Two of Antofagasta’s operations, Centinela (pictured) and Zaldívar, have become the first mines in the world to receive the Copper Mark “recertification”, the copper miner says.
This expanded certification, which includes 33 criteria covering environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and defines due diligence requirements and responsible production, reaffirms the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable production, and alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, it says.
“This recertification demonstrates that we produce copper, a metal critical for the energy transition, in line with the highest sustainability standards,” Alejandra Vial, Vice President of Sustainability at Antofagasta. “In turn, it helps us fulfil our purpose of developing mining for a better future.”
The Copper Mark recertification involved close collaboration between each operating company and Antofagasta’s corporate team, to achieve compliance with each of the criteria in a documented manner, through policies, standards and records of the implementation of practices., it says.
Carlos Espinoza, General Manager at Centinela, said: “Centinela and Zaldivar are the first operations globally to recertify with the new criteria and this is an important milestone in our sustainability journey. This clearly shows that our processes comply with the highest environmental, social and governance standards.”
Leonardo González, Zaldívar General Manager, adds: “The team at Zaldívar are very proud to receive the Copper Mark, as it demonstrates the high standards of our processes while highlighting opportunities for improvement.”
Last September, independent reviewers authorised by the Copper Mark visited both operations, as well as the surrounding areas of impact to corroborate the company’s sustainable practices and management in the field. This was done through a combination of site visits and interviews with employees, contractors, executive management teams and members of local communities.
Currently, Antofagasta’s four mining operations hold the Copper Mark, which must be renewed every three years. Recertification using the new criteria of our Los Pelambres and Antucoya operations is scheduled to take place in 2025.