concentrate average grade
(%)
26.81
25.37
25.38
1.44
5.7
%
SX-EW plant
Estimated leach recovery
(%)
24.29
23.87
23.60
0.42
1.8
%
SX-EW cathode production
(kt)
24.1
25.3
26.5
(1.1)
(4.5)
%
Molybdenum
Molybdenum grade
(%)
0.029
0.020
0.026
0.009
45.0
%
Molybdenum recovery
(%)
76.51
72.35
73.27
4.16
5.7
%
Molybdenum concentrate
(kt)
15.9
11.2
13.7
4.7
42.5
%
Molybdenum concentrate average grade
(%)
56.43
56.57
56.27
(0.14)
(0.2)
%
Molybdenum in concentrate
(kt)
9.0
6.3
7.7
2.7
42.1
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
x = Stripping ratio obtained by dividing waste tonnes by leachable material plus ore mined.
Copper and molybdenum grades are referred to as total copper grade and total molybdenum grade, respectively.
Geology
The Toquepala deposit is an example of a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit. The basal regional geology consists of Precambrian metamorphic rocks that are cut by Paleozoic granite, unconformably overlain by Upper Triassic to Jurassic marine volcanic and sedimentary lithologies. Overlying these rocks are late Cretaceous to early Tertiary rhyolite, andesite and agglomerate of the Toquepala Group. These lithologies are intruded by the composite, polyphase Cretaceous to Paleogene Coastal (Andean) Batholith.
Mineralization consists of leached capping, oxide, enriched, transitional and primary mineralization. Leached capping, oxide, enriched and transition mineralization is mostly mined out. Primary mineralization occurs as hypogene sulfides mainly restricted to the dacite porphyry and breccias. Chalcopyrite is the dominant economic mineral with lesser bornite, molybdenite, and enargite as disseminations, fracture fillings, and breccia matrix. Economic molybdenite mineralization is associated with quartz veinlets and locally, with disseminated chalcopyrite.
Concentrators
Our Toquepala concentrators use state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems to coordinate inflows and optimize operations. Material with a copper grade over 0.25% is loaded onto an overland conveyor belt and sent to the crushing circuit, where rotating crushers reduce the size of the rocks by approximately 85% to less than one-half of an inch. The ore is then sent to the rod and ball mills, which grind it in a mix with water to the consistency of fine powder. The finely ground powder mixed with water is then transported to flotation cells. Air is pumped into the cells producing a froth, which carries the copper mineral to the surface but not the waste rock, or tailings. The bulk concentrate with sufficient molybdenum content is processed to recover molybdenum by inverse flotation. This final copper concentrate with a content of approximately 26.5% of copper is filtered to reduce moisture to 8.5% or less. Concentrates are then shipped by rail to the Ilo smelter.
Tailings are sent to thickeners where water is recovered. The remaining tailings are sent to the Quebrada Honda dam, our principal tailings storage facility.
SX-EW Plant
The SX-EW facility at Toquepala produces grade A LME electrowon copper cathodes of 99.999% purity from solutions obtained by leaching low-grade ore stored at the Toquepala mine and copper oxides ore at the Cuajone mine. The leach plant commenced operations in 1995 with a design capacity of 35,629 tonnes per year of copper cathodes. In 1999, the capacity was expanded to 56,336 tonnes per year.
This facility processes copper oxides from Cuajone and copper sulfides from Toquepala. Copper oxides from Cuajone with a copper grade higher than 0.268% and acid solubility index higher than 20% are leached. At Toquepala, the copper sulfides cutoff grade is 0.070% and therefore, material with a total copper grade between 0.070% and 0.15% is leached. Copper in solution produced at Cuajone is sent to Toquepala through an eight-inch pipe laid alongside the Cuajone-Toquepala railroad track.
Plant and equipment are supported by a maintenance plan and a quality management system to assure good physical condition and high availability. The SX-EW plant management quality system (including leaching operations) has been audited periodically since 2002 by an external audit company and found to be in compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015 and ISO 45000-2018 standard.
Slope stability
Overview of Toquepala Pit Depth: The Toquepala pit is approximately 1,005 meters deep, with plans to reach 1,665 meters. This depth increase presents geotechnical challenges, primarily the risk of slope failure.
Geotechnical Measures from 2007 to 2018: Preventive actions were taken during 2007-2018 to enhance Toquepala pit slope stability, including installing berms, updating monitoring software, and initiating the "Slope Stability Analysis in Deposits of Waste and Leachable Material" study in 2013.
Developments in 2019: External consultants performed an update on slope stability analysis, incorporating the IBIS ArcSAR radar for enhanced monitoring and implementing sub-horizontal drains for pit slope depressurization.
Studies and Implementations in 2020 and 2021: In 2020, external consultants conducted stability studies for the Toquepala Pit and various waste deposits, incorporating an IBIS ArcSAR radar with a five-kilometer range into the pit slope monitoring system. Simultaneously, initiatives included establishing a geotechnical drillhole database and implementing the project "Automation and Real-Time Monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation in the Pit and Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam." The installation of three radars for geotechnical monitoring of the Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam was also planned. In 2021, the focus shifted to the "Stability Study of the Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam - Toquepala Mine," accompanied by the installation of the Quebrada Honda Radar System, comprising two IBIS M units and one IBIS FM unit for geotechnical monitoring.
Tierra Group International's Contribution: In 2022, Tierra Group International supported various studies related to seismic hazard, including the "Update of Seismic Hazard Study of Toquepala Mine", "Update of the Material Resistance Parameters of Waste and Leachable Deposits," (geotechnical field investigation), "Update of the Hydrogeological Model of the Leachable Deposits," "Study of Physical Stability of Waste and Leachable Deposits in Current Condition," "Update of the Numerical Hydrogeological Model of Toquepala Mine," and "Study of Anisotropic Physical Stability of Toquepala Mine."
The Inersia company began conducting satellite monitoring and developing moisture maps for the pit, waste and leachable deposits as well as tailings deposits at Quebrada Honda.
In 2023, Geotechnical - Structural logging, geological logging, in situ tests and hydrogeological laboratory and instrumentation for the Geotechnical Drilling and Update of the Peak Particle Velocity Study of Toquepala mine were rolled out. Software 3D modeling was used to implement the Preliminary Blasting Project and Inersia company began conducting satellite monitoring humidity at Suches, Santallana and kilometer 16. In the Quebrada Honda Tailings Dam, geotechnical drilling, including SPT tests and installation of geotechnical instrumentation, CPTu and pit testing, and updates on resistance were conducted.
In December 2023, a study was conducted to update geotechnical parameters, along with the execution of a preliminary field campaign. In 2024, we received an updated stability study of the Quebrada Honda reservoir. Additionally, an external consulting firm carried out fieldwork to revise the resistance parameters of the waste and leach deposits, which will support physical stability studies of these deposits. Additionally, geotechnical inspections of the slope in the pit, waste and leachable deposits were conducted to comply with the new requirements of the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Currently, studies are being conducted to align with Supreme Decree 034-2023-EM. This includes a stability analysis, geotechnical risk management, and an update on seismic hazards. In addition, the satellite monitoring service contract with a third-party provider was expanded to include the Toquepala pit, waste and leach deposits, and the Quebrada Honda tailings deposit.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral resources for Toquepala as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 and $11.50 per pound respectively; these prices were fixed over the remaining years of mine life:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
- Sulfides
99.3
0.57
%
87.5
%
1,241.2
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
- Leach (low grade sulfides)
11.3
0.15
%
17.0
%
37.4
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Indicated mineral resources
- Sulfides
179.0
0.39
%
87.5
%
1,525.3
1,196.7
0.42
%
88.2
%
11,182.3
(86.4)%
- Leach (low grade sulfides)
46.0
0.15
%
17.0
%
153.4
1,050.6
0.08
%
16.1
%
1,943.3
(92.1)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
335.6
0.40
%
2,957.4
2,247.3
0.26
13,125.6
(77.5)%
Inferred mineral resources
- Sulfides
161.4
0.29
%
87.5
%
1,017.4
2,405.1
0.39
%
88.2
%
20,920.9
(95.1)%
- Leach (low grade sulfides)
52.4
0.15
%
17.0
%
177.0
2,303.7
0.08
%
16.1
%
4,154.8
(95.7)%
Total inferred mineral resources
213.8
0.25
%
1,194.5
4,708.9
0.24
25,075.7
(95.2)%
Molybdenum
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
99.3
0.038
%
68.3
%
83.0
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Indicated mineral resources
179.0
0.021
%
68.3
%
81.7
1,196.7
0.023
%
68.1
%
606.7
(86.5)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
278.3
0.027
%
68.3
%
164.8
1,196.7
0.023
%
68.1
%
606.7
(72.8)%
Inferred mineral resources
161.4
0.008
%
68.3
%
28.6
2,405.1
0.019
%
68.1
%
1,009.3
(97.2)%
(1) The Variation column refers to metal content variation.
(2) The point of reference for the mineral resources are in place and are current as of December 31, 2024. Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves. Wood is responsible for the estimate.
(3) Mineral resources are constrained within an optimized pit shell based on copper and molybdenum revenues only. The following parameters were used in estimation: assumed open-pit mining methods; assumed concentration and dump leaching processes; copper price of $3.80/lb, molybdenum price of $11.50/lb; marginal NSR cut-off values of $9.80/t-processed for concentration material (approximately equivalent to 0.146% Cu), and $1.91/t-processed for leach material (approximately equivalent to 0.135% Cu); variable metallurgical recoveries (average recoveries of 87.5% for copper by concentration, 68.3% for molybdenum by concentration, and 17.0% for copper by leaching); average copper recoveries of 97.1% for smelting and 99.9% for refining; average mining cost of $2.11/t-mined; average process costs of $9.80/t-processed for concentration material, and $1.91/t for leach material; average smelting and refining cost of $0.16/lb Cu; selling costs of $0.001/lb Cu for concentration process, $1.83/lb Mo for concentration process, and $-0.005/lb Cu for leaching process; and 1% NSR royalty applied to Cu and Mo.
(4) No estimates for molybdenum are reported for leachable material as this element cannot currently be recovered using the leach process envisaged.
(5) Numbers in the table have been rounded. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates and a detailed description of the cut-off grade determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Toquepala operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.2 to this Form 10-K.
(7) For further information on the assumptions used to prepare the 2023 estimates, please refer to the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.2 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral reserves for Toquepala as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 and $10.00 per pound, respectively. The metal prices were fixed over the remaining years of mine life:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Proven mineral reserves (mill)
1,184.8
0.57
%
88.5
%
14,987.0
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Proven mineral reserves (leach)
2,107.1
0.16
%
5.7
%
7,297.8
-
-
%
-
-
100.0%
Probable mineral reserves (mill)
583.9
0.47
%
88.5
%
5,992.0
2,105.0
0.47
%
88.2
%
21,708.4
(72.4)%
Probable mineral reserves (leach)
502.8
0.20
%
13.3
%
2,242.5
2,545.4
0.15
%
8.0
%
8,691.7
(74.2)%
Total mineral reserves
4,378.7
0.32
%
30,519.3
4,650.4
0.30
%
30,400.1
0.4%
Molybdenum
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Variation
Proven mineral reserves
1,184.8
0.040
%
70.4
%
1,032.5
-
-
%
-
%
-
100.0%
Probable mineral reserves
583.9
0.021
%
70.4
%
275.5
2,105.0
0.021
%
68.1
%
996.7
(72.4)%
Total mineral reserves
1,768.8
0.034
%
1,307.9
2,105.0
0.021
%
996.7
31.2%
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024. Wood is responsible for the estimates.
(2) The point of reference is the point at which the mineral reserves are delivered to the processing facility. Mineral reserves are constrained within an engineered pit based on copper and molybdenum revenues only. The following parameters were used in estimation: assumed open-pit mining methods; assumed concentration and dump leaching processes; copper price of $3.30/lb, molybdenum price of $10.00/lb; marginal NSR cut-off values of $11.10-$11.37/t-processed for concentration material (approximately equivalent to 0.184%-0.188% Cu), and $1.95-$2.22/t-processed for leach material (approximately equivalent to 0.168%-0.191% Cu); mining recovery and dilution are accounted for and generally offset each other; additional ore loss was considered on isolated blocks; variable metallurgical recoveries (average LOM recoveries of 88.5% for copper by concentration, 70.4% for molybdenum by concentration, and 13.3% for copper by leaching); average copper recoveries of 97.1% for smelting and 99.9% for refining; variable mining costs of $2.65-$4.11/t-mined; average process costs of $11.26/t-processed for concentration material, and $2.11/t for leach material; average smelting and refining cost of $0.21/lb Cu; selling costs of $0.001/lb Cu for concentration process, $1.83/lb Mo for concentration process, and $-0.005/lb Cu for leaching process; and 1% NSR royalty applied to Cu and Mo.
(3) The point of reference for the leach in process mineral reserves is in place on the leach dumps therefore no cut-off applies. The 4.3% copper recovery of leach in process material includes an allowance of 60% of leachable material that will be exposed to irrigation on the leach dumps and will be processed by SX/EW.
(4) The copper grade in the leach in process represents the estimated remaining grade of material that has been loaded on the leach dumps and material that has been under leach for a period of time.
(5) No estimates for molybdenum are reported for leach material as this element cannot currently be recovered using the leach process envisaged.
(6) Numbers in the table have been rounded. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
(7) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates and a detailed description of the cut-off grade determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the Toquepala operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.2 to this Form 10-K.
(8) For further information on the assumptions used to prepare the 2023 estimates, please refer to the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.2 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
Processing Facilities-Ilo
Our Ilo smelter and refinery complex is located in the southern part of Peru, 17 kilometers north of the city of Ilo, 121 kilometers from Toquepala, 147 kilometers from Cuajone and 871 kilometers from the city of Lima. The smelter and refinery are located at about 17° 29.924’S latitude; 71° 21.608’W longitude and 17° 34.728’S latitude; 71° 21.188’W longitude respectively. Access is by plane from Lima to Tacna (1:40 hours) and then by highway to the city of Ilo (2:00 hours). Additionally, we operate a port facility in Ilo, from where we ship our products and receive supplies. Products shipped and supplies received are moved between Toquepala, Cuajone and Ilo on our industrial railroad.
Smelter
Our Ilo smelter produces copper anodes for the refinery we operate as part of the same facility. When the copper produced by the smelter exceeds the refinery’s capacity, the excess is sold to other refineries around the world. In 2007, we completed a major modernization of the smelter. The nominal installed capacity of the smelter is 1,376,050 tonnes of copper concentrate per year. Copper concentrates from Toquepala and Cuajone are transported by railroad to the smelter, where they are smelted using an ISASMELT furnace, converters and anode furnaces to produce copper anodes with 99.7% copper.
At the smelter, the concentrates are mixed with flux and other material and sent to the ISASMELT furnace producing a mixture of copper matte and slag, which is tapped through a taphole to either of two rotary holding furnaces, where these smelted phases will be separated.
Copper matte contains approximately 63% copper. Copper matte is then sent to the four Pierce Smith converters, where the material is oxidized in two steps: (1) the iron sulfides in the matte are oxidized with oxygen enriched air and silica is added producing slag that is sent to the slag cleaning furnaces, and (2) the copper contained in the matte sulfides is then oxidized to produce blister copper, containing approximately 99.3% copper.
The blister copper is refined in two anode furnaces by oxidation and sulfur is removed with compressed air injected into the bath. Finally, the oxygen content of the molten copper is adjusted by reduction by injecting liquefied petroleum gas with steam into the bath. Anodes, containing approximately 99.7% copper, are cast in two casting wheels. The smelter also can produce blister copper bars, especially when an anode furnace is undergoing general repairs.
The off gases from the smelter are treated to recover over 92% of the incoming sulfur received in the concentrates to produce 98.5% sulfuric acid. The gas stream from the smelter with 11.34% SO2 is split between two plants: The No. 1 acid plant (double absorption/double contact) and the No. 2 plant (double absorption/double contact). Approximately, 16% of the acid produced is used at our facilities with the balance sold to third parties.
In 2010, the Ilo smelter marine trestle started operations. This facility allows us to offload directly to offshore ships the sulfuric acid produced, avoiding hauling cargo through the city of Ilo. The 500-meter-long marine trestle is the last part of the Ilo smelter modernization project. Currently all overseas shipments of sulfuric acid are being made using the marine trestle.
The smelter also has two oxygen plants. Plant No. 1, which has a production capacity of 272 tonnes per day, and Plant No.2, with a capacity of 1,045 tonnes per day. This facility also has auxiliary plants (sea water intake and two desalinization plants).
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our Ilo smelter plant:
Variance 2024 -
Smelter
Volume
%
Concentrate smelted
(kt)
1,230.9
1,292.9
1,242.0
(62.0)
(4.8)
%
Average copper recovery
(%)
97.1
97.1
96.3
-
-
%
Anode production
(kt)
359.4
362.9
350.8
(3.5)
(1.0)
%
Average anode grade
(%)
99.78
99.78
99.78
-
-
%
Blister production
kt
1.5
1.9
2.1
(0.4)
(20.1)
%
Average blister grade
(%)
99.24
99.28
99.18
(0.04)
(0.04)
%
Sulfuric acid produced
(kt)
1,185.0
1,286.8
1,210.2
(101.8)
(7.9)
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
Refinery
The Ilo refinery consists of a copper electrolytic plant, a precious metal plant and ancillary facilities. The refinery produces grade A copper cathode of 99.998% purity. The plant was acquired in 1994 and modernized the operation to produce 246,000 t/a of copper cathodes. It was subsequently expanded to the current nominal capacity of 294,763 tonnes per year.
In the electrolytic plant, impure copper anodes are suspended in tanks containing a solution of sulfuric acid and copper sulfate. A low voltage but high amperage electrical current is passed through the anodes, chemical solution and cathodes to dissolve copper which is initially deposited on very thin starting copper sheets until thickness is increased to produce high grade copper cathodes. During this process, silver, gold and other metals, including palladium, platinum and selenium, along with other impurities, settle to the bottom of the tank in the form of anodic slime. This anodic slime is processed in the precious metal plant to produce refined silver, refined gold and commercial grade selenium.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our Ilo refinery and precious metals plants:
Variance 2024 -
Refinery
Volume
%
Cathodes produced
(kt)
287.9
289.7
289.7
(1.8)
(0.6)
%
Average copper grade
(%)
99.998
99.999
99.999
(0.001)
-
%
Refined silver produced
(000 Kg)
126.6
109.7
116.4
16.9
15.4
%
Refined gold produced
(kg)
210.3
223.1
185.8
(12.8)
(5.7)
%
Commercial grade selenium produced
(tons)
52.8
50.0
56.9
2.8
5.6
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
In addition to the processing facilities, the refinery has a production control section, a laboratory that provides sample analysis throughout the Company, a maintenance department, a desalinization plant and other support facilities.
The industrial railroad’s main equipment includes locomotives of different types and rolling stock with different types of cars and capacities. The track runs in a single 214 kilometer standard gauge line and supports a 30-ton axle load. The total length of the track system is around 257 kilometers including main yards and sidings. The infrastructure includes 27 kilometers of track under tunnels and one concrete bridge. The industrial railroad includes a car repair shop which is responsible for maintaining and repairing the car fleet. Annual transported tonnage is approximately 5.7 million tonnes.
PERUVIAN PROJECTS
Tia Maria Project
The Tia Maria Project is in the Districts of Cocachacra, Mejia and Deán Valdivia, Province of Islay, and Arequipa Region. The Project is located 118 km from Moquegua, 125 km from Arequipa, 120 km from the District of Ilo, and 980 km from Lima. The Project centroid is at approximately 17º 00’ 21.06” S and 71º 49’ 44.94” W. The mine gate will be situated at Pampa Cachendo. Mine access will be from the Pan-American Highway, diverting off the highway to the Project access road at km 1027-1028, between Arequipa and Moquegua, approximately 17 km before the town of El Fiscal.
The Project covers an area of 34,789.63 hectares in 55 concessions. We have easement agreements in place that cover the proposed powerline route and the planned water pipeline that will run from the envisaged desalination plant to the mine. Additionally, the project currently holds no water rights and the mine plan assumes that water for process operations will be sourced from a desalination plant. The project envisions a 120,000 ton annual SX-EW plant and the mine plans assume conventional open pit mining methods from the La Tapada and Tia Maria deposits.
The property is currently under the development stage. From 1994 through 1999, prior to involvement by Southern Copper, the Tia Maria Project area was evaluated by Teck Corporation, Phelps Dodge and Rio Tinto. We acquired the project in 2003, and we were granted the construction permit on July 2019. Additionally, on October 2019, the Mining Council of the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines ratified the construction permit for the Tia Maria project. We expect the Peruvian government to acknowledge the significant progress the project has made on the social front and the important contributions that Tia Maria will generate for Peru´s economy and, consequently, take the necessary steps to provide SCC with adequate support to initiate construction.
Geology
The La Tapada and Tía Maria deposits are within the northwest-southeast-trending Tambo-El Toro structural corridor that appears to be a large dextral shear zone. There are a number of vein-hosted copper-gold-hematite deposits also associated with the corridor, outside our mineral tenure package. Alteration within the project area is associated with the two porphyry systems currently outlined. The only known mineralization is derived from oxidation of low-grade porphyry copper systems.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral resources for the La Tapada and Tia Maria deposits as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 per pound, fixed over the 20 year mine life:
La Tapada
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Indicated mineral resources
90.4
0.21
%
%
420.3
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
90.4
0.21
%
%
420.3
Inferred mineral resources
1.6
0.18
%
%
6.4
Tia Maria
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Indicated mineral resources
35.5
0.17
%
%
135.2
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
35.5
0.17
%
%
135.2
Inferred mineral resources
21.8
0.22
%
%
107.8
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024. Figures have been rounded.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) The cut-off grade used for mineral resource estimation was 0.08% Cu. Mineral resources are constrained within a wireframe constructed at a 0.1% total copper cut-off grade.
(4) Mineral resources are reported within a conceptual pit shell that uses the following input parameters: metal prices of $3.80/lb Cu; metallurgical recovery assumptions of 69% for La Tapada and 65% for Tia Maria; base mining costs of $1.40/t mined and incremental haul costs of $0.017/t mined; process operating costs of $3.78/t processed for La Tapada and $3.61/t processed for Tia María; general and administrative costs of $0.37/t processed; transport and freight costs of $0.04/lb Cu; an assumed copper cathode premium of $0.03/lb Cu, and a royalty payable of 1%. Average pit slope angles were used for the north and south geotechnical zones in each deposit, and ranged from 35º-39º.
(5) No estimates for gold, silver, or molybdenum are reported for leachable material as these elements cannot currently be recovered using the leach process envisaged.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determinations, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Tia Maria project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.3 of Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022.
(7) Wood is a third-party firm; its mining experts were responsible for the estimate.
(8) There were no changes with regard to the figures reported in 2021.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral reserves for the La Tapada and Tia Maria deposits as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 per pound, fixed over the estimated 20-year mine life:
La Tapada
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Proven mineral reserves
-
-
%
-
%
-
Probable mineral reserves
487.6
0.41
%
%
4,449.2
Total mineral reserves
487.6
0.41
%
%
4,449.2
Tia Maria
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Proven mineral reserves
-
-
%
-
%
-
Probable mineral reserves
223.8
0.29
%
%
1,412.5
Total mineral reserves
223.8
0.29
%
%
1,412.5
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is delivery to the process facility.
(3) Four oxide stockpiles for material grading less than the run-of-mine cut-off but >0.08% Cu are planned, with two stockpile locations at each open pit.
(4) Mineral reserves are constrained within an optimized pit shell that uses the following parameters: assumption of open pit
mining methods; assumption of heap leach processing; copper price of $3.30/lb; copper cut-off grade of 0.10% Cu; mining
recovery of 100%; metallurgical recovery of 69% at La Tapada and 65% at Tía María; total mining costs (base, incremental
and sustaining) of $1.466/t mined; process costs of $3.779/t processed at La Tapada and $3.614/t processed at Tía
María; process sustaining capital costs of $0.155/t processed, general and administrative costs of $0.373/t processed;
transport costs (rail, port, freight) of $0.034/lb Cu; a copper cathode premium payable of $0.026/lb Cu; and assumption of a 1% royalty payment.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description on the cut-off determinations, please refer to Chapter 12 of the Tia Maria project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.3 of Form 10-K/A report filed on March 7, 2022.
(6) Wood is a third-party firm; its mining experts were responsible for the estimate.
(7) There were no changes with regard to the mineral reserves figures reported in 2021.
Los Chancas Project
The Los Chancas project is located in the Andes Range in southern Peru. The site is approximately 65 km southwest of the city of Abancay in the Department of Apurimac, Peru at coordinates 14° 9.904’S, 73° 6.608’W or UTM 8433300 S, 703,270 E - WGS84. The project site can be accessed using a Highway 1, a paved road, from Lima to Nazca (460 km), from Nazca to Santa Rosa (250 km), using road 30A, and a gravel road from Santa Rosa to the Project site (32 km). Alternatively, access is available from Cuzco, via paved road, to Santa Rosa (170 km), and uses the same gravel road from Santa Rosa to the Project site (32 km). Access within the project area is via gravel roads.
The closest airport is at Cuzco, which is served by daily flights from Lima (approximately one hour flying time). There are a number of port options that may be available to the project for concentrate shipment. These include San Juan de Marcona (approximately 500 km by road), General San Martin at Pisco (about 640-800 km depending on the road route) and Matarani (about 600-750 km depending on the road route).
The project covers approximately 22,700 hectares in 31 concessions. Surface rights are currently being negotiated. The area where surface rights are required is within the Tiaparo and Tapairíhua rural community boundaries.
The property is currently under the exploration stage. We commenced exploration in the Los Chancas area in 1997. The initial Environmental Assessment of the Los Chancas Project was conducted in 2001 and updated in 2008. A semi-detailed environmental impact assessment was completed in 2010. Additionally, we completed baseline studies from 2012 through 2020 and have community initiatives in place in the project area of influence. In 2023 and 2024, we continued to roll out social and environmental improvement efforts in local communities. In 2025, we expect to restart the environmental impact assessment; conduct a diamond drilling campaign for 40,000 meters; and initiate hydrogeological and geotechnical studies to gather additional information on the characteristics of the Los Chancas deposit. Los Chancas envisions an open-pit mine with a combined operation of concentrator and SX-EW processes.
Geology
The Los Chancas deposit is considered to be an example of a porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit. The deposit is about 1,200 m in diameter, extends for at least 1,000 m at depth, and most drill holes bottom in mineralization. The deposit remains open to the southeast and at depth. Sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic-Cretaceous Ferrobamba, Mara, Soraya, and Chuquibambilla Formations form a north-facing anticline that is eroded along the axial plane. The sediments were intruded by three generations of monzonite intrusion.
Mineralization is hosted by quartz monzonite and surrounding quartzite and siltstone country rocks. Sulfide mineralization consists of hypogene chalcopyrite, bornite, molybdenite, and pyrite. Sulfides are hosted in quartz veins, occur as small sulfide streaks/veins, or form disseminations in the intrusive and sedimentary rocks. This primary mineralization was oxidized and leached, and a zone of supergene enrichment developed. The major area of leaching is to the east, and vertically above, the primary mineralized zone. The oxide zone is sub-parallel to topography. Brochantite and chrysocolla are the dominant copper oxide minerals, with subordinate azurite and malachite. Sulfide minerals within the supergene enrichment zone include chalcocite, covellite, digenite, cuprite, and native copper. Copper oxides are also present as a minor constituent.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral resources for Los Chancas as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 per pound, fixed over the long-term period of time that mineral resources are expected to be produced:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Oxide
0.45
Sulfide
0.59
Indicated mineral resources
0.50
%
82-84
%
1,648
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.50
%
82-84
%
1,648
Oxide
0.38
Sulfide
1,400
0.45
13,889
Inferred mineral resources
1,433
0.45
%
82-84
%
14,165
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported within a conceptual pit shell that uses the following input parameters: metal prices of $3.80/lb Cu; metallurgical recoveries from copper leaching of 81.8% and from copper milling of 84.3%; base mining costs of $1.70/t; sustaining capital costs of $0.25/t processed; heap leach and electrowinning process operating costs of $4.29/t, mill process operating costs of $5.82/t, general and administrative costs of $1.06/t processed; and closure costs of $0.51/t processed. The marginal net smelter return cut-off values were $6.11/t for material amenable to heap leach methods and $7.64/t for material amenable to milling and flotation concentration.
(3) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Los Chancas project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.4 of Form 10-K/A filed by the Company on March 7, 2022.
(4) Wood is a third-party firm; its mining experts were responsible for the estimate.
(5) There were no changes with regard to the mineral resource figures reported in 2021.
Michiquillay Project
The Michiquillay project is located in the Western Cordillera of the Andes in northwest Peru, approximately 45 km from Cajamarca and 900 km northeast of Lima. Project centroid coordinates are approximately 7º 02’ 23.65” S and 78º 19’ 23.59” W. The Michiquillay deposit is located at 7º 02’ 17.53” S and 78º 19’ 29.30” W. The datum used is UTM WGS84. The main access route to the Project is via road from Cajamarca. Initially, the paved Route 8B is used from Cajamarca to the town of La Encañada, a distance of approximately 33 km. A gravel road is then used from La Encañada to the project site, approximately 14 km. The communities of Michiquillay and Encañada are 2 km and 14 km from the project, respectively. Access within the project is via various gravel and two-track roads that link areas where drilling is planned. The closest airport is at Cajamarca, which is serviced by regular flights from Lima.
The Michiquillay Project consists of 18 mining concessions with a total area of 4,051.4 hectares. The Michiquillay deposit is located on lands of the Michiquillay Rural Community and the Encañada Rural Community. We have signed surface land use agreements with both communities which allow us to conduct exploration activities. Permits for the use of water for exploration purposes are currently being processed by the National Water Authority and the Marañon Local Authority. Exploration activities are carried out with all the permits and authorizations required by Peruvian regulations.
The property is currently under the exploration stage. Previous work in the project was conducted by Northern Peru Mining Company, American Smelting and Refining Company, later Asarco LLC, Minero Peru S.A., and various Anglo American subsidiaries. In June 2018, Southern Copper purchased the project from Activos Mineros S.A.C. for a total purchase price of $400 million and made an initial payment of $12.5 million. In June 2021, we paid an additional $12.5 million to acquire the project. The remaining balance of $375 million will be paid if we decide to develop the project. In 2021, we signed Social Agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities. Additionally, on October 1, 2021 the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study for the project. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company informed MINEM that it had begun exploration activities and initiated an assessment of existing mineral resources at depth. In 2022, we drilled 1,585 meters. As of December 31,
2024, we had drilled 140,130 meters and obtained 45,762 core samples for chemical analysis. Geological modeling, cross section interpretation, and drilling logging are currently underway. For 2025, the Company expects to drill 10,000 meters and complete the 148,000-meter diamond drilling program to update the geological modeling and resource evaluation. We have also initiated hydrological, hydrogeological and geo-metallurgical studies; the geotechnical study for the project is scheduled to begin shortly.
Geology
The Michiquillay deposit is considered to be an example of a porphyry copper-molybdenum-gold deposit. The project is located within a northwest-southeast-oriented metallogenetic corridor of the Andes, that hosts several porphyry copper deposits in the Cajamarca region. Those deposits are characterized by the presence of calc-alkaline magmatic rocks that intrude folded and faulted sedimentary rock formations. Mineralization is zoned vertically, with oxidation zones, supergene mineralization and zones with primary copper mineralization.
The copper porphyry mineralization is related to the intrusion of a feldspathic porphyry, whose emplacement is controlled by a regional-scale faulting, which due to the strike change originated a series of structural weakness zones, evidenced by the presence of pre-mineral west-northwest to northwest striking brittle-ductile fault zones. The porphyry intrusions appear to be controlled by intense, concentrated extension on releasing bends, splays, overlaps in dextral fault segments and on the margins of brittle fault zones with development of multiple extensional phases in stockworks, synthetic/antithetic extensional faults and extensional duplexes.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral resources for Michiquillay as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 per pound, fixed over long-term period that would be expected to be required to produce the mineral resources:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Grades
Metallurgical recovery
Metal content (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Indicated mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
Inferred mineral resources
2,287.9
0.43
%
%
21,554.8
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported within a conceptual pit shell that uses the following input parameters: metal prices of $3.80/lb Cu; copper metallurgical recovery assumptions of 85.4%; base mining costs of $1.70/t; mill process operating costs of $5.82/t, general and administrative costs of $1.12/t; variable pit slope angles that vary from 34-38º; 3% NSR royalty payable to Activos Mineros Mineral resources are reported above a cut-off grade of 0.1% Cu.
(3) Wood chose a cut-off grade of 0.1% Cu to report mineral resource estimates as based on the above assumptions it provides reasonable prospects of economic extraction.
(4) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Michiquillay project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.5 of Form 10-K/A filed by the Company on March 7, 2022.
(5) Wood is a third-party firm; its mining experts were responsible for the estimate.
(6) There were no changes with regard to the mineral resource figures reported in 2021.
MEXICAN OPERATIONS
The map below indicates the approximate locations of our Mexican mines and processing facilities:
MEXICAN OPEN-PIT SEGMENT
Our Mexican open-pit segment operations combine two units of Minera Mexico, La Caridad and Buenavista, which include La Caridad and Buenavista mine complexes and smelting and refining plants and support facilities, which service both complexes.
The map below indicates the approximate location of, and access to, our Mexican open-pit mine complexes and our processing facilities:
We have ongoing maintenance and improvement programs to ensure the satisfactory performance of our equipment. We believe all our Mexican open-pit segment equipment is in good physical condition and suitable for our operations.
Buenavista
The Buenavista mining unit operates an open-pit porphyry copper mine, three concentrators and three SX-EW plants. It is located within the Cananea mining district in the north-central part of the State of Sonora, Mexico. The property is located about 222 kilometers northeast of the city of Hermosillo, Sonora and 150 kilometers southeast of the city of Tucson, Arizona. The geographical location of the Cananea mining district is between latitudes 30° 42’ and 31° 16’ north, and longitude meridians 109° 51’ and 110° 33’ west. The Cananea mining district is located at an altitude between 1,600 and 2,485 meters (m) above mean sea level. The property covers an area of 89,220.5 hectares of mining concessions for exploitation activities. The elevation of the mine is of the order of 1,604 meters above mean sea level. Buenavista also has 4.485.5 hectares of exploration concessions in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, thus totaling 93,706 hectares in concessions from the Mexican government.
The Buenavista del Cobre deposit contains two areas, one related to copper mineralization (“BVC”) and other to zinc mineralization (“BVZ”). The BVZ pit area lies within the larger BVC pit. Buenavista is connected by paved highways to the border city of Agua Prieta to the northeast, to the town of Nacozari in the southeast and to the town of Imuris to the west. Buenavista is also connected by railway to Agua Prieta and Nogales. A municipal airport is located approximately 20 kilometers to the northeast of Buenavista. All required fixed and permanent infrastructure of power, pipelines and primary roadways, and Project access are established. Drainage, water controls and mine access roads are established for current operations and will be expanded and continued as the pit progresses through its planned life of operations.
In 2016 we concluded our $3.5 billion investment program in Mexico. The program included a third SX-EW plant, which was completed in June 2014 with a rated annual capacity of 120,000 tonnes of copper and a new concentrator, completed in 2015, with an annual copper production capacity of 188,000 tonnes. The program also included two molybdenum plants with a combined annual capacity of 4,600 tonnes. The first plant was completed in 2013 and the second in 2016. Additionally, the program included the Crushing, Conveying and Spreading System for Leachable Ore (Quebalix IV), which was completed on time and under budget and is currently operating steadily. This project will reduce mining costs and increase SX-EW copper recovery, allowing the Buenavista unit to reach its copper production capacity of 500,000 tonnes.
The original concentrator currently has a nominal milling capacity of 82,000 tonnes per day. The second concentrator began operations in 2016 and currently has a nominal milling capacity of 115,000 tonnes per day. The SX-EW facilities have a cathode production capacity of 174,470 tonnes per year. The Buenavista ore body is considered one of the world’s largest porphyry copper deposits. Buenavista is the oldest continuously operated copper mine in North America, with operations dating back to 1899. High grade ore deposits in the district were mined exclusively using underground methods. The Anaconda Company acquired the property in 1917. In the early 1940s, Anaconda started developing the first open-pit in Buenavista. In 1990, through a public auction procedure, Minera Mexico acquired 100% of the Buenavista mining assets for $475 million. Buenavista is currently applying conventional open-pit mining methods to extract copper ore for further processing in the concentrator. Additionally, we have built a new zinc concentrator plant, which increased milling capacity and allows us to recover zinc, along with copper contents. Ramping up of the plant began in the first quarter of 2024 after technical adjustments to the concentrator.
The following table contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for Buenavista:
2024 - 2023
Variance
Volume
%
Mine annual operating days
Mine:
Total ore mined
(kt)
77,379
72,896
74,180
4,483
6.1
%
Copper grade
(%)
0.520
0.525
0.528
(0.005)
(1.0)
%
Leach material mined
(kt)
126,675
121,124
122,630
5,551
4.6
%
Leach material grade
(%)
0.248
0.223
0.21
0.025
11.2
%
Stripping ratio
(x)
0.64
0.66
0.72
(0.02)
(3.0)
%
Total material mined
(kt)
335,904
322,142
337,727
13,762
4.3
%
Concentrator:
Total material milled
(kt)
77,493
72,609
74,121
4,884
6.7
%
Copper recovery
(%)
86.63
86.36
86.57
0.27
0.3
%
Copper concentrate
(kt)
1,554.3
1,455.6
1,482.3
98.7
6.8
%
Copper in concentrate
(kt)
349.0
329.0
339.0
20.0
6.1
%
Copper concentrate average grade
(%)
22.45
22.60
22.87
(0.2)
(0.7)
%
SX-EW plant
Estimated leach recovery
(%)
70.00
70.00
67.00
-
-
%
SX-EW cathode production
(kt)
84.0
87.6
93.3
(3.6)
(4.1)
%
Zinc
Zinc grade
(%)
2.15
-
-
2.15
100.0
%
Zinc recovery
(%)
81.05
-
-
81.05
100.0
%
Zinc concentrate
(kt)
132.7
-
-
132.7
100.0
%
Zinc concentrate average grade
(%)
48.24
-
-
48.24
100.0
%
Zinc in concentrate
(kt)
64.0
-
-
64.0
100.0
%
Molybdenum
Molybdenum grade
(%)
0.011
0.011
0.01
-
-
%
Molybdenum recovery
(%)
71.57
70.84
70.46
0.73
1.0
%
Molybdenum concentrate
(kt)
11.42
10.49
10.48
0.93
8.9
%
Molybdenum concentrate average grade
(%)
51.58
51.57
51.24
0.01
0.0
%
Molybdenum in concentrate
(kt)
5.89
5.41
5.37
0.48
8.9
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
x = Stripping ratio obtained dividing waste by leachable material plus ore mined.
The copper, zinc and molybdenum grade are total grade.
Geology
The Cananea mining district lies within the eastern section of the Sonora Basin and Range Province of northern Mexico. Sustained magmatic activity along the North American Cordillera during the late Mesozoic through Paleogene resulted in the development of numerous porphyry copper deposits. The Precambrian Cananea basement rocks are overlain by several Paleozoic sedimentary units ranging from the Cambrian Capote Quartzite through thick limestone sequence of Upper Paleozoic age. Overlying the Paleozoic sediments and Precambrian granite of Cananea are the Henrietta and Elenita formations which are Triassic to late Jurassic in age and are comprised of volcanic rocks of latite to andesite composition. The youngest volcanic units in the district are andesitic tuffs and rhyolites of the Mesa formation.
The intrusions of diorite, granodiorite and quartz monzonite formed after the emplacement of the Mesa Formation. In the final stage of intrusive activity, diabase dikes intruded faults and fractures with a NW-SE trend. Pipe-like breccias formed as late-stage products of the quartz-monzonite porphyries. During the Cenozoic, alluvian and fluvial sediments were deposited as erosion of the Cananea Mountains occurred. Exhumation of the upper part of the Cananea mining district porphyry system resulted in the formation of a supergene enrichment and an oxidation overburden overlying the porphyry system.
Concentrator
Buenavista uses state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems at the concentrators, the crushing plant and the flotation circuit in order to coordinate inflows and optimize operations. In the original concentrator, material with a copper grade above a cut-off grade of approximately 0.30% is currently loaded onto trucks and sent to the milling circuit, where giant rotating crushers reduce the size of the ore to approximately one-half of an inch. The ore is then sent to the ball mills, which grind it to the consistency of fine powder. The finely ground powder is agitated in a water and reagents solution and is then transported to flotation cells. Air is pumped into the cells producing a froth, which carries the copper mineral to the surface but not the waste rock, or tailings. Recovered copper, with the consistency of froth, is filtered and dried to produce copper concentrates with an average copper content of approximately 24%. Concentrates are then shipped by rail to the smelter at La Caridad.
