Centinela and Zaldívar are the first Mining Operations in the World to Recertify the Copper Mark Seal with new Criteria
Two of Antofagasta’s operations, Centinela and Zaldivar, are the first in the world to obtain the Copper Mark recertification with 33 new criteria - effective as of 2024 - thus reaffirming our commitment to responsible and sustainable production, and alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“With this recertification, we are demonstrating that we produce copper, which is critical for the energy transition, with high standards in sustainability. In turn, this helps us to fulfil our purpose of developing mining for a better future,” says Alejandra Vial, Vice President of Sustainability at Antofagasta.
The Copper Mark recertification process included a period of integrated work 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.
“Being the first operations globally to recertify with the new criteria fills us with satisfaction, as we are reaching a milestone in sustainability. Through this seal we demonstrate - with documentary and on-site evaluations - that our processes comply with high standards in environmental, social, and governance matters,” says Carlos Espinoza, General Manager at Centinela.
Leonardo González, Zaldívar General Manager, adds: “Reassuring the Copper Mark with these new criteria is a pride for us at Zaldívar, it demonstrates the high standards of our processes, whilst also addressing those opportunities for improvement that arise through these reviews”.
Last September, independent reviewers authorised by the Copper Mark visited both operations, in addition to Centinela and Zaldívar’s areas of influence, to corroborate these sustainable practices and management in the field. This was achieved through a combination of these site visits and interviews with employees, contractors, executive management teams and members of local communities.
Currently, Antofagasta’s four mining operations have the Copper Mark, which must be renewed every three years. Recertification of both Los Pelambres and Antucoya (using the new criteria) is scheduled to take place in 2025.
ABOUT ANTOFAGASTA PLC
Antofagasta plc (“Antofagasta”, the “Company” or “Group”) is a pure-play producer of copper and the operator of four copper mines in Chile, a pipeline of projects in the Americas and a Transport Division in Chile. The Company has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: ANTO.L) and is a constituent member of the FTSE 100 Index.
For more information, visit: www.antofagasta.co.uk
ABOUT THE COPPER MARK
This assurance system verifies responsible production practices through 33 criteria divided into three themes: Governance, Environment and Social.
The focus of updating the criteria (in effect since January 2024 on a voluntary basis, and from January 2025 on a mandatory basis) was to increase clarity, incorporate governance and provide consistency, aligned with the new international challenges in terms of sustainability. Among the new criteria incorporated are management systems, risk assessment, climate action, circular economy, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The environmental criteria evaluated include climate action, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, circular economy, water and waste management, tailings management and biodiversity. Some of the social criteria evaluated are human rights, workers' rights, diversity and inclusion. Governance criteria include management systems, risk assessment and responsible supply chain.
For more information visit: https://coppermark.org/about/