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Southern Copper

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FY2017 Annual Report · Southern Copper
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A N N U A L  R E P O R T

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STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

“To the best of our knowledge this document contains truthful and sufficient information regarding the development of the business 

of Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”) during 2017. SCC takes responsibility for its contents according to applicable requirements.”

ANDRES FERRERO G.  

Assistant Secretary 

RAUL JACOB RUISANCHEZ

Vice-President Finance and 

Financial Officer

CONVERSION INFORMATION: All tonnages in this annual report are metric tons unless otherwise noted. To convert to short 

tons, multiply by 1.102. All distances are in kilometers, to convert to miles, multiply by 0.62137. All ounces are troy ounces. 

U.S. dollar amounts represent either historical dollar amounts, where appropriate, or U.S. dollar equivalents translated in 

accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. “SCCO”, “SCC”, “Southern Copper” or the 

“Company” includes Southern Copper Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. 

 
 
 
 
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LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS                   

06 

PRODUCTION STATISTICS

09

COPPER RESERVES

13 

SELECTED AND FINANCIAL DATA

15 

CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM AND EXPLORATION  

(EXPANSION & MODERNIZATION)

23 

DEVELOPMENT - COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

37

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 

2015

43 

COMMITMENT - ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

57 

GENERAL INFORMATION  

  DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT    

  REGARDING THE ISSUING ENTITY

91

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 
 
 
 
 
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

During  2017,  Southern  Copper  Corporation  continued  seeing 

the benefit of its expansion and cost reduction programs which, 

despite the 18% increase in diesel prices during 2017, yielded a 

cash cost reduction from $0.95 to $0.92 per pound, the lowest 

in the industry. SCC also continued with its capital program with 

investments  in  excess  of  $1.0  billion.  SCC  believes  that  with 

these  actions  is  in  a  great  position  to  take  advantage  of  the 

favorable price environment.

In 2018, SCC will complete the Peruvian Toquepala expansion 

project adding 100,000 tons to our annual copper production, 

allowing us to reach one million tons of annual copper production 

capacity with an even lower cash cost per pound of copper.

We believe, Southern Copper is uniquely positioned to continue 

delivering  enhanced  performance,  sustainable  growth  and 

superior value. Our best-in-class low cost operations, coupled 

with  a  large,  high-quality  reserve  base  in  only  investment 

grade  jurisdictions,  continues  to  offer  highly  attractive  growth 

opportunities. In addition, our robust capital structure provides 

the financial and strategic flexibility required for its execution.

In 2018, we plan to invest $1,748.2 million in capital projects. 

In  Mexico,  the  project  is  located  within  Buenavista  facility 

and  contemplates  the  development  of  a  new  concentrator  to 

produce  approximately  80,000  tons  of  zinc  and  20,000  tons 

of  additional  copper  per  year  that  will  allow  us  to  double  our 

current zinc production capacity. Pilares—Sonora: This project 

will be developed as an open-pit mine operation with a capacity 

of 35,000 tons of copper in concentrates per year. The ore will be 

transported by truck from the pit to the primary crushers of the La 

Caridad copper concentrator.

In  2017,  we  started  our  new  strategic  plan  to  grow  copper 

production capacity to exceed the 1 million ton milestone by mid-

2018, with the operation of the Toquepala expansion project, and 

by  2023  we  expect  to  reach  1.5  million  copper  tons.    We  are 

convinced that we can do it.

Landscape of 
Buenavista del Cobre 
mine, Sonora, Mexico.

Our  copper  reserves  exceed  70  million  tons  of  copper  content, 

giving us a 63-year mine life expectancy at the current production 

rate. We  believe  that  SCC  is  the  best  company  in  its  class  in 

generating cash flow.

In  Peru,  we  currently  have  a  portfolio  of  projects  with  a  total 

capital  budget  of  $2,900  million,  out  of  which  $1,620  million 

have  already  been  invested.  This  $1,255.0  million  project 

includes a new state-of-the-art concentrator that will increase 

Toquepala’s annual copper production by 100,000 tons to reach 

245,000 tons in 2019, a 69% production increase.