In the second concentrator, material with a copper grade above a cut-off grade of approximately 0.30% is sent to a three-phase milling circuit, where the ore size is reduced to approximately one-half inch. The ore is then sent to a circuit of six ball mills, which grind it to the consistency of fine powder. The finely ground powder is agitated in a water and reagents solution and is then transported to flotation cells. Air is pumped into the cells producing a froth, which carries the copper mineral to the surface but not the waste rock, or tailings. Recovered copper, with the consistency of froth, is filtered and dried to produce copper concentrates with an average copper content of approximately 24%. Concentrates are then sent by trucks or by railroad to the La Caridad smelter or to the Guaymas port, at Sonora, for export.
The current cut-off grade assumptions used on site for both concentrator 1 and 2 and material assigned for leach is recommended to be reassessed. The mineral reserves reported for Buenavista have been estimated by determining economic value of each block containing mineral resource. This takes into account the potential revenue of the block whether it is processed in a concentrator or on the leach pad along with the downstream selling costs. The approximate cut-off grade for the concentrators is estimated to be 0.11% copper and the approximate cut-off grade for the leachable material is estimated to be 0.05% copper. The approximate cut-off grade for the zinc concentrator is estimated to be 0.22% copper equivalent.
As part of the expansion program for this unit, in 2013 we completed the construction of the first molybdenum plant with an annual production capacity of 2,000 tonnes of molybdenum contained in concentrate. The plant was designed to process 1,500 tonnes of copper-molybdenum concentrates per day with a content recovery of approximately 80% copper and 50% molybdenum. The molybdenum plant consists of thickeners, homogenizer tanks, flotation cells, column cells and a holo-flite dryer. The second molybdenum plant was designed to process 3,040 tonnes of copper-molybdenum concentrates per day for a content recovery between 80% and 87% for copper and 60% for molybdenum. The plant generated its first production lot in July 2016 and fully initiated operations in November 2016.
SX-EW Plant
The Buenavista unit operates a leaching facility and three SX-EW plants. All copper ore with a grade lower than the mill cut-off grade of 0.30%, but higher than 0.15%, is delivered to the leach dumps. A cycle of leaching and resting occurs for approximately five years in the run-of-mine dumps and three years for the crushed leach material. A review of the cut-off grades based on economics is recommended to be reassessed as described above.
There are three irrigation systems for the dumps and eleven dams for the pregnant leach solution (PLS). Plant I has four solvent extraction tanks with a nominal capacity of 18,000 liters per minute of PLS and 54 electrowinning cells and has a daily production capacity of 30 tonnes of copper cathodes with 99.999% purity. Plant II has five trains of solvent extraction with a nominal capacity of 62,000 liters per minute of PLS and 220 cells distributed in two bays and has a daily production capacity of 120 tonnes of copper cathodes with 99.9% purity. Plant III has three trains of solvent extraction with a nominal capacity of 167,100 liters per minute of PLS and 270 cells distributed in two bays and has a daily production capacity of 328 tonnes of copper cathodes with 99.9% purity. The plant produces copper cathodes of LME grade A.
Slope stability
At the Buenavista mine, we are following the recommendations produced by a geotechnical evaluation of the design slope for the 15-year pit plan. This evaluation was prepared by an independent mine consulting firm. The assessment included the determination of optimum pit slope design angles and bench design parameters for the proposed mine plan. The objective of the study was: (1) to determine optimum inter-ramp slope angles and bench design parameters for the 15-year plan and (2) to identify and analyze any potential major instability that could adversely impact mine operation. In 2012, we installed a radar system to monitor the walls of the mine.
The following recommendations were made for the Buenavista mine: inter-ramp slope design angles for the 15-year pit plan for all of the 21 design sectors defined on a rock-fabric-based catch bench analysis, using double bench, can range from 48° and 55°, and the inter-ramp slope angles are based on geometries obtained from the back-break analysis using 80% reliability of achieving the required 7.6 meter catch bench width for a single bench configuration and 10.6 meter catch bench width for a double bench configuration. Preliminary observations suggest the 15-year pit walls may be relatively free-draining; the back-break analysis assumed depressurized conditions of mine benches, and the inter-ramp stability analysis were performed for both saturated and depressurized conditions.
A pit dewatering/depressurization plan for the Buenavista mine was also recommended to address the issues of open-pit drainage, dewatering plan and future slope depressurization. Phase I of the geohydrological study was completed by an independent consultant. The analysis included a preliminary assessment and work plan implementation.
Between 2011 and 2014, we conducted well drilling and dewatering programs to ensure the ability to continue with the mining plan. We also executed a geophysical study to determine the best locations for water extraction wells and continued collecting new geotechnical information from two exploration drilling projects. Following the recommendations of the geotechnical evaluation, we continued monitoring the walls using the radar system.
Various studies are now being conducted by outside specialized consultants to establish long-range mine water management objectives and implement recommendations for the efficient use of this resource. We are also conducting a geotechnical study and a diamond drilling program with an independent consulting firm in order to obtain additional geotechnical information, which will allow us to verify the slope stability for the long-term mine plan.
In July 2020, the OMNI 505 radar began operating. In 2021, we acquired two pieces of equipment for additional monitoring and began developing a geotechnical study for the mine with the support of a specialized consulting firm. The results of the study concluded in 2022 and included recommendations for updates to the bench design which have been incorporated in the current estimation of Mineral Reserves. These recommendations should be reviewed for potential updates to the ultimate pit design.
A third IBIS ArcSAR radar is currently operating, which has increased monitoring coverage in the development of the new slopes of Increments 12, 16 and BVZ. At the end of 2023, with the appropriate infrastructure and trained personnel, 24/7 slope monitoring began. Our main objective is to process information from radars and total stations to facilitate early detection of any unstable area that may pose safety risks to personnel. In 2024, the SSR 160 radar ceased operations due to a lack of spare parts and support for new software versions. This year, a terrestrial scanner was acquired to collect geotechnical data from the bank faces to update the geotechnical model.
In 2022, we continued with the diamond exploration and reverse circulation programs for the quantification and certification of resources and reserves, considering the limits of the final slope design (LOM). During this period, a total of 27,106 linear meters were developed distributed in a total of 38 diamond exploration holes. 10,288 tested samples for 18 chemical elements were generated and 1,570 samples related to QA/QC analysis (control samples) were included. We also drilled 4,332 meters of exploration with reverse circulation that were distributed into 45 holes for short-term planning. All exploration information contains lithological descriptions, geomechanical data, QA/QC data, orientations, densities and final coordinates.
In 2023, we continued to roll out diamond exploration and reverse circulation programs for the quantification and certification of resources and reserves, considering the limits of the updated final slope design. Over the year, a total of 12,661 linear meters were developed distributed in a total of 16 diamond exploration holes. 6,144 tested samples for 18 chemical elements were generated and a total of 852 samples related to QA/QC analysis (control samples) were included. In the short-term exploration segment, we drilled 5,689 meters of exploration with reverse circulation distributed in 46 holes. All the exploration information contains lithological descriptions, geomechanical data, QA/QC data, orientations, densities and final coordinates.
In 2024, a total of 26,599 linear meters were drilled through 35 diamond exploration holes. 8,578 samples were analyzed for 18 chemical elements in a certified laboratory, while 1,635 samples were analyzed for QA/QC control (control samples). In the short-term exploration segment, 6,246 meters were drilled with reverse circulation, distributed in 44 holes. 2,252 samples were subsequently analyzed in our internal laboratories and included 173 samples for QA/QC control. All exploration information contains lithological descriptions, geotechnical data, QA/QC data, orientations, densities and final coordinates.
From 2020 to the end of 2024, a total of 132,412 meters were drilled, distributed in 299 holes, at depths varying from 220 to 1,279 meters. The number of samples analyzed in certified chemical laboratories with QA/QC controls totaled 45,666 (standards, fine-coarse blanks, fine-coarse duplicates and twins). Additionally, information was obtained for 1,660 orientation data points and 28,785 densities.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper, molybdenum and zinc mineral resources exclusive of mineral reserves for Buenavista as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80, $11.50 and $1.32 per pound, respectively:
Copper plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Variation Zinc
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.38
%
0.008
%
0.04
%
5,243
(7.4)%
24.2%
(53.2)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.38
%
0.008
%
0.04
%
5,243
(7.4)%
24.2%
(53.2)%
Inferred mineral resources
7,848
0.34
%
0.008
%
0.04
%
58,478
1,384
6,747
3.3%
28.1%
(16.6)%
Zinc plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.44
%
0.004
%
0.37
%
1,985
1,646
27.1%
231.6%
(31.9)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.44
%
0.004
%
0.37
%
1,985
1,646
27.1%
231.6%
(31.9)%
Inferred mineral resources
0.37
%
0.009
%
0.18
%
5,809
2,858
316.7%
2013.6%
74.5%
Leach plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.33
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
92.2%
-
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.33
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
92.2%
-
-
Inferred mineral resources
0.18
%
-
%
-
%
1,457
-
-
(82.9)%
-
-
Copper plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.34
%
0.005
%
0.07
%
5,664
1,182
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.34
%
0.005
%
0.07
%
5,664
1,182
Inferred mineral resources
13,015
0.21
%
0.004
%
0.03
%
56,584
1,080
8,089
Zinc plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.46
%
0.002
%
0.78
%
1,562
2,416
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.46
%
0.002
%
0.78
%
1,562
2,416
Inferred mineral resources
0.43
%
0.003
%
0.49
%
1,394
1,638
Leach plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.13
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.13
%
-
%
-
%
-
-
Inferred mineral resources
2,831
0.14
%
-
%
-
%
8,518
-
-
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Mineral recovery was based on a formula determined from historical averages. The average recovery for mineral resources was 81% for Cu, 70% for Mo and 74% for Zn
(4) Cut-off grade: mineral resources are reported on break-even plant and leach profit basis. The estimate was constrained to the Resource pit based on a Cu price of $3.795/lb, Mo price of $11.50/lb and Zn price of $1.323/lb.
(5) Material with a solubility index greater than 0.3 could be sent to the leach pad. If more than one process was profitable, then the process with the highest value was chosen.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Buenavista del Cobre technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.6 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.6 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
The variations registered for mineral resources from 2023 to 2024 were attributable to:
- Changes in the geological block model.
- Updates to the mineral reserve ultimate pit based on revised cut-off grades.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper, molybdenum and zinc mineral reserves for Buenavista as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30, $10.00 and $1.15 per pound, respectively:
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Variation Zinc
Sulfide ROM Ore - Copper plant
2,117
0.41
%
0.009
%
-
%
19,343
-
8.3%
25.1%
0.0%
Sulfide ROM Ore - Zinc plant
0.61
%
-
%
0.58
%
3,964
-
3,758
390.0%
0.0%
31.8%
Sulfide ROM Ore Total
2,413
0.44
%
-
%
-
%
23,307
3,758
24.8%
25.1%
31.8%
Leachable Ore
2,118
0.27
%
-
%
-
%
12,389
-
-
150.4%
0.0%
0.0%
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Zinc grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained zinc (million pounds)
Sulfide ROM Ore - Copper plant
1,961
0.41
%
0.007
%
-
%
17,861
-
Sulfide ROM Ore - Zinc plant
0.40
%
-
%
1.42
%
-
2,852
Sulfide ROM Ore Total
2,052
0.41
%
-
%
-
%
18,670
2,852
Leachable Ore
1,033
0.22
%
-
%
-
%
4,948
-
-
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is delivery to the process plant and leach pads.
(3) Contained metal in mineral reserves in 2024 increased compared to 2023 after the geological interpretation and cut-off grade parameters were revised.
(4) Mineral reserves are reported on an elevated cut-off grade for the first three years of the mine schedule and then on a break-even plant and leach profit basis for the remaining LOM schedule. The estimate was based on the long- range schedule, inclusive of processing costs and transport streams and based on a Cu price of $3.30/lb, Mo price of $10.00/lb and Zn price of $1.15/lb.
(5) Ore with a solubility index greater than 0.3 could be sent to the leach pad. If more than one process was profitable, then the process with the highest value was chosen.
(6) Mineral reserves are reported using a cut-off grade optimization strategy with elevated copper feed grade targets of 0.50% (2025), 0.48% (2026), 0.43% (2027) and 0.40% (2028+) based on a long-range schedule. The estimate was constrained to an ultimate pit design. The design was based on a Cu price of $3.30/lb and a Mo price of $10.00/lb.
(7) The recoveries over the life of mine schedule were: mill: 81% for Cu, 70% for Mo and 74% for Zn, 45% for Cu in crushed leach and 52% for Cu in ROM Leach.
(8) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the Buenavista operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.6 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.6 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
The variations registered for mineral reserves from 2023 to 2024 were attributable to a revised geological interpretation; modifications to the block model; and revised cut-off grade parameters.
La Caridad-Pilares Complex
The La Caridad-Pilares complex includes two open-pit mines, a concentrator, a smelter, a copper refinery, a precious metals refinery, a rod plant, a SX-EW plant, a lime plant and two sulfuric acid plants.
La Caridad mine and mill are located about 23 kilometers southeast of the town of Nacozari in northeastern Sonora at an average altitude of 1,500 meters above mean sea level. Nacozari is about 266 kilometers northeast of the Sonora state capital of Hermosillo and 125 kilometers south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The municipality of Nacozari de Garcia is located between 30°17’ and 30°20’ of north latitude and 109°32’ and 109°35’ of west longitude with regard to the Greenwich meridian. Limits of the mining unit using UTM coordinates are listed in the following table:
VERTEX
UTM Zone 12 WGS 84
Easting
Northing
629,600.00
3,361,303.35
655,325.58
3,361,303.35
655,325.58
3,350,065.74
629,600.00
3,350,065.74
Nacozari is connected by paved highway with Hermosillo and Agua Prieta and by rail with the international port of Guaymas, and the Mexican and United States rail systems. An airstrip with a reported runway length of 2,500 meters is
located 36 kilometers north of Nacozari, less than one kilometer away from the La Caridad copper smelter and refinery. The smelter and the sulfuric acid plants, as well as the refineries and rod plant, are located approximately 24 kilometers from the mine. Access is by paved highway and by railroad.
The mining claims held by La Caridad unit cover an area of about 103,821 hectares for exploration and exploitation activities. Surface rights are held by a combination of private ownership and agreements with local ejidos. Ejidos are agrarian land grants held by a group of people. The agreements allow for exploration and mining activities. The La Caridad-Pilares complex imports natural gas from the United States through its pipeline (between Douglas, Arizona and Nacozari, Sonora). The electrical power is supplied to site from the utility grid via 230 kV overhead transmission lines. The bulk of demand is supplied by MGE, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. The primary fresh water source is the La Angostura Dam located approximately 29 km to the northeast of the La Caridad mine.
The ore at La Caridad is recovered using open-pit conventional truck and shovel mining methods due to the proximity of the ore to the surface and the physical characteristics of the deposit. The concentrator began operations in 1979; the molybdenum plant was added in 1982 and the smelter in 1986; the first sulfuric acid plant was added in 1988 and the SX-EW plant in 1995; the second sulfuric acid plant was added in 1997 and the copper refinery in 1997; the rod plant was added in 1998 and the precious metals refinery in 1999; and the dust and effluents plant was incorporated in 2012.
In 2020, the final ore reserve estimation report for the Bella Union prospect was integrated into the La Caridad Block Model and in 2021 it was considered in the new life of mine that was delivered in January 2022. The Bella Union prospect is a mineralized copper and molybdenum breccia deposit; the site is located at less than one kilometer from the border of La Caridad pit.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for the La Caridad-Pilares complex:
Variance
2024 - 2023
Volume
%
Mine annual operating days
Mine
Total ore mined
(kt)
34,634
34,886
34,099
(252)
(0.7)
%
Copper grade
(%)
0.322
0.296
0.303
0.026
8.8
%
Leach material mined
(kt)
19,333
15,099
30,113
4,234
28.0
%
Leach material grade
(%)
0.211
0.250
0.201
(0.039)
(15.6)
%
Stripping ratio
(x)
1.68
1.48
0.65
0.20
13.5
%
Total material mined
(kt)
144,615
124,090
106,251
20,525
16.5
%
Concentrator
Total material milled
(kt)
34,515
35,128
34,114
(613)
(1.7)
%
Copper recovery
(%)
84.35
84.45
85.71
(0.10)
(0.1)
%
Copper concentrate
(kt)
425.5
387.2
385.3
38.3
9.9
%
Copper in concentrate
(kt)
93.7
87.8
88.5
5.9
6.7
%
Copper concentrate average grade
(%)
22.03
22.68
22.97
(0.65)
(2.9)
%
SX-EW plant
Estimated leach recovery
(%)
35.70
34.97
34.46
0.73
2.1
%
SX-EW cathode production
(kt)
23.25
22.99
23.34
0.26
1.1
%
Molybdenum
Molybdenum grade
(%)
0.035
0.039
0.034
(0.004)
(10.3)
%
Molybdenum recovery
(%)
81.11
82.71
81.67
(1.60)
(1.9)
%
Molybdenum concentrate
(kt)
18.2
17.8
(2.8)
(13.3)
%
Molybdenum concentrate average grade
(%)
53.38
54.15
53.58
(0.77)
(1.4)
%
Molybdenum in concentrate
(kt)
9.7
11.4
9.6
(1.7)
(14.9)
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
x = Stripping ratio obtained dividing waste by leachable material plus ore mined
The copper and molybdenum grade are total grade.
Geology
La Caridad is a porphyry copper deposit, that is currently the largest copper producer in Mexico and the youngest dated porphyry copper system in the American Southwest region. The La Caridad district lies within the eastern section of the Sonora Basin and Range Province of northern Mexico. Sustained magmatic activity along the North American Cordillera during the late Mesozoic through Paleogene resulted in the development of numerous porphyry copper deposits. The basement rocks of area consist of strongly deformed greenschist-grade volcanic and sedimentary rocks that are intruded by granites emplaced at 1.4 and 1.1 billion years ago. Above the sequence Late Proterozoic and Paelozoic rocks are overlain by volcanic and plutonic rocks of Mesozoic and Cenozoic age. Middle Jurassic rocks characterized by volcanic and volcano-sedimentary sequences, with occasional granite intrusions, outcrop in the northern and northeastern portion of Sonora. In the La Caridad district, these rocks outcrop in the Sierra Cobriza area, west of the town of Nacozari.
The main mineralization at La Caridad occurs in the Quartz-monzonite porphyry and hydrothermal breccias. The host rock at La Caridad are andesites, with the oldest rocks corresponding to the Laramide volcanic rocks, which are regionally correlated with the Tarahumara Formation. Locally, this andesitic volcanic sequence was intruded by a granodiorite which is well exposed to the east-southeast of the La Caridad mine, which are in turn intruded by diorite dikes that range from fine to coarse grain. Discordantly overlying this igneous complex is a sequence of rhyolitic flows.
Concentrator
La Caridad uses state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems at the concentrator, the crushing plant and the flotation circuit to coordinate inflows and optimize operations. The concentrator has a current capacity of 94,500 tonnes of ore per day.
Ore extracted from the mine with a copper grade over 0.30% is currently sent to the concentrator and processed into copper concentrates and molybdenum concentrates. The copper concentrates are sent to the smelter and the molybdenum concentrate is sold to a Mexican customer. The molybdenum recovery plant has a capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day of copper-molybdenum concentrates. The lime plant has a capacity of 340 tonnes of finished product per day.
The mineral reserves estimated for La Caridad were estimated utilizing an economic cut-off to assign material to either the concentrator or leach pad. Each block in the mineral resource model is assigned an economic value based on the total potential revenue whether the block is processed in the concentrator or on a leach pad and takes into account the various recoveries, selling costs, and payability. The resulting cut-off grade for the concentrator is approximately 0.08% copper and the leachable cutoff grade is approximately 0.01% copper.
SX-EW Plant
Approximately 1,018.3 million tonnes of leaching ore with an average grade of approximately 0.239% copper had been extracted from the La Caridad open-pit mine and deposited in leaching dumps as of December 31, 2024. All copper ore with a grade lower than the current mill cut-off grade 0.30%, but higher than 0.15% copper, is at present delivered to the leaching dumps. In 1995, we completed the construction of a SX-EW facility at La Caridad that has allowed us to process this ore and certain leach mineral reserves that were not mined; this has led to a subsequent reduction in our copper production costs. The SX-EW facility has an annual design capacity of 21,900 tonnes of copper cathodes. These cut-off grades need to be re-assessed as the mineral reserves stated were estimated utilizing an economic cut-off value.
The plant has three trains of solvent extraction with a nominal capacity of 2,400 cubic meters per hour and has 94 electrowinning cells, which are distributed in a single electrolytic bay. The plant has a daily production capacity of 65 tonnes of copper cathodes with 99.999% purity.
Slope stability
In 2004, our 15-year mine plan study for the La Caridad mine was awarded to an independent consulting firm to conduct a geotechnical evaluation. The purpose of the plan was to develop a program of optimum bench design and inter-ramp slope angles for the open-pit. The results of the evaluation presented by the consultants included a recommendation of a maximum average bench face angle of 72 degrees. Additionally, single benching was recommended for the upper sections of the west, south and east walls of the main pit. Double benching was recommended for the lower levels of the main pit and single benching for the upper slope segments that consist of either alluvial material, mine waste dumps or mineralized stockpile material. Alternatively, slopes in these types of materials, may be designed with an overall 37-degree slope. The geostructural and geotechnical parameters recommended were applied in the pit design for the new life of mine plan for La Caridad mine, which was prepared in 2015. This mine plan replaced the 15-year mine plan prepared in 2010. However, since final pit limits have yet to be established at La Caridad, all current pit walls are effectively working slopes. Geostructural and geotechnical data collected at the open-pit mine from cell-mapping and oriented-core drilling databases provided the basis for the geotechnical evaluation and recommendations. Additional geotechnical drilling is required in the expanded areas of the Mineral Reserve ultimate pit shell which are beyond the design sector limits.
In 2019, we assigned an independent consulting firm to conduct a geotechnical study of La Caridad, which included the Bella Union area, based on a 15-year mining plan. The results of this study included recommendations on geostructural and geotechnical parameters. These were applied to the pit design for the new mine plan for La Caridad, which replaced the 15-year mine plan prepared in 2015. A hydrogeological study was also recommended to determine the distribution of pore pressure. In September 2021, the SSR-OMNI and the SSR-FX radars began operating. These two working radars will allow us to cover up to 80% of the slopes in the operating areas of the mine.
In 2022, a Geotechnical Engineer in charge of the Geotechnical Department, took care of the two radars to create information and to make daily monitoring reports as well as giving recommendations to the Operation Department to have a safer mining process. Geostructural data from cell-mapping is being collected. The inter-ramp slope angles are updated weekly, as the topography changes, to know if we continue within the recommended level.
In 2023, a second Geotechnical Engineer was hired for the Geotechnical Department. The Maptek XR3 scanner is being used to improve structural mapping and make recommendations to the Blasting Department. Weekly and monthly reports are generated based on the piezometers, which show the evolution of the water table levels and enable monitoring if slope drainage is required.
La Caridad pit and its surroundings are fully monitored by four radar systems and a specialized team, who is on 24/7 to notify operations if an alert is triggered. A drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor is used to conduct surveys to measure slope angles, inter-ramp areas, waste rock facilities, and leaching pads.
The quality of the rock mass and nearby geological structures are reported daily for scheduled blasts. Furthermore, a slope and bench cleaning program has been implemented to minimize the risk of rockfall as much as possible.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral resources exclusive of mineral reserves for La Caridad as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 and $11.50 per pound, respectively:
Leach process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Measured mineral resources
0.07
%
-
%
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.07
%
-
%
-
(85.7)%
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.07
%
-
%
-
(85.0)%
-
Inferred mineral resources
0.08
%
-
%
-
(32.5)%
-
Mill process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Measured mineral resources
0.15
%
0.025
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
2,136
0.14
%
0.022
%
6,676
1,027
(51.2)%
(57.65)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
2,224
0.14
%
0.022
%
6,971
1,077
(49.0)%
(55.56)%
Inferred mineral resources
5,315
0.13
%
0.024
%
14,764
2,807
65.6%
71.2%
Leach process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.08
%
-
%
1,129
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.08
%
-
%
1,129
-
Inferred mineral resources
0.08
%
-
%
-
Mill process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
3,928
0.16
%
0.028
%
13,681
2,424
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
3,928
0.16
%
0.028
%
13,681
2,424
Inferred mineral resources
2,973
0.14
%
0.025
%
8,913
1,639
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Copper content in mineral resources in 2024 changed significantly from 2023 mainly due to the three reasons mentioned below.
(4) Mineral resources are reported on break-even plant and leach profit basis. The estimate was constrained to the Resource pit based on a Cu price of $3.795/lb, Mo price of $11.50/lb.
(5) Ore material with solubility index greater than 0.3 was considered routable to leach.
(6) Recovery assumed based on 3-year averages of La Caridad 81% Cu and 87% Mo for mill and 44% Cu for heap leach.
(7) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the La Caridad and Pilares operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.7 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.7 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
The variations registered for mineral resources from 2023 to 2024 were attributable to:
- The site has added 119,738 meters of samples in 416 drill holes, with widespread coverage across La Caridad and Bella Union zones since the last time the mineral resource estimate block model was updated.
- The economics have been updated with new recovery calculations, updated costs and updated logic for the mill/leach categorizations.
- Measured resources are declared for the first time for this deposit. The net impact of these changes is a change in classification from measured and indicated material to mineral reserves and an increase in the amount of inferred mill material.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral reserves for La Caridad as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 and $10.00 per pound, respectively.
Proven mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Leach process
0.23
%
-
%
-
100.0%
100.0%
Mill process
0.28
%
0.042
%
1,697
100.0%
100.0%
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Leach process
0.16
%
-
%
1,102
-
180.5%
-
Mill process
1,671
0.21
%
0.036
%
7,628
1,335
(19.0)%
7.3%
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Leach process
0.09
%
-
%
-
Mill process
2,039
0.21
%
0.028
%
9,415
1,244
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is the leach pad or concentrator.
(3) Mineral reserves are reported using a cut-off grade optimization strategy. The estimate was constrained to an ultimate pit design limited to an approximate 60-year life to stay within current tailings capacity estimate. The design was based on a Cu price of $3.30/lb and a Mo price of $10.00/lb.
(4) Ore material with solubility index greater than 0.3 was considered routable to leach.
(5) Copper recovery for the mill process is 83% for Cu and 88% for Mo and recovery for the leach process is 46%.
(6) Contained metal in mineral reserves in 2024 increased slightly compared to the 2023 estimate; this was mainly due to the implementation of a new geological model.
(7) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the La Caridad and Pilares operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.7 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.7 to the 2022 Form 10-K.
The variations registered for mineral reserves from 2023 to 2024 were attributable to:
- Generation of a new geological model, which incorporated recent drilling.
- Change from a breakeven cutoff grade estimate to a cut-off grade optimization strategy.
Pilares
Pilares is considered part of the La Caridad unit and ore from Pilares is routed to the leach pads and processing facilities at the La Caridad operations. The Pilares mineral development project is located in northeastern Sonora, Mexico, about 266 kilometers northeast of the city of Hermosillo and 125 kilometers south of the city of Agua Prieta Sonora, Mexico, which is on the international U.S. - Mexico border. The Pilares project is located between 30°19’ and 30°20’ N, and between 109°38’ and 109°37’47’’ W, at elevations ranging between 1,400 to 1,460 meters above mean sea level. It is about 6 kilometers from the La Caridad mining unit and 22 kilometers from the town of Nacozari.
The mining claims held by Pilares project cover an area of about 143.3 hectares for exploration and exploitation activities. Surface rights are held by a combination of private ownership and agreements with the local ejido “Pilares”, which consists of about 40 members. Ejidos are agrarian land grants held by a group of people. The agreements allow for exploration and mining activities, plus conservation of the historical town of Pilares. Additionally, the Pilares Project was included in the regional environmental permit obtained for the entire La Caridad complex dated September 2018 and valid for 60 years.
Geology
The La Caridad mining district, where the Pilares porphyry copper deposit is located, lies within the eastern section of the Sonora Basin and Range Province in Northern Mexico. Sustained magmatic activity along the North American Cordillera during the late Mesozoic through Paleogene resulted in the development of numerous porphyry copper deposits.
The local geology of the Pilares area consists of two main lithological packages, a volcanic sequence and a set of hypabyssal bodies that intrude the volcanic sequence. The volcanic sequence is comprised from the base to the top by the following units: andesitic flows from intercallations of Crystal Tuff, Tobaceous Sandstone, tuff-breccia (ignimbrite), basalt-andesite flows and Lapilli Tuffs. The Lapilli Tuff is composed of lapilli-sized volcanic fragments outcropping in the topographic highs and distributed in the central, southeastern and northeastern portion of the Pilares area. The Lapilli Tuff hosts the mineralized structure of the Pilares Breccia.
Slope stability
In 2024, a SSR827-XT radar was installed for slope monitoring. Pre-cutting equipment was acquired, and pre-cut drilling was performed on final slopes.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral resources for Pilares as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 and $11.50 per pound, respectively:
Leach process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
0.03
0.16
%
-
%
0.1
-
100.0%
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
0.03
0.16
%
-
%
0.1
-
100.0%
-
Inferred mineral resources
0.01
0.09
%
-
%
0.02
-
(99.7)%
-
Mill process
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Variation Copper
Variation Molybdenum
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
30.1
0.55
%
0.014
%
364.2
9.3
100.0%
100.0%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
30.1
0.55
%
0.014
%
364.2
9.3
100.0%
100.0%
Inferred mineral resources
3.4
0.46
%
0.014
%
34.4
1.1
(95.8)%
(85.1)%
Process
Classification
Amount (million tonnes)
Total copper
Copper oxide
Molybdenum grade
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Leach
Inferred
0.9
0.34
%
0.09
%
0.003
%
6.8
-
Mill
Inferred
67.3
0.55
%
0.04
%
0.005
%
817.3
7.4
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and effective as of December 31, 2024. Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(2) Recovery assumed based on 3-year averages of La Caridad 81% Cu and 87% Mo for mill and 44% Cu for heap leach.
(3) Mineral resources are reported on break-even plant and leach profit basis. The estimate was constrained to the Resource pit based on a Cu price of $3.795/lb, Mo price of $11.50/lb.
(4) Ore material with solubility index greater than 0.3 was considered routable to leach.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the La Caridad and Pilares project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons under Exhibit 96.7 of this Form 10-K.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2023 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Pilares project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.8 of Form 10-K/A filed by the Company on March 7, 2022.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper and molybdenum mineral reserves for Pilares as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 and $10.00 per pound, respectively. This is the first time that mineral reserves are being stated for Pilares.
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Leach process
2.2
0.35
%
-
%
-
Mill process
22.6
0.80
%
0.006
%
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is the leach pad or concentrator.
(3) Mineral reserves are reported using a cut-off grade optimization strategy. The estimate was constrained to an ultimate pit design limited to an approximate 60-year life. The design was based on a Cu price of $3.30/lb and a Mo price of $10.00/lb.
(4) Ore material with solubility index greater than 0.3 was considered routable to leach.
(5) Copper recovery for the mill process is 83% for Cu and 88% for Mo and recovery for the leach process is 46%.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the La Caridad and Pilares operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.7 to this Form 10-K.
Processing Facilities-La Caridad
Our La Caridad complex includes a smelter, an electrolytic copper refinery, a precious metal refinery, a copper rod plant and an effluent and dust treatment plant. The distance between this complex and the La Caridad mine is approximately 24 kilometers.
Smelter
Copper concentrates from Buenavista, Santa Barbara, Charcas and La Caridad are transported by rail and truck to the La Caridad smelter where they are processed and cast into copper anodes of 99.2% purity. Sulfur dioxide off-gases collected from the flash furnace, the El Teniente converter and conventional converters are processed into sulfuric acid at two sulfuric acid plants. Approximately 2% to 3% of this acid is used by our SX-EW plants and the balance is sold to third parties.
All of the anodes produced in the smelter are sent to the La Caridad copper refinery. The actual installed capacity of the smelter is 1,000,000 tonnes per year, a capacity that is sufficient to treat all the concentrates of La Caridad and almost 40.5% of total production of the OMIMSA I and OMIMSA II concentrators from Buenavista. In 2010, the smelter also began processing concentrates from the IMMSA mines, as we closed the San Luis Potosi smelter. Other facilities in the smelter include two sulfuric acid plants with capacities of 2,625 and 2,135 tonnes per day, three oxygen plants each with a production capacity of 275 tonnes per day; and one power turbine which generates 11.5 MWh.
Refinery
La Caridad includes an electrolytic copper refinery that uses permanent cathode technology. The installed capacity of the refinery is 300,000 tonnes per year. The refinery consists of an anode plant with a preparation area, an electrolytic plant with an electrolytic cell house with 1,115 cells and 32 liberator cells, two cathode stripping machines, an anode washing machine, a slime treatment plant and a number of ancillary facilities. The refinery is producing grade A (LME) and grade 1 (COMEX) copper cathode of 99.99% purity. Anodic slimes are recovered from the refining process and sent to the slime treatment plant, where additional copper is extracted. The slimes are then filtered, dried, packed and shipped to the La Caridad precious metals refinery to produce silver and gold.
Precious Metals Plant
The operations at the precious metal refinery begin with the reception of anodic slimes, which are dried in a steam dryer. After this, the dried slime is smelted and a gold and silver alloy is obtained, which is known as Dore. The precious metal refinery plant has a hydrometallurgical stage and a pyrometallurgical stage, in addition to a steam dryer, Dore casting system, Kaldo furnace, 20 electrolytic cells in the silver refinery, one induction furnace for fine silver, one silver ingot casting system and two reactors for obtaining fine gold. The process ends with the refining of the gold and silver alloy. We also recover commercial selenium from the gas produced by the Kaldo furnace process.
Copper Rod Plant
A rod plant at the La Caridad-Pilares complex began operations in 1998 and reached its full annual operating capacity of 150,000 tonnes in 1999. The plant is producing eight-millimeter copper rods with a purity of 99.99%.
Effluent and Dust Treatment Plant
In 2012, we started operating a dust and effluent plant with a treatment capacity of 5,000 tonnes of smelter dusts per year, which will produce 1,500 tonnes of copper by-products and 2,500 tonnes of lead sulfates per year. This plant is designed to reduce dust emissions from La Caridad metallurgical complex.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for the La Caridad processing facilities:
Variance
2024 - 2023
Volume
%
Smelter
Total copper concentrate smelted
(kt)
991.5
966.6
1,052.0
24.9
2.6
%
Anode copper production
(kt)
252.5
265.3
287.1
(12.8)
(4.8)
%
Average copper content in anode
(%)
99.46
99.38
99.43
0.08
0.1
%
Average smelter recovery
(%)
95.20
96.70
96.80
(1.50)
(1.6)
%
Sulfuric acid production
(kt)
996.0
948.5
1,001.3
47.5
5.0
%
Refinery
Refined cathode production
(kt)
217.1
218.6
245.7
(1.5)
(0.7)
%
Refined silver production
(000 kg)
246.6
230.1
266.5
16.5
7.2
%
Refined gold production
(Kg)
890.4
948.1
1,096.4
(57.7)
(6.1)
%
Rod Plant
Copper rod production
(kt)
152.8
154.3
156.4
(1.5)
(1.0)
%
Key: kt = thousand tonnes
Kg = kilograms
MEXICAN PROJECTS
El Pilar Project
The El Pilar Property is located in north central Sonora, Mexico, about 15 kilometers south of the international border with United States. The property is situated within lands of Ejido Miguel Hidalgo (also referred to as San Lazaro), in the Santa Cruz Municipality. The property is situated between UTM coordinates 3,446,000N to 3,455,000N and 526,800 E to 534,700 E. The El Pilar property comprises 9,571.4 hectares in 19 concessions. These concessions are wholly owned by Recursos Stingray de Cobre S.A de C.V., our wholly owned Mexican subsidiary. Additionally, a total of 1,926 hectares of surface rights have been successfully negotiated with the Ejido Miguel Hidalgo, which allows for all required land ownership rights needed for project development.
The El Pilar deposit is located at the southwest margin of the Patagonia Mountains near the base of a mountain range. The topography near the deposit permits sufficient surface space for a mining operation, leaching pads, waste disposal areas, and other facilities. The property can be reached by road from Hermosillo, Sonora in Mexico and from Tucson, Arizona in the United States. The route from Hermosillo to Miguel Hidalgo takes about 3.5 hours of driving time. The route from Tucson to Miguel Hidalgo is currently a two-hour drive. The site is a green-field mining site with no existing infrastructure. Experienced mining personnel and related contractors are available within driving distance.
The project area climate allows year-round mining and processing operations. A power line is located 3 km to the south, in the village of Miguel Hidalgo where SCC has an office and warehouse facilities, but the project will require the construction of a high voltage power line from the site to connect with the high voltage power lines accessible in Nogales, which is 28 km northwest of the property. A railroad is located 3 km south of the deposit. Construction of a new railway spur approximately 4 km in length is planned for the delivery of molten sulfur or sulfuric acid.
Geology
The deposit is located within the Sonora-Arizona Porphyry Copper Province, along the southwest flank of the Patagonia Mountains. The geology of the El Pilar property consists of Precambrian intrusive rocks overlain by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. These units are overlain by Tertiary sedimentary rocks. Intrusives of granitic to monzonitic composition with some pegmatitic and aplitic facies intrude all the older units. Tertiary and Quaternary alluvial fan and alluvial wash sediments cover the flanks of the ranges and the intervening valleys.
The El Pilar copper deposit occurs within unconsolidated, poorly sorted, poorly bedded, proximal facies alluvial wash
deposits that are overlain by dissected younger alluvial fan deposits. The copper bearing sediments at El Pilar are comprised solely of alluvial wash gravels deposited into a paleo topographic range-front depression. At the northern boundary of the deposit, these basin-fill sediments are juxtaposed against unmineralized Precambrian granitic rocks by an east-west to northwest-trending, south dipping zone of faulting and hydrothermal brecciation. Mineralization predominantly consists of the copper oxide mineral chrysocolla, which occurs as coatings on clasts of highly silicified breccia and as grains in the sedimentary gravel matrix.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral resources exclusive of mineral reserves for El Pilar as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 per pound:
Copper
Amount (million tonnes)
Total copper
Soluble copper
Contained copper (million pounds)
Measured mineral resources
2.2
0.20
%
0.10
%
Indicated mineral resources
81.3
0.18
%
0.08
%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
83.4
0.18
%
0.08
%
Inferred mineral resources
88.6
0.12
%
0.06
%
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and effective as of December 31, 2021 as reported in the Technical Report Summary dated February 28, 2022. Southern Copper has reported that minor activity by contractors at the site has not materially impacted the total Mineral Resource estimates that were reported as of December 31, 2021. Therefore, the estimates as of December 31, 2021 are deemed current as of December 31, 2024. The qualified person (“QP”) has not visited the site since August 2021 and cannot independently determine whether contractor activities have impacted Mineral Resources.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Metallurgical Recovery: Cu Recovery = 0.3349 x LN (Soluble Cu/Total Cu) + 0.7949
(4) Cut-Off Grade: Calculated on break-even profit basis and constrained within the pit shell outlined using a Cu price of $3.795/lb.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the El Pilar project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.9 of Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 7, 2022.
(6) There were no changes in resources with regard to 2021’s figures. Technical Studies are underway.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral reserves for El Pilar as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 per pound:
Copper
ROM Ore (million tonnes)
Copper grade
Contained copper (thousand tonnes)
Contained copper (million pounds)
Proven mineral reserves
0.27
%
Probable mineral reserves
0.25
%
1,374
Total mineral reserves
0.25
%
1,744
(1) Mineral reserves are effective as of December 31, 2021 as reported in the Technical Report Summary dated February 28, 2022. Southern Copper has reported minor activity by contractors at the site since that time has not materially impacted the original Mineral Reserves estimates. Therefore, the estimates as of December 31, 2021 are deemed current as of December 31, 2024. The QP has not visited the site since August 2021 and cannot independently determine whether the contractor activities have impacted Mineral Reserves.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is delivery to the leach pad.
(3) The recovered copper estimate utilizes the following recovery formula: (Cu Rec % = 0.3349 x LN(Cu_Ratio) + 0.7949)
(4) Cut-Off Grade: Measured and Indicated Blocks within the ultimate pit design with a value greater than or equal to zero were considered ore. The following “Value Equation” was used to calculate that value using a Cu price of $3.30/lb. Value / tonne = ($0.73 * Cu Recovery * Cu Grade) - ($0.15 * Cu Recovery * Cu Grade) - $0.57
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the El Pilar project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.9 of the Company´s Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 7, 2022.
(6) There were no changes in reserves with regard to 2021’s figures. Technical Studies are underway.
El Arco Project
The El Arco deposit is located near the village of El Arco in Baja California, Mexico, which lies near the center of the Baja California Peninsula in the municipalities of San Quintin, Baja California and Mulegé, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The Project centroid is at approximately 28°03’ 24.08” N; 113° 27’ 35.23” W. The center of the El Arco deposit is located at approximately 28° 02’ 02.97” N; 113° 23’ 46.75” W. Route 1 is the only paved highway connecting the northern and southern parts of the Baja Peninsula. El Arco located between the towns of Santa Rosalía and Guerrero Negro at kilometer 189. The El Arco site is accessed by taking Highway 1 approximately 30 kilometers south of the town of Guerrero Negro to the intersection with the highway MX 18, and following MX 18 for 42 kilometers east to the project site. Highway 1 is paved and in good condition and Highway 18 was originally paved but currently all pavement is gone, leaving a gravel roadbed.
