The Copper Mark, the assurance framework to promote responsible practices and demonstrate the copper industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, has been awarded to two more sites from Antofagasta and Southern Peaks Mining. With these additions, over 20% of the world’s global mined copper production now comes from Copper Mark-awarded sites. In addition, a further three participating sites – including two from Capstone Copper and one from Aurubis – have joined the framework, bringing the total number of participating sites to 42.
The newest recipients of the Copper Mark include Antofagasta’s Antucoya mine and Southern Peaks Mining’s Compania Minera Condestable SA site. Through these successful participants, the Copper Mark statement says has achieved a crucial milestone of awarding 30 sites with the Copper Mark standard, “marking significant progress towards promoting responsible production practices throughout the copper industry.”
The Copper Mark also welcomed Aurubis’ Olen NV site, as well as Capstone Copper’s Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde operations, which now begin the process of assessment based on the Copper Mark’s Assurance Process. Through these additions, the Copper Mark has reached the milestone of over 40 participating sites which it says reflects the growing momentum behind the Copper Mark and the increasing commitment of copper producers to adopting responsible practices.
Michele Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark, said: “We are encouraged by the increasing participation in the Copper Mark. Sites that have been assured against our criteria for responsible production now cover over 20% of global mined copper production. With new commitments from Capstone Copper and Aurubis we have more than 40 participants in the Copper Mark framework today. The new commitments from Aurubis and Capstone Copper are also indicative of a wider trend we are seeing from copper producers and customers who are increasingly recognising the importance of developing more responsible production practices. We expect this trend to continue to grow as part of the shift towards creating a greener economy.”
Roland Harings, CEO Aurubis AG, said: “As the world’s most sustainable and efficient smelter network, we are delighted that our Hamburg and Lünen sites have also successfully passed the comprehensive auditing process and that our Belgian site in Olen has officially committed itself to the Copper Mark too and plans to complete the certification process within one year. The quality seal is a confirmation of our strategy to continuously expand our position as an industry leader in sustainability, and to meet our objective of creating value from raw materials responsibly in everything we do.”
John MacKenzie, CEO of Capstone Copper, said: “I am proud to share that our Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde operations in Chile have joined the Copper Mark, reaffirming our commitment to continually pursue best practices based on international standards for responsible mining. Copper is essential to a low-carbon future, and so it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we supply this critical natural resource in as sustainable a manner as possible.”