The project consisted of replacing rail haulage at the Cuajone mine 

by  an  in-pit  primary  crusher  with  a  7  km  overland  conveyor  belt 

Ore loading, Toquepala mine, 
Tacna, Peru.

system to move ore to the concentrator. Operating savings 

are estimated at $23 million annually. As of December 31, 

2017 the project is already completed and in operation. 

Total investment was $226 million as budgeted.

We believe that Southern Copper has solid foundations 

that  guarantee  its  business  success,  as  well  as  a 

proper return that allows us to finance - simultaneously 

-  both  the  development  of  productive  projects  and 

important  social  programs  that  we  execute  in  each 

of  the  countries  where  we  are  present,  benefiting 

neighboring towns to our operational areas.

On  behalf  of  Southern  Copper  Corporation’s  Board, 

we  express  our  thanks  to  all  our  personnel  for  their 

effort,  hard  work  and  dedication,  to  our  clients  for 

their  continued  trust  and  loyalty,  and  to  you,  our 

shareholders, for your permanent support.

.

GERMAN LARREA MOTA VELASCO

OSCAR GONZALEZ ROCHA

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Southern Copper Corporation and Subsidiaries
Five-year Production Statistics

C O P P E R  P R O D U C T I O N  M I N E S 

( T O N S )

Mined Material 

Copper in concentrates

Copper SX/EW

Total Copper

Molybdenum in concentrates

Zinc in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

(thousand)

(thousand ounces)

S M E LT E R/ R E F I N E R I E S  P R O D U C T I O N

2017

2016

2015

2014

2 01 3

 743,163 

 711,720 

 165,259 

 876,979 

 21,328 

 68,665 

 15,926 

742,935

715,360

184,595

899,955

21,736

73,984

16,172

764,532

569,072

173,921

742,993

23,347

61,905

13,288

758,965

532,291

144,308

676,599

23,120

66,614

12,992

641,456

498,361

118,658

617,019

19,897

99,372

13,513

Copper

Zinc

Silver

 617,853 

591,339

 104,402 

106,093

(thousand ounces)

 13,688 

15,196

597,945

100,576

13,638

561,939

545,082

92,133

13,348

97,692

15,572

T O Q U E PA L A

Mined Material

Copper in concentrates

Molybdenum in concentrates

C U A J O N E 

Mined Material 

Copper in concentrates

Molybdenum in concentrates

(thousand)

(thousand)

S M E LT E R/ R E F I N E R I E S  I N  P E R U

SX/EW

Smelt concentrates

Blister produced

Anode produced

Cathode produced

M E X I C A N A D E C O B R E -  C A R I D A D 

 203,778 

 122,949 

 4,184 

209,064

116,525

6,324

193,013

119,427

7,924

211,202

   169,808 

114,828

   110,691 

6,100

       4,662 

 149,265 

 158,105

 3,746 

175,009

171,448

3,926

191,651

178,187

4,444

182,812

   173,277 

178,337

   168,582 

4,001

       3,133 

 25,093 

24,880

24,167

25,675

    28,400 

 1,153,486  1,070,588

1,143,682

1,022,536

1,072,826 

 1,793 

 345,847 

 291,373 

929

322,567

270,183

2,800

338,893

280,587

-

       1,670 

303,939

  322,637 

257,926

  271,035 

Mined Material 

(thousand)

 98,534 

98,435

94,283

91,454

     88,595 

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Copper in concentrates

Molybdenum in concentrates

 106,271 

104,949

103,861

101,062

     96,863 

 9,934 

9,911

10,040

10,800

     11,742 

B U E N A V I S TA

Mined material 

Copper in concentrates

S M E LT E R/ R E F I N E R I E S  I N  M E X I C O

SX/EW

Smelt concentrates

Anode produced

Cathode produced

Rod produced

2017

2016

2015

2014

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(thousand)