The nearest port is Santa Rosalía on the Sea of Cortez, 240 km by road southeast of El Arco. We plan to construct a port at El Barril, located 70 km northeast of the proposed mine site. The site is currently a greenfields site with limited infrastructure that is only suitable to support exploration-level activities. Planned on-site infrastructure includes an open pit mine, two waste rock storage facilities, mill complex and oxide fine crushing facilities, temporary ore stockpile, heap leach facility, tailings storage facility, administration building, truck shop and warehouse, main 230 kV electrical substation and a water storage dam and reservoir.
We hold 11 mining concessions, covering 72,133 hectares. Surfaces rights in the deposit area are held by a combination of agrarian cooperatives (ejidos) and private owners. Project water is planned to be sourced from a desalination plant, to be constructed at El Barril. Additionally, we expect to obtain power from a private provider.
Geology
The El Arco deposit is considered to be an example of a porphyry copper deposit. The Alisitos arc is an approximately 300 × 30 kilometer oceanic arc terrane that accreted to the western edge of the Peninsular Ranges batholith within the North American Cordillera. A chain of granitic batholithic intrusions intrude the Alisitos Formation, and El Arco, the oldest known porphyry deposit in this chain, is located at the extreme southern end of the chain.
The El Arco area basement consists of serpentinite, with blocks of peridotite, pyroxenite and amphibolite that are tectonically overlain by diorites, gabbros, and rocks interpreted to be pillow lavas. These units are overlain by metavolcanic agglomerates, metagraywackes, meta-andesite flows and breccias, and thinly-bedded marble. Andesite flows in the upper part of this sequence host granodiorite porphyry intrusions that generated the El Arco deposit. Barren diabase dikes cut the andesite and granodiorite porphyry. All lithologies have been subject to greenschist facies metamorphism, characterized by development of chlorite-epidote-calcite-quartz. Mineralization at El Arco occurs in three sub-horizontal zones.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of mineral resources for El Arco as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.80 and $10.35 per pound for copper and molybdenum, respectively, and fixed over the 35-year expected mine life.
Mill plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Gold grade (g/t)
Silver grade (g/t)
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained gold (million ounces)
Contained silver (million ounces)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
826.6
0.41
%
0.008
%
0.12
1.6
7,544.9
146.5
3.23
41.88
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
826.6
0.41
%
0.008
%
0.12
1.6
7,544.9
146.5
3.23
41.88
Inferred mineral resources
2,344.9
0.37
%
0.006
%
0.11
1.5
19,352.3
298.2
8.05
110.89
Leach plant
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Gold grade (g/t)
Silver grade (g/t)
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained gold (million ounces)
Contained silver (million ounces)
Measured mineral resources
-
-
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
51.3
0.30
%
-
%
-
-
335.3
-
-
-
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
51.3
0.30
%
-
%
-
-
335.3
-
-
-
Inferred mineral resources
63.8
0.25
%
-
%
-
-
350.9
-
-
-
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as at December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability.
(3) Mineral resources are reported within a conceptual pit shell that is based on copper and molybdenum values only. The pit shell uses the following input parameters: metal prices of $3.80/lb Cu and $10.35/lb Mo; variable net smelter return cut-offs; mining recovery of 100%; metallurgical recoveries of 86% Cu, and 55% Mo for material sent to the mill facility, and recovery of 80% Cu (Total copper) for material sent to the heap leach pad; total mining costs (base, incremental and sustaining) of $1.206/t mined; total mill process costs (base, sustaining, tailings, G&A and molybdenum plant) of $7.80/t milled; total leaching costs (operating and SX-EW) of $1.60/t leached; miscellaneous costs (closure, payments) of $0.10/t processed; copper refining cost of $0.09/lb, copper smelting cost of $90/t concentrate; copper transport costs of $107.69/t concentrate; molybdenum transport costs of $73.67/t concentrate; and molybdenum refining/treatment cost of 12.50% (of molybdenum price). Mineral resources are constrained within a wireframe constructed at a 0.1% total copper cut-off grade.
(4) Gold and silver are not used in the pit optimization. The gold and silver metallurgical recoveries for material that will be sent to the mill facility are forecast at 55.7% Au, and 50.2% Ag, respectively. Molybdenum, gold and silver are not expected to be recovered from the leach process.
(5) Mineral resources are constrained within a wireframe constructed at a 0.1% total copper cut-off grade.
(6) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, please refer to Chapter 11 of the El Arco project technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.10 of the Company´s Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 7, 2022.
(7) There were no changes in mineral resources with regard to the figures reported in 2021.
Mineral reserves
The following table contains the summary of copper mineral reserves for El Arco as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term price assumptions of $3.30 and $9.00 per pound for copper and molybdenum, respectively, and were fixed over the 35 year expected mine life.
Probable mineral reserves
Amount (million tonnes)
Copper grades
Molybdenum grades
Gold grade (g/t)
Silver grade (g/t)
Contained copper (million pounds)
Contained molybdenum (million pounds)
Contained gold (million ounces)
Contained silver (million ounces)
Sulfide mill
1,229.5
0.40
%
0.006
%
0.14
1.8
10,822
166.7
5.6
70.5
Oxide leach
140.5
0.27
%
-
%
-
-
-
-
-
(1) Mineral reserves are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) The reference point for the estimate is the point of delivery to the processing facility.
(3) Mineral reserves are constrained within an optimized pit shell based on copper and molybdenum only.
(4) The following parameters were used in estimation: assumption of open pit mining methods; assumption of heap leach and concentrate processing; copper price of $3.30/lb, molybdenum price of $9.00/lb; variable net smelter return cut-offs; mining recovery of 100%; metallurgical recoveries of 86% Cu, and 55% Mo for material sent to the mill facility, and recovery of 80% Cu (Total copper) for material sent to the heap leach pad; total mining costs (base, incremental and sustaining) of $1.206/t mined; total mill process costs (base, sustaining, tailings, G&A and molybdenum plant) of $7.80/t milled; total leaching costs (operating and SX-EW) of $1.60/t leached; miscellaneous costs (closure, payments) of $0.10/t processed; copper refining cost of $0.09/lb; copper smelting cost of $90/t concentrate; copper transport costs of $107.69/t concentrate; molybdenum transport costs of $73.67/t concentrate; and molybdenum refining/treatment cost of 12.50% (of molybdenum price).
(5) Gold and silver are not used in the pit optimization. The gold and silver metallurgical recoveries for material that will be sent to the mill facility are forecast at 55.7% Au, and 50.2% Ag, respectively. Molybdenum, gold and silver are not expected to be recovered from the leach process.
(6) For the leaching process, the internal copper cut-off was 0.049% while the breakeven copper cut-off was 0.057%.
(7) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 12 of the El Arco operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.10 of the Company´s Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed on March 7, 2022.
(8) There were no changes in mineral reserves with regard to the figures reported in 2021.
MEXICAN IMMSA UNIT
Our IMMSA unit (underground mining poly-metallic division) owns five underground mining complexes situated in central and northern Mexico, three of which are currently operating. It produces zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold. These complexes include industrial processing facilities for zinc, lead, copper and silver. All of IMMSA’s mining facilities employ exploitation systems and conventional equipment. We believe that all the plants and equipment are in satisfactory operating condition. IMMSA’s principal mining facilities are Charcas, Santa Barbara, San Martin, Santa Eulalia and Taxco.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our Mexican IMMSA unit:
Variance
2024 - 2023
Volume
%
Average annual operating days(*)
Total material mined and milled
(kt)
4,433
4,346
4,100
2.0
%
Zinc:
Average ore grade
(%)
1.85
1.88
1.79
(0.03)
(1.6)
%
Average recovery
(%)
80.28
80.22
81.62
0.06
0.1
%
Concentrate produced
(kt)
130.7
132.0
124.0
(1.3)
(1.0)
%
Concentrate average grade
(%)
50.29
49.64
48.38
0.65
1.3
%
Zinc in concentrate
(kt)
65.7
65.5
60.0
0.2
0.3
%
Lead:
Average ore grade
(%)
0.69
0.63
0.58
0.06
9.5
%
Average recovery
(%)
68.92
68.78
69.49
0.14
0.2
%
Concentrate produced
(kt)
37.2
33.6
32.5
3.6
10.7
%
Concentrate average grade
(%)
56.63
55.71
51.00
0.92
1.7
%
Lead in concentrate
(kt)
21.1
18.7
16.6
2.4
12.8
%
Copper:
Average ore grade
(%)
0.38
0.38
0.39
-
-
%
Average recovery
(%)
58.49
57.52
56.71
0.97
1.7
%
Concentrate produced
(kt)
44.4
43.9
40.3
0.5
1.1
%
Concentrate average grade
(%)
21.97
21.80
22.65
0.17
0.8
%
Copper in concentrate
(kt)
9.8
9.6
9.1
0.2
2.1
%
Silver:
Average ore grade
(ounces)
1.93
1.97
2.13
(0.04)
(2.0)
%
Average recovery
(%)
78.99
77.88
77.22
1.11
1.4
%
Concentrate average grade
(%)
31.9
31.8
34.3
0.1
0.3
%
Silver in concentrates
((000) ounces)
6,774.86
6,664.00
6,749.6
110.9
1.7
%
kt = thousand tonnes
(*)
Weighted average annual operating days based on total material mined and milled in the three active mines: Charcas, Santa Barbara and San Martin.
Charcas
The Charcas mining complex is located approximately 110 kilometers north of the city of San Luis Potosi in the State of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The mine uses the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) World Geodetic System (WGS84) Zone 14Q coordinate system and is located at 2 560 223 N and 280 042 E at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level. Charcas is connected to the state capital by a paved highway of 130 kilometers. It was discovered in 1573 and operations in the 20th century began in 1911. The complex includes three underground mines (San Bartolo, Rey-Reina and La Aurora) and one flotation plant that produces zinc, lead and copper concentrates with significant amounts of silver. The Charcas mine is characterized by low operating costs and good quality ores and is situated near the zinc refinery. Charcas is exploited underground by room and pillar with hydraulic cut and fill. The crushed ore is transported to the surface for processing in the flotation plant.
We currently hold 13 mining concessions over the Charcas property, which covers a total area of 88,643.26 hectares. Additionally, we own surface lands covering an area of 1,744.4 hectares with rights to conduct any work or exploration required to advance or continue of activities within the Charcas project. Water is obtained from three main sources: recovery of process water from the tailings dam, recovery of the working water from the mine and fresh water from concession wells. Additionally, the unit receives a power supply of 115,000 volts in two 7.5-Mega Volt-Amp (MVA) transformers, distributed to electrical substations located in the different areas of mining operation. Fuel comes from a local distribution point in the city of San Luis Potosi and is stored in a series of tanks located on the surface.
Geology
The Charcas mining district is in the east-central part of the central mesa of Mexico, which is part of the larger metallogenic province of Sierra Madre. The mineral deposits found within the Charcas mining district are tertiary polymetallic skarn (silver, lead, zinc and copper) deposits hosted in carbonate rocks of the Jurassic-Cretaceous periods and in shales and sandstones of the Late Triassic. In the carbonate rocks, veins and mantos form the predominant mineralization, while less mineralized fractures tend to occur within the shales and sandstones. The varied style of mineralization largely corresponds to the lithological variety of units that serve as host rocks.
The Charcas intrusive complex (“CIC”) was emplaced in Triassic to upper Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Some dikes from the CIC have developed metamorphic halos with related polymetallic mineralization. There are two recognized stages of mineralization. In the first stage, the mineralization is enriched in silver, lead, and zinc and characterized with calcite and small quantities of quartz and chalcopyrite (CuFeS) present. In the second stage, the mineralization is copper and silver rich with lesser amounts of chalcopyrite. The mineralization also includes lead ore with associated silver, plus pyrite and only minor amounts of sphalerite (ZnS). The mineralization occurs as replacement sulfides in carbonate rocks and as filling fracture veins. The typical sulfides found at the Charcas include chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena (PbS), and silver minerals.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of mineral resources for Charcas as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term metal price assumptions:
Silver
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
23.00
18,085
33,198
23.00
6,410
17,297
91.9%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
23.00
18,085
33,198
23.00
6,410
17,297
91.9%
Inferred mineral resources
23.00
15,752
31,776
23.00
15,162
48,005
(33.8)%
Zinc
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.32
18,085
3.74
%
677.1
1.32
6,410
3.06
%
195.9
245.7%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.32
18,085
3.74
%
677.1
1.32
6,410
3.13
%
195.9
245.7%
Inferred mineral resources
1.32
15,752
3.32
%
522.8
1.32
15,162
2.78
%
421.0
24.2%
Lead
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.09
18,085
0.24
%
44.0
1.09
6,410
0.39
%
24.9
76.7%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.09
18,085
0.24
%
44.0
1.09
6,410
0.39
%
24.9
76.7%
Inferred mineral resources
1.09
15,752
0.35
%
55.8
1.09
15,162
0.39
%
58.7
(4.9)%
Copper
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
%
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
3.80
18,085
0.35
%
63.0
3.80
6,410
0.52
%
33.5
87.9%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
3.80
18,085
0.35
%
63.0
3.80
6,410
0.52
%
33.5
87.9%
Inferred mineral resources
3.80
15,752
0.32
%
49.8
3.80
15,162
0.55
%
82.8
(39.9)%
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Metallurgical recovery assumptions (in payable concentrates) are: 76% for silver, 39% for lead, 63% for copper and 87% for zinc.
(4) Mineral resources are reported at metal-equivalent Cut-Off Grades (COG) based on metal price assumptions, variable metallurgical recovery assumptions, mining costs, processing costs, G&A costs, and variable Net Smelter Recovery (NSR) factors. Mining, processing, and G&A costs total $69.84/t with metal prices of $1,725/tr oz for Au, $23/tr oz for Ag, $1.09/lb for Pb, $1.32 /lb for Zn and $3.80/lb for Cu.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Charcas operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.10 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.11 to the 2023 Form 10-K.
(6) Variations in mineral resources in 2024 were attributable to the implementation of 3D implicit geological modeling, geostatistical analysis, block model construction and mineral resource estimation, involving changes in the method of evaluating capping, use of statistical tools and grade continuity evaluation through variography analysis.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara mining complex is located approximately 26 kilometers southwest of the city of Hidalgo del Parral in southern Chihuahua, Mexico. The mine uses the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) World Geodetic System (WGS84) Zone 13R coordinate system and is located at 2 965 880 N and 418 948 E at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. The area can be reached via a paved road of from Hidalgo del Parral, a city on a federal highway. The area is also connected to the state capital of Chihuahua 250 km along Highway 24. It was discovered in 1536 and mining activities in the 20th century began in 1913. Santa Barbara includes three main underground mines (San Diego, Segovedad and Tecolotes) as well as a flotation plant and produces lead, copper and zinc concentrates, with significant amounts of silver.
IMMSA currently holds 33 mining concessions over the Santa Barbara property, covering a total area of 27,772.51 hectares (ha), with the titles held 100% by the Company. There are also surface lands that cover an area of 20.92 hectares and are owned by IMMSA, which provide us within sufficient rights to any work or exploration that we require to carry out for the advancement and continuity of activities in the Santa Barbara property. There are an additional 371.07 hectares covered by a contract with the community of Santa Barbara that allows for any further work or exploration required.
Due to the variable characteristics of the ore bodies, four types of mining methods are used: shrinkage stoping, long-hole drilled open stoping, cut-and-fill stoping and horizontal bench stoping. The ore, once crushed, is processed in the flotation plant to produce concentrates. All the water used in industrial operations at Santa Barbara comes from the mine and the concentrator plant, where a large part of this water is recovered from the tailings dam, creating a closed circuit for its proper use. Electricity is supplied by Eolica el Retiro, Energia Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V. and the CFE.
Geology
The pre-mineral rock types found at Santa Barbara consist of a thick calcareous shale formation and andesite flows. The post-mineral rock types consist of dikes and sills of rhyolite and diabase, a thin conglomerate formation, basalt flows, and unconsolidated stream sediments. Pre-mineral faulting took place in two stages, forming four fault systems. All faults within each system have similar strike and dip. Movement along these faults, vertical in the first-stage faults and horizontal in the second-stage faults, formed openings and breccia zones.
Hydrothermal solutions, emanating from depth, were introduced into the faults. The walls and breccia fragments within the faults were silicified, and the high-temperature silicates, garnet, pyroxene, and epidote were formed. Accompanying and following the formation of the silicates, the sulfides, such as sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and arsenopyrite, with associated gold and a silver mineral, were introduced with quartz, calcite, and fluorite. Most of these minerals replaced the silicates and altered shale. The parts of the faults where wide pre-mineral openings were located filled with quartz and a higher ratio of sulfides than in the narrow portions of the faults. Quartz, calcite, fluorite, and barite were among the last minerals deposited.
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of mineral resources for Santa Barbara as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term metal price assumptions:
Silver
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
23.00
19,883
62,335
23.00
25,512
84,495
(26.2)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
23.00
19,883
62,335
23.00
25,512
84,495
(26.2)%
Inferred mineral resources
23.00
47,333
124,081
23.00
18,238
55,444
123.8%
Zinc
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.32
19,883
3.36
%
668.3
1.32
25,512
3.15
%
804.1
(16.9)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.32
19,883
3.36
%
668.3
1.32
25,512
3.15
%
804.1
(16.9)%
Inferred mineral resources
1.32
47,333
3.34
%
1,578.7
1.32
18,238
3.86
%
704.7
124.0%
Lead
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.09
19,883
1.71
%
340.7
1.09
25,512
1.99
%
508.5
(33.0)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.09
19,883
1.71
%
340.7
1.09
25,512
1.99
%
508.5
(33.0)%
Inferred mineral resources
1.09
47,333
1.87
%
884.6
1.09
18,238
2.25
%
410.9
115.3%
Copper
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
3.80
19,883
0.47
%
93.1
3.80
25,512
0.52
%
132.3
(29.7)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
3.80
19,883
0.47
%
93.1
3.80
25,512
0.52
%
132.3
(29.7)%
Inferred mineral resources
3.80
47,333
0.45
%
211.1
3.80
18,238
0.55
%
100.8
109.4%
Gold
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1,725
19,883
0.16
1,725
25,512
0.27
(54.9)%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1,725
19,883
0.16
1,725
25,512
0.27
(54.9)%
Inferred mineral resources
1,725
47,333
0.12
1,725
18,238
0.17
89.7%
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Metallurgical recovery assumptions (in payable concentrates) are: 33% for Gold, 81% for silver, 79% for lead, 40% for copper and 80% for zinc.
(4) Mineral resources are reported at metal-equivalent Cut-Off Grades (COG) based on metal price assumptions, variable metallurgical recovery assumptions, mining costs, processing costs, G&A costs, and variable Net Smelter Recovery (NSR) factors. Mining, processing, and G&A costs total $82.98/t. with metal prices of $1,725/tr oz for Au, $23/tr oz for Ag, $1.09/lb for Pb, $1.32 /lb for Zn and $3.80/lb for Cu.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the 2024 estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the Santa Barbara operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.11 to this Form 10-K. Assumptions for the 2023 estimates may be found in the prior technical report summary, under Exhibit 96.12 to the 2023 Form 10-K.
(6) Variations in mineral resources in 2024 were attributable to the implementation of 3D implicit geological modeling, geostatistical analysis, block model construction and mineral resource estimation, involving changes in the method of evaluating capping, use of statistical tools and grade continuity evaluation through variography analysis.
San Martin
The San Martin mining complex is located in the municipality of Sombrerete in the northwestern part of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. It is located approximately 185 kilometers from the city of Zacatecas. The elevation of the San Martin mining complex is approximately 2,600 meters (m) with geographic coordinates of 629,000 E and 2,614,000 N (WGS84, UTM Zona 13). The nearest major town is the municipality of Sombrerete (17 km away) in the Sierra Madre Occidental geographic province. It was discovered in 1555 and mining operations in the 20th century began in 1949. The complex includes an underground mine and a flotation plant. The ore body contains lead, copper and zinc concentrates, with significant amounts of silver. The state of Zacatecas has an extensive infrastructure of roads and highways that connect the San Martín to the rest of the country. The San Martin mining unit has a paved road to Highway 45, which leads to the town of Sombrerete, 17 kilometers away. Highway 45 then connects Sombrete to Fresnillo, Zacatecas and Durango at distances of 110,171 and 125 kilometers, respectively.
The San Martin property consists of 73 mining concessions with a total surface of 10,360.95 hectares, with the titles held by IMMSA. Water is currently extracted via three deep wells in the Proaño area, storing it in a pool adjacent to the wells. Electric power is provided by the national grid via a 45 kilometer extension. The unit receives a power supply of 115 KV, the main substation has a capacity of 24 MWA.
After eleven years of an illegal stoppage, we resumed control of the San Martin mine in August 2018. The San Martin facilities deteriorated during this period and we undertook a major renovation to restart operations in the second quarter of 2019, with a total expense of approximately $90.5 million. Production at this mine was restored to full capacity at the end of the third quarter of 2019.
Geology
San Martín mine is located in the Central Mesa of Mexico, between Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental. The Cuesta del Cura (Upper Cretaceous) limestone is the main sedimentary formation in the district. This is a sequence of shallow marine limestone and black chert which is overlain by Indura Formation that consists of alternating shales and fine-grained clayey limestones.
The mineral deposits in this district are associated with replacement veins and bodies formed in the skarn in close proximity to the Cerro de la Gloria granodiorite intrusion. The main mineralized veins are San Marcial, Ibarra and Gallo-Gallina which are oriented parallel to the intrusive contact and have thicknesses varying from 0.4 m to 4 m and horizontal extents of up to 1,000 m to the east/northeast from the granodiorite contact. The mineralization is associated with massive and disseminated sulfides occurring in replacement ore bodies between the main veins and in the skarn and include chalcopyrite (CuFeS), sphalerite (ZnS), galena (PbS), bornite (CuFeS), tetrahedrite (CuFe Sb S), native Silver (Ag), Pyrite (FeS), arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and stibnite (SbS).
Mineral resources
The following table contains the summary of mineral resources for San Martin as of December 31, 2024, based on long-term metal price assumptions:
Silver
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Metal price (per ounce)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades (grams per tonne)
Metal content (thousand ounces)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
23.00
13,812
33,793
23.00
12,978
32,236
4.8%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
23.00
13,812
33,793
23.00
12,978
32,236
4.8%
Inferred mineral resources
23.00
55,744
127,473
23.00
52,330
121,500
4.9%
Zinc
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.32
13,812
1.89
%
260.8
1.32
12,978
1.97
%
256.3
1.7%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.32
13,812
1.89
%
260.8
1.32
12,978
1.97
%
256.3
1.7%
Inferred mineral resources
1.32
55,744
2.55
%
1,422.6
1.32
52,330
2.66
%
1,393.8
2.1%
Lead
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
1.09
13,812
0.34
%
46.5
1.04
12,978
0.34
%
43.9
5.8%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
1.09
13,812
0.34
%
46.5
1.04
12,978
0.34
%
43.9
5.8%
Inferred mineral resources
1.09
55,744
0.31
%
174.3
1.04
52,330
0.32
%
167.5
4.1%
Copper
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Metal price (per pound)
Amount (thousand tonnes)
Grades
Metal content (thousand tonnes)
Variation
Measured mineral resources
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
%
-
-
Indicated mineral resources
3.80
13,812
0.62
%
86.3
3.80
12,978
0.65
%
84.8
1.7%
Measured + Indicated mineral resources
3.80
13,812
0.62
%
86.3
3.80
12,978
0.65
%
84.8
1.7%
Inferred mineral resources
3.80
55,744
0.46
%
258.9
3.80
52,330
0.48
%
251.3
3.0%
(1) Mineral resources are reported in situ and are current as of December 31, 2024.
(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.
(3) Metallurgical recovery assumptions (in payable concentrates) are 83% for silver, 40% for lead, 71% for copper and 76% for zinc.
(4) Mineral resources are reported at metal-equivalent Cut-Off Grades (COG) based on metal price assumptions, variable metallurgical recovery assumptions, mining costs, processing costs, G&A costs, and variable Net Smelter Recovery (NSR) factors. Mining, processing, and G&A costs total $61.16/t. with metal prices of $1,725/tr oz for Au, $23/tr oz for Ag, $1.04/lb for Pb, $1.32 /lb for Zn and $3.80/lb for Cu.
(5) For further information on assumptions used in preparing the estimates, including a detailed description of the cut-off determination, please refer to Chapter 11 of the San Martin operations technical report summary prepared by qualified persons, under Exhibit 96.13 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 29, 2024.
(6) Variations in mineral resources in 2024 were attributable to a reduction in the Cut-Off grade and production depletion in 2024.
Santa Eulalia
The mining district of Santa Eulalia is located in the central part of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, approximately 26 kilometers east of the city of Chihuahua, and is connected to the city of Chihuahua by a paved road (highway no. 45). It
was discovered in 1590 but exploitation began in 1870. The main mines in Santa Eulalia are The Buena Tierra mine and the San Antonio mine.
Regarding its geology, the majority of mineralization corresponds to ore skarns: silicoaluminates of calcium, iron and manganese with variable quantities of lead, zinc, copper and iron sulfides. Economic ore include sphalerite (ZnS), galena (PbS) and small quantities of pyrargyrite (Ag3SbS3).
In the first quarter of 2020, the Santa Eulalia mine temporarily suspended its operations due to flooding. We are currently evaluating different options to supply the Santa Eulalia concentrator. We are also evaluating drainage at the mining facilities and determining if it is possible to sell the water for agricultural or other uses.
Taxco
The Taxco mining complex has been on strike since July 2007. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Taxco in the northern part of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It was discovered in 1519 and mining activities in the 20th century began in 1918. The complex includes several underground mines (San Antonio, Guerrero and Remedios) and a flotation plant. The ore contains lead and zinc concentrates, with some amounts of gold and silver.
There was no mine exploration drilling at Taxco during the three-year period ended December 31, 2024 due to the strikes. Please see Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies-Labor matters” to the consolidated financial statements.
Processing Facilities-San Luis Potosi
Our San Luis Potosi electrolytic zinc refinery is located in the city of San Luis Potosi, in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The city of San Luis Potosi is connected to our refinery by a major highway.
Zinc Refinery
The San Luis Potosi electrolytic zinc refinery was built in 1982 and was designed to produce 105,000 tonnes of refined zinc per year by treating up to 200,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate from our own mines, principally Charcas, which is located 113 kilometers from the refinery. The refinery produces special high-grade zinc (99.995%), high-grade zinc (over 99.9%) and zinc-based alloys with aluminum, lead, copper or magnesium in varying quantities and sizes depending on market demand. Refined silver and gold production is obtained from tolling services provided by a third party mining company.
The electrolytic zinc refinery has an acid plant, a steam recovery boiler and a roaster. There is also a calcine processing area with five leaching stages: neutral, hot acid, intermediate acid, acid, purified fourth and jarosite, as well as two stages for solution purifying.
The table below contains production information for 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our San Luis Potosi zinc refinery:
Variance
2024 - 2023
Volume
%
Total zinc concentrate treated
(kt)
214.1
215.2
215.3
(1.1)
(0.5)
%
Refined zinc produced
(kt)
98.8
101.0
99.9
(2.2)
(2.2)
%
Sulfuric acid produced
(kt)
187.7
179.9
182.1
7.8
4.3
%
Refined silver produced
(kt)
16.8
13.9
18.9
2.9
20.9
%
Refined gold produced
(k)
22.2
21.7
21.5
0.5
2.3
%
Refined cadmium produced
(kt)
0.6
0.5
0.6
0.1
17.6
%
Average refinery recovery
(%)
92.2
92.2
93.1
-
-
%
kt = thousand tonnes
MINERAL RESOURCES AND RESERVES
Mineral resources are concentrations or occurrences of material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. Such a deposit cannot qualify as recoverable proven and probable mineral reserves until engineering, legal and economic feasibility are confirmed based upon a comprehensive evaluation of development and operating costs, grades, recoveries and other material factors. Mineral resources include measured, indicated and inferred mineral classifications.
Measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this section, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.
Indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.
Inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, may not be converted to a mineral reserve and no assurance can be given that the estimated mineral resources not included in mineral reserves will become proven and probable mineral reserves.
Mineral reserves are estimates of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. Mineral reserves, as used in the mineral reserve data presented in this report, means the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. Proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource. Probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource.
Our estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources have been prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of S-K 1300. Pursuant to SEC guidance, qualified persons used forecast metal prices for mineral resource and mineral reserve estimation and the economic analysis. These projected prices were derived from forecasts from several analysts and banks. The commodity price forecast covered the period 2021-2025 and provided a long-term forecast for 2025 onward. As of December 31, 2024, we considered $3.30 per pound of copper and $10.00 per pound of molybdenum.
Our engineering department reviews reserve computations in detail on an annual basis. In addition, our engineering department reviews the computation when changes in assumptions occur. Changes can occur for price or cost assumptions, results in field drilling or new geotechnical parameters. We also engage third party consultants to review mine planning procedures.
We periodically reevaluate estimates of our mineral reserves, which represent our estimate as to the amount of unmined copper remaining in our existing mine locations that can be produced and sold at a profit. These estimates are based on engineering evaluations derived from samples of drill holes and other openings, combined with assumptions about copper market prices and production costs at each of our mines. See Risk Factors in Item 1A for a discussion of risks associated with our estimates of mineral reserves and resources.
The qualified persons responsible for mineral reserve and resource estimates are as follows:
Peruvian open-pit:
Cuajone mine - Wood Group USA Inc.
Toquepala mine - Wood Group USA Inc.
Tia Maria project:
Wood Group USA Inc.
Chancas project:
Wood Group USA Inc.
Michiquillay project:
Wood Group USA Inc.
Mexican open-pit:
La Caridad - WSP USA Inc.
Pilares - WSP USA Inc.
Buenavista del Cobre - WSP USA Inc.
IMMSA unit:
Santa Barbara - SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.
Charcas - SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.
San Martin - SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.
El Arco project:
Wood Group USA Inc.
El Pilar project:
M3 Engineering & Technology Corp., Ingenieria Geomex, S.A. de C.V., and WSP USA Inc.
MINERAL RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES INTERNAL CONTROLS DISCLOSURE
In 2021, we adopted the new requirements of S-K 1300. As part of this process, we developed an implementation plan with a high-level cross functional team, which performed a completeness assessment over the Technical Report Summaries for each material property prepared by a third-party Qualified Person. Additionally, we established new policies, procedures and internal controls related to the new regulation. The review includes, among others, an analysis of the reasonableness of technical information, a thorough review of the mineral resources and reserves estimates, and the economic analysis which supports these estimates.
In addition, as part of the adoption of the requirements of S-K 1300, a significant component of our internal controls and quality assurance procedures on the information from material properties was performed by qualified persons responsible for mineral reserve and resource estimates. These include an intensive review of our procedures, as well as database verification, validation of mineral resource and reserve estimates, and the elaboration of technical report summaries. These controls and methods help to validate the reasonableness of the estimates. The effectiveness of the controls are reviewed periodically to address changes in conditions and the degree of compliance with policies and procedures.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
We are engaged in ongoing extensive exploration to locate additional ore bodies in Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. We also conduct exploration in the areas of our current mining operations. We invested $60.9 million in exploration programs in 2024, $55.0 million in 2023 and $41.7 million in 2022 and we expect to spend approximately $61.4 million on exploration programs in 2025.
Currently, we directly control 64,069 hectares and 136,256 hectares of exploration concessions in Peru and Mexico, respectively. We also currently hold 146,014 hectares and 28,268 hectares of exploration concessions in Argentina and Chile, respectively.
Peru
In 2024, we finished the evaluation of the Qori Project, which was based on the 2,031 meters previously drilled, and determined the existence of low-grade copper mineralization. Consequently, we will not continue exploration work on this project. In addition, exploration continued in the copper-gold strip of the southern Peruvian coast, locating anomalous zones of prospective interest that are under evaluation.
In 2025, we plan to conduct a diamond drilling program of 5,000 meters to explore targets with geophysical anomalies at the Atico project; the objective is to locate copper mineralization. Additionally, we will carry out prospecting work in metallogenic zones on the southern coast of Peru, which are associated with copper porphyry systems.
Mexico
In addition to exploration and drilling programs at existing mines, we are currently conducting exploration to locate mineral deposits at various other sites in Mexico. The following are some of the more significant exploration projects:
The Chalchihuites. This is a skarn type deposit located in the state of Zacatecas, close to the San Martin mining unit. Drilling programs conducted between 1980 and 2014 identified 12.6 million tonnes of mineralized material with an average silver content of 110 grams per ton, 2.66% of zinc, 0.37% of lead and 0.67% of copper. Current results indicate that mineralization consists of a complex mixture of oxides and sulfides of silver, lead and zinc that requires additional metallurgical research. In 2017, we started a new drilling program of 21,000 meters to continue metallurgical research and testing. In 2018, this exploration program, which included 48 drill holes was completed. This program has been carried out in compliance with QA/QC protocol, which includes testing the specific density of different rocks and mineralized types and geochemistry sampling. In addition, 5,000 meters of core sample from the drilling program were analyzed with a hyperspectral scanner, and a study of 498 kilometers of hyperspectral imaging was conducted to recognize the geology of the entire Chalchihuites mineral district. In 2019, with the complete data from the diamond
drilling program, we made a geological model of the Cronos deposit using Leapfrog software. In 2020, the sample design for a metallurgical test was completed and three metallurgical samples were delivered to an external consultant. Metallurgical tests for silver recovery will continue with semi-sulfide and oxide ores. In 2022 and 2023, we drilled a total 5,000 meters and included 16 drill holes in the area known as Virgen Morena. Exploration activities at this area did not render positive results and they were suspended. Metallurgical tests were concluded and confirmed that recoveries in sulphide flotation are good for Zn, Cu, Pb and Ag; however it was not possible to separate lead from the copper concentrate. Dynamic acid leaching tests were performed for oxides and mixed oxides. The results were positive. In 2024, Cu-Pb concentrate separation tests using microbubble technology were carried out. Additionally, we are evaluating three design alternatives to build an access ramp to obtain ore and process it in a pilot plant. Negotiations to purchase additional land are also ongoing.
San Antonio Sur (Santa Eulalia). It is located in the San Antonio mine, eastern field zone in Santa Eulalia. There is evidence of mineralization at Level 8 inside the mine. The drilling program is in place to verify the continuity of mineralization. The mine is currently flooded. In December 2023, the gauging stage with the new pumping system began. In 2024, the groundwater level was reduced 25 meters. In 2025, the water flow will be measured to confirm the capacity of the pumping system, and a technical economic study will be carried out to analyze the economic viability of the project. It is currently not clear if the mine can be dewatered.
Malpica Project. This project is located in the municipality of Concordia, 30 km east-southeast of the city of Mazatlán, in the state of Sinaloa. It comprises 13 mining concessions, covering a total area of 2,662 hectares. The Malpica project hosts a breccia pipes ore deposit that contains copper-gold-molybdenum sulfides. In 2022, a preliminary assessment study was conducted, estimating mineral resources of 42 million tonnes, with a grade of 0.47% copper and 0.20 grams of gold per tonne. In 2025, we plan to conduct a diamond drilling program of 10,000 meters and analyze 4,000 core samples to delimit the depth of mineralization. We also plan to implement quality control protocols in geochemical assays to validate the historical database to bolster geological reliability.
San Diego Project. This project is located in the municipality of Madero, 48 km south of the city of Morelia, in the state of Michoacán. In 2018, a diamond drilling campaign of 4,290 meters was completed, and results indicated the possible presence of a copper, molybdenum and gold porphyry deposit. In 2025, we plan to conduct a diamond drilling program of 5,000 meters and analyze 2,000 core samples to further verify the geophysical anomaly detected by induced polarization.
Chile
El Salado (Montonero). A copper-gold prospect located in the Atacama region, northern Chile has been under exploration for copper and molybdenum porphyry since 2014. In 2016 and 2017, we conducted a diamond drilling program of 22,108 meters and finished the conceptual study. In 2022 and 2023, we concluded the pre-feasibility study of the project. In 2024, we reviewed the information to develop a scoping plan for the project and determined a potential resource of 123 million tonnes of “mineable” sulfides with a grade of 0.54% of copper and 0.11 grams of gold per tonne. For 2025, we plan to continue drilling work to obtain geo-metallurgical, geotechnical and hydrogeological information, which will be used to develop the feasibility study.
Ecuador
Chaucha. The Ruta del Cobre (“Copper Road”) project is located in the west of Cuenca city and south of Guayaquil. The mineralization in this area is characteristic of a copper-molybdenum porphyry system, where exploration began in 2014. In 2021, the infill-drilling program was concluded, totaling 121,000 meters of diamond drilling. With this information, we prepared the project’s feasibility study, which concluded in 2022. The results of this study did not meet the Company´s commercial expectations and efforts were suspended in 2023.
In 2024, the Company had no prospects under evaluation and does not expect to conduct exploration activities in Ecuador during 2025.
Argentina
In 2011, we started exploration activities in Argentina in the Neuquen province. In 2015, we performed geological exploration in the Salta, Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces where we expected to locate copper porphyry with precious metals epithermal systems. Starting 2017, we performed prospection and geological evaluation work in the provinces of San Juan and Rio Negro with the exploration of silver-gold epithermal systems through geological mapping and surface sampling. In 2021, superficial geological and geochemical work was concluded at the Cerro La Mina and Tanque Negro prospects, which conform the Caldera project. In 2023, we developed surface geochemical and geological studies at the province of Catamarca. With the results of these studies, we are evaluating different areas.
Cañadon del Moro. This is a silver and gold low sulfidation epithermal deposit with high longitude seams located in the Rio Negro province. We conducted a diamond drilling program of 10,164 meters through 2022. In 2023 and 2024, we conducted the Conceptual Study and estimated indicated and inferred resources of 6.2 million tonnes with a grade of 6.0 ounces of silver per tonne and prospective resources of 15.0 million tonnes. For 2025, we plan to conduct a diamond drilling program of 2,000 meters to reclassify and increase the estimated resources to date.
Esperanza Project. Geological exploration work has been carried out using geophysical, geochemical methods and satellite images. A system of gold-bearing veins of economically prospective interest was determined, and with an initial drilling campaign of 2,000 meters, three areas of interest associated with the main structure were identified. For 2025, we plan to conduct a drilling campaign of 4,000 meters to dimension the economic potential in depth.
Caldera Project. This is located in the Rio Negro province, and includes the Cerro La Mina, Tanque Negro, Cerro Abanico and Cristal prospects. For 2025, we plan to evaluate these areas of interest to determine their potential, envisioning the formation of an operating cluster.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to the information under the caption “Litigation Matters” in the consolidated financial statement Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies.”

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
SCC COMMON STOCK:
SCC’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Lima Stock Exchange (“BVL”). SCC’s common stock symbol is SCCO on both the NYSE and the BVL. As of December 31, 2024, 840 holders of our common stock were on record.
DIRECTORS’ STOCK AWARD PLAN:
The following table contains certain information related to our shares held as treasury stock for the Directors’ stock award plan as of December 31, 2024:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities to be
Weighted-average
Number of securities
issued upon exercise of
exercise price of
remaining available
Plan Category
outstanding options
outstanding options
for future issuance
Directors’ stock award plan
N/A
N/A
155,600
For additional information see Note 14-“Stockholders Equity-Directors’ Stock Award Plan.”
SCC COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN:
In 2008, our BOD authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, the Company purchased common stock as shown in the table below. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. The Company may purchase additional shares of its common stock from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Period
Total
Maximum
Number of
Number of
Shares
Shares that
Total
Purchased
May Yet Be
Number of
Average
as Part of
Purchased
Shares
Price Paid
Publicly
Under the
Total Cost
From
To
Purchased
per Share
Announced Plan
Plan @ $91.13(1)
($ in millions)
46,914,486
$
18.72
46,914,486
878.1
2013:
10,245,000
27.47
57,159,486
281.4
2014:
22,711,428
30.06
79,870,914
682.8
2015:
36,689,052
27.38
116,559,966
1,004.4
2016:
2,937,801
24.42
119,497,767
71.7
Total purchased
119,497,767
$
24.42
$
2,918.4
(1) NYSE closing price of SCC common shares at December 31, 2024.
The SCC share repurchase program has registered no activity since the third quarter of 2016. The NYSE closing price of SCC common shares as of December 31, 2024 was $91.13 and the maximum number of shares that the Company could purchase at that price was 0.9 million.
As a result of the repurchase of shares of SCC’s common stock, Grupo Mexico’s direct and indirect ownership was 88.9% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total returns on the Company’s common stock against cumulative total return on the S&P 500 Stock Index and the S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index for the five-year period ending December 31, 2024. The chart below analyzes the total return on SCC’s common stock for the period commencing December 31, 2019 and ending December 31, 2024, compared to the total return of the S&P 500 and the S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index for the same five-year period.
