Codelco and Aurubis Forge New Cooperation to Enhance Environmental Sustainability in Copper Production

Codelco, in partnership with Aurubis, has embarked on a new cooperation agreement aimed at significantly reducing the environmental impact of the copper industry, a move that both companies believe will benefit global efforts towards sustainable development. This initiative underscores their commitment to advancing environmentally friendly production practices in the extraction of minerals critical for the global transition to clean energy.

Rubén Alvarado, CEO of Codelco, emphasized the company's dedication to sustainable mining practices, aligning with its mission to support the sustainable development of Chile and the world at large. This collaboration with Aurubis is set to drive substantial environmental progress within the industry.

The agreement outlines a structured process for evaluating the effectiveness of joint efforts in achieving lasting environmental benefits across short, medium, and long-term objectives. More than 15 projects focused on health and environmental protection are slated for the short term, aiming to reduce emissions from key production stages in copper manufacturing. These efforts are expected to diminish Codelco's Scope 1 emissions and consequently lower Aurubis' Scope 3 emissions.

A distinctive feature of this partnership is the division of responsibilities, with Aurubis bringing its technological expertise in air and water protection, including advanced fine particle filters and testing methods. Codelco, on the other hand, will oversee the implementation of these projects.

A critical component of the cooperation is the engagement of employees from both companies through an expert exchange program starting in April 2024. This program is designed to enhance mutual understanding of environmental, occupational safety, and health issues, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

The collaboration is also poised to bolster the business relationship between Codelco and Aurubis, potentially increasing business volumes and expanding the trading portfolio. This is expected to secure a greater supply of metals essential for Europe's energy transition, green mobility, and digitalization initiatives.

Additionally, both companies have committed to sharing experiences related to The Copper Mark, a sustainability and integrity seal for the copper industry. Codelco has already completed The Copper Mark assurance process for its operations, and Aurubis is set to achieve the certification for its large smelters in 2024, with a re-audit also planned. The Copper Mark encompasses 32 internationally recognized sustainability standards, reinforcing the commitment of both companies to leading sustainability practices in the copper industry.