Southern Copper Corporation (PCU)

Overview

Southern Copper Corporation, with its inception in 1952, has grown into a prominent entity in the mining sector, primarily focusing on the extraction, smelting, refining, and marketing of copper and other valuable minerals. Its operational footprint spans across multiple South American countries, including Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile, making it a key player in the regional mining industry. Notably, Southern Copper operates as a subsidiary of Americas Mining Corporation and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company boasts substantial mining concessions, with sizeable interests in Peru and Mexico, alongside significant exploration concessions in Argentina and Chile. Its comprehensive range of operations from open-pit mines to smelters and refineries, as well as its involvement in a broad spectrum of mineral production, underscores its pivotal role in the metal production and mining sector globally.

Products and Services

• Copper Production:

At the core of its operations, Southern Copper is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates. This involves the extraction of copper ore and its subsequent processing to obtain high-purity copper concentrates. The company also undertakes the smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper and further refines anode copper to produce copper cathodes.

• Molybdenum Concentrate and Sulfuric Acid Production:

In addition to copper, Southern Copper is involved in the production of molybdenum concentrate, an essential material for steel making and various chemical applications. Sulfuric acid, a by-product of smelting operations, is also produced, finding applications in myriad industrial processes.

• Precious Metals:

The company's operations yield refined silver and gold as by-products, contributing to its diverse portfolio and adding significant value to its mining endeavors.

• Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, Silver, Gold, and Lead Mining:

Besides copper, Southern Copper actively mines and processes a variety of other metals including zinc, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead, extending its influence across the metals market.

• Operation of Mines and Production Facilities:

Southern Copper operates several key facilities across its operational geography. This includes the Toquepala and Cuajone open-pit mines along with a smelter and refinery in Peru. In Mexico, it boasts La Caridad, an extensive operation featuring an open-pit copper mine, a copper ore concentrator, a SX-EW plant, a smelter, refinery, and a rod plant, as well as the Buenavista open-pit copper mine complemented by two copper concentrators and SX-EW plants. The company's diverse operational capability also encompasses underground mines that produce an array of metals including zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold, a coal mine, and a zinc refinery, showcasing Southern Copper’s comprehensive expertise in mining and metal production.