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return *
SCC Stock, S&P 500 Index and S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index **
*
Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends
**
The comparison assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2019
Total Return per Year
SCC
56.8
%
(0.3)
%
3.5
%
49.1
%
11.2
%
S&P 500
16.3
%
26.9
%
(19.4)
%
24.2
%
23.3
%
S&P M + MS
14.4
%
34.0
%
11.5
%
20.1
%
(5.2)
%
The foregoing Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to and should be read together with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the discussion below of our financial condition and results of operations is for Southern Copper Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “SCC,” “Southern Copper,” “the Company,” “our,” and “we”) on a consolidated basis for all periods. Our financial results may not be indicative of our future results.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. See Item 1 “Business-Cautionary Statement.”
For details on the discussion on variations between 2023 and 2022, please see Management´s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, on the 2023 Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Business: Our business is primarily the production and sale of copper. In the process of producing copper, a number of valuable metallurgical by-products are recovered, which we also produce and sell. Market forces outside of our control largely determine the sale prices for our products. Our management, therefore, focuses on value creation through copper production, cost control, production enhancement and maintaining a prudent capital structure to remain profitable. We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs. Our aim is to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and to maximize financial performance in periods of high copper prices. We are one of the world’s largest copper mining companies in terms of production and sales and our principal operations are in Peru and Mexico. We also have an active ongoing exploration program in Chile and Argentina.
We believe we hold one of the world’s largest copper reserves and resources positions. As of December 31, 2024, our copper mineral reserves, estimated at a copper price of $3.30 per pound, totaled 112,668 million pounds of contained copper, distributed in the following locations:
Copper contained in ore reserves
Million pounds
Mexican open-pit
46,881
Peruvian operations
46,513
Development projects
19,274
Total
112,668
Outlook: Various key factors affect our outcome. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Sales structure: In the last three years, approximately 76.1% of our revenues came from the sale of copper; 11.4% from molybdenum; 4.5% from silver; 3.5% from zinc; and 4.5% from various other products, including gold, sulfuric acid and other materials.
● Copper: In 2024, representing approximately 76.6% of our sales, the LME copper price increased from an average of $3.85 per pound in 2023 to $4.15 (+7.8%) in 2024. Based on supply and demand dynamics, we estimated 2024 to end in balance, where demand grew 3.0% and supply, 3.5%.
For 2025, we expect demand to grow around 4%, driven by economic measures announced in China to promote economic expansion; resilient consumption in the U.S. economy; and new demand on the back of the energy
transition and growth in artificial intelligence technologies. This positive outlook for demand may be impacted by U.S. import duties on China and other countries and by slow growth or even a recession in several European countries and emerging markets.
On the supply side, we expect growth to stand at about 3.0%. As of the beginning of 2025, we expect a market deficit for the year of approximately 250,000 tonnes. We estimate that inventories will cover about one week of world demand. In summary, even though we see some risks, particularly for demand in 2025, we are optimistic about the strong support copper market prices will have this year.
● Molybdenum: Represented approximately 10.9% of our sales in 2024. Molybdenum prices averaged $21.21 per pound in 2024, compared to $23.73 in 2023, a 10.6% decrease.
For 2025, we believe that prices will hold at the current level of about $21.00 per pound due to a balanced market.
● Silver: We believe that silver prices will be supported by its intensive industrial use of this metal. Silver represented 5.1% of our sales in 2024.
● Zinc: Average zinc prices increased 5.0% in 2024 versus the figure recorded in 2023. We believe zinc has strong long-term fundamentals, driven by sustained industrial demand, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors. Although current supply levels are stable, a forecasted reduction in mine production and the closing of key refineries suggest that supply will tighten over time. As demand continues to grow, this imbalance is expected to put upward pressure on prices in the long run. Zinc represented 3.8% of our sales in 2024.
● Production: In 2025, we expect our copper production to reach 965,800 tonnes, a decrease of 0.8% over final production in 2024. Last year we drove our Pilares project to full capacity and we expect this project to contribute 32,300 tons of copper in 2025.
Regarding by products, we expect to produce 171,700 tonnes of zinc from our mines, up 32.0% from 2024 production level. This growth will be driven by the Buenavista Zinc concentrator (+40,700 tonnes). For 2025 and the coming years, we expect to produce over 170,000 tons of zinc per year on average. We expect to produce 26,200 tonnes of molybdenum, which represents a decrease of 9.7% compared to 2024 production levels. For silver, we expect to produce 23.1 million ounces of this metal, an increase of 10.1% compared to last year’s production.
● Capital investments: Capital investments were $1,027.3 million in 2024. This is 1.9% higher than in 2023 and represented 30.3% of net income. Our growth program to develop the full production potential of our Company is underway. We are currently developing a new organic growth plan whose goal is to increase our copper volume production to 1.5 million tonnes by 2032.
For 2025, the Board of Directors approved a capital investment program of $1,598.0 million.
KEY MATTERS
Below, we discuss several matters that we believe are important to understand our results of operations and financial condition. These matters include (i) earnings, (ii) production, (iii) “operating cash costs” as a measure of our performance, (iv) metal prices, (v) business segments, (vi) the effect of inflation and other local currency issues and (vii) our capital investment and exploration program.
Earnings: The table below highlights key financial and operational data of our Company for the three years ended December 31, 2024 (in millions, except copper price and per share amounts):
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Copper price LME
4.15
3.85
4.00
0.30
(0.15)
Pounds of copper sold
2,069.1
1,961.8
1,920.4
107.3
41.4
Net sales
$
11,433.4
$
9,895.8
$
10,047.9
$
1,537.6
$
(152.1)
Cost of sales
$
(4,841.4)
$
(4,687.7)
$
(4,649.1)
$
(153.7)
$
(38.6)
Operating income
$
5,554.7
$
4,192.3
$
4,435.8
$
1,362.4
$
(243.5)
Income before income taxes
$
5,357.4
$
3,955.8
$
4,247.8
$
1,401.6
$
(292.0)
Net income attributable to SCC
$
3,376.8
$
2,425.2
$
2,638.5
$
951.6
$
(213.3)
Earnings per share
$
4.33
$
3.14
$
3.41
$
1.19
$
(0.27)
Cash dividend per share
$
2.10
$
4.00
$
3.50
$
(1.90)
$
0.50
Net sales in 2024 totaled a record high of $11,433.4 million, reflecting a 15.5% increase compared to 2023. This performance was driven by higher prices for copper (+7.8% - LME), silver (+20.7%), and zinc (+5.0%), combined with increased sales volumes of copper (+5.5%), molybdenum (+7.9%), silver (+15.7%), and zinc (+44.6%). The significant rise in zinc sales volumes was primarily attributed to the Buenavista Zinc concentrator, which is operating at full capacity. These gains were partially offset by a decline in molybdenum prices (-10.6%), and by a downward adjustment of $77.6 million related to provisionally priced sales, reflecting a variance in open sales value at the end of 2024.
Costs of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) increased slightly in 2024 driven primarily by upticks in various areas. The main sources of variation in costs came from higher expenses related to repair materials, labor and fuel costs. These results were partially mitigated by a decrease in copper purchased from third parties, energy costs and inventory variance. In this context, the overall impact on the cost of sales was relatively moderate, as opposing factors largely balanced out fluctuations, resulting in a 3.3% increase compared to the figures recorded in 2023.
In 2024, net income attributable to SCC was $3,376.8 million, reflecting a 39.2% increase from the 2023 net income. This increase was primarily driven by increased sales volumes and a minor increase in interest income. Net income attributable to SCC in 2023 was 8.1% below 2022’s net income; this was mainly due to a reduction in sales volumes and a slight increase in costs of sales.
Production: The table below contains mine production data of our Company for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Volume
%
Volume
%
Copper (in million pounds)
2,147.0
2,008.4
1,972.5
138.6
6.9
%
35.9
1.8
%
Molybdenum (in million pounds)
63.9
59.2
57.8
4.8
8.1
%
1.3
2.3
%
Zinc (in million pounds)
286.6
144.4
132.3
142.2
98.5
%
12.1
9.2
%
Silver (in million ounces)
21.0
18.4
18.6
2.6
14.0
%
(0.2)
(0.8)
%
The table below contains copper production data from each of our mines for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Copper (in million pounds):
Volume
%
Volume
%
Toquepala
549.6
495.8
444.2
53.8
10.8
%
51.6
11.6
%
Cuajone
363.5
329.0
309.4
34.5
10.5
%
19.6
6.4
%
La Caridad
257.9
244.3
246.5
13.6
5.6
%
(2.2)
(0.9)
%
Buenavista
954.5
918.2
952.3
36.3
4.0
%
(34.1)
(3.6)
%
IMMSA
21.5
21.1
20.1
0.4
2.0
%
1.0
4.7
%
Total mined copper
2,147.0
2,008.4
1,972.5
138.6
6.9
%
35.9
1.8
%
2024 compared to 2023:
Copper mine production in 2024 increased 6.9% to 2,147.0 million pounds. This increase was primarily driven by an uptick in production levels at all our operations: Toquepala (+10.8%; higher ore grades and recoveries), Cuajone (+10.5%; higher volume of mineral processed), La Caridad (+5.6%; higher ore grades), Buenavista (+4.0%; higher ore grades and the contribution of Buenavista Zinc operations) and IMMSA (+2.0%; higher ore grades).
Molybdenum production increased 8.1% to 63.9 million pounds, up from 59.2 million pounds in 2023. This increase was due to higher production at all our mines, with the exception of La Caridad mine (-14.5%), where grades and recoveries dropped.
Mined zinc production rose 98.5% in 2024, mainly driven by increases in production at our Buenavista Zinc concentrator. This facility started operating at full capacity in the second quarter of 2024 and contributed around 141.8 million pounds of zinc over the year.
Mined silver production for 2024 rose 14.0% compared to the previous year. This growth was fueled by higher production across all our operations, driven primarily by improved ore grades, growth in recoveries, and a larger volume of processed mineral.
Operating Cash Costs: An overall benchmark used by us and a common industry metric to measure performance is operating cash costs per pound of copper produced. Operating cash cost is a non-GAAP measure that does not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures provided by other companies. This non-GAAP information should not be considered in isolation or as substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced to the cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings is presented under the subheading, “Non-GAAP Information Reconciliation” on page 123. We disclose operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, both before and net of by-product revenues.
We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced before by-product revenues as cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), plus selling, general and administrative charges, treatment and refining charges net of sales premiums; less the cost of purchased concentrates, workers’ participation and other miscellaneous charges, including royalty charges, and the change in inventory levels; divided by total pounds of copper produced by our own mines.
In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, we exclude depreciation, amortization and depletion, which are considered non-cash expenses. Exploration is considered a discretionary expenditure and is also excluded. Workers’ participation provisions are determined on the basis of pre-tax earnings and are also excluded. Additional exclusions from operating cash costs are items of a non-recurring nature and the mining royalty charge as it is based on various calculations of taxable income, depending on which jurisdiction, Peru or Mexico, is imposing the charge. We believe these adjustments will allow our management and stakeholders to see a presentation of our controllable cash cost, which we believe is one of the lowest of all copper-producing companies of similar size.
We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues as operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, as defined in the previous paragraph, less by-product revenues and net revenue (loss) on sale of metal purchased from third parties.
In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product revenues, we credit against our costs the revenues from the sale of all our by-products, including, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold, etc. and the net revenue (loss) on sale of metals purchased from third parties. We disclose this measure including the by-product revenues in this way because we consider our principal business to be the production and sale of copper. As part of our copper production process, much of our by-products are recovered. These by-products, as well as the processing of copper purchased from third parties, are a supplemental part of our production process and their sales value contribute to covering part of our incurred fixed costs. We believe that our Company is viewed by the investment community as a copper company, and is valued, in large part, by the investment community’s view of the copper market and our ability to produce copper at a reasonable cost.
We believe that both of these measures are useful tools for our management and our stakeholders. Our cash costs before by-product revenues allow us to monitor our cost structure and address areas of concern within operating management. The measure operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues is a common measure used in the copper industry and is a useful management tool that allows us to track our performance and better allocate our resources. This measure is also used in our investment project evaluation process to determine a project’s potential contribution to our operations, its competitiveness and its relative strength in different price scenarios. The expected contribution of by-products is generally a significant factor used by the copper industry to determine whether to move forward or not in the development of a new mining project. As the price of our by-product commodities can have significant fluctuations from period to period, the value of its contribution to our costs can be volatile.
Our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, as defined above, is presented in the table below for the three years ended December 31, 2024:
Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced(1)
(In millions, except cost per pound and percentages)
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Value
%
Value
%
Total operating cash cost before by-product revenues
$
4,389.5
$
4,235.0
$
3,825.7
$
154.5
3.6
%
$
409.3
10.7
%
Total by-product revenues
$
(2,566.3)
$
(2,243.8)
$
(2,355.8)
$
(322.5)
14.4
%
112.0
(4.8)
%
Total operating cash cost net of by-product revenues
$
1,823.2
$
1,991.2
$
1,469.9
$
(168.0)
(8.4)
%
$
521.3
35.5
%
Total pounds of copper produced(2)
2,057.7
1,935.4
1,894.7
122.3
6.3
%
40.7
2.1
%
Operating cash cost per pound before by-product revenues
$
2.13
$
2.19
$
2.02
$
(0.06)
(2.5)
%
$
0.17
8.4
%
By-products per pound revenues
$
(1.25)
$
(1.16)
$
(1.24)
$
(0.09)
7.6
%
$
0.08
(6.8)
%
Operating cash cost per pound net of by-product revenues
$
0.89
$
1.03
$
0.78
$
(0.14)
(13.9)
%
$
0.25
32.6
%
(1) These are non-GAAP measures, see page 123 for reconciliation to GAAP measure.
(2) Net of metallurgical losses.
2024 compared to 2023:
For the year 2024, our per pound operating cash cost before by-product revenues was $2.13, reflecting a 2.5% decrease compared to 2023. This improvement was primarily due to the unit cost effect of a 6.3% increase in production and a reduction of 2.2 cents in treatment and refining charges.
Operating cash cost per pound net of by-product revenues fell 13.9%, from $1.03 in 2023 to $0.89 in 2024. This reduction was mainly driven by a 4-cent decrease in production costs and by a unit cost effect that was generated by both an increase in pounds of copper produced and a 9-cent increase in by-product revenue credits.
Metal Prices: The profitability of our operations is dependent on, and our financial performance is significantly affected by, the international market prices for the products we produce, especially for copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver.
We are subject to market risks arising from the volatility of copper and other metals prices. For instance, during the period from January 2015 through December 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper settlement price varied from a low of $1.96 per pound in 2016 to a record high of $4.92 per pound in 2024, and the Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide weekly average price ranged from a low of $4.30 per pound in 2015 to a high of $38.50 per pound in 2023. Metal prices historically have been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, as described further in Item 1A Risk Factors. These factors, which affect each commodity to varying degrees, include international economic and political conditions, levels of supply and demand, the availability and cost of substitutes, inventory levels maintained by producers and others and, to a lesser degree, inventory carrying costs and currency exchange rates. In addition, the market prices of certain metals have on occasion been subject to rapid short-term changes due to economic concerns and financial investments.
For 2025, assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved; 2024 tax rates are unchanged and giving no effects relative to potential cost changes, metal price sensitivity factors indicate the following change in estimated annual net income attributable to SCC resulting from metal price changes:
Copper
Molybdenum
Zinc
Silver
Change in metal prices (per pound except silver-per ounce)
$
0.10
$
1.00
$
0.10
$
1.00
Change in net earnings (in millions)
$
125.5
$
35.0
$
23.9
$
14.0
Business Segments: We view our Company as having three reportable segments and manage it on the basis of these segments. These segments are (1) our Peruvian operations, (2) our Mexican open-pit operations and (3) our Mexican underground operations, known as our IMMSA unit. Our Peruvian operations include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad and port facilities that service both mines. Our Mexican open-pit operations include La Caridad and Buenavista mine complexes, the smelting and refining plants and support facilities, which service both mines. Our IMMSA unit includes five underground mines and several industrial processing facilities.
Segment information is included in our review of “Results of Operations” in this item and also in Note 19 “Segment and Related Information” of the consolidated financial statements.
Inflation and Exchange Rate Effect of the Peruvian sol and the Mexican peso: Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Significant portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian sol and Mexican pesos. Accordingly, when inflation and currency devaluation/appreciation of the Peruvian and Mexican currency occur, our operating results can be affected. In recent years, exchange rate volatility has been high but has had a limited effect on our results. Please see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more detailed information.
Capital Investment Program: We made capital investments of $1,027.3 million in 2024 and $1,008.6 million in 2023. In general, the capital investments and projects described below are intended to increase production, decrease costs or address social and environmental commitments.
The table below contains information on our capital investments for the three years ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Peruvian projects:
Toquepala expansion project
$
(2.4)
$
5.8
$
6.6
Tia Maria project
14.8
-
(2.3)
Quebrada Honda dam expansion
2.0
8.4
20.3
Relocation of facilities at Toquepala
0.0
0.9
6.3
HPGR optimization at Cuajone
18.2
54.2
35.4
Fresh water pipeline replacement at Suches
0.6
0.9
10.6
Tailings disposal-Quebrada Honda dam
-
(2.2)
1.5
Maintenance workshops at Toquepala concentrator
2.3
9.7
21.9
Quebrada Honda filter plant
1.3
16.1
18.3
Maintenance workshops at Cuajone
5.5
17.2
4.2
Other projects
22.4
15.6
27.7
Sub-total projects
64.7
126.6
150.5
Maintenance and replacement
217.0
193.1
196.3
Net change in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
(10.4)
3.0
8.2
Total Peruvian expenditures
271.3
322.7
355.0
Mexican projects:
New Buenavista concentrator
8.3
12.3
15.0
Buenavista Zinc project
47.9
66.5
99.8
Pilares Mine
19.2
33.5
29.6
Expansion of mine pit at Buenavista
-
17.3
11.3
Lime plant - Sonora
6.1
9.7
19.3
MexCobre - Bella Union Mine
14.4
56.4
-
IMMSA - Mine development
29.5
39.4
33.6
Project MexArco
7.6
23.4
22.6
San Fernando mineshaft rehabilitation
4.4
8.3
7.2
New tailing disposal deposit at Buenavista mine
134.7
65.6
27.3
Over elevation of tailings deposit N° 7 at La Caridad mine
5.5
5.8
2.8
San Martin mine restoration
0.7
0.7
1.6
Other projects
173.3
112.1
113.3
Sub-total projects
451.6
451.0
383.4
Maintenance and replacement
297.7
235.4
212.2
Net change in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
6.7
(0.5)
(2.1)
Total Mexican expenditures
756.0
685.9
593.5
Total capital investments
$
1,027.3
$
1,008.6
$
948.5
In 2025, we plan to invest $1,598.0 million in capital projects. In addition to our ongoing capital maintenance and replacement spending, our principal capital programs include the following:
Projects in Mexico:
Minera Mexico is planning to invest more than $600 million in 2025 at its open pit, metallurgical facilities and underground mines. 50% of this investment will be used to guarantee the viability of long-term operations by actively modernizing and updating assets. About 43% of the investment will target improvements in water usage and tailings management to ensure safety and efficiency at our operations. The remaining funds will be invested in efforts to bolster optimization and growth.
El Pilar - Sonora: This low-capital intensity copper greenfield project is strategically located in Sonora, Mexico, approximately 45 kilometers from our Buenavista mine. Its copper oxide mineralization contains estimated proven and probable reserves of 317 million tonnes of ore with an average copper grade of 0.249%. We anticipate that El Pilar will
operate as a conventional open-pit mine with an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of copper cathodes. This operation will use highly cost efficient and environmentally friendly SX-EW technology. The budget for El Pilar is $310 million.
The results from experimental pads in the leaching process have confirmed adequate levels of copper recovery and we are evaluating different options for optimization. The Company is engaging in project development and on-site environmental activities. Mine life is estimated at 13 years.
The Company has several projects in its Mexican pipeline that may boost organic growth if they are found to be of value for both stakeholders and the communities in which we operate. These projects are Angangueo, Chalchihuites and the Empalme Smelter, which could bolster our position as a fully integrated copper producer.
Projects in Peru:
Tia Maria - Arequipa: This greenfield project, located in Arequipa, Peru, will use state of the art SX-EW technology with the highest international environmental standards with a capacity of 120,000 tons of SX- EW copper cathodes per year.
Tia Maria will generate significant revenues for the Arequipa region from day one of its operations. At current copper prices, we expect to export $17.5 billion and contribute $3.4 billion in taxes and royalties during the first 20 years of operation. After a thoughtful and detailed review, the new project budget has been set at $1,802 million.
Project update: As of December 31, 2024, the Company had generated more than 614 jobs, 492 of which were filled with local applicants. To the fullest extent possible, we intend to fill the 3,500 jobs estimated to be required during Tia Maria’s construction phase prioritizing workers from the Islay province. When we start operations in 2027, the project will generate 764 direct jobs and 4,800 indirect jobs.
This year, we expect construction to begin. Work will initiate with construction of roads and access points to the project as well as railways; installation of a temporary camp; massive earthmoving efforts; and mine clearing activities. We have made progress in our efforts to delimit the property and have installed a live fence covering 59 kilometers to date.
Quebrada Honda dam expansion - Tacna: This project aims to enlarge the main and lateral dams in Quebrada Honda and includes the relocation and repowering of some facilities due to dam growth and development of other facilities for water recovery, among other factors. As of December 31, 2023, drainage works, removal of Eolic material for the main and lateral dam, and complementary operational work had been completed. We have also installed two cyclone nests for the main dam, which are currently operating. Additionally, in 2024, equipment purchased to haul tailings arrived on site for operational use. To align with the increase in size of the tailings dam, we intend to build new administrative facilities down the line. As of December 31, 2024, this project had been completed with an investment of $154.3 million, out of a total budget of $165.0 million.
Potential projects:
We have a number of other projects that we may develop in the future. We continuously evaluate new projects on the basis of our long-term corporate objectives, strategic and operating fit, expected return on investment, required investment, estimated production, estimated cash-flow profile, social and environmental considerations, among other factors. All capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to respond to changes in the economy and market conditions.
El Arco - Baja California: This is a world-class copper deposit located in the central part of the Baja California peninsula with ore reserves of over 1,230 million tonnes with an average ore grade of 0.40% and 141 million tonnes of leach material with an average ore grade of 0.27%. The project includes an open-pit mine with a combined 120 ktpd concentrator and 28 ktpa SX-EW operations.
Project update: The Company has completed the environmental baseline study for the mine. Currently, more detailed engineering is being conducted for the concentrator, SX-EW plant as well as for water desalination, logistics infrastructure and power delivery.
Los Chancas-Apurimac: This greenfield project, located in Apurimac, Peru, is a copper and molybdenum porphyry deposit. Current estimates of indicated copper mineral resources are 98 million tons of oxides with a copper content of 0.45% and 52 million tons of sulfides with a copper content of 0.59%. The Los Chancas project envisions an open-pit mine with a combined operation of concentrator and SX-EW processes to produce 130,000 tons of copper and 7,500 tons of molybdenum annually. The estimated capital investment is $2,600 million and operations are expected to begin in 2031. We continue to engage in social and environmental improvements for the local communities and are working on the project’s environmental impact assessment.
Project update: In coordination with the Peruvian authorities, efforts continue to eradicate illegal mining activities. Once this process has concluded, we will resume our environmental impact study and begin hydrogeological and geotechnical studies. We will also begin a resource verification drilling campaign of a 40,000-meter in-fill to gather additional information on the geological characteristics of the Los Chancas deposit.
Michiquillay Project-Cajamarca: In June 2018, Southern Copper signed a contract for the acquisition of the Michiquillay project in Cajamarca, Peru. Michiquillay is a world-class greenfield mining project with inferred mineral resources of 2,288 million tons and an estimated copper grade of 0.43%. When developed, we expect Michiquillay to produce 225,000 tons of copper per year (along with by-products of molybdenum, gold and silver) at a competitive cash-cost for an initial mine life of more than 25 years. We estimate an investment of approximately $2.5 billion will be required and expect production start-up by 2032. Michiquillay will become one of Peru´s largest copper mines and will create significant business opportunities in the Cajamarca region; generate new jobs for the local communities; and contribute taxes and royalties to the local, regional and national governments
Project update: As of December 31, 2024, total progress for exploration on the project was 35%. We had drilled 140,130 meters and obtained 45,762 core samples for chemical analysis. Diamond drilling will continue to provide information to interpret geological sections related to mineralization; conduct geological modeling; and evaluate mineral resources. Geo-metallurgical studies are currently underway, and hydrological and hydrogeological studies have also begun; the geotechnical study is scheduled to begin shortly.
The Company continues working with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities following the guidelines of the social agreements signed with them.
The above information is based on estimates only. We cannot make any assurances that we will undertake any of these projects or that the information noted is accurate.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”) PRACTICES
Southern Copper Corporation, among the top 10 mining companies with the highest ratings for sustainability in 2024. Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) of S&P Global, which publishes an annual performance review of the sustainability practices of 13,000 companies from across the globe, situated Southern Copper Corporation among the best-rated companies of 248 companies in the Mining and Metals sector in 2024. With a score that is twice the average of our peers in the mining industry, SCC’s sustainability rating rose 9 points year-over-year. This marks our sixth consecutive year on the Dow Jones’s Sustainability Index, and we have also been included in the Sustainability Emerging Markets Index.
Occupational safety and health of our workforce. Operating discipline and the strength of our preventive safety culture led to a 28% reduction in the number of employee accidents involving lost-time injuries in 2024. These results compare favorably with the rates reported by other companies in the mining sector.
Tía María: support for agriculture benefits communities. In the area around our Tía María mining project in Arequipa, Peru, we are implementing the “Technology for Agriculture” program with the participation of 28 out of 38 organizations
from the Tambo Valley. With a 14% increase in crop productivity, nearly 95% of the families of the valley have benefited from this program.
The company has consistently promoted the welfare of the population of the Islay province and the Arequipa region. As part of these efforts, we have also implemented several successful social programs in education, healthcare and productive development to improve the quality of life in the region.
Our current social programs in Islay help reduce the costs of agricultural production by improving productivity with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, we are working to provide internet access to 4,600 school students. On top of this, we are committed to developing health facilities, high performance schools, research centers and roads in the Arequipa region via the “works for taxes” mechanism.
Best international practices for tailings management. With a preventive focus and an eye on minimizing risks, we are making progress in our efforts to implement the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) at our main operations. We have completed a gap analysis of our open pit mining operations and continue efforts to establish that all of SCC’s facilities comply with this standard.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The safety, health and well-being of our employees are the bedrock of SCC’s value system and our top priorities. We are committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment for our employees, contractors and suppliers, whether they work at our facilities or in surrounding areas. Workplace safety is of utmost importance to SCC and is a shared responsibility; all employees are required to comply with established policies and procedures to safeguard their integrity and that of our facilities. For more details on our health and safety performance, please refer to Grupo Mexico's Sustainability Report at https://www.gmexico.com/en/Pages/development.aspx. We are referring our investors to Grupo Mexico's website for informative purposes only. We do not intend for this internet link to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of the website into this Report on Form 10-K.
Operating discipline and the strength of our preventive safety culture led to a reduction in the number of employee accidents involving lost-time injuries in 2024 by more than a quarter than those in in 2023. These results compare favorably with the rates reported by other companies in the mining sector.
In 2024, in the field of Health, SPCC was recognized by Peru’s Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo del Perú) with first place in the 2024 Good Practices Contest. The Company was recognized in the category of Promotion and Care of Mental Health, which awards companies that make outstanding efforts to identify and address issues such as depression and anxiety.
We have reaffirmed our commitment to maintain ISO-certified occupational health and safety management systems, and all units at SCC successfully passed follow-up audits for ISO 45001 and retained their certification in 2024. This represents a significant step in our quest to obtain accreditation for responsible copper production under The Copper Mark certification.
Another significant advance is the Behavioral Safety Program, which is being implemented across SCC’s units. This program focuses on promoting safe practices among employees so that the human factor can be leveraged to ensure
compliance and drive proactive behaviors. This fosters an environment of mutual assistance and collective vigilance among workers. This program aims to strengthen safe behaviors at our operations and reduce accident rates.
We continue implementing the Critical Risk Registry within SCC. This tool helps us manage environmental and safety risks in our operations, enabling us to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remediate undesirable events that could affect the integrity of our personnel and our relationships with communities.
ENVIRONMENT
Southern Copper Corporation aims to fulfill the needs of future generations by promoting development that benefits all, both today and in the long-term. We are committed to continuously improving our environmental performance and to promoting the adoption of the best environmental practices at our operations to contribute to the transition to a green economy. To this end, we have achieved ISO 14001 certification for the environmental management systems at all our operations. We are also committed to preserving the environment by implementing actions to generate a positive impact on biodiversity through our operations. To fulfill this commitment, which is outlined in the Company’s Environmental Policy, we have developed action plans for biodiversity management that are aligned with the Good Practice Guidance for Mining and Biodiversity guide published by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). We believe these plans further improve the Company’s capacity to implement effective mitigation measures and contribute to the preservation and improvement of the environment at our operations.
Regarding our environmental risk management, we are aligning our tailings systems to the ICMM’s Global Standard on Tailings Management and have improved our governance framework by implementing an Internal Committee for Review of Tailings Systems to bolster safety management and communication between operations and top management.
To increase our water efficiency, we are currently recovering about six thousand cubic meters of water per day through the new tailings filtering plant in Quebrada Honda, Peru, equivalent to 0.6 m3 of water per ton of tailings. With a design capacity of 10,000 tons/day and an investment to date of $27 million, this dam filter is the largest tailings processing unit of its kind in the market
Furthermore, to reduce our dependency on underground water, we are exploring new water sources for our processes, including recycling wastewater from urban areas. This approach offers a win-win scenario that generates sanitation solutions for urban areas while reducing competition for water.
We have also made progress in our commitment to protect biodiversity. In 2023, the Environmental Management Unit at Buenavista del Cobre received certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council, which recognized our contributions to efforts to prevent the extinction of the Mexican grey wolf. These actions have allowed populations of this critically endangered species to increase its numbers significantly within in their natural habitat in Mexico. Going forward, we will continue to work side-by-side with institutions and authorities to serve the common good in the regions in which we operate.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Southern Copper Corporation prioritizes being a good neighbor in the localities near our operations. Working together with the communities, we have the opportunity to collaborate and forge a path based on common objectives for social and economic development as we work to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that community outreach must be based on transparency and trust and strive to promote long-lasting ties.
Our Community Development model has three components: 1) responsible coexistence: to foster a positive and healthy coexistence with our neighbor communities, and to have open and ongoing channels of communication to address complaints and concerns; 2) economic development: it is important to share the economic value our operations generate
with the community, and 3) human development: to optimize the skills of members of the communities where we work, to ensure that these individuals become the principal drivers of development in their communities.
The primary tool to ensure a responsible coexistence is our grievance mechanism for external stakeholders (Service and Attention Center) that operates at 100% of our sites and resolves complaints in an average of five days.
In relation to economic development, we trained 1,326 people in mining communities in 2024, including 654 people in employment, 776 people in regional vocational and productive skills and 27 local businesses to support the development of small and medium mining suppliers. In addition, we recorded a 97% increase in year-to-year investment in social infrastructure. In Mexico, we allocated $6.6 million to these efforts, including a project focused on improving water infrastructure for 54,000 people in the communities of Cananea and Nacozari. In Peru, we invested $36.5 million in social infrastructure, including the progress in building the wastewater treatment plant (PTAR) in Ilo.
We continue to prioritize collaboration with the Peruvian government to close gaps in educational infrastructure through the Works for Taxes investment model. As part of our commitment, we finished the “Colegios de Alto Rendimiento” (“COAR”) or schools of excellence in Tacna and Moquegua and began studies for the COAR Apurímac. In 2025, the Arequipa and Cajamarca COAR projects are also expected to begin. Once these projects are complete, we will have built five Colegios de Alto Rendimiento to benefit 1,500 outstanding students from vulnerable areas. With these investments, SCC remains the main private investor in Peru in national educational infrastructure.
We also consolidated The Youth Orchestras and Choirs program promoted by SCC, benefiting 1,825 students in 14 communities in Mexico and Peru. In 2024, 65 artistic performances were held, including a concert at the Palacio de Minería featuring the Mining Symphony Orchestra and 68 student performers. Additionally, in collaboration with the Sonoran Institute of Culture, the Museum of Art of Sonora (MUSAS) is hosting the photographic exhibition Learning to Look. This exhibition, which showcases the results of three years of portraits from the Traveling Photography Workshop, highlights traditions, landscapes and daily lives of mining communities.
CLIMATE CHANGE
SCC recognizes the importance and urgency of tackling climate change and is committed to supporting the objective of the Paris Agreement, preserving the environment, minimizing the environmental footprint of our operations, and efficiently managing climate-related risks and opportunities. We recognize that climate change will influence our strategy in various ways, and we aim to meet the expectations of the global business trends that are increasingly demanding products with lower carbon footprints. Our focus is to continuously improve the responsible use of natural resources while complying with legal standards for prevention, mitigation, control and remediation of environmental impacts.
In our commitment to improving performance on these critical issues, we have embarked on a multi-year process to align our climate change disclosures with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Since 2020, Grupo Mexico’s Sustainable Development Report has included sections on climate-related risks and opportunities, more detailed information about new short-, medium- and long-term Scope 1 and 2 climate targets, strategy and governance mechanisms, and new emissions and energy metrics informed by Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards. In our 2023 Sustainability Development Report, we included Scope 3 targets and preliminary capital allocation figures on decarbonization projects. The report can be accessed at https://www.gmexico.com/en/Pages/development.aspx. We are referring our investors to Grupo Mexico's website for details on these initiatives for informative purposes only. We do not intend for this internet link to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of the website into this Report on Form 10-K.
As part of our emission reduction efforts, the Company started receiving renewable energy from the Fenicias wind park, operated by Grupo Mexico Infraestructura, in August 2024. Once this wind park supplies its full capacity to our mining operations, SCC will reduce its CO2 emissions approximately 250,000 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to 7% of our carbon footprint. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2024, we received clean energy certificates from one of our electricity suppliers in Peru. With this, all the electrical energy we consumed in Peru in 2023 came from renewable sources. Measurements indicate that consumption of renewable electrical energy at SCC increased from 23% to 36% in
2023, which means we have already hit our 2027 target to ensure that 25% of our electricity supply is derived from renewable sources. Over the same period, greenhouse gas emissions dropped 7.5% in 2023 compared to 2022.
In the first quarter of 2024, members of the World Economic Forum's climate governance initiative, which is known as Chapter Zero, gave SCC board members and executives a briefing about the roles and responsibilities that senior executives need to consider when managing the risks and opportunities generated by climate emergency.
The execution of our climate strategy has allowed us to significantly improve our performance in several climate evaluation initiatives. In the sustainability evaluation conducted by S&P Global through the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (“CSA”) in which we have participated in this assessment since 2020, we scored 90 out of 100 for climate governance once again in 2024, which ratifies the progress we have made since 2023. This high rating recognized our efforts to publish our Climate Policy and our on-going supervision of the implementation of our climate change strategy, which evaluates management of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change by the Sustainable Development Committee at the Board level of Southern Copper Corporation. In a repeat of last year’s performance, we scored 100 in the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) category in 2024, which assesses management and disclosure of financial risks and opportunities related to climate change.
In addition, the investor-led Climate Action 100+ initiative recognized our efforts to develop an emissions reduction roadmap and gave us a full compliance rating in the TCFD category for the second consecutive year.
Since 2016, SCC has been participating in Carbon Disclosure Project (“CDP”) annual evaluation of Climate Change, and in 2022, we participated in our first evaluation of Water Security. In 2024, our 2023 results for both questionnaires were “B” (third best score on a scale of eight levels), which is one level above the average score in the mining sector and the overall score for the North American region.
In 2025, we will develop climate change mitigation and adaptation plans at the site level; evaluate the role that nature-based solutions could play in reducing our operational emissions; and continue to identify the financial impacts that our company will face in the future with regard to climate risks and opportunities.
HUMAN RIGHTS
At SCC, we are committed to enforcing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We have a series of policies and procedures that serve as a guide to all employees and suppliers, and the Code of Conduct for Suppliers, Contractors and Relevant Business Partners, which includes several sections related to human rights.
We have a human rights’ due diligence process in place to identify, prevent, mitigate or correct adverse impacts on the human rights of communities. In the Mining and Infrastructure divisions, this process has three main components:
1) Participatory Social Diagnosis to allow communities to voice their concerns regarding human rights,
2) Social Management Plans that define actions to address those concerns, and
3) Service and Attention Center (SAC), a tool that was designed with guidance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mexico Office and that allows communities to immediately communicate their concerns with us.
SCC also has a human rights due diligence process in place to protect the rights of employees (both the Company’s and those of contractors). The work environment surveys, Complaint Hotlines, and due diligence process are tools that enable us to comply with the commitments included in the General Human Rights Policy. We are currently implementing a Strategic Workplace Plan, which focuses primarily on capacity building; communication campaigns; revision of human resources processes to promote greater inclusivity and equity; and physical changes to working areas to address women’s needs.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, as well as quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks, are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We make our best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include: mineral reserves, revenue recognition, ore stockpiles on leach pads and related amortization, estimated impairment of assets, asset retirement obligations, determination of discount rates related to the operating lease liabilities, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and unrecognized tax benefits. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Mineral Reserves: For ore reserve estimation, we use metal price assumptions of $3.30 per pound for copper and $10.00 per pound for molybdenum. These prices are intended to conservatively approximate average prices over the long term and are based on internal estimates for the curves of long-term metal prices.
Certain financial information is based on reserve estimates calculated on the basis of current average prices. These include amortization of intangible assets and mine development. Variations in ore reserve calculations from changes in metal price assumptions generally do not create material changes in our financial results. However, significant decreases in metal prices could adversely affect our earnings by causing, among other things, asset impairment charges, please see “Assets impairment” below.
Ore stockpiles on leach pads: The leaching process is an integral part of the mining operations carried out at our open-pit mines. We capitalize the production cost of leachable material at our Toquepala, La Caridad and Buenavista mines, recognizing it as inventory. The estimates of recoverable mineral content contained in the leaching dumps are supported by engineering studies. As the production cycle of the leaching process is significantly longer than the conventional process of concentrating, smelting and electrolytic refining, we include current leach inventory (as part of work-in-process inventories) and long-term leach inventory on our balance sheet. Amortization of leachable material is recorded by the units of production method.
The capitalization of long-term inventory-Ore stockpiles in leach pads is based on the allocation of copper content recoverable between ore and leach material. In addition, inventory consumption is valued at the average unit cost.
Asset Retirement Obligation: Our mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. Accounting for reclamation and remediation obligations requires management to make estimates unique to each mining operation of the future costs we will incur to complete the reclamation and remediation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. These estimates are based in part on our inflation and credit rate assumptions. Actual costs incurred in future periods could differ from amounts estimated. Additionally, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of reclamation and remediation work required to be performed by us. Any such increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for reclamation and remediation.
Asset retirement obligations are further discussed in Note 10 “Asset Retirement Obligation” to the consolidated financial statements included herein.
Revenue Recognition: For certain of our sales of copper and molybdenum products, customer contracts allow for pricing based on a month subsequent to shipping, in most cases within the following three months and in a few cases, in a period that can exceed three months. In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment. The provisionally priced copper sales are adjusted to reflect forward LME or COMEX copper prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract. In the case of molybdenum sales, for which there are no published forward prices, the provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect the market prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract. (See details in “Provisionally Priced Sales” under this Item 7).
Income Taxes: In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we recognize income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. For each jurisdiction, we calculate the actual amount currently payable or receivable, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in rate is recognized through the income tax provision in the period that the change is enacted.
A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, we consider estimated future taxable income, as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction. If we determine that we will not realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets, we will increase our valuation allowance with a charge to income tax expense. Conversely, if we determine that we will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.
The Company’s operations are in multiple jurisdictions where uncertainties can arise in the application of complex tax regulations. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including audits and negotiations with tax authorities. The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company adjusts these estimates in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, final taxes paid may be materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. If its estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, or payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be more than the recorded amounts, the difference would be recognized in the period when the Company determines the change.
Asset Impairments: We evaluate our long-term assets when events or changes in economic circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Our evaluations are based on business plans that are prepared using a time horizon that is reflective of our expectations of metal prices over our business cycle. We are currently using an average copper price of $3.50 per pound and an average molybdenum price of $10.00 per pound in our business plans, which reflect what we believe is the lower level of the current price environment. The results of our impairment sensitivity analysis, which included a stress test using a copper price assumption of $2.80 per pound and a molybdenum price assumption of $6.00 per pound, showed projected discounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of long-lived assets by margins ranging from 2.1 to 6.8 times such carrying amount.
We use an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset group over the remaining life to measure whether the assets are recoverable and measure any impairment compared to fair value.