 288,716 

135,690

257,395

140,661

282,954

142,025

271,026

   206,710 

132,853

   115,813 

 140,166 

159,715

 997,657 

1,004,829

 270,213 

 228,062 

 133,100 

267,843

224,158

144,516

149,754

933,403

256,252

213,360

138,180

118,633

     90,258 

926,427

   722,597 

258,000

   220,775 

204,302

   188,005 

129,078

   126,800 

U N D E R G R O U N D  M I N E S

Contents in concentrates 

(tons)

Zinc

Lead

Copper in concentrates

Silver

Gold

 68,665 

 20,246 

 5,486 

 4,760 

 5,428 

73,984

24,385

6,428

5,622

6,420

61,905

20,693

5,593

4,995

4,697

66,614

22,286

5,211

4,945

4,857

     99,372 

     23,918 

      6,412 

       6,170 

       5,493

(thousand ounces)

(thousand ounces)

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COPPER RESERVES

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T

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COPPER RESERVES

We believe we hold the world’s largest copper reserve position. At 

December 31, 2017, our copper ore reserves, calculated at a copper 

price of  $2.90 per pound, totaled 70.6 million tons of contained 

copper (In 2017, the average LME and COMEX per pound copper 

prices were $2.80), our internal ore reserve estimation value is as 

follows.

2017 EBITDA was  
$3,292.4 million, 48.8%  
more than 2016 and  
reached a range of 49.5% 

    C O P P E R  C O N TA I N E D  I N  O R E  R E S E R V E S
    Mexican open-pit

    Peruvian operations

    IMMSA

    Development projects

    Total

T H O U S A N D  T O N S

31,286

24,421

233

14,685

70,625

For further 
information 
about our ore 
reserves please 
refer to "Ore 
Reserves" at 
page 56 of our 
10-K 2017 Form.

10

Tailings treatment 
plant, Toquepala,
Tacna, Peru.
 Next page

Confinement of 
waste, San Luis 
Potosi, Mexico.

12

S OU THERN COPPER CORPORATION AN D SUBSI D IARI ES
Five-Year Selected Financial and Statistical Data
For the years ended December 31
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS, 
EMPLOYEE DATA AND STOCK AND FINANCIAL RATIOS)
C O N S O L I D AT E D  S TAT E M E N T  O F  E A R N I N G S

