Aurubis and Codelco Join Forces for Sustainable Copper Production

Aurubis, a prominent copper producer, and Codelco, a leading mining company based in Chile, have formalized an extensive collaboration agreement with the goal of advancing sustainable copper production. This partnership is driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, health promotion, and innovation, encompassing more than 15 sub-projects strategically designed to foster responsible production practices.

The collaboration revolves around six key focus areas, spanning technical initiatives aimed at enhancing environmentally conscious production practices in Chile, to the establishment of an employee exchange program geared towards nurturing a sustainable supply chain. Additionally, the partners intend to broaden their commercial endeavors to secure additional metals to facilitate Europe's transition towards renewable energy sources. Through engagement with raw material partners globally, the companies aspire to establish new benchmarks in sustainable copper production. This collaborative effort is positioned as an unprecedented venture within the copper industry, extending an open invitation to all stakeholders in the supply chain to actively participate in shaping a more sustainable future.

Recognizing the formidable challenges confronting the global copper industry, both Aurubis and Codelco underscore the imperative of collective action in effecting transformative change. In the immediate term, a comprehensive array of more than 15 projects is slated to be implemented to bolster health and environmental protection measures, including initiatives aimed at curbing emissions at critical stages of the copper production process.

Leveraging Aurubis's technological prowess in air and water protection, the collaboration will see the deployment of fine particle filters and advanced analysis methods to mitigate environmental impact. Commencing in April 2024, an expert exchange program will be instituted to facilitate knowledge transfer on pertinent environmental and health issues, as well as strategies for cultivating a sustainable supply chain. The adoption of increasingly sustainable mineral extraction methods aligns with the global imperative of transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Furthermore, both companies have committed to knowledge-sharing initiatives related to the Copper Mark, a sustainability accreditation emblem within the copper industry. Notably, Codelco has successfully completed the Copper Mark assurance process for its operations, while Aurubis is poised to attain certification for its significant smelting facilities by 2024.

In a parallel development, Codelco has announced plans to invest an additional $720 million (697.64 billion pesos) in refurbishing the Chuquicamata copper mine in Chile. This investment underscores Codelco's steadfast commitment to modernizing its operations and aligning with evolving sustainability standards.

The collaboration between Aurubis and Codelco represents a concerted effort to drive sustainable practices within the copper industry. By embracing innovation, fostering knowledge exchange, and prioritizing environmental stewardship, the partnership aims to chart a course towards a more sustainable and resilient future for copper production.