Leases: The Company has concluded that all of its existing lease contracts are operating lease contracts. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation by the Company to make lease payments that arise from the lease. Lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the inception date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s lease contracts do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the inception date to determine the present value of lease payments.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table highlights key financial results for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Variance
Statement of Earnings Data
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net sales
$
11,433.4
$
9,895.8
$
10,047.9
$
1,537.6
$
(152.1)
Operating costs and expenses
(5,878.7)
(5,703.5)
(5,612.1)
(175.2)
(91.4)
Operating income
5,554.7
4,192.3
4,435.8
1,362.4
(243.5)
Non-operating income (expense)
(197.3)
(236.5)
(188.0)
39.3
(48.5)
Income before income taxes
5,357.4
3,955.8
4,247.8
1,401.6
(292.0)
Income taxes
(2,027.4)
(1,578.0)
(1,477.5)
(449.4)
(100.5)
Deferred income taxes
52.2
59.1
(118.6)
(6.9)
177.7
Equity earnings of affiliate
6.4
(2.2)
(3.7)
8.6
1.5
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
(11.8)
(9.5)
(9.5)
(2.3)
-
Net income attributable to SCC
$
3,376.8
$
2,425.2
$
2,638.5
$
951.6
$
(213.3)
NET SALES
Net sales in 2024 totaled a record high of $11,433.4 million, reflecting a 15.5% increase compared to 2023. This performance was driven by higher prices for copper (+7.8% - LME), silver (+20.7%), and zinc (+5.0%), combined with increased sales volumes of copper (+5.5%), molybdenum (+7.9%), silver (+15.7%), and zinc (+44.6%). The significant rise in zinc sales volumes was primarily attributed to Buenavista Zinc concentrator, which is operating at full capacity. However, these gains were partially offset by a decline in molybdenum prices (-10.6%). Additionally, net sales in 2024 were negatively impacted by downward adjustments of $77.6 million related to provisionally priced sales, reflecting the increase in metal prices.
The table below outlines the average published market metals prices for our metals for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024:
% Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Copper price ($per pound-LME)
$
4.15
$
3.85
$
4.00
7.8
%
(3.8)
%
Copper price ($per pound-COMEX)
$
4.22
$
3.86
$
4.01
9.3
%
(3.7)
%
Molybdenum price ($per pound)(1)
$
21.21
$
23.73
$
18.61
(10.6)
%
27.5
%
Zinc price ($per pound-LME)
$
1.26
$
1.20
$
1.58
5.0
%
(24.1)
%
Silver price ($per ounce-COMEX)
$
28.25
$
23.41
$
21.76
20.7
%
7.6
%
(1) Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide.
The table below provides our metal sales as a percentage of our total net sales:
Year Ended
December 31,
Sales as a percentage of total net sales
Copper
76.6
%
76.7
%
75.0
%
Molybdenum
10.9
%
11.4
%
11.9
%
Silver
5.1
%
4.2
%
4.0
%
Zinc
3.8
%
3.0
%
3.7
%
Other by-products
3.6
%
4.7
%
5.4
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
The table below provides our copper sales by type of product (in million pounds). The difference in value between products is the level of processing. At the market price, concentrates take a discount since they require smelting and refining processes, while refined and rod copper receive premiums due to their purity and presentation.
Variance
Copper Sales (million pounds)
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Refined (including SX-EW)
1,053.3
1,064.1
1,046.7
(10.8)
17.4
Rod
337.8
338.0
411.5
(0.2)
(73.5)
Concentrates and other
678.0
559.7
462.2
118.3
97.5
Total
2,069.1
1,961.8
1,920.4
107.3
41.4
The table below provides our copper sales volume by type of product as a percentage of our total copper sales volume:
Year ended December 31,
Copper Sales by product type
Refined (including SX-EW)
50.9
%
54.2
%
54.5
%
Rod
16.3
%
17.2
%
21.4
%
Concentrates and other
32.8
%
28.5
%
24.1
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
The table below summarizes the production cost structure by major components for the three years ended December 31 2024, 2023 and 2022 as a percentage of total production cost:
Year ended December 31,
Power
11.0
%
13.3
%
16.7
%
Labor
13.3
%
11.6
%
10.8
%
Fuel
15.4
%
15.7
%
16.8
%
Maintenance
23.4
%
21.4
%
19.6
%
Operating material
19.0
%
19.6
%
20.1
%
Other
17.9
%
18.4
%
16.0
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
2024-2023: Operating costs and expenses were $5,878.7 million in 2024 compared to $5,703.5 million in the same period of 2023. The increase of $175.2 million was primarily due to:
Operating cost and expenses for 2023 ($ in millions)
$
5,703.5
Plus:
•
Increase in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), which is mainly attributable to:
187.3
- Repair materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts
118.1
- Labor costs, which include a $62 million signing bonus related to the collective agreements for Peruvian unions.
88.6
- Workers participation
43.3
- Fuel
21.5
This was partially offset by a decrease in:
- Energy costs, mainly in Mexico due to a decrease in the price of natural gas.
(68.6)
- Water
(13.6)
- Other, net
(2.0)
•
Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.
12.3
•
Increase in exploration expense.
5.9
•
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
3.3
Less:
•
Decrease in volume and cost of metals purchased from third parties.
(33.5)
Operating cost and expenses for 2024 ($ in millions)
$
5,878.7
Variance
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Interest expense
$
(376.5)
$
(376.3)
$
(387.1)
$
(0.2)
$
10.8
Capitalized interest
42.4
49.6
47.0
(7.2)
2.6
Other income (expense)
5.5
3.6
117.1
1.9
(113.5)
Interest income
131.4
86.6
35.0
44.8
51.6
Total non-operating income (expense)
$
(197.3)
$
(236.5)
$
(188.0)
$
39.3
$
(48.5)
2024-2023: Non-operating income and expense were a net expense of $197.3 million in 2024, compared to a net expense of $236.5 million in 2023. The $39.3 million decrease in net expense in 2024 was mainly due to:
● $44.8 million increase in interest income due to higher cash and cash equivalents balances in 2024, and
● $1.9 million increase in other income; slightly offset by,
● $7.4 million decrease in interest expense net of capitalized interest.
Income taxes
Year Ended
December 31,
Provision for income taxes ($ in millions)
$
1,975.3
$
1,518.9
$
1,596.1
Effective income tax rate
36.9
%
38.4
%
37.6
%
The income tax provision includes Peruvian, Mexican and U.S. federal income taxes.
Components of income tax provision for 2024, 2023 and 2022 include the following ($ in millions):
Statutory income tax provision
$
1,688.0
$
1,284.0
$
1,361.6
Peruvian royalty
57.5
44.6
35.8
Mexican royalty
142.9
118.6
142.3
Peruvian special mining tax
86.9
71.7
56.4
Total income tax provision
$
1,975.3
$
1,518.9
$
1,596.1
The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was primarily attributable to a variance in uncertain tax positions recorded in the U.S., Peruvian and Mexican jurisdictions.
Equity earnings of affiliate
In 2024, 2023 and 2022 we recognized $6.4 million, $(2.2) million and $(3.7) million in equity earnings, respectively, which were associated with our 44.2% interest in the Tantahuatay mine.
Net Income attributable to the non-controlling interest
Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest in 2024 was $11.8 and $9.5 million in 2023 and 2022.
Net Income attributable to SCC
Net income attributable to SCC in 2024 amounted to $3,376.8 million, a 39.2% increase from the $2,425.2 million reported in 2023. The rise in net income for 2024 was largely driven by higher metal prices and increased sales volumes for our main products.
SEGMENT RESULTS ANALYSIS
We have three segments: the Peruvian operations, the Mexican open-pit operations and the Mexican underground mining operations. Please see a detailed definition of these segments in Item 1 “Business-Business Reporting Segments.”
The following table presents the volume of sales by segment of copper and our significant by-products for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024:
Variance
Copper Sales (million pounds)
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Peruvian operations
890.4
805.8
792.8
84.6
13.0
Mexican open-pit
1,191.1
1,151.5
1,166.3
39.6
(14.8)
Mexican IMMSA unit
33.0
26.3
25.0
6.7
1.3
Other and intersegment elimination
(45.4)
(21.8)
(63.7)
(23.6)
41.9
Total copper sales
2,069.1
1,961.8
1,920.4
107.3
41.4
Variance
By-product Sales (million pounds, except silver-million ounces)
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Peruvian operations:
Molybdenum contained in concentrate
29.5
22.1
25.0
7.4
(2.9)
Silver
5.6
4.4
4.5
1.2
(0.1)
Mexican open-pit operations:
Molybdenum contained in concentrate
34.5
37.2
32.9
(2.7)
4.3
Silver
11.9
9.9
11.2
2.0
(1.3)
Zinc-refined and in concentrate
103.4
-
-
103.4
-
IMMSA unit
Zinc-refined and in concentrate
214.3
219.7
223.0
(5.4)
(3.3)
Silver
6.6
6.9
6.4
(0.3)
0.5
Other and intersegment elimination
Silver
(3.3)
(3.2)
(3.3)
(0.1)
0.1
Total by-product sales
Molybdenum contained in concentrate
64.0
59.3
57.9
4.7
1.4
Zinc-refined and in concentrate
317.8
219.7
223.0
98.1
(3.3)
Silver
20.8
18.0
18.8
2.8
(0.8)
Peruvian Open-pit Operations:
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net sales
$
4,604.6
$
3,854.3
$
3,908.5
$
750.3
$
(54.2)
Operating costs and expenses
(2,512.1)
(2,380.9)
(2,440.7)
(131.2)
59.8
Operating income
$
2,092.5
$
1,473.4
$
1,467.8
$
619.1
$
5.6
Net sales:
2024-2023: Net sales in 2024 increased by $750.3 million compared to 2023. This growth was primarily driven by higher copper (+7.8% LME) and silver (+20.7%) prices, as well as increased sales volumes of copper (+10.5%), molybdenum (+33.4%), and silver (+27.4%). However, this was slightly offset by a decline in molybdenum (-10.6%) prices. Additionally, net sales in 2024 were negatively impacted by downward adjustments of $13.7 million related to provisionally priced sales, reflecting the rise in metal prices.
Operating costs and expenses:
2024-2023: Operating costs and expenses were $2,512.1 million in 2024 compared to $2,380.9 million in the same period of 2023. The increase of $131.2 million was primarily due to:
Operating costs and expenses for 2023 ($ in millions)
$
2,380.9
Plus:
•
Increase in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), mainly attributable to:
142.7
- Labor costs, which include a $62 million signing bonus related to the collective agreements for Peruvian unions.
77.3
- Repair materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts
67.8
- Workers participation
53.5
- Operating contractors
17.3
- Energy costs
7.4
This was partially offset by a decrease in:
- Inventory variance
(68.3)
- Explosives and reagents
(9.5)
- Other, net
(2.8)
•
Increase in exploration expenses.
4.1
Less:
•
Decrease in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.
(9.2)
•
Decrease in cost of metals purchased from third parties.
(6.1)
•
Decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(0.3)
Operating costs and expenses for 2024 ($ in millions)
$
2,512.1
Mexican Open-pit Operations:
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net sales
$
6,317.0
$
5,562.3
$
5,772.6
$
754.7
$
(210.3)
Operating costs and expenses
(2,932.9)
(2,787.5)
(2,817.9)
(145.4)
30.4
Operating income
$
3,384.1
$
2,774.8
$
2,954.7
$
609.3
$
(179.9)
Net sales:
2024-2023: Net sales in 2024 increased by $754.7 million compared to 2023. This growth was primarily driven by higher copper (+9.3% - COMEX) and silver (+20.7%) prices; higher sales volumes of copper (+3.4%), silver (+19.7%); and the $137.3 million in zinc sales contributed by startup at the Buenavista zinc concentrator in the first quarter of 2024. This was slightly offset by a decline in molybdenum prices (-10.6%) and volumes sold (-7.2%).
Operating costs and expenses:
2024-2023: Operating costs and expenses were $2,932.9 million in 2024 compared to $2,787.5 million in the same period of 2023. The increase of $145.4 million was primarily due to:
Operating costs and expenses for 2023 ($ in millions)
$
2,787.5
Plus:
•
Increase in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), mainly attributable to:
86.7
- Foreign currency effect
78.2
- Repair materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts.
57.8
- Inventory variance
28.8
- Fuel
23.7
- Other, net
4.1
This was partially offset by a decrease in:
- Energy costs, mainly due to a decrease in the price of natural gas.
(72.2)
- Workers participation
(19.8)
- Water
(13.9)
•
Increase in cost and volume of metals purchased from third parties.
35.7
•
Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.
19.7
•
Increase in exploration expenses.
2.5
•
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
0.8
Operating costs and expenses for 2024 ($ in millions)
$
2,932.9
Mexican Underground Operations (IMMSA):
IMMSA unit:
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net sales
$
704.1
$
630.8
$
666.5
$
73.3
$
(35.7)
Operating costs and expenses
(574.9)
(635.0)
(605.9)
60.1
(29.1)
Operating income
$
129.2
$
(4.2)
$
60.6
$
133.4
$
(64.8)
Net sales:
2024-2023: Net sales in 2024 increased by $73.3 million compared to 2023. This growth was primarily driven by higher copper (+9.3% - COMEX), silver (+20.7%) and zinc (+5.0%) prices, and an increase in the sales volume of copper (+25.6%). This was partially offset by a decline in sales volumes of silver (-3.7%), and zinc (-2.5%).
Operating costs and expenses:
2024-2023: Operating costs and expenses were $574.9 million in 2024 compared to $635.0 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease of $60.1 million was primarily due to:
Operating costs and expenses for 2023 ($ in millions)
$
635.0
Less:
•
Decrease in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), mainly attributable to:
(43.5)
- Foreign currency effect
(27.0)
- Operating contractors
(13.7)
- Repair materials
(7.5)
- Energy costs
(3.8)
- Other, net
(0.3)
This was partially offset by an increase in:
- Workers participation
8.8
•
Decrease in cost of metals purchased from third parties.
(23.0)
Plus:
•
Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense.
2.5
•
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
2.0
•
Increase in exploration expenses.
1.9
Operating costs and expenses for 2024 ($ in millions)
$
574.9
Intersegment Eliminations and Adjustments:
The net sales, operating costs and expenses and operating income discussed above will not be directly equal to amounts in our consolidated statement of earnings because the adjustments to intersegment operating revenues and expenses must be taken into account. Please see Note 19 “Segment and Related Information” of the consolidated financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following discussion relates to our liquidity and capital resources for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024.
Cash Flow:
The following table shows the cash flow for the three year period ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,421.7
$
3,573.1
$
2,802.5
$
848.6
$
770.6
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(673.3)
$
(1,398.4)
$
(666.8)
$
725.1
$
(731.6)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(1,645.2)
$
(3,101.2)
$
(3,011.0)
$
1,456.0
$
(90.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities:
The 2024, 2023 and 2022 change in net cash from operating activities include (in millions):
Variance
2024 - 2023
2023 - 2022
Net income
$
3,388.6
$
2,434.7
$
2,648.0
$
953.9
$
(213.3)
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
845.9
833.6
796.3
12.3
37.3
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes
(52.2)
(59.1)
118.6
6.9
(177.7)
Loss on foreign currency transaction effect
13.7
10.4
41.9
3.3
(31.5)
Other adjustments to net income
(13.0)
43.5
37.9
(56.5)
5.6
Operating assets and liabilities
238.7
310.0
(840.2)
(71.3)
1,150.2
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
4,421.7
$
3,573.1
$
2,802.5
$
848.6
$
770.6
Significant items added to (deducted from) net income to arrive at operating cash flow include depreciation, amortization and depletion, deferred tax amounts and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
2024: Net income was $3,388.6 million, which represented 76.6% of the net operating cash flow.
Changes in operating assets and liabilities increased cash flow by $238.7 million, driven by the following variances:
● $(48.5) million increase in trade accounts receivable, principally at our Mexican operations.
● $385.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which was mainly driven by an increase in accrued income taxes and workers participation at our Peruvian and Mexican operations, resulting from the improvement in income before taxes in 2024.
● $(56.1) million net increase in inventory; mainly work in process at our Peruvian operations.
● $(42.4) million increase in other operating assets and liabilities, net.
Net cash used in investing activities:
2024: Net cash used for investing activities in 2024 included $1,027.3 million for capital investments. This included $756.0 million of investments at our Mexican operations and $271.3 million at our Peruvian operations. For further information, please see “Capital Investment Program” under this Item on page 102.
The 2024 investing activities also included net proceeds of short-term investments of $354.0 million.
2023: Net cash used for investing activities in 2023 included $1,008.6 million for capital investments. This included $685.9 million of investments at our Mexican operations and $322.7 million at our Peruvian operations. For further information, please see “Capital Investment Program” under this Item on page 102.
The 2023 investing activities also included net purchases of short-term investments of $391.0 million.
Net cash used in financing activities:
2024: Net cash used in financing activities in 2024 was $1,645.2 million and included a cash dividend distribution of $1,637.2 million.
2023: Net cash used in financing activities in 2023 was $3,101.2 million and included a dividend distribution of $3,092.4 million.
Other Liquidity Considerations
We expect that we will meet our cash requirements for 2025 and beyond from cash on hand and internally generated funds. In addition, we believe that we will be able to access additional external financing on reasonable terms, if required.
As of December 31, 2024, $577.6 million of the Company´s total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $3,503.4 million were held by foreign subsidiaries. The cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments maintained in our foreign operations are generally used to cover local operating and investment expenses. Earnings of the Company’s Peruvian branch are not subject to transition taxes since they are taxed in the United States on a current basis.
Dividend: On January 23, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share of common stock and a stock dividend of 0.0073 shares of common stock per share of common stock, paid on February 27, 2025, for shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2025.
In lieu of fractional shares, cash was distributed to each shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share, based on a share price of $95.86, which is the average of the high and low share price on January 23, 2025.
FINANCING
Our total debt as of December 31, 2024 was $6,258.3 million, compared to $6,254.6 million at December 31, 2023, net of the unamortized discount and issuance costs of notes issued under par for $92.8 million and $96.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. This debt is all denominated in dollars at fixed interest rates, weighed at 5.82%.
On February 5, 2025, our subsidiary Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. issued a $1 billion 7-year Note of fixed-rate senior unsecured notes. This debt is due in 2032 and has an annual interest rate of 5.625%.
During our marketing effort, we held meetings with 85 global and local fixed income investors and received purchase orders from high quality institutional investors. We received orders for $3.5 billion, a demand of 3.5 times the offering. Proceeds will provide the Company with additional liquidity to finance our Mexican capital expenditures and Minera Mexico’s general corporate purposes.
Please see Note 11 “Financing” for a discussion about the covenants requirements related to our long-term debt.
Capital Investment Program
A discussion of our capital investment program is an important part of understanding our liquidity and capital resources. We expect to meet the cash requirements for these capital investments from cash on hand, internally generated funds and from additional external financing if required. For information regarding our capital expenditure programs, please see the discussion under the caption “Capital Investment Program” under this Item 7.
CONTRACTUAL AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
As of December 31, 2024, our most significant contractual obligations include interest and principal on debt, workers’ participation, pension and post-retirement obligations, payments for operating leases, asset retirement obligations, and commitments for purchasing energy and for capital investment projects.
Interest on debt is calculated at rates in effect at December 31, 2024. As all our debt is at fixed rates, future expenditures will not change due to rate changes. Please refer to Note 11 “Financing” of the consolidated financial statements for a description of our long-term debt arrangements and credit facilities.
Workers’ participation is currently calculated based on Peruvian Branch and Mexican pre-tax earnings. In Peru, the provision for workers’ participation is calculated at 8% of pre-tax earnings. The current portion of this participation, which is accrued during the year, is based on the Peruvian Branch’s taxable income and is largely distributed to workers after final results are determined for the year. Amounts in excess of 18 times a worker’s salary are distributed to governmental bodies. In Mexico, workers’ participation is determined using the guidelines established in the Mexican income tax law at a rate of 10% of pre-tax earnings as adjusted by the tax law. In 2021, there was a change in the Ley Federal del Trabajo ("Federal Labor Law"), effective in 2022. Under this change, the amount payable to a worker cannot be higher than the maximum between the worker’s salary for a three-month period and the average of the participation received in the last three years.
Operating leases include lease payments for power generating facilities to MGE, vehicles and properties. Please refer to Note 9 “Leases” of the consolidated financial statements.
Pension and post retirement obligations include the benefits expected to be paid under our pension and post-retirement benefit plans. Please refer to Note 12 “Benefit Plans” of the consolidated financial statements.
Asset retirement obligations include the aggregate amount of closure and remediation costs for our Peruvian mines and facilities to be paid under the mine closure plans approved by MINEM and the closure and remediation costs of our Mexican operations. See Note 10 “Asset Retirement Obligation” of the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120 megawatt (“MW”) with the state company Electroperu S.A., which began supplying energy for our Peruvian operations for twenty years starting on April 17, 2017. In July 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120MW with a private power generator Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”), which began supplying energy for our Peruvian operations for ten years starting on April 17, 2017. In May 2016, we signed an additional power purchase agreement for a maximum of 80MW with Kallpa, under which Kallpa began supplying energy for the Peruvian operations related to the Toquepala Expansion and other minor projects starting on May 1, 2017 and ending on October 31, 2029. In the third quarter of 2024, Parque Eolico de Fenicias began supplying energy to the IMMSA unit. For further information, please see Note 18 “Related party transactions”.
Additionally, we have a commitment to purchase power for our Mexican operations from MGE, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico through 2032. See Note 13 “Commitment and Contingencies-Other commitments”.
Our long-term estimated power costs are subject to change as energy generation costs change and our forecasted power requirements through the life of the agreements change. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, the Company has committed approximately $236.2 million for the development of its capital investment projects. These include committed purchase orders and executed contracts for our Mexican projects and for our Peruvian expansion projects.
NON-GAAP INFORMATION RECONCILIATION
Operating cash cost: Following is a reconciliation of “Operating Cash Cost” (see page 100) to cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as reported in our consolidated statement of earnings, in millions of dollars and dollars per pound in the table below:
$ per
$ per
$ per
$ millions
pound
$ millions
pound
$ millions
pound
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
$
4,841.4
$
2.35
$
4,687.7
$
2.42
$
4,649.1
$
2.45
Add:
Selling, general and administrative
130.5
0.06
127.2
0.07
125.0
0.07
Sales premiums, net of treatment and refining charges
(39.5)
(0.02)
(7.7)
(0.00)
(21.0)
(0.01)
Less:
Workers’ participation
(296.4)
(0.15)
(253.2)
(0.13)
(282.9)
(0.15)
Cost of metals purchased from third parties
(162.4)
(0.08)
(195.8)
(0.10)
(316.8)
(0.17)
Royalty charge and other, net
(96.9)
(0.05)
(116.7)
(0.06)
(300.9)
(0.16)
Inventory change
12.8
0.01
(6.5)
(0.00)
(26.8)
(0.01)
Operating Cash Cost before by-product revenues
$
4,389.5
$
2.13
$
4,235.0
$
2.19
$
3,825.7
$
2.02
Add:
By-product revenues(1)
(2,524.1)
(1.23)
(2,194.0)
(1.13)
(2,327.2)
(1.22)
Net revenue on sale of metal purchased from third parties
(42.2)
(0.02)
(49.8)
(0.03)
(28.6)
(0.02)
Total by-product revenues
(2,566.3)
(1.25)
(2,243.8)
(1.16)
(2,355.8)
(1.24)
Operating Cash Cost net of by-product revenues
1,823.2
0.89
1,991.2
1.03
1,469.9
0.78
Total pounds of copper produced (in millions)
2,057.7
1,935.4
1,894.7
(1) By-product revenues included in our presentation of operating cash cost contain the following:
$ per
$ per
$ per
$ millions
pound
$ millions
pound
$ millions
pound
Molybdenum
$
(1,246.4)
$
(0.61)
$
(1,129.7)
$
(0.58)
$
(1,192.7)
$
(0.63)
Silver
(529.4)
(0.26)
(390.6)
(0.20)
(370.5)
(0.20)
Zinc
(354.3)
(0.17)
(226.0)
(0.12)
(242.9)
(0.13)
Sulfuric Acid
(262.4)
(0.13)
(318.4)
(0.17)
(395.8)
(0.21)
Gold
(81.4)
(0.04)
(77.4)
(0.04)
(81.0)
(0.04)
Other
(50.2)
(0.02)
(51.9)
(0.03)
(44.3)
(0.01)
Total
$
(2,524.1)
$
(1.23)
$
(2,194.0)
$
(1.13)
$
(2,327.2)
$
(1.22)
The by-product revenue presented does not match with the sales value reported by segment on page 178 because the above table excludes purchases from third parties, which are reclassified to net revenue on sale of metal purchased from third parties.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity price risk:
For additional information on metal price sensitivity, refer to “Metal Prices” in Part II, Item 7 of this annual report.
Open sales risk:
Our provisional copper and molybdenum sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separate from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of copper or molybdenum concentrates at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is marked to market through earnings in each period prior to settlement. See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for further information about these provisional sales.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk:
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian soles and Mexican pesos. Given that our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation or deflation in our Mexican or Peruvian operations is not offset by a change in the exchange rate of the sol or the peso to the dollar, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be affected by local cost conversion when expressed in U.S. dollars. In addition, the dollar value of our net monetary assets denominated in soles or pesos can be affected by an exchange rate variance of the sol or the peso, resulting in a re-measurement gain or loss in our financial statements. Recent inflation and exchange rate variances for the three years ended December 31, 2024 are provided in the table below:
Year Ended
December 31,
Peru:
Peruvian inflation rate
2.0
%
3.2
%
8.5
%
Initial exchange rate
3.713
3.820
3.998
Closing exchange rate
3.770
3.713
3.820
Appreciation/(devaluation)
(1.5)
%
2.8
%
4.5
%
Mexico:
Mexican inflation rate
4.2
%
4.7
%
7.8
%
Initial exchange rate
16.894
19.362
20.584
Closing exchange rate
20.268
16.894
19.362
Appreciation/(devaluation)
(20.0)
%
12.7
%
5.9
%
Change in monetary position:
Assuming an exchange rate variance of 10% at December 31, 2024, we estimate our net monetary position in Peruvian sol and Mexican peso would increase (decrease) our net earnings as follows:
Effect in net
earnings
($ in millions)
Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol
$
33.9
Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol
$
(41.4)
Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso
$
(9.3)
Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso
$
11.3
The net monetary position is net of those assets and liabilities that are sol or peso denominated as of December 31, 2024.
Short-term investments:
For additional information on our trading securities and available-for-sale investments, refer to Note 3 Short-term Investments in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.
Derivative Instruments:
From time to time, we use derivative instruments to manage our cash flows exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not enter into derivative contracts unless we anticipate that the possibility exists that future activity will expose our future cash flows to deterioration. Derivative contracts for commodities are entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of the commodities that we use in our manufacturing process.
Cash Flow Hedges of Natural Gas
In the third quarter of 2021, the Company acquired two derivative instruments that became effective in November 2021 and expired in March 2022. The Company’s objective in using natural gas derivatives was to protect the stability of natural gas costs and manage exposure to natural gas price increases. The Company assessed these derivative instruments as Cash Flow Hedges. As such, the effective portions of said hedges were recorded as earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected earnings. The Company did not identify any ineffective portions of these derivatives. As of December 31, 2024, the Company held no derivative instruments.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Southern Copper Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern Copper Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 3, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Ore stockpiles on Leach Pads - Capitalization of costs attributable to leachable material - Refer to Note 4 “Inventories” to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has Ore stockpiles on leach pads related to the capitalization of costs attributable to leachable material mainly from the Mexican operations presented as part of the current inventory and as part of the non-current assets.
The capitalization of costs in the inventory of Ore stockpiles in leach pads is based on the allocation of copper content recoverable between ore and leach material. The Company used the copper content grade, the solubility index and the recovery rate when determining the allocation of costs to be capitalized related to leachable material. The leachable material inventory determined could be misstated if the copper content grade, the solubility index and the recovery rate used by the Company does not correspond to the actual results obtained from the laboratories and engineering studies.
We identified the capitalization of costs attributable to leachable material from Mexican operations as a critical audit matter because of the complexity of the process and judgments made by management to support its assertion that these capitalized costs are probable of recovery. Addressing this matter required a high degree of auditor judgement and significant audit effort, which includes the involvement of our technical specialists in evaluating whether the audit evidence obtained supports management’s assertion that these costs are probable of future recovery.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management’s assertions that extraction and production costs are capitalized in the appropriate amounts included the following, among others:
● We obtained an understanding and evaluated the Company’s methodology for determining the productions costs capitalized and the estimates of recoverable mineral content contained in the leaching material deposited in the leaching pads.
● We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s review of the copper content grade, the solubility index and the recovery rate used to determine the monthly average rate to be used in the calculation, which included an evaluation of the competence, objectivity and authority of the personnel involved and management’s experts in the determination of the copper content grade, the solubility index and the recovery rate; the identification of costs to be capitalized as part of the leaching process; and reconciliations of mineral received for the leaching process.
● We tested the effectiveness of general IT controls for the relevant systems identified that process information that is considered significant in the calculation of the Company’s estimate.
● We independently recalculated the monthly average copper content grade and the monthly average solubility index to obtain the reasonability of the inputs used in the estimate.
● We involved technical specialists to evaluate the methodology and inputs used by the Company to determine the recoverability of copper from the leach pads and challenge, from a technical perspective, if the balance as of December 31, 2024 represents copper that will be recovered as estimated by the Company. Such involvement also consisted of site visits to the Mexican mining operations where ore stockpiles on leach pads existed.
Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
/s/ Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.
Mexico City, Mexico
March 3, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009
Southern Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the years ended December 31, (in millions, except for per share amounts)
Net sales (including sales to related parties, see note 18)
$
11,433.4
$
9,895.8
$
10,047.9
Operating cost and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion shown separately below)
4,841.4
4,687.7
4,649.1
Selling, general and administrative
130.5
127.2
125.0
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
845.9
833.6
796.3
Exploration
60.9
55.0
41.7
Total operating costs and expenses
5,878.7
5,703.5
5,612.1
Operating income
5,554.7
4,192.3
4,435.8
Interest expense
(376.5)
(376.3)
(387.1)
Capitalized interest
42.4
49.6
47.0
Other income (expense)
5.5
3.6
117.1
Interest income
131.4
86.6
35.0
Income before income taxes
5,357.4
3,955.8
4,247.8
Income taxes (including royalty taxes, see Note 7)
2,027.4
1,578.0
1,477.5
Deferred income taxes
(52.2)
(59.1)
118.6
Net income before equity earnings of affiliate
3,382.1
2,436.9
2,651.7
Equity earnings of affiliate, net of income tax
6.4
(2.2)
(3.7)
Net income
3,388.6
2,434.7
2,648.0
Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest
11.8
9.5
9.5
Net income attributable to SCC
$
3,376.8
$
2,425.2
$
2,638.5
Per common share amounts attributable to SCC:
Net earnings-basic and diluted
$
4.34
$
3.14
$
3.41
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic and diluted
780.4
773.1
773.1
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Southern Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Net income and comprehensive income
$
3,388.6
$
2,434.7
$
2,648.0
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
-Decrease (increase) in pension and other post-retirement benefits (net of income tax of $(3.8), $(0.4) and $(0.2), respectively)
5.8
1.0
1.0
- Unrealized (loss) on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedge (net of income tax of $0.2 million in 2022)
-
-
(0.6)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
5.8
1.0
0.4
Total comprehensive income
3,394.4
2,435.7
2,648.4
Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest
11.8
9.5
9.5
Comprehensive income attributable to SCC
$
3,382.6
$
2,426.2
$
2,638.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Southern Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
December 31,
(in millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,258.1
$
1,151.5
Short-term investments
245.3
599.3
Accounts receivable trade
1,189.6
1,141.1
Accounts receivable other (including related parties 2024- $13.5 and 2023 - $27.3)
54.2
87.2
Inventories
1,048.9
1,016.9
Prepaid taxes
346.7
395.4
Other current assets
31.7
38.1
Total current assets
6,174.3
4,429.5
Property and mine development, net
9,883.3
9,782.9
Ore stockpiles on leach pads
1,145.8
1,121.7
Intangible assets, net
124.6
130.2
Right-of-use assets
739.5
775.4
Deferred income tax
310.6
256.1
Equity method investment
111.9
108.2
Other non-current assets
223.5
121.3
Total assets
$
18,713.5
$
16,725.3
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
$
499.8
$
-
Accounts payable (including related parties 2024 - $49.2 and 2023 - $93.6)
615.2
652.6
Accrued income taxes
635.2
278.3
Accrued workers’ participation
280.8
245.7
Accrued interest
97.1
97.1
Lease liabilities current
81.8
78.0
Other accrued liabilities
38.1
36.8
Total current liabilities
2,248.1
1,388.5
Long-term debt, net of current portion
5,758.5
6,254.6
Lease liabilities
657.6
697.4
Deferred income taxes
124.5
132.2
Non-current taxes payable
104.9
92.7
Other liabilities and reserves
35.6
66.2
Asset retirement obligation
546.1
612.5
Total non-current liabilities
7,227.3
7,855.6
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NOTE 14)
Common stock par value $0.01; shares authorized, 2024 and 2023-2,000; shares issued, 2024 and 2023-884.6
8.8
8.8
Additional paid-in capital
5,026.0
3,532.8
Retained earnings
6,839.6
7,033.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(2.2)
(8.0)
Treasury stock, at cost, common shares
(2,700.7)
(3,149.0)
Total Southern Copper Corporation stockholders’ equity
9,171.6
7,418.1
Non-controlling interest
66.6
63.1
Total equity
9,238.1
7,481.2
Total liabilities and equity
$
18,713.5
$
16,725.3
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Southern Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
$
3,388.6
$
2,434.7
$
2,648.0
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
845.9
833.6
796.3
Equity earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received
(3.7)
2.6
4.6
Loss on foreign currency transaction effect
13.7
10.4
41.9
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes
(52.2)
(59.1)
118.6
Net charges for asset retirement obligations, including accretion
(24.4)
26.1
16.4
Other, net
15.2
14.8
16.9
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable trade
(48.5)
253.0
(35.4)
Increase in inventories
(56.1)
(60.4)
(7.7)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
385.7
152.1
(718.0)
Decrease (increase) in other operating assets and liabilities
(42.4)
(34.7)
(79.1)
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,421.7
3,573.1
2,802.5
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures
(1,027.3)
(1,008.6)
(948.5)
Purchase of short-term investments
(611.8)
(808.7)
(486.2)
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments
965.8
417.7
764.7
Other, net
-
1.2
3.2
Net cash used in investing activities
(673.3)
(1,398.4)
(666.8)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayments of debt
-
-
(300.0)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
(1,637.2)
(3,092.4)
(2,705.8)
Distributions to non-controlling interest
(8.3)
(9.1)
(5.5)
Other, net
0.4
0.3
0.3
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,645.2)
(3,101.2)
(3,011.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
3.4
8.3
(57.0)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2,106.6
(918.2)
(932.3)
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year
1,151.5
2,069.7
3,002.0
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year
$
3,258.1
$
1,151.5
$
2,069.7
(in millions)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
$
369.7
$
369.7
$
380.2
Income taxes
$
1,590.8
$
1,434.0
$
2,391.5
Workers’ participation
$
262.2
$
258.2
$
450.6
Supplemental schedule of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities:
Decrease in pension and other post-retirement benefits
$
5.8
$
1.0
$
1.0
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
$
19.8
$
16.1
$
18.5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Southern Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in millions)
TOTAL EQUITY, beginning of year
$
7,481.2
$
8,146.9
$
8,207.8
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, beginning of year
7,418.1
8,084.2
8,149.2
CAPITAL STOCK:
Balance at beginning and end of year:
8.8
8.8
8.8
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
Balance at beginning of year
3,532.8
3,489.7
3,454.1
Dividends paid in common stock
1,510.2
-
-
Other activity of the period
(17.0)
43.1
35.6
Balance at end of year
5,026.0
3,532.8
3,489.7
TREASURY STOCK:
Southern Copper common shares
Balance at beginning of the year
(2,766.6)
(2,766.9)
(2,767.2)
Dividends paid in common stock
428.9
-
-
Used for corporate purposes
0.4
0.3
0.3
Balance at end of year
(2,337.3)
(2,766.6)
(2,766.9)
Parent Company common shares
Balance at beginning of year
(382.4)
(340.7)
(306.8)
Other activity, including dividend, interest and foreign currency transaction effect
19.0
(41.7)
(33.9)
Balance at end of year
(363.4)
(382.4)
(340.7)
Treasury stock balance at end of year
(2,700.7)
(3,149.0)
(3,107.6)
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Balance at beginning of year
7,033.5
7,702.3
7,769.7
Net earnings
3,376.8
2,425.2
2,638.5
Dividends declared and paid, common stock, per share, 2024- $2.10, 2023- $4.00, 2022 - $3.50
(1,637.2)
(3,092.4)
(2,705.8)
Dividends paid in common stock
(1,939.2)
-
-
Other activity of the period
5.8
(1.6)
-
Balance at end of year
6,839.7
7,033.5
7,702.3
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Balance at beginning of year
(8.0)
(9.0)
(9.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
5.8
1.0
0.4
Balance at end of year
(2.2)
(8.0)
(9.0)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, end of year
9,171.6
7,418.1
8,084.2
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, beginning of year
63.1
62.7
58.6
Net earnings
11.8
9.5
9.5
Distributions paid
(8.3)
(9.1)
(5.5)
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, end of year
66.6
63.1
62.7
TOTAL EQUITY, end of year
$
9,238.1
$
7,481.2
$
8,146.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 1-DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
The Company is a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”). At December 31, 2024, Grupo Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”) owned 88.9% of the Company’s capital stock. The consolidated financial statements presented herein consist of the accounts of Southern Copper Corporation ("SCC", "Southern Copper" or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries. The Company is an integrated producer of copper and other minerals, and operates mining, smelting and refining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company conducts its primary operations in Peru through a registered branch (the "Peruvian Branch" or “Branch” or “SPCC Peru Branch”). The Peruvian Branch is not a corporation separate from the Company. The Company's Mexican operations are conducted through subsidiaries. The Company also conducts exploration activities in Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
NOTE 2-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Principles of consolidation-
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries of which the Company has voting control, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 Consolidation. Such financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").
Use of estimates-
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying value of mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and amortization calculations; environmental reclamation, closure and retirement obligations; estimates of recoverable copper in mill and leach stockpiles; asset impairments (including estimates of future cash flows); unrecognized tax benefits; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; and fair value of financial instruments. Management bases its estimates on the Company's historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue recognition-
The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable contract between the Company and the customer, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of the contract consideration is probable. The Company's revenues are measured based on consideration specified in the contract with each customer. Disclosures regarding disaggregation of revenues and contract balances are disclosed within Note 19 "Segment and related information".
The Company’s marketing strategy and annual sales planning emphasize developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships. Generally, 80% to 90% of the Company’s metal production is sold under annual or longer-term contracts, which specify a volume of mineral to be sold over a stated period and delivery schedule; the price at which mineral will be sold at each delivery date is generally determined by the weekly or monthly average rate of the commodity published by major metal exchanges at specific dates stipulated within each contract. The Company considers each contract to be a single performance obligation, represented by the delivery of a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same, with the same pattern of transfer to the Company’s customers. The Company concluded this as, based on the nature of its contracts, customers receive the benefit of mineral sold as it is shipped per the terms of the contracts at each contractual delivery date. Likewise, each shipment of product represents the same measure of progress as other shipments within the contract. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenues for each contract over the period of time in which the specified quantity of mineral is delivered. In doing so, the Company considers that it has a right to consideration from its customers in an amount that corresponds directly to the value transferred to those customers that being the quantity of mineral delivered at the price per unit delivered. Accordingly, the Company
recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice (the invoice practical expedient), as it believes that this method is a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods to its customers.
For contracts with a term greater than one year, the Company is unable to disclose an allocation of the transaction price to the remaining unsatisfied performance obligation, given that unit prices of mineral sold are determined by published commodity prices at specified dates within the contract. The volume of mineral to be delivered after the first year of the contract is subject to annual volume negotiations in accordance with the terms of the contract. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has long-term contracts with promises to deliver in 2025 for a total of 217,500 metric tonnes of copper concentrate; 48,000 metric tonnes of copper cathodes; 19,878 tonnes of molybdenum concentrate; and 442,774 tonnes of sulfuric acid. These are estimates and may vary from actual deliveries in 2025 and 2026 based on negotiations with customers as mentioned above.
The remainder of the Company’s revenues, including its by-product revenues, are generated by spot sales that are recognized at a point in time.
Under both sales models, revenue is recognized when or as the performance obligations are satisfied, when the Company transfers control of the goods and title passes to the customer. Considering the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) utilized by the Company, control is transferred generally upon the completion of loading the material at the point of origin. This is the point at which the customer obtains legal title to the product as well as the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits of ownership of the asset. Additionally, payment is generally due upon the delivery of the shipping and title documents at the point of origin, customers typically have 30 days to remit payment. Copper and non-copper revenues are measured based on the monthly average of prevailing commodity prices according to the terms of the contracts. The Company provides allowances for doubtful accounts based upon historical bad debt and claims experience and periodic evaluation of specific customer accounts.