2017

2016

2015

2014

20 13

Net sales

Operating costs and expenses

Operating income

Net income attributable to 

Non-controlling interest

$ 6,654.5

$ 5,379.8

$ 5,045.9

$   5,787.7

$ 5,952.9

$ 4,035.6

2,618.9

3,815.6

1,564.2

3,631.5

   3,555.0

1,414.4

2,232.7

3,420.8

2,532.1

3.9

2.3

4.7

4.9

5.7

N E T  E A R N I N G S  AT T R I B U TA B L E  T O  S C C

$    728.5

$   776.5

$  736.4

$  1,333.0

$1,618.5

Per share amount

Earnings basic and diluted

Dividends paid

C O N S O L I D AT E D  B A L A N C E  S H E E T

$      0.94

$     1.00

$    0.93

$       1.61

$     1.92

$      0.59

$     0.18

$    0.34

$       0.46

$     0.68

Cash and cash equivalents

$  1,004.8

$    546.0

$    274.5

$     364.0

$  1,672.7

Total assets

Total debt

Total equity

$ 13,780.1

13,234.3

12,593.2

11,393.9

10,970.0

5,957.1

5,954.2

5,951.5

4,180.9

4,178.9

$  6,149.4

$ 5,870.9

$ 5,299.2

$  5,836.6

$  5,561.8

C O N S O L I D AT E D  S TAT E M E N T  O F  C A S H  F L O W S

Cash provided by operating activities

1,976.6

$  923.1

$  879.8

$  1,355.9

$  1,859.1

Dividends paid

Capital investments

456.1

139.3

271.2

381.0

573.8

1,023.5

1,118.5

1,149.6

1,529.8

1,703.3

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

671.1

$  647.1

$  510.7

$    445.0

$    396.0

C A P I TA L  S T O C K

Common shares outstanding – basic and diluted

773,028

773.0

775.9

812.6

835.3

NYSE price – high

NYSE price – low

Book value per share

P/E ratio

F I N A N C I A L  R AT I O S

$    47.63

$    34.98

$    33.14

$    33.54

$    41.96

$    32.38

$    22.29

$    24.40

$    26.08

$    24.78

7.90

50.35

7.54

31.82

6.78

28.19

       7.14

17.52

6.62

14.95

Current assets to current liabilities

Net debt as % of Net capitalization (1)

Employees (at year end)

2.71

44.4%

13,135

2.57

47.7%

13,414

2.70

48.9%

13,024

2.07

37.3%

12,735

4.36

29.2%

12,665

(1) Represents net debt divided by net debt plus equity. Net debt is defined as total debt minus cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance.

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CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM AND 
EXPLORATION
(EXPANSION & MODERNIZATION)

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16

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES  AND 
EXPLORATION  (EXPA NS ION & MODERNIZA TION)

We  made  capital  investments  were  $1,023.5  million  for  2017, 

$1,118.5 million in 2016 and $1,250.0 million in 2015 (including the 

El Pilar acquisition). Capital investments in 2017 were 8.5% lower than 

in 2016, and represented 140% of net income. Our growth program 

to develop the full production potential of our Company is underway. In 

addition, the Buenavista expansion program was completed on time 

and under budget.

For 2018, the Board of Directors approved a capital investment program 

of $1,748.2 million. We are currently developing a new organic growth 

plan to increase our copper volume production to 1.5 million tons by 

2025 with the development of new projects.

In  addition  to  our  ongoing  capital  maintenance  and  replacement 

spending, our principal capital programs include the following:

PROJECTS IN MEXICO 
Buenavista  Zinc,  Sonora.  This  project  is  located  within  the 

Buenavista  facility  and  contemplates  the  development  of  a  new 

concentrator  to  produce  approximately  80,000  tons  of  zinc  and 

20,000 tons of additional copper per year that will allow us to double 

our current zinc production capacity. We have concluded the basic 

engineering and we are working on the purchasing process for the 

main project components. We estimate an investment of $413 million 

for this project and expect to initiate operations in 2020.

This $1.2 billion project 
includes a new state-of-
the-art concentrator which 
will increase Toquepala’s 
annual copper production 
by 100,000 tons, a 69% 
production increase.

Construction of new tailing 
thickeners, Toquepala, Tacna, 
Peru.
Previous page

Pilares, Sonora. This project, located six kilometers from La Caridad, will 

be developed as an open-pit mine operation. The ore will be transported 

by truck from the pit to the primary crushers of the La Caridad copper 

concentrator,  significantly  improving  the  over-all  mineral  ore  grade 

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(from 0.34% at La Caridad to 0.78% expected from Pilares). Currently, 

we continue with the mine plan preparation, including the final outline 

design  for  the  road  through  which  the  ore  will  be  transported  to  the 

La Caridad mill. An investment of $159 million is estimated to produce 

35,000 tons of copper in concentrates per year. We expect this project 

to start operations in 2019.

PROJECTS IN PERU
We currently have a portfolio of projects in Peru, with a total capital 

budget  of  $2,900  million,  out  of  which  $1,620  million  have  already 

been invested.

18

Toquepala Expansion Project, Tacna. This $1.2 billion project includes 

a  new  state-of-the-art  concentrator  which  will  increase  Toquepala’s 

annual  copper  production  by  100,000  tons  to  reach  245,000  tons 

in  2019,  a  69%  production  increase. Through  December  31,  2017, 

Advances in Toquepala 
Expansion Project, Tacna, 
Peru.

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we have invested $892.9 million in this expansion. The 

project  has  reached  87%  progress  and  is  expected  to 

initiate production in June 2018. 