Substantially all of the Company’s sales are made under carriage and insurance paid to, or cost, insurance and freight Incoterms, whereby the Company is responsible for providing shipping and insurance after control of the inventory has been transferred to the customer. According to the terms of the Company’s contracts, these services are not distinct within the context of the contract, and they are not separately identifiable from the other promises within the contract. Additionally, it is the Company policy and it has a long-standing history of providing shipping and insurance services to its customers. Accordingly, shipping and insurance are not considered separate performance obligations. The related costs of shipping and insurance are presented within the cost of sales line in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Furthermore, the Company considered the impact of the shipping and insurance services on the determination of when control is transferred to its customers. It has concluded that the terms of these services do not impact its customers’ ability to sell, pledge, or otherwise use the products in shipment. Also, there is a small likelihood and minimal history of lost or damaged goods during shipment. Considering these factors, combined with the other indicators of control previously mentioned, the Company has concluded that these services do not impact the determination that control is transferred at the point of origin.
For certain of the Company’s sales of copper and molybdenum products, customer contracts allow for pricing based on a month subsequent to shipping, in most cases within the following three months and occasionally in some cases a few additional months. In such cases, revenue is recorded at a provisional price at the time of shipment. The provisionally priced copper sales are adjusted to reflect forward LME or COMEX copper prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract. In the case of molybdenum sales, for which there are no published forward prices, the provisionally priced sales are adjusted to reflect the market prices at the end of each month until a final adjustment is made to the price of the shipments upon settlement with customers pursuant to the terms of the contract.
These provisional pricing arrangements are accounted for separately from the contract as an embedded derivative instrument under ASC 815-30 “Derivatives and Hedging-Cash Flow Hedges.” The Company sells copper in concentrate, anode, blister and refined form at industry standard commercial terms. Net sales include the invoiced value of copper, zinc, silver, molybdenum, sulfuric acid and other metals and the corresponding fair value adjustment of the
related forward contract of copper and molybdenum. Disclosure regarding adjustments to sales for provisionally priced contracts is disclosed within Note 19 “Segment and related information”.
Cash and cash equivalents-
Cash and cash equivalents include bank deposits, certificates of deposit and short-term investment funds with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Short-term investments-
The Company accounts for short-term investments in accordance with ASC 320-10 “Investments Debt and Equity Securities-Recognition.” The Company determines the appropriate classification of all short-term investments as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classifications as of each balance sheet date. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, net of taxes, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity, unless such loss is deemed to be other than temporary.
Inventories-
The Company principally produces copper and, in the production process, obtains several by-products, including molybdenum, silver, zinc, sulfuric acid and other metals.
Metal inventories, consisting of work-in-process and finished goods, are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value (NRV). Costs of work-in-process inventories and finished goods mainly include power, labor, fuel, operating and repair materials, depreciation, amortization, depletion, and other necessary costs related to the extraction and processing of ore, including mining, milling, concentrating, smelting, refining, leaching and chemical processing. Costs incurred in the production of metal inventories exclude general and administrative costs. Once molybdenum, silver, zinc and other by-products are identified, they are transferred to their respective production facilities and the incremental cost required to complete production is assigned to their inventory value.
Work-in-process inventories represent materials that are in the process of being converted into a saleable product. Conversion processes vary depending on the nature of the copper ore and the specific mining operation. For sulfide ores, processing includes milling and concentrating and results in the production of copper and molybdenum concentrates.
Finished goods include saleable products (e.g., copper concentrates, copper anodes, copper cathodes, copper rod, molybdenum concentrate and other metallurgical products).
Supplies inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value (NRV).
Long-term inventory-Ore stockpiles on leach pads
The leaching process is an integral part of the mining operations carried out at the Company’s open-pit mines. The Company capitalizes the production cost of leachable material at its Toquepala, La Caridad and Buenavista mines, recognizing it as inventory. This cost includes mining and haulage costs incurred to deliver ore to leach pads, depreciation, amortization, depletion and site overhead costs. The estimates of recoverable mineral content contained in the leaching dumps are supported by engineering studies. As the production cycle of the leaching process is significantly longer than the conventional process of concentrating, smelting and electrolytic refining, the Company includes current leach inventory (included in work-in-process inventories) and long-term leach inventory on its balance sheet.
The capitalization of long-term inventory-Ore stockpiles in leach pads is based on the allocation of copper content recoverable between ore and leach material. In addition, inventory consumption is valued at the average unit cost.
Property-
Property is recorded at acquisition cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements, which extend useful lives or increase capacity and interest costs associated with significant capital additions. Maintenance, repairs, normal development costs at existing mines and gains or losses on assets retired or sold are reflected in earnings as incurred.
Buildings and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method over estimated lives from two to 50 years or the estimated life of the mine if shorter.
Mine development-
Mine development includes primarily the cost of acquiring land rights to an exploitable ore body, pre-production stripping costs at new mines that are commercially exploitable, costs associated with bringing new mineral properties into production, and removal of overburden to prepare unique and identifiable areas outside the current mining area for such future production. Mine development costs are amortized on a unit of production basis over the remaining life of the mines.
Diverse practices exist in the mining industry relative to the treatment of drilling and other related costs to delineate new mineral reserves. The Company follows the practices outlined in the next two paragraphs in its treatment of drilling and related costs.
Drilling and other associated costs incurred in the Company's efforts to delineate new resources, whether near-mine or Greenfield are expensed as incurred. These costs are classified as mineral exploration costs. Once the Company determines through feasibility studies that proven and probable reserves exist and that the drilling and other associated costs embody a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination with other assets, to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflow, then the costs are classified as mine development costs. These mine development costs incurred prospectively to develop the property are capitalized as incurred, until the commencement of production, and are amortized using the units of production method over estimated life of the ore body. During the production stage, drilling and other related costs incurred to maintain production are included in production cost in the period in which they are incurred.
Drilling and other related costs incurred in the Company’s efforts to delineate a major expansion of reserves at an existing production property are expensed as incurred. Once the Company determines through feasibility studies that proven and probable incremental reserves exist and that the drilling and other associated costs embody a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination with other assets, to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflow, then the costs are classified as mine development costs. These incremental mine development costs are capitalized as incurred, until the commencement of production and amortized using the units of production method over the estimated life of the ore body. A major expansion of reserves is one that increases total reserves at a property by approximately 10% or more.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not capitalize any drilling and related costs.
Asset retirement obligations (reclamation and remediation costs)-
The fair value of a liability for asset retirement obligations is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. The liability is measured at fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods as accretion expense is recorded. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related long-lived assets and depreciated over the asset's useful life.
Intangible assets-
Intangible assets include primarily the excess amount paid over the book value for investment shares, which are presented as mining concessions, and mining and engineering development studies. Intangible assets are carried at
acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization and are amortized principally on a unit of production basis over the estimated remaining life of the mines. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
Debt issuance costs-
Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with the treatment of a debt discount.
Mineral reserves-
The Company periodically reevaluates estimates of its mineral reserves, which represent the Company’s estimate as to the amount of unmined copper remaining in its existing mine locations that can be produced and sold at a profit. Such estimates are based on engineering evaluations derived from samples of drill holes and other openings, combined with assumptions about copper market prices and production costs at each of the respective mines.
The Company updates its estimate of mineral reserves at the beginning of each year. In 2021, the Company adopted SEC’s mining property disclosure requirements (Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300). Consequently, in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Company based its mineral reserve estimates on a long-term price assumption of $3.30 per pound of copper. The ore reserve estimates are used to determine the amortization of mine development and intangible assets.
Once the Company determines through feasibility studies that proven and probable reserves exist and that drilling and other associated costs embody a probable future benefit that involves a capacity, singly or in combination with other assets, to contribute directly or indirectly to future net cash inflow, then the costs are classified as mine development costs and the Company discloses the related mineral reserves.
Exploration-
Tangible and intangible costs incurred in the search for mineral properties are charged against earnings when incurred.
Income taxes-
Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred taxes on temporary differences between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income and between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized and settled as prescribed in ASC 740 “Income taxes.” As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by any benefits that, in the opinion of management, are more likely not to be realized.
The Company’s operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with tax authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company follows the guidance of ASC 740 “Income taxes” to record these liabilities. (See Note 7 “Income taxes” of the consolidated financial statements for additional information). The Company adjusts these reserves with information on changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. If its estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be less than the recorded amounts, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary.
The Company classifies income tax-related interest and penalties as income taxes in the financial statements, as well as interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits.
Foreign exchange-
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. As required by local law, both the Peruvian Branch and Minera Mexico maintain their books of accounts in Peruvian soles and Mexican pesos, respectively. Foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, except for non-monetary items such as inventory, property, intangible assets and other assets which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at actual exchange rates in effect during the period, except for those items related to balance sheet amounts that are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in earnings of the period.
Gains and (losses) resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in "Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)."
Asset impairments -
The Company evaluates long-term assets when events or changes in economic circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. These evaluations are based on business plans that are prepared using a time horizon that is reflective of the Company’s expectations of metal prices over its business cycle. The Company is currently using a long-term average copper price and an average molybdenum price for impairment tests, reflective of what the Company believes is the lower level of the current price environment. The results of its impairment tests using these long-term copper and molybdenum prices show no impairment in the carrying value of their assets.
The Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset group over the remaining life to measure whether the assets are recoverable and measures any impairment by reference to fair value.
Other comprehensive income-
Comprehensive income represents changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" were, the unrecognized gain (loss) on employee benefit obligations and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedge.
Business segments-
Company management views Southern Copper as having three reportable segments and manages it on the basis of these segments. The segments identified by the Company are: 1) the Peruvian operations, which include the two open-pit copper mines in Peru and the plants and services supporting such mines, 2) the Mexican open-pit copper mines, which include La Caridad-Pilares and Buenavista mine complexes and their supporting facilities and 3) the Mexican underground mining operations, which include five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine and a zinc refinery. Please see Note 19 “Segment and Related Information.”
The Chief Operating Decision Maker of the Company focuses on operating income as measure of performance to evaluate different segments, and to make decisions to allocate resources to the reported segments. This is a common measure in the mining industry.
Leases -
The Company determined if a contract is or contained a lease at its inception. The Company evaluated if a contract gave the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of an identified asset and the right to direct the use of the asset, in order to determine if a contract contained a lease. All of the Company’s existing lease contracts are
operating lease contracts. For these leases, the Company recognized right-of-use assets and the corresponding operating lease liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation by the Company to make lease payments which arise from the lease. Lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the inception date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s lease contracts do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the inception date in order to determine the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, in the cost of sales and operating expenses. The Company elected the transition approach whereby it applied the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption (short-term lease practical expedient) by class of underlying asset (which results in off-balance-sheet accounting for the lease).
ADOPTION OF SEGMENT REPORTING STANDARD
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07: “Segment Reporting - Improvements to reportable segment disclosures (Topic 280)”. This ASU expanded the requirements for segment disclosures mainly through additional disclosures for significant segment expenses and other matters, but did not modify the management approach to segment reporting. The ASU was adopted on January 1, 2025, and the expanded disclosure requirements are incorporated in Note 19 “Segment and Related Information”.
NOTE 3-SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Short-term investments were as follows ($ in millions):
At December 31,
Trading securities
$
245.2
$
599.1
Weighted average interest rate
4.7
%
5.7
%
Available-for-sale
$
0.2
$
0.2
Weighted average interest rate
0.9
%
0.8
%
Total
$
245.3
$
599.3
Trading securities consist of bonds issued by public companies and are publicly traded. Each financial instrument is independent of the others. The Company has the intention to sell these bonds in the short-term.
Available-for-sale investments consist of securities issued by public companies. Each security is independent of the others and, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, included asset and mortgage backed obligations. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material.
The Company earned interest related to these investments, which was recorded as interest income in the consolidated statement of earnings. Also the Company redeemed some of these securities and recognized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, which were recorded as other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of earnings.
The following table summarizes the activity of these investments by category (in millions):
Years ended
December 31,
Trading:
Interest earned
$
25.7
$
21.0
Unrealized gain (loss) at the end of the period
$
(*)
$
(*)
Available-for-sale:
Interest earned
$
(*)
$
(*)
Investment redeemed
$
-
$
0.1
(*) Less than $0.1 million
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, contractual maturities of the available-for-sale debt securities are as follows (in millions):
One year or less
$
-
$
-
Maturing after one year through five years
-
-
Maturing after five years through ten years
-
-
Due after 10 years
0.2
0.2
Total debt securities
$
0.2
$
0.2
NOTE 4-INVENTORIES:
At December 31,
(in millions)
Inventory, current:
Metals at average cost:
Finished goods
$
55.9
$
68.8
Work-in-process
343.8
313.0
Ore stockpiles on leach pads
217.2
230.9
Supplies at average cost
431.9
404.2
Total current inventory
$
1,048.9
$
1,016.9
Inventory, long-term:
Ore stockpiles on leach pads
$
1,145.8
$
1,121.7
Total leaching costs added as long-term inventory of ore stockpiles in leach pads amounted to $249.5 million, $291.6 million and $264.3 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Long-term leaching inventories recognized as cost of sales amounted to $239.0 million, $263.0 million and $297.5 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
NOTE 5-PROPERTY:
At December 31,
(in millions)
Buildings and equipment
$
18,013.5
$
17,439.3
Construction in progress
1,579.1
1,664.8
Mine development
348.8
320.7
Mineral assets
83.2
83.2
Land, other than mineral
340.1
277.5
Total property
20,364.7
19,785.5
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and depletion
(10,481.4)
(10,002.6)
Total property and mine development, net
$
9,883.3
$
9,782.9
Depreciation and depletion expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 totaled $836.8 million, $825.7 million and $790.3 million, respectively.
NOTE 6-INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
At December 31,
(in millions)
Mining concessions
$
121.2
$
121.2
Mine engineering and development studies
19.8
19.8
Software
77.8
74.3
218.8
215.3
Accumulated amortization:
Mining concessions
(46.4)
(44.2)
Mine engineering and development studies
(19.8)
(19.8)
Software
(69.9)
(63.0)
(136.1)
(127.0)
Goodwill
41.9
41.9
Intangible assets, net
$
124.6
$
130.2
Amortization of intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 totaled $9.1 million, $7.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively. Estimated amortization is as follows:
Estimated amortization expense (in millions):
$
7.4
2.8
2.0
1.9
1.9
Total 2025 - 2029
$
16.0
Average annual
$
3.2
Goodwill includes $17.0 million generated in 1997 as a result of purchasing a third party interest in the Buenavista mine. It also includes $24.9 million representing the amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired from El Pilar mine. This goodwill is attributable to future benefits that the Company expects to realize from the mine and will not be deductible for income tax purposes.
NOTE 7-INCOME TAXES:
Since March 2009, Grupo Mexico, through its wholly-owned subsidiary AMC, owns an interest in excess of 80% of SCC. Accordingly, SCC’s results are included in the consolidated tax return for AMC for U.S. federal income tax reporting.
Following its policy regarding the use of estimates, the Company estimates income taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company provides current and deferred income taxes, as if it were filing a separate U.S. federal income tax return.
The components of the provision for income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 2024, are as follows:
(in millions)
U.S. federal and state:
Current
$
(4.8)
$
4.6
$
0.1
Deferred
-
-
-
Uncertain tax positions
(0.6)
0.6
-
(5.4)
5.2
0.1
Foreign (Peru and Mexico):
Current
1,985.8
1,491.0
1,443.1
Deferred
(52.2)
(59.1)
118.6
Uncertain tax positions
47.1
81.8
34.3
1,980.7
1,513.7
1,596.0
Total provision for income taxes
$
1,975.3
$
1,518.9
$
1,596.1
The source of income is as follows:
(in millions)
Earnings by location:
U.S.
$
31.5
$
23.3
$
0.5
Foreign
Peru
1,796.4
1,151.3
1,167.8
Mexico
3,529.5
2,781.2
3,079.5
5,325.9
3,932.5
4,247.3
Earnings before taxes on income
$
5,357.4
$
3,955.8
$
4,247.8
The reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate for the three years ended December 31, 2024, is as follows (in percentage points):
Expected tax at U.S. statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
Foreign tax at other than statutory rate, net of foreign tax credit benefit (1)
13.9
15.3
14.7
Percentage depletion
(2.1)
(2.4)
(2.1)
Other permanent differences
(0.4)
(0.3)
(0.1)
Additional valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets, foreign tax credits and U.S. tax effect on Peruvian deferred taxes
4.5
6.3
5.5
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions
1.2
1.9
1.5
Amounts (over) / under provided in prior years
0.5
(0.4)
(1.7)
Other
(1.7)
(3.0)
(1.2)
Effective income tax rate
36.9
%
38.4
%
37.6
%
(1) Foreign tax at other than statutory rates, net of foreign tax credit benefit, also includes the effects of permanent differences in Peru and Mexico, that are determined at the local statutory rate.
The Company files income tax returns in three jurisdictions; Peru, Mexico and the United States. For the three years presented above, the statutory income tax rate for Mexico was 30%, the United States tax rate was 21%, and the Peruvian tax rate was 29.5%. While the largest components of income taxes are the Peruvian and Mexican taxes, the Company is a domestic U.S. entity. Therefore, the rate used in the above reconciliation is the U.S. statutory rate.
For all of the years presented, both the Peruvian branch and Minera Mexico filed separate tax returns in their respective tax jurisdictions. Although the tax rules and regulations imposed in the separate tax jurisdictions may vary significantly, similar permanent items exist, such as items that are nondeductible or nontaxable. Some permanent differences relate specifically to SCC, such as the allowance in the United States for percentage depletion.
On May 31, 2019, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) published a two-pillar system designed to address the tax challenges created by an increasing digitalized economy. Pillar One focuses on the allocation of group profits among taxing jurisdictions based on a market-based concept rather than on historic “permanent establishment” concepts, but includes explicit exclusions for Extractives and as such, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company. Pillar Two addresses the remaining Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) risk of profit shifting to entities in low tax jurisdictions by introducing a global minimum tax of 15% and a proposed tax on base eroding payments. Certain aspects of Pillar Two take effect January 1, 2024, while other aspects go into effect January 1, 2025. If jurisdictions do want to implement the GloBE rules, these rules will need to be implemented through domestic legislation. The countries in which the Company has significant operations have yet to enact Pillar Two into law and have not formally announced plans to implement these rules. The Company will continue to monitor the situation and analyze the potential impact that Pillar Two will have on future results.
Deferred taxes include the U.S., Peruvian and Mexican tax effects of the following types of temporary differences and carryforwards:
At December 31,
(in millions)
Assets:
Inventories
$
57.2
$
52.4
Capitalized exploration expenses
19.2
15.6
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward, net of Uncertain Tax Positions
2,171.3
1,904.1
U.S. tax effect of Peruvian deferred tax liability
85.7
83.5
U.S. tax effect of Peruvian Uncertain Tax Positions
59.6
69.6
Reserves
284.3
315.4
Deferred workers participation
12.2
12.2
Accrued salaries, wages and vacations
8.4
7.7
Sales price adjustment (PUI)
4.2
(0.3)
Deferred charges
106.8
-
Valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets, foreign tax credits and U.S. tax effect of Peruvian deferreds
(2,545.9)
(2,301.7)
Accrued royalty and special mining tax
14.1
29.6
Other
11.3
16.5
Total deferred tax assets
288.4
204.6
At December 31,
(in millions)
Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
(92.0)
(68.1)
Social responsibility expenses
(10.3)
(9.7)
Deferred charges
-
(2.9)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(102.3)
(80.7)
Total net deferred tax (liabilities) / assets
$
186.1
$
123.9
The valuation allowance increased by $244.2 million in 2024, which was primarily due to the valuation of unutilized Foreign Tax Credits generated in 2024 and the valuation of the anticipatory foreign tax credits for the U.S. Tax effect of Peruvian deferred tax related to uncertain tax position liabilities. The Peru branch operations are taxed in the U.S. as a flow through entity to SCC. Since the Peruvian tax rate of 29.5% now exceeds the U.S. tax rate of 21%, management expects that it is more likely than not that the benefit of excess credits generated in the current year will not be realizable.
U.S. Tax Matters-
As of December 31, 2024, the Company considers its ownership of the stock of Minera Mexico to be essentially permanent in duration. Income from subsidiaries, such as Minera Mexico, is included in the Global Intangible Low Tax Income (“GILTI”) on a current year basis.
GILTI imposes a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The Company has not had U.S. tax liability from the GILTI inclusion since the introduction of this tax in 2018 and does not anticipate a tax in the future because of increased fixed asset amounts and the Mexican tax rate of 30%. No U.S. deferred taxes have been recorded as the Company has elected that if GILTI were to apply in the future, a current period expense would be recorded when incurred.
The Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”) is a 10% minimum tax for the years 2019 through 2025 and 12.5% in years thereafter. It is calculated on a base equal to the Company’s income determined without the tax benefit arising from base erosion payments. Since this tax was imposed in 2018 the Company has had no U.S. tax liability for BEAT since it has met the safe harbor rule that provides a Company is not to be subject to the BEAT if related party payments from the U.S. to foreign entities do not exceed 3% of expenses, excluding cost of goods sold. The Company will continue to analyze the applicability of the BEAT provisions yearly.
As of December 31, 2024, $577.6 million of the Company´s total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $3,503.4 million were held by foreign subsidiaries. The cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments maintained in our foreign operations are generally used to cover local operating and investment expenses. The Company has determined that as of December 31, 2024, a deferred tax asset of $0.1 billion exists with respect to its investment in foreign subsidiaries. Tax accounting guidance provided in ASC 740 requires this asset to be recognized only if the basis difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. Management has no plans that would result in the reversal of this temporary difference and consequently, no deferred tax asset has been recorded. Future dividends from these subsidiaries may not be subject to federal income tax in the U.S., and the Company incurs no state income tax liability. Additionally, there are no withholding taxes due to the tax treaty between the United States and Mexico. Distributions of earnings from the Company's Peruvian branch to the United States are not subject to U.S. taxes on repatriation. The Company's branch operations are not foreign corporations. They are mainly comprised of operations that are branches of the Company's U.S. operations and are taxed on a current basis.
As of December 31, 2024, there were $2,198.4 million of foreign tax credits available for carryback or carryforward. These credits have a one-year carryback and a ten-year carryforward period and can be used to reduce U.S. income tax on foreign earnings. There were no other unused U.S. tax credits as of December 31, 2024. These credits will expire if not utilized by the end of the years listed below:
Year
Amount
146.7
110.3
-
171.8
234.5
263.3
582.3
161.2
244.0
284.3
Total
$
2,198.4
These foreign tax credits are presented above on a gross basis and have not been adjusted for any unrecognized tax benefits. In accordance with ASC 740, the Company has recorded $27.1 million for the U.S. jurisdiction unrecognized tax benefit as an offset to the Company’s deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits. The remaining foreign tax credits of $2,171.3 million have a full valuation allowance against them at December 31, 2024. It is the expectation of management that with the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21% and considering the corporate tax rates in Mexico of 30% and in Peru at 29.5%, it is unlikely the excess foreign tax credits can be utilized. Additionally, foreign dividends may no longer be taxed in the U.S. due to the GILTI rules and thereby reducing the U.S. tax on foreign source income and limiting the ability to utilize foreign tax credits generated before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Inflation Reduction Act”), which includes, among other provisions, (i) a new corporate alternative minimum tax of 15% on the adjusted financial statement income (AFSI) of corporations with average AFSI exceeding $1.0 billion over a three-year period, and (ii) a new excise tax of 1% on the fair market value of net corporate stock repurchases. The provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act are effective for tax years beginning in fiscal year 2023. The Company continues to analyze the impacts that the Inflation Reduction Act will have on future operating results.
Beginning in fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) enactment of IRC Section 174 requires the capitalization and amortization of research and experimental expenditures. The Company does not believe this legislation will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and will continue to assess the effects.
Peruvian Tax Matters-
Mining royalty charge: The royalty charge is based on operating income margins with graduated rates ranging from 1% to 12% of operating profits, with a minimum royalty charge assessed at 1% of net sales. The minimum royalty charge is recorded as cost of sales and those amounts assessed at higher rates are included in the income tax provision. The Company accrued $103.4 million, $84.8 million and $71.4 million of royalty charges in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $57.5 million, $44.6 million and $35.8 million were included in income taxes in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Peruvian special mining tax: This tax is based on operating income with graduated rates increasing from 2% to 8.4%. The Company recognized $86.9 million, $71.7 million and $56.4 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively for this tax. These amounts were included as income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
Mexican Tax Matters-
Since 2014, Mexican mining entities have been required to pay a mining royalty of 7.5% on taxable earnings before taxes, depreciation, and interest; and an additional royalty of 0.5% over gross receipts from sales of gold, silver and platinum. In 2024, the mining royalty was $119.5 million and the additional royalty was $1.4 million.
On December 19, 2024, several changes to the Federal Rights Law (Ley Federal de Derechos), which became effective on January 1, 2025, were published in the Federal Official Gazette. Among the key changes are increases in the rates for the mining royalty, from 7.5% to 8.5%, and the additional royalty, from 0.5% to 1%. The effect of these changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities was less than $1 million. No other significant tax increases for 2025 are expected.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits in 2024, 2023 and 2022, was as follows (in millions):
Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance
$
111.0
$
56.0
$
-
Gross decreases-tax positions in prior period
-
-
-
Gross increases-tax positions in prior period
23.7
50.2
104.2
Gross increases-current-period tax positions
12.9
8.6
-
Gross decreases-current-period tax positions
-
-
(10.7)
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities
(62.9)
(15.7)
(37.5)
Lapse in statute of Limitations
12.3
10.8
-
Foreign Currency Effects
(4.3)
1.1
-
(18.3)
55.0
56.0
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance
$
92.7
$
111.0
$
56.0
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. For the Peruvian jurisdiction, the Company recorded $17.2 million and $19.7 million of accrued interest and penalties in 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the U.S. jurisdiction, the Company recorded $0.2 million of accrued interest and penalties in 2023 that were reversed in 2024. There were no interest or penalties accrued in the Mexican jurisdiction for uncertain tax positions in any of the years presented above.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $65.6 million at December 31, 2024 and relates to the Peruvian and Mexican jurisdictions.
Unrecognized tax benefits in the U.S. jurisdiction of $27.1 million were offset by U.S. deferred tax assets including foreign tax credits. Offsetting expense related to the change in liability for uncertain tax positions within the U.S. jurisdiction and the change in valuation allowance of the U.S. deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits was presented as a net amount in the components of income taxes.
The Company expects that foreign exchange rates will have an impact on the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the Peruvian and Mexican jurisdictions.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions included penalties and interest of $26.1 million in the Peruvian jurisdiction. There was no liability for uncertain tax positions penalties and interest for the U.S. and Mexican jurisdictions as of December 31, 2024. Interest and penalties are not included in the table of unrecognized tax benefits above.
The following tax years remain open to examination and adjustment in the Company’s three major tax jurisdictions:
Peru:
2019 and all subsequent years
U.S.:
2021 and all subsequent years
Mexico:
2019 and all subsequent years
Management does not expect that any of the open years will result in a cash payment within the U.S. or Mexican jurisdictions in the upcoming twelve months ending December 31, 2025. Management expects to make cash payments of $34.7 million within the Peruvian jurisdiction in the upcoming twelve months ending December 31, 2025.
NOTE 8-WORKERS’ PARTICIPATION:
The Company's operations in Peru and Mexico are subject to statutory workers' participation.
In Peru, the provision for workers' participation is calculated at 8% of pre-tax earnings. The current portion of this participation, which is accrued during the year, is based on the Peruvian Branch's taxable income and is distributed to workers following determination of final results for the year. The annual amount payable to an individual worker is capped at the worker’s salary for an 18 month period. Amounts determined in excess of the 18 months of worker’s salary is no longer made as a payment to the worker and is levied first for the benefit of the “Fondo Nacional de Capacitacion Laboral y de Promocion del Empleo” (National Workers’ Training and Employment Promotion Fund) until this entity receives from all employers in its region an amount equivalent to 2,200 Peruvian taxable units (approximately $3.0 million in 2024). Any remaining excess is levied as payment for the benefit of the regional governments. These levies fund worker training, employment promotion, entrepreneurship and various other programs.
In Mexico, workers' participation is determined using the guidelines established in the Mexican income tax law at a rate of 10% of pre-tax earnings as adjusted by the tax law. In 2021, there was a change in the Ley Federal del Trabajo ("Federal Labor Law"), effective in 2022. Under this change, the amount payable to a worker cannot be higher than the maximum between the worker’s salary for a three-month period and the average of the participation received in the last three years.
The provision for workers’ participation is allocated to “Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)”. Workers’ participation expense for the three years ended December 31, 2024 was as follows (in millions):
Current
$
317.9
$
265.0
$
347.2
Deferred
(21.4)
(11.8)
29.1
$
296.5
$
253.2
$
376.3
NOTE 9-LEASES:
The Company has operating leases for power generating facilities, vehicles and properties. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Some of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components which are accounted for separately. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to eight years, and do not include options to extend the leases. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain options to purchase the leased assets or to terminate the leases before the expiration date. In addition, the Company’s lease contracts do not have any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As none of the Company’s leases provides an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
The weighted average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases is seven years, and the weighted average discount rate for these leases is 4.22%.
The operating lease expense recognized in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was classified as follows (in millions):
Classification
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
$
106.0
$
115.4
$
115.5
Selling, general and administrative
0.1
0.1
0.1
Exploration
0.1
0.1
0.1
Total lease expense
$
106.2
$
115.6
$
115.7
Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
Lease liabilities
Year
(in millions)
$
114.6
114.6
114.3
114.0
112.8
After 2029
317.1
Total lease payments
$
887.4
Less: interest on lease liabilities
(147.9)
Present value of lease payments
$
739.5
NOTE 10-ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:
Peruvian operations:
The Company maintains an asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Peru, as required by the Peruvian Mine Closure Law. In accordance with the requirements of this law the Company’s closure plans were approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MINEM”). The closure cost recognized for this liability includes the cost, as outlined in its closure plans, of dismantling the Toquepala and Cuajone concentrators, the Ilo smelter and refinery, and the shops and auxiliary facilities at the three units. As part of the closure plans, the Company is required to provide annual guarantees over the estimated life of the mines, based on a present value approach, and to furnish the funds for the asset retirement obligation. This law requires a review of closing plans every five years. Currently, the Company has pledged the value of its Lima office complex for 27% of the guarantee and with a stand-by letter of credit for the other 73% as security for this obligation. Through January 2025, the Company has provided total guarantees of $98.5 million.
On July 20, 2021, the Peruvian Government published Law 31347, which requires companies in the production stage to set aside additional guarantees for progressive closure of its operations. The resources that back these guarantees will be returned to the Company when activities cease and the regulatory agency verifies that all closure measures have been satisfactorily completed. Under this Law, companies must include activities for environmental remediation within the closure schedule and assume costs associated with environmental impacts that are identified during audits. As of December 31, 2024, the regulation attached to this Law had yet to be published. The Company is currently evaluating the possible financial impact of the Law but cannot fully estimate the magnitude until the Law’s regulation is published.
In April 2024, the Company adjusted its estimate for the asset retirement obligation due to an update to the closure plan for its Ilo facility. The effect was a decrease of $3.2 million in the asset retirement obligation.
Mexican operations:
The Company has recognized an estimated asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Mexico as part of its environmental commitment. Even though there is currently no enacted law, statute, ordinance, written or oral contract requiring the Company to carry out mine closure and environmental remediation activities, the Company believes that an obligation presently exists based on historical government requirements for the closure of any facility. The overall cost recognized for mining closure in Mexico includes the estimated costs of dismantling concentrators, smelter and refinery plants, shops and other facilities.
In December 2024, the Company adjusted its estimate for the asset retirement obligation for its Mexican operations, mainly due to a detailed review of the closing activities required and an update to life-of-mine plans for the Buenavista operations. The effect was a decrease in the asset retirement obligation to the order of $119.2 million.
The following table summarizes the asset retirement obligation activity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
Balance as of January 1
$
612.5
$
585.3
Changes in estimates
(116.6)
0.2
Additions
24.6
1.0
Closure payments
-
(0.3)
Accretion expense
25.7
26.3
Balance as of December 31,
$
546.1
$
612.5
NOTE 11-FINANCING:
Long-term debt (in millions):
Carrying
value as of
Face
Issuance
Issuance
December 31,
amount
discount
costs
3.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2025
$
$
(0.1)
$
(0.1)
$
499.8
9.250% Yankee bonds due 2028
51.2
-
-
51.2
7.500% Senior unsecured notes due 2035
1,000
(9.9)
(6.6)
983.5
6.750% Senior unsecured notes due 2040
1,100
(6.1)
(4.9)
1,089.0
5.250% Senior unsecured notes due 2042
1,200
(16.6)
(5.5)
1,177.9
5.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2045
1,500
(14.7)
(7.8)
1,477.5
4.500% Minera Mexico Senior unsecured notes due 2050
1,000
(11.6)
(9.0)
979.4
Total
$
6,351.2
$
(59.0)
$
(33.9)
6,258.3
Less, current portion
(499.8)
Total long-term debt
$
5,758.5
Carrying
value as of
Face
Issuance
Issuance
December 31,
amount
discount
costs
3.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2025
$
$
(0.4)
$
(0.4)
$
499.2
9.250% Yankee bonds due 2028
51.2
-
-
51.2
7.500% Senior unsecured notes due 2035
1,000
(10.5)
(7.0)
982.5
6.750% Senior unsecured notes due 2040
1,100
(6.3)
(5.1)
1,088.6
5.250% Senior unsecured notes due 2042
1,200
(17.1)
(5.7)
1,177.2
5.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2045
1,500
(15.1)
(8.0)
1,476.9
4.500% Minera Mexico Senior unsecured notes due 2050
1,000
(11.8)
(9.2)
979.0
Total
$
6,351.2
$
(61.2)
$
(35.4)
6,254.6
Less, current portion
-
Total long-term debt
$
6,254.6
The bonds, referred above as “Yankee bonds”, contain a covenant requiring Minera Mexico to maintain a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 2.5 to 1.0 as such terms are defined in the debt instrument. At December 31, 2024, Minera Mexico was in compliance with this covenant.
Between July 2005 and April 2015 the Company issued fixed-rate senior unsecured notes eight times for a total of $6.2 billion, as listed above. Interest on the notes is paid semi-annually in arrears. The notes rank pari passu with each other and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including the financing of the Company´s capital investment program. The notes were issued with an underwriters’ discount. The unamortized balance of the discount and the costs of these notes are presented net of the carrying value of the debt issued and are amortized as interest expense over the life of the loan.
The indentures relating to the notes contain certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on liens, limitations on sale and leaseback transactions, rights of the holders of the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, limitations on subsidiary indebtedness and limitations on consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances. Certain of these covenants cease to be applicable before the notes mature if the Company obtains an investment grade rating. The Company obtained investment grade rating in 2005. The Company has registered these notes under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company may issue additional debt from time to time pursuant to certain of the indentures.
If the Company experiences a “Change of Control Triggering Event”, the Company must offer to repurchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. A Change of Control Trigger Event means a Change of Control (as defined) and a rating decline (as defined), that is, if the rating of the notes, by at least one of the rating agencies shall be decreased by one or more gradations.
At December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the notes.
In 2019, SCC’s subsidiary Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. issued $1.0 billion of fixed-rate senior notes. The unamortized balance of the discount and the costs are presented net of the carrying value of the debt issued and are amortized as interest expense over the life of the loan. Interest on the notes is paid semi-annually in arrears. The Company is using the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the financing of Minera Mexico expansion program. The notes constitute general unsecured obligations of Minera Mexico and were issued in an unregistered offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933.
The indenture related to the notes contains covenants that limit Minera Mexico's ability to, among other things, incur certain liens securing indebtedness, engage in certain sale and leaseback transactions, and enter into certain consolidations, mergers, conveyances, transfers or leases of all or substantially all of Minera Mexico's assets.
Aggregate maturities of the outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2024, are as follows:
Principal
Years
Due(*)
(in millions)
$
500.0
-
-
51.2
-
Thereafter
5,800.0
Total
$
6,351.2
(*)Total debt maturities do not include the debt discount valuation account of $92.9 million.
NOTE 12-BENEFIT PLANS:
Defined contribution plan and post-retirement defined benefit plans
The Company’s Mexican subsidiaries have a defined contribution pension plan for salaried employees and a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for union employees (the “Mexican Plan”). In addition, the Company has two noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering a small group of former salaried employees in the United States and former expatriate employees in Peru (the “Expatriate Plan”). Effective October 31, 2000, the Board of Directors amended the qualified pension plan to suspend the accrual of benefits.
The components of net periodic benefit costs calculated in accordance with ASC 715 “Compensation retirement benefits,” using December 31 as a measurement date, consist of the following:
(in millions)
Service cost
$
2.2
$
2.3
$
1.8
Interest cost
3.3
3.6
2.3
Expected return on plan assets
(5.5)
(5.9)
(3.9)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
-
0.1
0.1
Amortization of prior service cost / (credit)
0.2
0.7
0.2
Amortization of net loss/(gain)
0.3
0.3
0.3
Net periodic benefit cost
$
0.5
$
1.1
$
0.8
The change in benefit obligation and plan assets and a reconciliation of funded status are as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
47.4
$
38.6
Service cost
2.2
2.3
Interest cost
3.3
3.6
Benefits paid
(4.4)
(3.9)
Actuarial loss
1.5
1.8
Actuarial loss (gain) assumption changes
(0.3)
0.6
Inflation adjustment
(6.7)
4.4
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
43.0
$
47.4
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$
73.2
$
59.2
Actual return on plan assets
16.1
8.8
Employer contributions
(0.6)
(1.0)
Benefits paid
(0.7)
(0.9)
Currency exchange rate adjustment
(10.6)
7.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
77.4
$
73.2
Funded status at end of year:
$
34.4
$
25.8
ASC-715 amounts recognized in statement of financial position consists of:
Non-current assets
$
34.4
$
25.8
Total
$
34.4
$
25.8
ASC-715 amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (net of income taxes of $(0.4) million and $(4.7) million in 2024 and 2023, respectively) consists of:
Net loss (gain)
$
(0.3)
$
6.2
Prior service cost
0.8
1.1
Total
$
0.5
$
7.3
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, related to the defined benefit pension plan, net of income tax:
(in millions)
Reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income:
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of plan year
$
7.3
$
7.8
Net (gain) loss ocurring during the year
(5.8)
(0.6)
Net (gain) amortized during the year
(0.3)
(0.4)
Prior service cost (credit)
-
0.3
Settlement
(0.1)
(0.4)
Currency exchange rate adjustment
(0.6)
0.6
Net adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (net of income taxes of $4.3 million and $0.1 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively)
(6.8)
(0.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of plan year
$
0.5
$
7.3
The following table summarizes the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income amortized and recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2024 and 2023, net of income tax:
(in millions)
Net loss / (gain)
$
(5.8)
$
(0.6)
Amortization of net (loss) gain
(0.3)
(0.4)
Amortization of prior services cost (credit)
-
0.3
Total amortization expenses
$
(6.1)
$
(0.7)
The assumptions used to determine the pension obligations are:
Mexican Plan(*)
Discount rate
10.19
%
9.98
%
10.09
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan asset
10.19
%
9.98
%
10.09
%
Rate of increase in future compensation level
4.75
%
5.00
%
4.75
%
Expatriate Plan
Discount rate
5.30
%
4.65
%
4.85
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan asset
4.00
%
4.50
%
4.00
%
Rate of increase in future compensation level
N/A
N/A
N/A
(*)These rates are based on Mexican pesos as pension obligations are denominated in this currency.
The scheduled maturities of the benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and thereafter, are as follows:
Expected
Years
Benefit Payments
(in millions)
$
8.2
3.4
4.3
4.3
3.9
2030 to 2034
24.9
Total
$
49.0
Mexican Plan
Minera Mexico’s policy for determining asset mix targets includes periodic consultation with recognized third-party investment consultants. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is updated periodically, taking into consideration assets allocations, historical returns and the current economic environment. The fair value of plan assets is impacted by general market conditions. If actual returns on plan assets vary from the expected returns, actual results could differ.
The plan assets are managed by two financial institutions, Actinver S.A. and GBM Grupo Bursatil Mexicano, S.A. 75% of the funds are invested in Mexican government securities, including treasury certificates and development bonds of the Mexican government. The remaining 25% is invested in common shares of Grupo Mexico. The plan assets are invested without restriction in active markets that are accessible when required and are therefore considered as level 1, in accordance with ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement.”
These plans accounted for approximately 100% of benefit obligations. The following table represents the asset mix of the investment portfolio as of December 31:
Asset category:
Treasury bills
%
%
Equity securities
%
%
%
%
The amount of contributions that the Company expects to pay to the plan in 2025 totals $7.5 million.
Expatriate Plan
The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts to the qualified plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate.
Plan assets are invested in a group annuity contract with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”). The Contract invests in the MetLife General Account Payment Fund (the "General Account") and the MetLife Broad Market Core Bond Account (the “Bond Fund”) managed by BlackRock, Inc.
The General Account is broadly diversified across asset classes and backed by the total capital of MetLife.
The Bond Fund seeks to outperform the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, net of fees, over a full market cycle. The Bond Fund invests in publicly traded, investment grade securities. These may include corporate securities, mortgage securities, treasuries and cash, agency securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other investment vehicles adhering to the fund’s investment objectives. These investments are classified as Level 1 because they are valued using quoted prices of the same securities as they consist of instruments which are publicly traded.