The project to improve the crushing process at Toquepala 

with  the  installation  of  a  High  Pressure  Grinding  Roll 

(HPGR) system, has as its main objective, to ensure that 

our  existing  concentrator  will  operate  at  its  maximum 

annual  production  capacity  of  117,000  tons  of  copper 

while  reducing  operating  costs  through  ore  crushing 

effi ciencies,  even  with  an  increase  of  the  ore  material 

hardness index. The budget for this project is $50 million 

and as of December 31, 2017, we have invested $38.9 

million in this project. We expect that it will be completed 

by the fi rst quarter of 2018.

Cuajone  Projects  –  Moquegua:  The  Mineral  Crushing 

and  Hauling  Project  consisted  of  replacing  rail  haulage 

at the Cuajone mine by an in-pit primary crusher with a 

7 km overland conveyor belt system to move ore to the 

concentrator.  Operating  savings  are  estimated  at  $23 

million annually. As of December 31, 2017, the project is 

already completed and in operation. Total investment was 

$226 million, as budgeted.

The Cuajone tailing thickeners project at the concentrator 

will  replace  two  of  the  three  existing  thickeners  with  a 

new hi-rate thickener. The purpose is to streamline the 

concentrator fl otation process and improve water recovery 

effi ciency, increasing the tailings solids content from 54% 

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to 61%, thereby reducing fresh water consumption and replacing it 

with recovered water. Equipment assembly is completed and we are 

in the commissioning process. As of December 31, 2017, we have 

invested  $27.6  million  in  this  project  out  of  the  approved  capital 

budget of $30 million. We expect the project to be completed by the 

end of the first quarter of 2018.

Tailings disposal at Quebrada Honda – Moquegua: This project 

increases  the  height  of  the  existing  Quebrada  Honda  dam  to 

impound future tailings from the Toquepala and Cuajone mills and 

will extend the expected life of this tailings facility by 25 years. The 

first stage and construction of the drainage system for the lateral 

dam is finished. We finished the second stage with the installation 

of a new cyclone battery station that allows us to place more slurry 

at the dams. We are in a bidding process for a new stage which will 

improve the operational processes. The project has a total budgeted 

cost  of  $116.0  million.  We  have  invested  $85.7  million  through 

December 31, 2017 and expect the project to be completed by the 

fourth quarter of 2018.

20

Personnel in Buenavista del 
Cobre in Cananea, Sonora, 
Mexico.
Next page

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

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O

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH

We  work  hard  to  keep  our  stakeholders  involved  in  our  Company  and 

make  them  participants  in  management  and  keep  them  informed  of  our 

performance always taking into account their expectations.

Southern Copper Corporation (SCC) is a state-of-the-art, integrated mining 

company whose innovative style lies not only in the utilization of more efficient 

processes and new technologies, but also in our  day-to-day operations, 

where  we  work  to    have  more  and  better  results,  always  aiming  at  the 

sustainability of the organization over time. We constantly strive to ensure 

that the Company's performance in the social, economic and environmental 

areas takes into account the expectations of our stakeholders.

Our business goal focuses on sustainable development, with which we guide 

our  actions  and  our  investments  and  the  distribution  of  economic  value. 

Every day we work to consolidate the confidence of our stakeholders by 

making them participants in management, communicating our performance 

and listening to their expectations.

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

We maintain an ongoing commitment to advance with the challenges of our 

expansion  and  modernization  programs  in  harmony  with  our  environment.  

In  this  sense,  we  not  only  seek  regulatory  compliance,  we  also  operate 

under the best environmental practices, in order to always achieve optimum 

environmental  performance,  to  identify,  evaluate  and  mitigate  the  impacts 

generated by our activities on the environment.

In order to succeed, we have strategies to meet the specific environmental 

24

needs  of  each  region  in  which  we  operate,  and  use  an  environmental 

management system that we have developed, which has 9 lines of action.