Plan assets are invested with the objective of maximizing returns with an acceptable level of risk and maintaining adequate liquidity to fund expected benefit payments. The Company's policy for determining asset mix-targets to meet investment objectives includes periodic consultation with recognized third-party investment consultants.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is reviewed annually, taking into consideration asset allocations, historical returns and the current economic environment. Based on these factors the Company expects its assets will earn an average of 4.00% per annum assuming its long-term mix will be consistent with its current mix.
Post-retirement Health Care Plan
In Mexico, health services are provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute.
The components of net period benefit costs for the three years ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(in millions)
Interest cost
$
1.8
$
2.2
$
1.7
Amortization of net loss (gain)
-
-
0.1
Net periodic benefit cost
$
1.8
$
2.2
$
1.8
The change in benefit obligation and a reconciliation of funded status are as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
22.7
$
20.3
Interest cost
1.8
2.2
Benefits paid
(1.4)
(1.1)
Actuarial (gain)
1.8
(1.6)
Inflation adjustment
(3.7)
2.9
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
21.2
$
22.7
Funded status at end of year:
$
21.2
$
22.7
ASC-715 amounts recognized in statement of financial position consists of:
Current liabilities
$
-
$
-
Non-current liabilities
(21.2)
(22.7)
Total
$
(21.2)
$
(22.7)
ASC-715 amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:
Net loss (gain)
$
2.0
$
0.9
Total (net of income taxes of $(0.8) million and $(0.4) million in 2024 and 2023, respectively)
$
2.0
$
0.9
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, related to the post-retirement health care plan, net of income tax:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
Reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income:
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of plan year
$
0.9
$
1.6
Net loss/(gain) occurring during the year
1.2
(0.8)
Net loss/(gain) amortized during the year
-
-
Currency exchange rate adjustment
(0.1)
0.2
Net adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (net of income taxes of $0.5 million and $(0.4) million in 2024 and 2023, respectively)
1.1
(0.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of plan year
$
2.0
$
0.9
The following table summarizes the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income amortized and recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2024 and 2023, net of income tax:
As of December 31,
(in millions)
Net loss / (gain)
$
1.2
$
(0.8)
Amortization of net (loss) gain
-
-
Total amortization expenses
$
1.2
$
(0.8)
The discount rates used in the calculation of other post-retirement benefits and cost as of December 31 were:
Mexican health plan
Weighted average discount rate
10.19
%
9.98
%
10.09
%
Expatriate health plan
Discount rate
5.30
%
4.65
%
4.85
%
The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and thereafter, are as follows:
Expected
Year
Benefit Payments
(in millions)
$
1.7
1.7
1.8
1.8
1.9
2030 to 2034
10.2
Total
$
19.1
Mexican Health Plan
For measurement purposes, a 5.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2024 and remains at that level thereafter.
An increase in other benefit cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amount of the reported obligations, as well as component cost of the other benefit plan. One percentage-point change in assumed other benefits cost trend rates would have the following effects:
One Percentage
Point
(in millions)
Increase
Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components
$
2.3
$
1.9
Effect on the post-retirement benefit obligation
$
21.7
$
19.9
NOTE 13-COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Environmental matters:
The Company has established comprehensive environmental conservation programs at its mining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s environmental programs include water recovery systems to conserve water and minimize the impact on nearby streams, reforestation programs to stabilize the surface of the tailings dams and the implementation of scrubbing technology in the mines to reduce dust emissions, among others.
Environmental capital investments in years 2024, 2023 and 2022, were as follows (in millions):
Peruvian operations
$
4.4
$
7.7
$
8.7
Mexican operations
173.0
100.6
52.7
$
177.4
$
108.3
$
61.4
Peruvian operations: The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations. The Peruvian government, through the Ministry of Environment (“MINAM”) conducts annual audits of the Company’s Peruvian mining and metallurgical operations. Through these environmental audits, matters relating to environmental
and legal compliance, atmospheric emissions, effluent monitoring and waste management are reviewed. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations. Peruvian law requires that companies in the mining industry provide assurances for future mine closure and remediation. In accordance with the requirements of this law, the Company’s closure plans were approved by MINEM. See Note 10 “Asset retirement obligation” for further discussion of this matter.
Air Quality Standards (“AQS”): In June 2017, MINAM enacted a supreme decree which defined new AQS for daily sulfur dioxide in the air. As of December 31, 2024, the Company maintains the daily average level of µg/m3 of SO2, which falls below the requirement of the AQS.
In November 2023, MINAM enacted a new AQS for Cadmium, Arsenic and Chromium in particulate matter less than ten microns (PM10). A review of the Company´s chemical monitoring results has determined that the Company´s operations will not be significantly impacted by the new standards and concentration values in place. Our results are expected to continue to fall below regulatory AQS.
Soil Environmental Quality Standards (“SQS”): In 2013, the Peruvian government enacted Soil Quality Standards. In accordance with the regulatory requirements of the law, the Company prepared Soil Decontamination Plans (“SDP”) for environmentally impacted sites at each of its operation units (Toquepala, Cuajone and Ilo) with the assistance of consulting companies. The costs of these SDPs are not material, either individually or in aggregated form, for the financial statements of the Company.
Climate change: On April 17, 2018, the Peruvian government enacted Law N. 30754, which promotes public and private investments in climate change management and establishes a Climate Change Framework. The law proposes creating an institutional framework to address climate change in Peru and outlines new measures for climate change mitigation, such as provisions to address an increase in carbon capture and use of carbon sinks; afforestation and reforestation practices; land use changes; sustainable systems of transportation, solid waste management, and energy systems. This climate change framework law incorporates obligations from the Paris Agreement. Supreme Decree 013-2019 published on December 31, 2019, enacted statutory regulations, which are applicable to all Peruvian institutions and agencies. It is expected that additional Peruvian regulations will be applicable to non-governmental entities. However, no carbon pricing mechanism is currently applicable to the Company’s operations in Peru.
Mexican operations: The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Mexican federal, state and municipal environmental laws, to Mexican official standards, and to regulations for the protection of the environment, including regulations relating to water supply, water quality, air quality, noise levels and hazardous and solid waste.
The principal legislation applicable to the Company’s Mexican operations is the Federal General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (the “General Law”), which is enforced by the Federal Bureau of Environmental Protection (“PROFEPA”). PROFEPA monitors compliance with environmental legislation and enforces Mexican environmental laws, regulations and official standards. It may also initiate administrative proceedings against companies that violate environmental laws, which in the most extreme cases may result in the temporary or permanent shutdown of non-complying facilities, the revocation of operating licenses and/or other sanctions or fines.
In 2011, the General Law was amended to provide an individual or entity the ability to contest administrative acts, including environmental authorizations, permits or concessions granted, without the need to demonstrate the actual existence of harm to the environment as long as it can be argued that the harm may be caused. Additionally, amendments to the Civil Federal Procedures Code (“CFPC”) were enacted in 2011 and established three categories of collective actions under which a group of 30 or more individuals can be considered sufficient to prove a “legitimate interest” to file civil actions for injuries arising out of alleged violations of environmental, consumer protection, financial services and Antitrust laws. The group can seek restitution or economic compensation for the alleged injuries or suspension of the activities which allegedly caused the injuries in question. The amendments to the CFPC may result in more litigation, with plaintiffs seeking remedies, including suspension of the activities alleged to cause harm.
In 2013, the Environmental Liability Federal Law was enacted. The law establishes general guidelines for actions considered likely to cause environmental harm. If a possible determination regarding harm occurs, environmental clean-
up and remedial actions sufficient to restore the environment to a pre-existing condition must be taken. If restoration is not possible, compensation measures should be provided. Criminal penalties and monetary fines can be imposed under this law.
Guaymas sulfuric acid spill: In July 2019, there was an incident at the Company´s Marine Terminal in Guaymas, Sonora, that caused the discharge of approximately three cubic meters of sulfuric acid into the sea in the industrial port area. PROFEPA, after two inspections, declared a partial shutdown of the storage process and transportation of sulfuric acid at the terminal arguing the absence of an authorization of environmental impact, despite the fact that the Company’s exempt to the permit because these facilities have been in operation since 1979, prior to the 1988 Mexican General Law of Ecological Balance and the Protection of the Environment. The Company has resolved this issue and expects to restart operations in the near future.
Climate change: Several taxes are applicable to the Company’s mining operations in Mexico, including federal and state fossil fuel taxes, and the requirements associated with Mexico’s emission trading scheme. These taxes range from $US9/tCO2 to $US18/tCO2 in 2023, approximately. These regional taxes are applicable in the States of Baja California, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí, as well as a federal tax linked to the import of fuels. In addition, an emission trading scheme (ETS) in Mexico is currently available to the Company which is only applicable to two business units, the metallurgic and lime plants in Sonora, which both generate annual GHG emissions levels above the threshold of 100,000 tCO2 per year contemplated by the scheme. These two units are required to report and verify their emissions once a year with average costs of less than $6,000 per unit. Units that emit more than 25,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year (all our Mexican units) are required to report their emissions to the National Emissions Registry (RENE) annually and to verify the reported emissions every three years. Total expenses to ensure annual compliance with climate change regulations in Mexico are not material to the Company.
On May 09, 2023, Mexican Congress approved several changes effective immediately to the Mining Law, National Waters Law, the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection, and the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste. The main changes are reducing mining concession terms from 50 to 30 years; new restrictions and conditions on water use; requirements to provide guarantees for closure and remediation of operations; and a requirement to contribute 5% of net earnings to indigenous communities for new projects and significant changes to exploration rules.
These amendments to the law have been challenged and are being reviewed by the Supreme Court. The Company is not expecting any negative impacts on its operations.
The Company believes that all of its facilities in Peru and Mexico are in material compliance with environmental, mining and other applicable laws and regulations. The Company also believes that continued compliance with environmental laws of Mexico and Peru will have no material adverse effects on the Company’s business, properties, or operating results.
Litigation matters:
Peruvian operations:
The Tia Maria Mining Project
There are five lawsuits filed against the Peruvian Branch of the Company related to the Tia Maria project. The lawsuits seek (i) to declare null and void the resolution that approved the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project; (ii) the cancellation of the project and the withdrawal of mining activities in the area; (iii) to annul the mining concession application for the Tia Maria project; and (iv) to annul the resolution that approved the construction license. The lawsuits were filed by Messrs. Ernesto Mendoza Padilla (filed May 26, 2015), Juan Alberto Guillen Lopez (filed June 18, 2015), Junta de Usuarios del Valle del Tambo (filed April 30, 2015), Gobierno Regional de Arequipa (filed December 16, 2019) and Municipalidad Distrital de Dean Valdivia (filed in January 2020 but notified in August 2022).
It should be noted that the Supreme Court of Justice of Peru has already issued a final ruling on the Carpio Lazo case challenging the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Tía Maria project (notified on February 22, 2022), which ratified the legality of said Environmental Impact Assessment. The Judiciary recognized SPCC's strict compliance with all applicable environmental regulations during the approval stages of the Tía María EIA. This decision should have a favorable impact on the cases described below:
The Mendoza Padilla case was initially rejected by the lower court on July 8, 2015. This ruling was confirmed by the Superior Court on June 14, 2016. On July 12, 2016, the case was appealed before the Constitutional Court. On November 20, 2018, the Constitutional Court reversed the previous decisions and remanded the case to the lower court for further action. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company was notified that the complaint had been reinstated. The Company answered the complaint on September 15, 2020. On December 2, 2020, the lower court issued a resolution, considering the complaint answered. On September 27, 2021, the Court ordered to temporarily archive the case. As of December 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Guillen Lopez case is currently before the lower court. Oral arguments took place on July 19, 2019. On January 7, 2020, the Judge decided to suspend the proceedings until the del Carpio Lazo case is concluded. On March 8, 2022, the Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. On September 7, 2023, the Judge cancelled the suspension and declared the case ready for a resolution. On May 18, 2024, the Judge declared, once again, that the case was ready for resolution. As of December 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Junta de Usuarios del Valle del Tambo case is currently before the lower court. In May 2016, the Company was included in the process after the Ministry of Energy and Mines filed a civil complaint. On March 6, 2019, the Company was formally notified of the lawsuit and answered the complaint on March 20, 2019. On July 8, 2019, the Company requested the suspension of the proceeding until the del Carpio Lazo case is concluded. On March 11, 2022, the Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. On January 5, 2024, the Peruvian Branch reiterated its petition to continue the process given that a final decision has already been handed down in Carpio Lazo case. As of December 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Gobierno Regional de Arequipa case is currently before the lower court. The Company answered the complaint on September 15, 2020. On February 8, 2021, the Judge decided to suspend the proceeding until the del Carpio Lazo case was concluded. On March 24, 2022, SCC’s Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. On March 28, 2022, the Judge cancelled the suspension. On May 24, 2022, the parties presented their closing arguments. On March 15, 2023, the Judge dismissed the lawsuit. The plaintiff missed the chance to appeal the ruling, therefore, the Judge declared the case had concluded in favor of the Peruvian Branch. On April 20, 2023 the plaintiff appealed this ruling. On October 20, 2023, the Superior Court declared that the plaintiff had not been properly informed of the ruling and ordered issuance of a new notification of the First Instance ruling. The Superior Court instructed the First Instance Court to inform the Gobierno Regional de Arequipa that it must establish a new address to ensure proper notification. On April 16, 2024, the Gobierno Regional de Arequipa filed an appeal against the first instance decision. The Superior Court notified the Company of the appeal, and the Peruvian Branch responded on June 10, 2024. On August 7, 2024, an oral hearing took place. As of December 31, 2024, the case was pending resolution.
The Municipalidad Distrital de Dean Valdivia case is currently before the lower court. On August 17, 2022, the Company was formally notified of the lawsuit and answered the complaint on September 2, 2022. The Peruvian Branch informed the Court the result of the del Carpio Lazo case. As of December 31, 2024, the case is pending resolution.
The Company asserts that these lawsuits are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. The potential contingency amount for these cases cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.
Special Regional Pasto Grande Project (“Pasto Grande Project”)
In 2012, the Pasto Grande Project, an entity of the Regional Government of Moquegua, filed a lawsuit against SCC’s Peruvian Branch alleging property rights over a certain area used by the Peruvian Branch and seeking the demolition of the tailings dam where SCC’s Peruvian Branch has deposited its tailings from the Toquepala and Cuajone operations since 1995. The Peruvian Branch has had title to use the area in question since 1960 and has constructed and operated
the tailings dams with proper governmental authorization since 1995. Following a motion filed by the Peruvian Branch, the lower court included MINEM as a defendant in this lawsuit. MINEM has answered the complaint and denied the validity of the claim. On July 2, 2022, the case was temporarily archived. On May 26, 2023, the Judge ordered termination of the proceeding due to the lack of interest of the plaintiff. On June 2, 2023, the plaintiff appealed the termination of the proceeding. On September 18, 2023, the Superior Court reversed the termination and ordered the Judge to continue the proceeding. As of December 31, 2024, the case was pending resolution.
The Peruvian Branch asserts that the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it. The amount of this contingency cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.
Mexican operations
The Accidental Spill at Buenavista Mine of 2014
Regarding the 2014 accidental spill of copper sulfate solution at a leaching pond in the Buenavista mine, the following legal procedures are pending against the Company:
On August 19, 2014, PROFEPA, as part of the administrative proceeding initiated after the spill, announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Buenavista del Cobre S.A. de C.V. (“BVC”), a subsidiary of the Company to determine those responsible for environmental damages. During the second quarter of 2018, the criminal complaint was dismissed. This decision was appealed and was pending resolution as of December 31, 2024.
On October 12, 2023, SEMARNAT publicly announced the filing of another criminal complaint regarding the Sonora River spill, arguing that remediation of damages to the river was incomplete and compensation for said damages was insufficient. The Company has been directed to provide information regarding remediation activities and compensation for damages. The Company strongly believes that it has duly completed all remediation and compensation-related activities as required by the competent Mexican authorities and as such, this new complaint lacks merit.
Through the first half of 2015, six collective action lawsuits were filed in federal courts in Mexico City and Sonora against two subsidiaries of the Company seeking economic compensation, clean up and remedial activities in order to restore the environment to its pre-existing conditions. Three of the collective action lawsuits have been dismissed by the court. The remaining three lawsuits are still pending: two were filed by Acciones Colectivas de Sinaloa, A.C. and one, by Defensa Colectiva, A.C.; requesting precautionary measures about construction of facilities for monitoring public health services and prohibiting the closure of the Rio Sonora Trust. As of December 31, 2024, these cases remain in the same stage.
Similarly, during 2015, eight civil action lawsuits were filed against BVC in the state courts of Sonora seeking damages for alleged injuries and for moral damages as a consequence of the spill. The plaintiffs in the state court lawsuits are: Jose Vicente Arriola Nunez et al; Santana Ruiz Molina et al; Andres Nogales Romero et al; Teodoro Javier Robles et al; Gildardo Vasquez Carvajal et al; Rafael Noriega Souffle et al; Grupo Banamichi Unido de Sonora El Dorado, S.C. de R.L. de C.V; and Marcelino Mercado Cruz. In 2016, three additional civil action lawsuits, claiming similar damages, were filed by Juan Melquicedec Lebaron; Blanca Lidia Valenzuela Rivera et al and Ramona Franco Quijada et al. In 2017, BVC was served with thirty-three additional civil action lawsuits, claiming similar damages. The lawsuits were filed by Francisco Javier Molina Peralta et al; Anacleto Cohen Machini et al; Francisco Rafael Alvarez Ruiz et al; Jose Alberto Martinez Bracamonte et al; Gloria del Carmen Ramirez Duarte et al; Flor Margarita Sabori et al; Blanca Esthela Ruiz Toledo et al; Julio Alfonso Corral Dominguez et al; Maria Eduwiges Bracamonte Villa et al; Francisca Marquez Dominguez et al; Jose Juan Romo Bravo et al; Jose Alfredo Garcia Leyva et al; Gloria Irma Dominguez Perez et al; Maria del Refugio Romero et al; Miguel Rivas Medina et al; Yolanda Valenzuela Garrobo et al; Maria Elena Garcia Leyva et al; Manuel Alfonso Ortiz Valenzuela et al; Francisco Alberto Arvayo Romero et al; Maria del Carmen Villanueva Lopez et al; Manuel Martin Garcia Salazar; Miguel Garcia Arguelles et al; Dora Elena Rodriguez Ochoa et al; Honora Eduwiges Ortiz Rodriguez et al; Francisco Jose Martinez Lopez et al; Maria Eduwiges Lopez Bustamante; Rodolfo Barron Villa et al, Jose Carlos Martinez Fernandez et al, Maria de los Angeles Fabela et al; Rafaela Edith Haro et al; Luz Mercedes Cruz et al; Juan Pedro Montaño et al; and Juana Irma Alday Villa. In the first quarter of 2018, BVC was served with another civil action lawsuit, claiming similar damages. The lawsuit was filed by Alma Angelina Del Cid
Rivera et al. On October 3, 2024, BVC was served with another civil action lawsuit, claiming similar damages. The lawsuit was filed by María Lourdes Martínez Navarro et al. As of December 31, 2024, all these cases were pending resolution.
In 2015, four constitutional lawsuits (juicios de amparo) were filed before Federal Courts against various authorities and against a subsidiary of the Company, arguing; (i) the alleged lack of a waste management program approved by SEMARNAT; (ii) the alleged lack of a remediation plan approved by SEMARNAT with regard to the August 2014 spill; (iii) the alleged lack of community approval regarding the environmental impact authorizations granted by SEMARNAT to one subsidiary of the Company; and (iv) the alleged inactivity of the authorities with regard of the spill in August 2014. The plaintiffs of these lawsuits are: Francisca Garcia Enriquez, et al filed two lawsuits, Francisco Ramon Miranda, et al and Jesus David Lopez Peralta et al. In the third quarter of 2016, four additional constitutional lawsuits, claiming similar damages were filed by Mario Alberto Salcido et al; Maria Elena Heredia Bustamante et al; Martin Eligio Ortiz Gamez et al; and Maria de los Angeles Enriquez Bacame et al. In the third quarter of 2017, BVC was served with another constitutional lawsuit filed by Francisca García Enriquez et al. In 2018, BVC was served with two additional constitutional lawsuits that were filed against SEMARNAT by Norberto Bustamante et al. With regard to the constitutional lawsuit filed by Maria Elena Heredia Bustamante et al; in which it was claimed the lack of community approval regarding the authorization granted by SEMARNAT to build the new BVC tailings dam, on September 5, 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice issued a resolution establishing that such authorization was granted to BVC in compliance with the applicable legislation. However, SEMARNAT must carry out a public meeting to inform the community of the technical aspects required to build the dam, potential impacts and prevention measures. This public meeting will have no material effects to BVC’s operations. SEMARNAT has carried out the consultation ordered by the Supreme Court. As a result, it has informed the corresponding Judge about its compliance with the resolution, in which BVC was required to implement additional measures of environmental impact prevention, such as: (i) the building of at least three monitoring wells downstream from the curtain of the contingency dam in a period of six months; (ii) monitoring of the groundwater level and water quality every six months; (iii) carrying out rain collection work in order to restore water to the Sonora River basin, with six months granted to present the execution program; (iv) determine the location of wildlife conservation and protection areas and define the need to establish biological corridors; (v) obtain photographic or videographic evidence every six months; (vi) submitting to SEMARNAT two years before the closure and abandonment of the site, or earlier if necessary, the closure program that includes the cleaning and restoration of the soil including Mexican regulation NOM-141; (vii) include the measures in the Environmental Monitoring Program according to the environmental components impacted; and (viii) hiring an external environmental consultant to validate compliance with the current and new conditions imposed. The foregoing does not impact BVC’s operations. Additionally, the lawsuits filed by Maria de los Angeles Enriquez Bacame and Norberto Bustamante have been dismissed and closed without prejudice to the Company. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining cases were pending resolution.
It is currently not possible to determine the extent of the damages sought in these state and federal lawsuits but the Company believes that these lawsuits are without merit. Accordingly, the Company is vigorously defending against them. Nevertheless, the Company believes that none of the legal proceedings resulting from the spill, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Labor matters:
Peruvian operations: 56.9% of the Company's 5,120 Peruvian employees were unionized as of December 31, 2024. Currently, there are six separate unions, none of which represents the majority of workers, as defined by current Peruvian labor legislation.
From 2021 to 2022, the Company signed collective bargaining agreements with the six unions with durations between three to six years. These agreements were executed in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company began applying the terms of the agreement entered into with the six unions pursuant to Law 31632, which stipulates new conditions for compensation of leaves granted during COVID-19. Within the current framework of labor regulations and the agreements with all six unions, this compensation has been adapted to align with current working hours of the mining sector. These conditions were in effect until December 1, 2023.
In the second and third quarter of 2024, the Company held meetings with five of its six unions to discuss collective bargaining agreements. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company signed long-term extensions of the collective bargaining agreements with these five unions, each lasting six years and commencing on the day after the expiration of the prior agreements, in accordance with the law. This allows the Company to maintain consistency in terms of economic benefits and working conditions for over 2,000 workers. Additionally, the Company reached agreements with these five unions to ensure the uninterrupted operation of its facilities, preventing stoppages by the unions and workers for a period of six years. As a result of these agreements, the Company made a signing payment to each worker, totaling $62 million approximately.
Meetings with the remaining union were held under the established collective bargaining procedure, as required by labor law. In February 2025, the Company signed a three-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement with this union. The Company made a signing payment to each worker of the union, totaling approximately $6.3 million.
The Company maintains regular dialogue with union representatives to ensure labor harmony and proper management of labor relations. Southern Peru has collective bargaining agreements with each of the six unions, the earliest of which expires in 2027 and the latest, in 2033. These agreements regulate benefits related to compensation and working conditions.
Mexican operations: In recent years, the Mexican operations have experienced a positive improvement in their labor environment, as workers opted to change their affiliation from the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalurgicos y Similares de la Republica Mexicana (the “National Mining Union”) to other less politicized unions.
The workers of the San Martin mine were on strike since July 2007. On February 28, 2018, the striking workers of the San Martín mine of IMMSA held an election to vote on the union that would hold the collective bargaining agreement at the San Martin mine. The Federacion Nacional de Sindicatos Independientes (the National Federation of Independent Unions) won the vote by a majority. Nevertheless, the vote was challenged by the National Mining Union. On June 26, 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board issued a ruling recognizing the election results. Due to the agreement between workers and the Company to end the protracted strike, on August 22, 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board authorized the restart of operations of the San Martin mine. Such authorization was challenged by the National Mining Union. On April 4, 2019, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board recognized, once again, the election results from February 28, 2018, by which the National Federation of Independent Unions won by a majority. In the last quarter of 2019, a Federal Court issued a resolution that established that the Labor Court should analyze the list of workers with the right to vote in the union election. The Company and the National Federation of Independent Unions challenged such determination before the Supreme Court of Justice. Such challenges were dismissed by the Supreme Court. Consequently, on September 6, 2021, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board issued a new resolution determining that, based on the documents submitted by the National Federation of Independent Unions and given the status of the strike until 2018, it was not possible to create a registry of workers holding a right to vote. Therefore, in case of a strike, any collective bargaining proceedings shall remain suspended. On June 9, 2023, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board, in a ruling that veered from its previous stance, did not recognize the common representatives of the coalition workers and consequently ruled that the agreement which such representatives had made with the Company to lift the strike in 2018 lacked validity. Notwithstanding, on June 14, 2023, in an arbitration proceeding initiated at IMMSA's request, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board handed down a ruling that terminated the strike and ordered workers to resume activities within 15 days. The Mining Union filed a protective action (Amparo) against this resolution, which was pending resolution as of December 31, 2024.
Additionally, the Mining Union has filed a complaint before the Government of the United States of America under the rules of the Rapid Response Mechanism contained in the Mexico-United States-Canada Treaty (“T-MEC”), alleging denial of free association rights. On April 26, 2024, the arbitration panel of the Labor Rapid Response Mechanism ruled in favor of the Government of Mexico, determining that they did not have jurisdiction to rule on the denial of union rights at the mine. The Company collaborated by providing background information on the case and followed up every stage of the arbitration.
The Company´s operations at the San Martin unit continue to evolve normally and the conflict is expected to be resolved in accordance with the legal framework set by labor authorities; any actions taken will respect the will of the workers.
In the case of the Taxco mine, its workers have been on strike since July 2007. After several legal procedures, in August 2015, the Supreme Court decided to assert jurisdiction over the case and to rule on it directly. As of December 31, 2024, the case was pending resolution without further developments.
It is expected that operations at the Taxco mine will remain suspended until the labor issues are resolved. In view of the lengthy strike, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of the Taxco mine to ascertain whether impairment exists. The Company concluded that there is a non-material impairment of the assets located at this mine.
Other legal matters:
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its operations, but the Company does not believe that decisions adverse to it in any such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Other commitments:
Peruvian Operations:
Michiquillay:
In June 2018, the Company signed a contract for the acquisition of the Michiquillay copper project in Cajamarca, Peru, at a purchase price of $400 million. Michiquillay is a world-class mining project with estimated inferred mineral resources of 2,288 million tonnes with an estimated copper grade of 0.43%. It is expected to produce 225,000 tonnes of copper per year (along with by-products of molybdenum, gold and silver) for an initial mine life of more than 25 years.
As per the purchase agreement, the Company paid $12.5 million at the signing of the contract and $12.5 million in June 2021. The remaining balance of $375.0 million will be paid if the Company decides to develop the project. Therefore, it is not a present obligation. In June 2022, the Company notified the Peruvian authorities of the end of the suspension period and the start of the preoperational period that lasts 12 years and it can be extended for three more years. The start of the preoperational period does not imply a payment obligation. The Company must support an investment of $20 million in the next five years which includes exploration activities as well as the development of social programs.
In 2021, the Company signed social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities. In addition, in October 2021, the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the semi-detailed environmental impact study for the project. In the last quarter of 2022, the Company informed MINEM that exploration activities had begun and that it initiated an in-depth assessment of existing mineral resources. In 2023, in accordance with the social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities, the Company has hired unskilled labor and is paying for the use of surface land. The Company is supporting social programs in both communities. Additionally, the Company continues exploration activities on this project and as of December 31, 2024, had drilled 140,130 meters and obtained 45,762 core samples for chemical analysis. Diamond drilling will continue in 2025 to provide information to update geological modeling and evaluate mineral resources. Geo-metallurgical, hydrological and hydrogeological studies are currently underway; geotechnical studies for the project will begin shortly.
Social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities represent an opportunity to improve quality of life for their residents through the Company´s strong social programs, backed by a solid framework for technical work at the project level. The main commitments signed by the Company regarding the social agreements are related to providing support for agricultural and livestock activities, financial support for local initiatives, and social programs in favor of education, water management, waste disposal, and healthcare for vulnerable groups.
Corporate Social Responsibility:
The Company has a corporate social responsibility policy to maintain and promote the continuity of its mining operations while obtaining the best results. The main objective of this policy is to integrate the Company´s operations with local communities in the areas of influence of its operations by creating permanent positive relationships to develop
optimum social conditions and promote sustainable development in the area. Accordingly, the Company has made the following commitments:
Tacna Region: In connection with the Toquepala concentrator expansion, the Company has committed to fund various social and infrastructure improvement projects in Toquepala’s neighboring communities. The total amount committed for these purposes is S/445.0 million (approximately $118.0 million as of December 31, 2024). In relation to this commitment, the Company has completed the construction of a school with an investment of S/18.8 million (approximately $5.0 million as of December 31, 2024), and agricultural infrastructure projects and studies with an investment of S/112.0 million (approximately $29.7 million as of December 31, 2024). Among the most important projects are the construction of the Cularjahuira dam for S/15.6 million (approximately $4.1 million as of December 31, 2024) and the engineering study for the Callazas dam for S/2.6 million (approximately $0.7 million as of December 31, 2024). Aditionally, the Company has committed S/60.4 million ($16.0 million as of December 31, 2024) to basic infrastructure projects, including a drinking water project for S/9.6 million (approximately $2.5 million as of December 31, 2024), which was recently completed.
As the Toquepala expansion project was completed, the Company considers that these commitments constitute present obligations of the Company and consequently has recorded a liability of $27.8 million in its consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024.
In addition, the Company has committed S/102.1 million (approximately $27.1 million as of December 31, 2024) for the construction of a high-achievement school in the Tacna region under the “Works for Taxes” (obras por impuestos) program, which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.
Moquegua Region: In the Moquegua region, the Company participates in a “development roundtable” with local municipal authorities and community representatives to discuss social needs to determine how the Company can contribute to sustainable development in the region. Although the development roundtable is not currently meeting, during previous sessions it discussed the possibility of creating a Moquegua Region Development Fund, for which the Company has offered a contribution of S/1,000 million (approximately $265.3 million as of December 31, 2024). While the final funding agreement has yet to be signed, the Company has already committed to contributing S/251.5 million (approximately $66.7 million as of December 31, 2024) to different projects, including S/108.4 million (approximately $28.8 million as of December 31, 2024) to fund an educational project for which S/106.7 million (approximately $28.3 million as of December 31, 2024) has already been invested; this project already has approved resolutions from the provinces of Ilo and Sánchez Cerro. Additionally, construction of the water treatment plant in Ilo continues, which entails a total investment of S/105.5 million (approximately $28.0 million as of December 31, 2024). As of December 31, 2024, the project had advanced 51%. On the education front, S/18.2 million (approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2024) has been executed to build three schools in Moquegua, all of which have been completed. Lastly, S/7.0 million (approximately $1.9 million as of December 31, 2024) has been invested to develop agricultural infrastructure projects and S/12.4 million (approximately $3.3 million as of December 31, 2024) has been invested to develop sidewalks in Pacocha and other efforts.
In addition, in the last three years, the Company has committed S/228 million (approximately $60.5 million as of December 31, 2024) to build four infrastructure projects in the Moquegua region, has concluded pre-investment studies for basic sanitation for S/0.3 million (approximately $0.1 million as of December 31, 2024), and has begun pre-investment studies for a road infrastructure project for S/3.6 million (approximately $1.0 million as of December 31, 2024), all of that under the “Works for Taxes” (obras por impuestos) program, which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.
Apurimac Region: The Company has committed S/83.8 million (approximately $22.2 million as of December 31, 2024) to build two educational infrastructure projects under the “Works for Taxes” (obras por impuestos) program, which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.
Arequipa Region: The Company has committed S/109.5 million (approximately $29.0 million as of December 31, 2024) to build two educational infrastructure projects and S/6.3 million (approximately $1.7 million as of December 31, 2024)
to finance previous studies for infrastructure projects, under the “Works for Taxes” (obras por impuestos) program, which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.
Cajamarca Region: The Company has committed S/0.7 million (approximately $0.2 million as of December 31, 2024) to finance the pre-investment studies of a health project under the “Works for Taxes” (obras por impuestos) program, which allows the Company to use these amounts as an advance payment of taxes.
Power purchase agreements:
● Electroperu S.A.: In June 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for 120 megawatt (“MW”) with the state power company Electroperu S.A., under which Electroperu S.A. began supplying energy for the Peruvian operations for twenty years starting on April 17, 2017.
● Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”): In July 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for 120MW with Kallpa, an independent Israeli owned power company, under which Kallpa will supply energy for the Peruvian operations for ten years starting on April 17, 2017 and ending on April 30, 2027. In May 2016, the Company signed an additional power purchase agreement for a maximum of 80MW with Kallpa, under which Kallpa began supplying energy for the Peruvian operations related to the Toquepala Expansion and other minor projects starting on May 1, 2017 and ending on October 31, 2029.
Mexican operations
Power purchase agreements:
● MGE: In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company’s Mexican operations through 2032. For further information, please see Note 18 “Related party transactions”.
● Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V.: In 2013, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I de C.V. a windfarm energy producer that is an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company’s Mexican operations. For further information, please see Note 18 “Related party transactions”.
● Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V.: On February 20, 2020, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V., an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply 611,400 MWh of power per year to some of the Company´s Mexican operations for 20 years. In the third quarter of 2024, Parque Eolico de Fenicias began supplying energy to the IMMSA unit. For further information, please see Note 18 “Related party transactions”.
Corporate operations
Commitment for Capital projects:
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has committed approximately $236.2 million for the development of its capital investment projects.
Tax contingency matters:
Tax contingencies are provided for under ASC 740-10-50-15 Uncertain tax position (see Note 7 “Income taxes”).
NOTE 14-STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Treasury Stock:
Activity in treasury stock in the years 2024 and 2023 was as follows (in millions):
Southern Copper common shares
Balance as of January 1,
$
2,766.6
$
2,766.9
Dividends paid in common stock
(428.9)
-
Used for corporate purposes
(0.4)
(0.3)
Balance as of December 31,
2,337.3
2,766.6
Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares
Balance as of January 1,
382.4
340.7
Other activity, including dividend, interest and foreign currency transaction effect
(19.0)
41.7
Balance as of December 31,
363.4
382.4
Treasury stock balance as of December 31,
$
2,700.7
$
3,149.0
Common Stock:
Dividends paid in common stock:
Stock dividend activity in 2024 was as follows:
Total
Effect in
Common stock
Average
Number of
Additional
Effect in
dividend
Market price
Shares Paid
Paid-in capital
Treasury Stock
Date of payment
per share
per share
as Dividends
($ in millions)
($ in millions)
May 23, 2024
0.0104
$
115.13
8,039,992
$
726.1
$
199.5
August 26, 2024
0.0056
$
106.54
4,374,118
357.4
108.5
November 21, 2024
0.0062
$
112.43
4,869,926
426.7
120.9
Total
0.0222
17,284,036
$
1,510.2
$
428.9
On December 31, 2024, and on December 31, 2023, 94,185,981 shares and 111,485,617 shares of SCC’s common stock were in Treasury, respectively. These shares are used for the Director’s stock award plans and are available for general corporate purposes.
SCC share repurchase program:
In 2008, the BOD authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, the Company has purchased 119.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of $2.9 billion. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. The Company may purchase additional shares of its common stock from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
There has been no activity in the SCC share repurchase program since the third quarter of 2016. The NYSE closing price of SCC common shares as of December 31, 2024 was $91.13 and the maximum number of shares that the Company could purchase at that price was 0.9 million.
Grupo Mexico’s direct and indirect ownership remains at 88.9% as of December 31, 2024.
Directors’ Stock Award Plan:
The Company established a Director´s Stock Award Plan for certain non-employee directors. Southern Copper has reserved 600,000 shares of common stock for the plan. Under this plan, participants are entitled to an award of 1,600 shares of common stock upon election to the Board of Directors and are eligible to receive 1,600 additional shares of common stock per year thereafter. Commencing with the second quarter of 2021, Directors receive quarterly awards of 400 shares, contingent upon attendance of each quarterly Board meeting. The fair value of the award is measured each year at the date of the grant. On May 27, 2022, the Company’s stockholders approved a five-year extension of the Plan until January 27, 2028. The award is not subject to vesting requirements.
For 2024 and 2023, the stock-based compensation expense associated with this plan totaled $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The activity of this plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Total SCC shares reserved for the plan
600,000
600,000
Total shares granted at January 1,
(428,800)
(416,800)
Granted in the period
(15,600)
(12,000)
Total shares granted at December 31,
(444,400)
(428,800)
Remaining shares reserved
155,600
171,200
Parent Company common shares:
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were in treasury 61,972,864 and 67,793,020 of Grupo Mexico’s common shares, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
2015 Plan: In January 2015, the Company offered to eligible employees a new stock purchase plan through a trust that acquires series B shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, and employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies. The purchase price was established at 38.44 Mexican pesos (approximately $2.63) for the initial subscription, which expires in January 2023. Every two years employees will be able to acquire title to 50% of the shares paid in the previous two years. The employees will pay for shares purchased through monthly payroll deductions over the eight-year period of the plan. At the end of the eight-year period, the Company will grant the participant a bonus of 1 share for every 10 shares purchased by the employee. Any future subscription will be at the average market price at the date of acquisition or the grant date.
If Grupo Mexico pays dividends on shares during the eight-year period, the participants will be entitled to receive the dividend in cash for all shares that have been fully purchased and paid as of the date that the dividend is paid. If the participant has only partially paid for shares, the entitled dividends will be used to reduce the remaining liability owed for purchased shares.
In the case of voluntary or involuntary resignation/termination of the employee, the Company will pay to the employee the fair market sales price at the date of resignation of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes. When the fair market sales value of the shares is higher than the purchase price, the Company will apply a deduction over the amount to be paid to the employee based on a decreasing schedule specified in the plan.
In case of retirement or death of the employee, the Company will render the buyer or his legal beneficiary, the fair market sales value as of the date of retirement or death of the shares effectively paid, net of costs and taxes.
The stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 and the unrecognized compensation expense under this plan were as follows (in millions):
Stock based compensation expense
$
-
$
0.2
$
0.6
Unrecognized compensation expense
$
-
$
-
$
0.2
The plan ended in January 2023.
The following table presents the stock award activity of this plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Unit Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2024
44,839
$
2.63
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(44,839)
$
2.63
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding shares at December 31, 2024
-
$
-
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2023
845,895
$
2.63
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(801,056)
$
2.63
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding shares at December 31, 2023
44,839
$
2.63
2018 Plan: In November 2018, the Company offered to eligible employees a new stock purchase plan (the "New Employee Stock Purchase Plan") through a trust that acquires series B shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, and employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies. The purchase price was established at 37.89 Mexican pesos (approximately $1.86) for the initial subscription, which expires in October 2026. Every two years employees will be able to acquire title to 50% of the shares paid in the previous two years. The employees will pay for shares purchased through monthly payroll deductions over the eight-year period of the plan. At the end of the eight-year period, the Company will grant the participant a bonus of 1 share for every 10 shares purchased by the employee. Any future subscription will be at the average market price at the date of acquisition or the grant date.
If Grupo Mexico pays dividends on shares during the eight-year period, the participants will be entitled to receive the dividend in cash for all shares that have been fully purchased and paid as of the date that the dividend is paid. If the participant has only partially paid for shares, the entitled dividends will be used to reduce the remaining liability owed for purchased shares.
In the case of voluntary or involuntary resignation/termination of the employee, the Company will pay to the employee the fair market sales price at the date of resignation of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes. When the fair market sales value of the shares is higher than the purchase price, the Company will apply a deduction over the amount to be paid to the employee based on a decreasing schedule specified in the plan.
In case of retirement or death of the employee, the Company will render the buyer or his legal beneficiary, the fair market sales value as of the date of retirement or death of the shares effectively paid, net of costs and taxes.
The stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 and the unrecognized compensation expense under this plan were as follows (in millions):
Stock based compensation expense
$
0.7
$
0.7
$
0.7
Unrecognized compensation expense
$
1.0
$
1.7
$
2.4
The following table presents the stock award activity of this plan for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Unit Weighted Average
Shares
Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2024
1,962,936
$
1.86
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(61,847)
$
1.86
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding shares at December 31, 2024
1,901,089
$
1.86
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2023
2,754,506
$
1.86
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(791,570)
$
1.86
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding shares at December 31, 2023
1,962,936
$
1.86
Executive Stock Purchase Plan:
Grupo Mexico also offers a stock purchase plan for certain members of its executive management and the executive management of its subsidiaries and certain affiliated companies. Under this plan, participants will receive incentive cash bonuses which are used to purchase shares of Grupo Mexico which are deposited in a trust.
Non-controlling interest:
For all the years presented, in the consolidated statement of earnings the income attributable to non-controlling interest is based on the earnings of the Company's Peruvian Branch.
The non-controlling interest of the Company’s Peruvian Branch is for investment shares. These shares were generated by legislation in place in Peru from the 1970s through 1991; such legislation provided for the participation of mining workers in the profits of the enterprises for which they worked. This participation was divided between equity and cash. The investment shares included in the non-controlling interest on the consolidated balance sheets reflect outstanding equity distributions made to the Peruvian Branch’s employees.
In prior years, the Company acquired some Peruvian investment shares in exchange for newly issued common shares of the Company and through purchases at market value. These acquisitions were accounted for as purchases of non-controlling interests. The excess paid over the carrying value was assigned to intangible assets and is being amortized based on production. As a result of these acquisitions, the remaining investment shareholders hold a 0.71% interest in the Peruvian Branch and are entitled to a pro rata participation in the cash distributions made by the Peruvian Branch. The shares are recorded as a non-controlling interest in the Company's financial statements.
NOTE 15 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:
From time to time, the Company uses derivative instruments to manage its cash flows exposure to changes in commodity prices. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts unless it anticipates that the possibility exists that future activity will expose the Company’s future cash flows to deterioration. Derivative contracts for commodities are entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of the commodities that the Company uses in its manufacturing process.
Cash Flow Hedges of Natural Gas
In the third quarter of 2021, the Company acquired two derivative instruments that became effective in November 2021 and expired in March 2022. The Company’s objective in using natural gas derivatives was to protect the stability of natural gas costs and manage exposure to natural gas price increases. The Company assessed these derivative instruments as Cash Flow Hedges. As such, the effective portions of said hedges were recorded as earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected earnings. The Company did not identify any ineffective portions of these derivatives. As of December 31, 2024, the Company held no derivative instruments.
NOTE 16-FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT:
Subtopic 820-10 of ASC “Fair value measurement and disclosures -Overall” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under Subtopic 820-10 are described below:
Level 1 -Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 -Inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, but do not qualify as Level 1 inputs. (i.e., quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities).
Level 3 -Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (other than accounts receivable associated with provisionally priced sales) and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Consequently, such financial instruments are not included in the following table that provides information about the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in millions):
At December 31, 2024
At December 31, 2023
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt level 1
$
499.8
$
498.4
$
-
$
-
Long-term debt level 1
$
5,707.3
$
5,653.6
$
6,203.4
$
6,431.9
Long-term debt level 2
51.2
53.1
51.2
54.0
Total long-term debt
$
5,758.5
$
5,706.7
$
6,254.6
$
6,485.9
Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost and its estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy except for the case of the Yankee bonds, which qualify as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are based on quoted priced in market that are not active.
Fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were calculated as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, as follows (in millions):
Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:
Significant
Fair Value
Quoted prices in
other
Significant
as of
active markets for
observable
unobservable
December 31,
identical assets
inputs
inputs
Description
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Assets:
Short term investment:
-Trading securities
$
245.2
$
245.2
$
-
$
-
-Available-for-sale debt securities:
Asset backed securities
-
-
-
-
Mortgage backed securities
0.1
-
0.1
-
Accounts receivable:
-Embedded derivatives-Not classified as hedges:
Provisionally priced sales:
Copper
589.5
589.5
-
-
Molybdenum
274.5
274.5
-
-
Total
$
1,109.3
$
1,109.2
$
0.1
$
-
Fair Value at Measurement Date Using:
Significant
Fair Value
Quoted prices in
other
Significant
as of
active markets for
observable
unobservable
December 31,
identical assets
inputs
inputs
Description
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Assets:
Short term investment:
-Trading securities
$
599.1
$
599.1
$
-
$
-
-Available-for-sale debt securities:
Asset backed securities
0.1
-
0.1
-
Mortgage backed securities
0.1
-
0.1
-
Accounts receivable:
-Embedded derivatives-Not classified as hedges:
Provisionally priced sales:
Copper
657.5
657.5
-
-
Molybdenum
264.9
264.9
-
-
Total
$
1,521.7
$
1,521.5
$
0.2
$
-
The Company’s short-term trading securities investments are classified as Level 1 because they are valued using quoted prices of the same securities as they consist of bonds issued by public companies and publicly traded. The Company’s short-term available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 2 because they are valued using quoted prices for similar investments.
The Company’s accounts receivables associated with provisionally priced copper sales are valued using quoted market prices based on the forward price on the LME or on the COMEX. Such value is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Molybdenum prices are established by reference to the publication Platt’s Metals Week and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
In addition, in the third quarter of 2021, the Company acquired two derivative instruments to protect natural gas costs from estimated price increases in the winter season. These derivative instruments covered the period from November 2021 through March 2022. For further information please refer to Note 15 “Derivative instruments.”
NOTE 17-CONCENTRATION OF RISK:
The Company operates five open-pit copper mines, three underground poly-metallic mines, two smelters and nine refineries in Peru and Mexico and substantially all of its assets are located in these countries. No assurances can be made that any operations and assets of the Company that are subject to the jurisdiction of the governments of Peru and Mexico will not be adversely affected by future actions of such governments. Much of the Company’s products are exported from Peru and Mexico to customers principally in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company invests or maintains available cash with various banks, principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Peru, or in commercial papers of highly-rated companies. As part of its cash management process, the Company regularly monitors the relative credit standing of these institutions. At December 31, 2024, SCC had invested its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as follows:
$ in
% of total
% in one institution
Country
million
cash (1)
of country
of total cash
United States
$
2,494.4
71.2
%
15.0
%
10.7
%
Canada
373.1
10.6
%
100.0
%
10.6
%
Switzerland
353.0
10.1
%
100.0
%
10.1
%
Peru
20.5
0.6
%
46.8
%
0.3
%
Mexico
262.4
7.5
%
61.1
%
4.6
%
Total cash and short-term investment
$
3,503.4
100.0
%
(1) 98.1% of the Company’s cash is in U.S. dollars.
During the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to its customers. Although the receivables resulting from these transactions are not collateralized, the Company has not experienced significant problems with the collection of receivables.
The Company’s largest customers as percentage of accounts receivable and total sales were as follows:
Accounts receivable trade as of December 31,
Five largest customers
33.4
%
32.6
%
34.2
%
Largest customer
12.1
%
9.7
%
10.4
%
Total sales in year
Five largest customers
23.5
%
24.7
%
25.7
%
Largest customer
7.9
%
7.7
%
6.8
%
NOTE 18-RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company has entered into certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with parties that are controlling shareholders or their affiliates. These transactions include the lease of office space, air and railroad transportation, construction services, energy supply, and other products and services related to mining and refining. The Company lends and borrows funds among affiliates for acquisitions and other corporate purposes. These financial transactions bear interest and are subject to review and approval by senior management, as are all related party transactions. Article Nine of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company prohibits the Company from engaging in a Material Affiliate Transaction that was not the subject of prior review by a committee of the Board of Directors with at least three members, each of whom is independent, and defines a Material Affiliate Transaction as a transaction or series of related transactions between Grupo Mexico or one of its affiliates (other than the Company or its subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the Company or one of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, that involves consideration of more than $10.0 million in the aggregate. It is the Company’s policy that (i) a Material Affiliate Transaction not be entered into or
continued without the review and approval by the Audit Committee or its subcommittee of related party transactions comprised of independent directors,(ii) any potential related party transaction process with aggregate consideration between $8.0 million and $10.0 million be authorized by the General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and (iii) all related party transactions, including any Material Affiliate Transaction, be reported to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or to its subcommittee of related party transactions.
Receivable and payable balances with related parties are shown below (in millions):
At December 31,
Related parties receivable current:
Grupo Mexico and affiliates:
Asarco LLC
$
7.1
$
9.4
AMMINCO Apoyo Administrativo, S.A. de C.V. (“AMMINCO”)
(*)
(*)
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
(*)
(*)
Mexico Generadora de Energia S. de R.L. ("MGE")
5.4
17.1
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A de C.V.
(*)
(*)
Related to the controlling group:
Empresarios Industriales de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
0.9
0.6
Mexico Transportes Aereos, S.A. de C.V. ("Mextransport")
-
0.1
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V.
0.1
0.1
$
13.5
$
27.3
Related parties payable:
Grupo Mexico and affiliates:
AMMINCO
$
6.0
$
5.0
Asarco LLC
6.0
13.8
Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V.
0.4
0.2
Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A. de C.V.
2.9
7.9
Grupo Mexico Servicios
4.3
2.7
MGE
15.9
50.3
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A de C.V.
8.0
9.5
Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V.
2.6
-
Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V.
2.1
3.5
Related to the controlling group:
Boutique Bowling de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
0.5
0.3
Mexico Transportes Aereos S.A. de C.V. (“Mextransport”)
0.1
0.3
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V.
0.4
0.1
$
49.2
$
93.6
(*) Less than $0.1 million.
Purchase and sale activity:
Grupo Mexico and affiliates:
The following table summarizes the purchase and sale activities with Grupo Mexico and its affiliates in 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Purchase activity
Asarco LLC
$
4.7
$
30.4
$
66.3
AMMINCO
10.0
10.0
10.0
Controladora de Infraestructura Energetica S.A. de C.V
-
-
0.8
Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V.
4.9
2.3
3.0
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
48.4
53.0
42.9
Grupo Mexico Servicios
20.1
20.1
20.1
MGE
172.6
224.6
331.0
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A de C.V.
75.3
59.8
43.8
Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V.
12.4
-
-
Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V.
18.8
18.0
16.7
Total purchases
$
367.2
$
418.2
$
534.6
Sales activity
Asarco LLC
$
38.0
$
39.6
$
48.0
AMMINCO
0.1
(*)
(*)
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
(*)
-
-
MGE
35.8
66.3
165.0
Total sales
$
73.9
$
105.9
$
213.0
(*) Less than $0.1 million
Grupo Mexico, the parent and the majority indirect stockholder of the Company, and its affiliates provide various services to the Company. These services are primarily related to accounting, legal, tax, financial, treasury, human resources, price risk assessment and hedging, purchasing, procurement and logistics, sales and administrative and other support services. The Company pays AMMINCO and Grupo Mexico Servicios, both subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico, for these services and expects to continue requiring these services in the future.
In 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company donated $2.6 million, $4.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, to Fundacion Grupo Mexico, A.C., an organization dedicated to promote the social and economic development of the communities close to the Company’s Mexican operations.
The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for freight services provided by Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A de C.V., which is a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Additionally, in 2022, the Company´s Mexican operations paid fees for specialized technical and environmental services to obtain the energy license for El Arco project provided by Controladora de Infraestructura Energetica S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Infraestructura y Transportes Mexico S.A. de C.V., which is a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico.
In addition, the Company´s Peruvian and Mexican operations paid fees for engineering services provided by Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V., and the Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for construction services provided by Mexico Compania Constructora S.A. de C.V. Both companies are subsidiaries of Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V., which is a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico.
The Company’s Mexican operations purchased copper concentrates, starter sheets, cathodes, bars and a fixed asset from Asarco LLC and also paid fees for tolling services. Additionally, the Company´s Mexican operations purchased power from MGE. Both companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.
In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, whereby MGE will supply some of the Company’s Mexican operations with power through 2032. MGE has two natural gas-fired combined cycle power generating units, with a net total capacity of 516.2 megawatts and has been supplying power to the Company since December 2013. In 2024, MGE supplied 20.2% of its power output to third-party energy users; compared to 7.6% in 2023.
In 2014, Mexico Generadora de Energia Eolica, S. de R.L. de C.V, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, acquired Eolica el Retiro, a windfarm with 37 wind turbines. This company started operations in January 2014 and began to sell power to Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries (IMMSA) and other subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico in the third quarter of 2014. In 2024, Eolica el Retiro is supplied approximately 25.5% of its power output to IMMSA and Mexcobre; compared to 12% in 2023.
In 2020, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Parque Eolico de Fenicias”), an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, located in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This contract commits to supply 611,400 MWh of power per year to some of the Company´s Mexican operations for 20 years. This agreement started in the third quarter of 2024. In 2024, Parque Eolico de Fenicias supplied approximately 58.6% of its power output to IMMSA.
The Company sold copper starter sheets, sulfuric acid and lime to Asarco LLC. The Company´s Mexican operations received fees for transportation and administrative services that were provided to Asarco and also received fees for natural gas and services provided to MGE, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. In addition, the Company´s Mexican operations received fees for rental services provided to AMMINCO.
Companies with relationships with the controlling group:
The following table summarizes the purchase and sales activities with other Larrea family companies in 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Purchase activity
Boutique Bowling de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
$
0.6
$
0.7
$
0.4
Mextransport
2.5
2.8
2.1
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V.
0.3
0.4
0.2
Total purchases
$
3.4
$
3.9
$
2.7
Sales activity
Boutique Bowling de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
$
0.1
$
0.1
$
0.1
Empresarios Industriales de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
0.4
0.5
-
Mextransport
2.3
2.3
1.9
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V.
0.1
0.1
0.1
Total sales
$
2.9
$
3.0
$
2.1
The Larrea family controls a majority of the capital stock of Grupo Mexico, and has extensive interests in other businesses, including transportation, real estate and entertainment. The Company engages in certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with other entities controlled by the Larrea family relating to the lease of office space, air transportation and entertainment.
The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for entertainment services provided by Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A de C.V. and Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. Both companies are controlled by the Larrea family. Mextransport provides aviation services to the Company’s Mexican operations. This is a company controlled by the Larrea family.
In addition, the Company received fees for building rental and maintenance services provided to Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A de C.V. and Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. The Company´s Mexican operations received fees from Mextransport for reimbursement of maintenance expenses for rental services and also received fees from Empresarios Industriales de Mexico S.A. de C.V. for security services.
Equity Investment in Affiliate: The Company has a 44.2% participation in Compañia Minera Coimolache S.A. (“Coimolache”), which it accounts for on the equity method. Coimolache owns Tantahuatay, a gold mine located in northern Peru.
In addition, the Company has a 30.0% participation in Apu Coropuna S.R.L. (“Apu Coropuna”), which it accounts for
on the equity method. Apu Coropuna is a company, which undertakes exploration activities in the Pucay prospect, located in Arequipa, Peru.
It is anticipated that in the future the Company will enter into similar transactions with these same parties.
NOTE 19-SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:
Company management views Southern Copper as having three reportable segments and manages it on the basis of these segments. The reportable segments identified by the Company are: the Peruvian operations, the Mexican open-pit operations and the Mexican underground mining operations segment identified as the IMMSA unit.
The three reportable segments identified are groups of mines, each of which constitute an operating segment, with similar economic characteristics, type of products, processes and support facilities, similar regulatory environments, similar employee bargaining contracts and similar currency risks. In addition, each mine within the individual group earns revenues from similar type of customers for their products and services and each group incurs expenses independently, including commercial transactions between groups.
Intersegment sales are based on arm’s length prices at the time of sale. These may not be reflective of actual prices realized by the Company due to various factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to outside customers and transportation cost. Added to the segment data is information regarding the Company’s sales. The segments identified by the Company are:
1. Peruvian operations, which include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, including a precious metals plant, industrial railroad and port facilities that service both mines. The Peruvian operations produce copper, with production of by-products of molybdenum, silver and other material.
2. Mexican open-pit operations, which include La Caridad-Pilares and Buenavista mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, including a precious metals plant and a copper rod plant and support facilities that service both mines. The Mexican open-pit operations produce copper and zinc, with production of by-products of molybdenum, silver and other material.
3. Mexican underground mining operations, which include five underground mines that produce zinc, copper, silver and gold, and a zinc refinery. This group is identified as the IMMSA unit.
The Peruvian operations include two open-pit copper mines whose mineral output is transported by rail to Ilo, Peru where it is processed at the Company’s Ilo smelter and refinery, without distinguishing between the products of the two mines. The resulting product, anodes and refined copper, are then shipped to customers throughout the world. These shipments are recorded as revenue of the Company’s Peruvian mines.
The Mexican open-pit segment includes two copper mines whose mineral output is processed in the same smelter and refinery without distinguishing between the products of the two mines. The resultant product, anodes and refined copper, are then shipped to customers throughout the world. These shipments are recorded as revenues of the Company’s Mexican open-pit mines.
The Company has determined that it is necessary to classify the Peruvian operations as an operating segment that is separate from the Mexican open-pit operations due to the very distinct regulatory and political environments in which they operate. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company presides over the executive committee that also includes the Chief Financial Officer,
the Directors of each operating unit, and the heads of the supply chain, commercial, human resources, and investment projects departments. The CODM of the Company must consider the operations in each country separately when analyzing results of the Company and making key decisions. The open-pit mines in Peru must comply with stricter environmental rules and must deal with a political climate that has a very distinct vision of the mining industry than that seen in Mexico. In addition, the collective bargaining agreement contracts are negotiated differently in each of the countries. These key differences result in the Company taking varying decisions with regard to open-pit operations in the two countries.
The IMMSA segment includes five mines whose minerals are processed in the same refinery. Sales of product from this segment are recorded as revenues of the Company’s IMMSA unit. While the Mexican underground mines are subject to a regulatory environment that is very similar to that applicable to Mexican open-pit mines, the nature of the products and processes of the two Mexican operations vary considerably. These differences cause the Company’s CODM to take a very different approach when analyzing results and making decisions regarding the two Mexican operations.
Financial information is regularly prepared for each of the three segments and the results of the Company’s operations are regularly reported to the CODM on the segment basis. The CODM of the Company focuses on operating income and on total assets as measures of performance to evaluate different segments and to make decisions to allocate resources to the reported segments. These are common measures in the mining industry. The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM. Intersegment expenses are included in the amounts shown.
Annually, the CODM of the Company reviews the operating results and submits the budgets for sales, costs, operating expenses, capital expenditures and production for each segment to the Board of Directors for approval. The CODM of the Company evaluates the performance of each of the segments on a regular basis by assessing the budget-to-actual and actual to prior period variances in production, net sales and operating income. Additionally, the CODM of the Company reviews on a regular basis the execution of forecasted capital expenditures and the evolution of total asset amounts in each segment to make decisions about operating and capital resource allocation for each segment.
Financial information relating to Company’s segments is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024
(in millions)
Mexican
Corporate, other
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
and
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
eliminations
Consolidated
Net sales to external customers
$
6,305.1
$
523.6
$
4,604.6
$
11,433.4
$
-
$
11,433.4
Intersegment sales
11.9
180.5
-
192.4
(192.4)
(0.0)
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
2,447.5
479.1
2,111.4
5,038.0
(196.5)
4,841.4
Selling, general and administrative
70.9
12.4
38.1
121.4
9.1
130.5
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
405.8
72.9
329.5
808.2
37.7
845.9
Exploration
8.7
10.5
33.2
52.4
8.5
60.9
Operating income
$
3,384.1
$
129.2
$
2,092.5
$
5,605.8
$
(51.1)
5,554.7
Less:
Interest, net
(202.7)
Other income (expense)
5.5
Income before income taxes
$
5,357.4
Capital investment
$
621.9
$
122.6
$
271.2
$
1,015.8
$
11.5
$
1,027.3
Property and mine development, net
$
4,735.4
$
801.0
$
3,759.7
$
9,296.1
$
587.2
$
9,883.3
Total assets
$
8,605.1
$
1,204.5
$
5,278.3
$
15,087.9
$
3,625.6
$
18,713.5
Year Ended December 31, 2023
(in millions)
Mexican
Corporate, other
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
and
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
eliminations
Consolidated
Net sales to external customers
$
5,562.3
$
479.2
$
3,854.3
$
9,895.8
$
-
$
9,895.8
Intersegment sales
-
151.6
-
151.6
(151.6)
-
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
2,325.1
545.6
1,974.7
4,845.4
(157.7)
4,687.7
Selling, general and administrative
70.1
10.4
38.4
118.9
8.3
127.2
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
386.1
70.4
338.7
795.2
38.4
833.6
Exploration
6.2
8.6
29.1
43.9
11.1
55.0
Operating income
$
2,774.8
$
(4.2)
$
1,473.4
$
4,244.0
$
(51.7)
4,192.3
Less:
Interest, net
(240.1)
Other income (expense)
3.6
Income before income taxes
$
3,955.8
Capital investment
$
521.8
$
147.7
$
322.7
$
992.2
$
16.4
$
1,008.6
Property and mine development, net
$
4,590.1
$
751.0
$
3,624.2
$
8,965.3
$
817.6
$
9,782.9
Total assets
$
8,695.6
$
1,166.1
$
4,635.5
$
14,497.2
$
2,228.1
$
16,725.3
Year Ended December 31, 2022
(in millions)
Mexican
Corporate, other
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
and
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
eliminations
Consolidated
Net sales to external customers
$
5,610.9
$
528.5
$
3,908.5
$
10,047.9
$
-
$
10,047.9
Intersegment sales
161.7
138.0
-
299.7
(299.7)
-
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion)
2,371.9
532.8
2,061.3
4,966.0
(316.9)
4,649.1
Selling, general and administrative
65.9
10.2
39.2
115.3
9.7
125.0
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
377.0
57.6
321.7
756.3
40.0
796.3
Exploration
3.1
5.4
18.5
27.0
14.7
41.7
Operating income
$
2,954.7
$
60.6
$
1,467.8
$
4,483.1
$
(47.3)
4,435.8
Less:
Interest, net
(305.1)
Other income (expense)
117.1
Income before income taxes
$
4,247.8
Capital investment
$
422.7
$
161.8
$
355.0
$
939.5
$
9.0
$
948.5
Property and mine development, net
$
4,512.6
$
678.5
$
3,659.3
$
8,850.4
$
746.2
$
9,596.6
Total assets
$
8,835.9
$
1,100.7
$
4,870.8
$
14,807.4
$
2,470.0
$
17,277.4
The following table presents information regarding the opening and closing balances of receivables by reporting segment of the Company for the two years ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate &
Open-Pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Elimination
Consolidated
As of December 31, 2024:
Trade receivables
$
623.0
$
59.7
$
506.9
$
1,189.6
$
-
$
1,189.6
Related parties, current
39.7
25.1
1.3
66.2
(52.7)
13.5
As of December 31, 2023:
Trade receivables
$
556.3
$
49.1
$
535.7
$
1,141.1
$
-
$
1,141.1
Related parties, current
25.7
0.9
0.8
27.4
(0.1)
27.3
SALES VALUE PER SEGMENT:
The following table presents information regarding the sales value by reporting segment of the Company’s significant products for the three years ended December 31, 2024 (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate, Other &
Total
(in millions)
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Eliminations
Consolidated
Copper
$
4,981.1
$
127.7
$
3,726.2
$
8,835.1
$
(81.4)
$
8,753.7
Molybdenum
674.5
-
571.9
1,246.4
-
1,246.4
Zinc
137.3
306.2
-
443.6
(8.7)
434.9
Silver
342.6
191.2
151.1
684.9
(96.9)
588.0
Other
181.5
78.9
155.4
415.8
(5.4)
410.4
Total
$
6,317.0
$
704.1
$
4,604.6
$
11,625.8
$
(192.4)
$
11,433.4
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate, Other &
Total
(in millions)
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Eliminations
Consolidated
Copper
$
4,442.2
$
89.1
$
3,129.1
$
7,660.4
$
(69.3)
$
7,591.1
Molybdenum
689.4
-
440.3
1,129.7
-
1,129.7
Zinc
-
300.9
-
300.9
0.5
301.4
Silver
233.7
158.3
100.2
492.2
(74.6)
417.6
Other
197.0
82.5
184.7
464.2
(8.2)
456.0
Total
$
5,562.3
$
630.8
$
3,854.3
$
10,047.4
$
(151.6)
$
9,895.8
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate, Other &
Total
(in millions)
Open-pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Eliminations
Consolidated
Copper
$
4,579.2
$
83.6
$
3,096.0
$
7,758.8
$
(220.0)
$
7,538.8
Molybdenum
705.3
-
487.4
1,192.7
-
1,192.7
Zinc
-
373.8
-
373.8
0.4
374.2
Silver
241.9
133.8
95.3
471.0
(68.4)
402.6
Other
246.3
75.3
229.8
551.4
(11.7)
539.7
Total
$
5,772.6
$
666.5
$
3,908.5
$
10,347.6
$
(299.7)
$
10,047.9
NET SALES AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
The geographic breakdown of the Company’s sales for the three years ended December 31, 2024, is attributed to countries based on location of customer, and is summarized as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate &
Open-Pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Elimination
Consolidated
The Americas:
Mexico
$
2,481.5
$
503.0
$
33.9
$
3,018.4
$
(163.5)
$
2,854.9
United States
1,129.9
2.4
339.1
1,471.4
-
1,471.4
Peru
-
28.6
661.6
690.2
(28.9)
661.4
Brazil
-
39.4
474.1
513.5
-
513.5
Chile
-
-
452.3
452.3
-
452.3
Other American countries
43.1
-
27.1
70.2
-
70.2
Europe:
Switzerland
735.2
92.5
613.0
1,440.7
-
1,440.7
Italy
-
24.9
344.2
369.0
-
369.0
Spain
461.0
-
88.1
549.1
-
549.1
Other European countries
163.9
10.4
552.0
726.3
-
726.3
Asia:
China
921.8
3.5
257.8
1,183.1
-
1,183.1
Singapore
104.4
(0.6)
151.9
255.7
-
255.7
Japan
185.1
-
541.1
726.2
-
726.2
Other Asian countries
91.1
-
68.6
159.7
-
159.7
Total
$
6,317.0
$
704.1
$
4,604.6
$
11,625.8
$
(192.4)
$
11,433.4
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate &
Open-Pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Elimination
Consolidated
The Americas:
Mexico
$
2,329.3
$
475.3
$
-
$
2,804.6
$
(133.5)
$
2,671.1
United States
1,086.6
18.3
515.4
1,620.3
-
1,620.3
Peru
-
18.4
394.6
413.0
(18.1)
394.9
Brazil
-
34.5
355.8
390.3
-
390.3
Chile
(8.4)
-
407.9
399.5
-
399.5
Other American countries
39.3
0.5
20.7
60.5
-
60.5
Europe:
Switzerland
520.2
29.8
535.4
1,085.4
-
1,085.4
Italy
1.1
18.9
394.4
414.4
-
414.4
Spain
397.0
-
75.9
472.9
-
472.9
Other European countries
163.5
24.4
219.8
407.7
-
407.7
Asia:
China
631.7
115.2
749.2
-
749.2
Singapore
155.5
8.1
200.7
364.3
-
364.3
Japan
160.3
-
508.0
668.3
-
668.3
Other Asian countries
86.2
0.3
110.5
197.0
-
197.0
Total
$
5,562.3
$
630.8
$
3,854.3
$
10,047.4
$
(151.6)
$
9,895.8
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Mexican
Mexican
IMMSA
Peruvian
Segment
Corporate &
Open-Pit
Unit
Operations
Total
Elimination
Consolidated
The Americas:
Mexico
$
1,962.0
$
464.7
$
-
$
2,426.7
$
(138.0)
$
2,288.7
United States
1,486.2
54.0
370.2
1,910.4
-
1,910.4
Peru
162.2
-
614.5
776.7
(161.7)
615.0
Brazil
-
41.3
410.7
452.0
-
452.0
Chile
19.9
-
424.6
444.5
-
444.5
Other American countries
35.4
2.6
27.7
65.7
-
65.7
Europe:
Switzerland
693.7
44.6
739.5
1,477.8
-
1,477.8
Italy
2.1
19.3
240.0
261.4
-
261.4
Spain
420.7
-
37.5
458.2
-
458.2
Other European countries
124.3
31.1
207.4
362.8
-
362.8
Asia:
China
517.6
-
54.9
572.5
-
572.5
Singapore
103.9
8.4
176.1
288.4
-
288.4
Japan
88.0
-
528.2
616.2
-
616.2
Other Asian countries
156.6
0.5
77.2
234.3
-
234.3
Total
$
5,772.6
$
666.5
$
3,908.5
$
10,347.6
$
(299.7)
$
10,047.9
PROVISIONAL SALES PRICE:
At December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded provisionally priced sales of copper at average forward prices per pound, and molybdenum at the year-end market price per pound. These sales are subject to final pricing based on the average monthly copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”) or New York Commodities Exchange (“COMEX”) and Dealer Oxide molybdenum prices in the future month of settlement.
Following are the provisionally priced copper and molybdenum sales outstanding at December 31, 2024:
Sales volume
Priced at
(million lbs.)
(per pound)
Month of settlement
Copper
149.0
3.96
January through April 2025
Molybdenum
13.0
21.08
January through April 2025
Provisional sales price adjustments included in accounts receivable and net sales were as follows at December, 31 (in millions):
At December 31,
Copper
$
(27.5)
$
17.8
Molybdenum
(14.1)
18.2
Total
$
(41.6)
$
36.0
Management believes that the final pricing of these sales will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
LONG-TERM SALES CONTRACTS:
The following are the significant outstanding long-term contracts:
In 2022, a three-year copper cathodes sales agreement was signed with Mitsui, with shipments beginning in 2023. Mitsui and the Company will negotiate market terms and conditions for annual contracts no later than November 30 of the year prior to shipment. The contract considers the following annual volumes of copper cathodes; 48,000 tonnes for each of
the years from 2023 through 2025. Failure to reach an agreement on market terms would cancel the annual contract but not the long-term agreement. Under the terms of the agreement all shipments would be to Asia and no exclusivity rights for Mitsui or commissions are included. This contract may be renewed for additional years, upon the agreement of both parties.
Under the terms of a sales contract with Molymet Group (Molibdenos y Metales, S.A., Complejo Industrial Molynor S.A. and Molymet Belgium N.V), SPCC Peru Branch is required to supply approximately 70% of the molybdenum concentrates production from 2023 through 2025. The sale price of the molybdenum concentrate is based on the average of the High and Low “Daily Dealer Oxide” as published in “Platt’s Metals Daily”. The roasting charge deduction is agreed based on international market terms.
Under the terms of a sales contract with Molymex, S.A. de C.V., Operadora de Minas de Nacozari, S.A. de C.V. and Operadora de Minas e Instalaciones Mineras, S.A. de C. V. are required to supply at least 80% of their molybdenum concentrates production from 2024 through 2026. The sale price of the molybdenum concentrate is based on the average of the High and Low “Daily Dealer Oxide” as published in “Platt’s Metals Daily.” The roasting charge deduction is negotiated based on international market terms.
In 2024, a two-year sulfuric acid sales agreement was signed between SPCC Peru Branch and Marcobre, with shipments scheduled to begin in 2025. Marcobre and the Company will negotiate market terms and conditions for annual contracts no later than the last day of October of the year prior to shipment. The contract considers annual volumes that could make Marcobre the Company’s most important customer for sulfuric acid. This contract may be renewed for additional years, upon agreement by both parties.
NOTE 20-SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Dividends:
On January 23, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share of common stock and a stock dividend of 0.0073 shares of common stock per share of common stock, paid on February 27, 2025, for shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2025.
In lieu of fractional shares, cash was distributed to each shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share, based on a share price of $95.86, which is the average of the high and low share price on January 23, 2025.
New Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. Notes:
On February 5, 2025, SCC’s subsidiary Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. issued $1.0 billion of fixed-rate senior unsecured notes with a discount of $6.2 million, which will be amortized over the term of the related debt. This debt was issued in one tranche, due in 2032 at an annual interest rate of 5.625%. Interest on the notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to finance Minera Mexico’s capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. The notes will constitute general unsecured obligations for Minera Mexico.
The Company capitalized the costs associated with the issuance of this facility, which will be included in the amortized cost of the long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet.
In February 2025, Moody’s investors service assigned Baa1 as debt rating on the new notes issued. Also in February 2025, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s ratings services assigned its ‘BBB+’, as debt rating on the new notes issued.
Los Chancas Project:
As part of the Company's ongoing efforts to expand its mining operations and secure the necessary resources for future growth, on February 4, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase 3,125 hectares of land in the Apurimac region of Peru for the development of the Los Chancas project.
Labor matters - Peruvian operations:
In February 2025, the Company signed a three-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the only Peruvian union for which an agreement was pending. The Company made a signing payment to each worker of the union, totaling approximately $6.3 million.
OTHER COMPANY INFORMATION:
ANNUAL MEETING
The annual stockholders meeting of Southern Copper Corporation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:00 am, Mexico City time. This year’s meeting will be held via a live audio webcast.
TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND STOCKHOLDERS’ SERVICES
Computershare
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900
Phone: (866) 230-0172
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PROGRAM
SCC stockholders can have their dividends automatically reinvested in SCC common shares. SCC pays all administrative and brokerage fees. This plan is administered by Computershare. For more information, contact Computershare at (866) 230-0172.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
The principal markets for SCC’s common stock are the NYSE and the Lima Stock Exchange (BVL). SCC’s common stock symbol is SCCO on both the NYSE and the Lima Stock Exchange.
OTHER SECURITIES
The Branch in Peru has issued, in accordance with Peruvian Law, “investment shares” (formerly named labor shares) that are quoted on the Lima Stock Exchange under symbols SPCCPI1 and SPCCPI2. Transfer Agent, registrar and stockholders services are provided by Credicorp Capital, Avenida EI Derby 055, Torre 4, Piso 10, Santiago de Surco, Cod postal 15039, Peru.
Telephone (51-1) 416-3333, Extensions 32478 and 32441.
OTHER CORPORATE INFORMATION
For other information on the Company or to obtain, free of charge, additional copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, contact the Investor Relations Department at:
7310 North 16th St, Suite 135 Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
Telephone: (602) 264-1375
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
USA
7310 North 16th St, Suite 135
Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
Phone: (602) 264-1375
Fax: (602) 264-1397
Mexico
Campos Eliseos 400
Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec
Delegacion Miguel Hidalgo
C.P. 11000-MEXICO
Phone: (5255) 1103-5000
Fax: (5255) 1103-5567
Peru
Av. Caminos del Inca 171
Urb. Chacarilla del Estanque
Santiago de Surco
Cod postal 15038-PERU
Phone: (511) 512-0440 Ext 6-3181
Fax: (511) 512-0492
Website: www.southerncoppercorp.com
Email address: southerncopper@southernperu.com.pe

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANT ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of December 31, 2024, the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s disclosure committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2024, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is:
1. Recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and
2. Accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting,
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission. Based on the evaluation made under this framework, management concluded that as of December 31, 2024 such internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is provided below.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Southern Copper Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Southern Copper Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, of the Company and our report dated March 3, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” appearing in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
/s/ Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.
Mexico City, Mexico
March 3, 2025

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULE.
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements
The following financial statements of Southern Copper Corporation and its subsidiaries are included at the indicated pages of the document as stated below:
Form 10-K
Pages
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1153)
126 - 127
Consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
133 - 182
2. Exhibits:
3.1
(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed on October 11, 2005.
(b) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 2, 2006.
(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 28, 2008.
3.2
By-Laws, as last amended on January 27, 2022.
4.1
(a) Indenture governing $600 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.
(b) Indenture governing $400 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.
4.2
Form of 6.375% Note (included in Exhibit 4.1).
4.3
Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(a)).
4.4
Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.2(b)).
4.5
Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $1.1 billion of 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued.
4.6
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued.
4.7
Form of 6.750% Notes due 2040.
4.8
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.250% Notes due 2042 were issued.
4.9
Form of 5.250% Notes due 2042.
4.10
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.875% Notes due 2025 were issued.
4.11
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.875% Notes due 2045 were issued.
4.12
Form of 3.875% Notes due 2025.
4.13
Form of 5.875% Notes due 2045.
4.14
Description of the Company’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
10.1
Directors’ Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through January 27, 2028.
10.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, SCC Merger Sub, Inc., Americas Sales Company, Inc., Americas Mining Corporation and Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V.
10.3
Tax Agreement entered into by the Company and Americas Mining Corporation, effective as of February 20, 2017.
14.0
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors on May 8, 2003 and amended on October 20, 2023.
19.1
Securities Law Compliance Policy.
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1
Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm (Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C., Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited) (PCAOB ID 1153).
23.2
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Cuajone Mine.
23.3
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Toquepala Mine.
23.4
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Tia Maria Project.
23.5
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Los Chancas Project.
23.6
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Michiquillay Project.
23.7
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for Buenavista del Cobre.
23.8
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for La Caridad and Pilares.
23.9
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Pilar Project.
23.10
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Arco Project.
23.11
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Charcas Mine.
23.12
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Santa Barbara Mine.
23.13
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the San Martin Mine.
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8328.
32.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., Section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8328.
96.1
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Cuajone Mine.
96.2
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Toquepala Mine.
96.3
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Tia Maria Project.
96.4
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Los Chancas Project.
96.5
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Michiquillay Project.
96.6
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for Buenavista del Cobre.
96.7
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for La Caridad and Pilares.
96.8
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Pilar Project.
96.9
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Arco Project.
96.10
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Charcas Mine.
96.11
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Santa Barbara Mine.
96.12
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the San Martin Mine.
SCC Policy for the Recovery of Erroneous Compensation, effective as of November 30, 2023.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (submitted electronically with this report). The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
The exhibit listed as 10.1 is the management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (v) the Consolidated Statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
3. Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (in millions):
Additions
Balance at
Charged to
beginning of
costs and
Deduction/
Balance at
period
expenses
Additions
Application
end of period
Reserve deducted in balance sheet to which applicable:
Accounts Receivable:
$
8.7
-
-
(0.1)
$
8.6
$
8.8
0.1
-
(0.2)
$
8.7
$
8.7
0.1
-
-
$
8.8
Notes issued under par:
$
61.3
2.3
-
-
$
59.0
$
63.4
2.1
-
-
$
61.3
$
65.6
2.2
-
-
$
63.4
Valuation allowance:
$
2,301.7
238.8
-
-
$
2,540.5
$
2,053.7
248.0
-
-
$
2,301.7
$
1,820.0
233.7
-
-
$
2,053.7
Supplemental Information
Southern Copper Corporation
Exhibit Index
Sequential
Exhibit
Number
Document Description
Page
Number
3.1
(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed on October 11, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 2, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-135170, filed on June 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
(c) Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 28, 2008. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
By-Laws, as last amended on January 27, 2022. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1
(a) Indenture governing $600 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
(b) Indenture governing $400 million 7.500% Notes due 2035, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, The Bank of New York, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2
Form of 6.375% Note (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3
Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.1(a)).
4.4
Form of New 7.500% Note (included in Exhibit 4.1(b))
4.5
Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $1.1 billion of 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2010, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 6.750% Notes due 2040 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7
Form of 6.750% Notes due 2040. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.8
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 8, 2012, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.250% Notes due 2042 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9
Form of 5.250% Notes due 2042. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.10
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 3.875% Notes due 2025 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.11
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 23, 2015, between Southern Copper Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which the 5.875% Notes due 2045 were issued. (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.12
Form of 3.875% Notes due 2025. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13
Form of 5.875% Notes due 2045. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.14
Description of the Company’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Filed herewith).
10.1
Directors’ Stock Award Plan of the Company, as amended through January 27, 2028. (Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form S-8 filed on January 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference). The plan expired by its terms on January 28, 2023. A 5-year extension of the plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
10.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Southern Copper Corporation, SCC Merger Sub, Inc., Americas Sales Company, Inc., Americas Mining Corporation and Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. (Filed as an Exhibit to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3
Tax Agreement entered into by the Company and Americas Mining Corporation, effective as of February 20, 2017. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
14.0
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors on May 8, 2003 and amended on October 20,2023. (Filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 25,2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
19.1
Securities Law Compliance Policy (Filed herewith).
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company (Filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Registered Public Accounting Firm (Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.-Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited) (PCAOB ID 1153) (Filed herewith).
23.2
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Cuajone Mine (Filed herewith).
23.3
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Toquepala Mine (Filed herewith).
23.4
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Tia Maria Project (Filed herewith).
23.5
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Los Chancas Project (Filed herewith).
23.6
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Michiquillay Project (Filed herewith).
23.7
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for Buenavista del Cobre (Filed herewith).
23.8
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for La Caridad and Pilares (Filed herewith).
23.9
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Pilar Project (Filed herewith).
23.10
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Arco Project (Filed herewith).
23.11
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Charcas Mine (Filed herewith).
23.12
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Santa Barbara Mine (Filed herewith).
23.13
Consent of Qualified Persons for Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the San Martin Mine (Filed herewith).
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
32.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.
32.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C., section 1350. This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238.
96.1
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Cuajone Mine (Filed herewith).
96.2
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Toquepala Mine (Filed herewith).
96.3
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Tia Maria Project (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
96.4
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Los Chancas Project (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
96.5
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Michiquillay Project (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
96.6
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for Buenavista del Cobre (Filed herewith).
96.7
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for La Caridad and Pilares (Filed herewith).
96.8
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Pilar Project (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
96.9
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the El Arco Project (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K/A filed on March 7, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
96.10
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Charcas Mine (Filed herewith).
96.11
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the Santa Barbara Mine (Filed herewith).
96.12
Technical Report Summary of Mineral Resources for the San Martin Mine (Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
SCC Policy for the Recovery of Erroneous Compensation, effective as of November 30, 2023 (Filed as Exhibit 97 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (submitted electronically with this report). The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report).
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
The exhibit listed as 10.1 is the management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; (v) the Consolidated Statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not
filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.