- Responsible use of water and natural resources

- Prevention, control and reduction of air emissions

- Efficient use of energy

SCC confirms its 
commitment to reduce 
carbon footprint, and 
enhance its position 
as a sustainable 
global company,  
thereby improving 
competitiveness and 
contributing to 
shift towards an 
environmentally 
friendly economic 
development.

At SCC, we operate under the best 
environmental practices,  in order 
to always achieve optimum 
environmental performance.

certifications and Environmental Quality Certifications, are 

the result of the efforts of all our employees and result from 

a comprehensive application of our environmental practices.

-  Reduction  of  green-house-gas  emissions  per  ton 

produced

-  Reduction  in  waste  generation  and  its  integrated 

management

- Mine closure

- Biodiversity conservation

- Reforestation

- Compliance with environmental regulations

These  lines  of  action  are  carried  out  in  compliance 

with  international  and  local  certifications  that  rule  our 

operating units in the countries where we are present. In 

2017, four of our units were granted the ISO 14001: 2004. 

These  certifications,  together  with  the  15  Clean  Industry 

ENVIROMENTAL 
EXPENDITURES
(MILLION DOLLAR)

Air

Ground

Waste

Biodiversity

Management

Water

Total

SCC

$ 

  88.41 

$      58.31 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  36.40

3.12

7.29

  15.42

$ 

  208.95

Copper cathodes, Ilo Smelter, 
Moquegua, Peru.

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ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

At SCC we believe that the fight against climate change is everyone's 

responsibility,  including  the  private  sector  and  the  industries  in 

which we participate. In addition, we are aware of the effects of 

climate change on our operations, so, by anticipating an increase in 

the probability of occurrence of extreme weather events, we have 

identified potential risks from global warming. 

Given these challenges, we are taking measures, which include:

• Using energy more efficiently.

• Diversifying our energy matrix..

• Developing and using renewable energy sources.

• Increasing the level of electric power self-sufficiency.

• Promoting efforts to capture greenhouse gases.

Accordingly, we are diversifying our sources of generation of clean, 

renewable  energy  for  our  supply.  Our  operations  in  Mexico  have 

decreased their indirect greenhouse gas emissions by consuming 

clean  energy  supplied  by  SCC  subsidiaries  that  generate  electric 

power  through  its  high  efficiency  combined  cycle  plant  and  a 

wind  farm.  By  replacing  traditional  sources  of  energy  with  more 

efficient and renewable sources, in 2017 we achieved a mitigation 

of 552,973 tons of CO2eq., equivalent to taking 118,410 passenger 
vehicles out of circulation for a year.

Simultaneously  with  our  environmental  policy,  we  continue 

implementing actions to maximize electricity generation using our 

own energy sources. In Mexico, we uses smelter' gases to recover 

boiler heat and generate energy. In Peru, we generate energy from 

26

renewable sources, in particular from two hydroelectric plants with 

a combined capacity of 130 terajoules.

In  addition  to  generating  and  consuming  energy  from  renewable 

sources  and  cleaner  fuels,  we  have  also  implemented  practices 

that  have  resulted  in  higher  energy  efficiency  in  our  operations, 

In 2017, four of our units were 
granted the ISO 14001: 
2004. These certifications, 
together with the 15 Clean 
Industry certifications 
and Environmental Quality 
Certifications, are the 
result of the efforts of all our 
employees and result from
a comprehensive application 
of our environmental 
practices.

In 2017 
we achieved a 
mitigation of 
552,973 tons of CO2.

Greenhouse, Buenavista del 
Cobre, Cananea, Sonora, Mexico.

including  the  improvement,  redesign,  conversion  and  retrofitting 

of equipment, rational use of resources, and personnel training to 

improve their performance during operations. 

It  is  important  to  highlight  that  in  terms  of  climate  change  SCC, 

along with Grupo México, have been working together with non-

governmental organizations to contribute in the fight against climate 

change. Such is the case of Grupo Mexico's second report in 2017 

to the Carbon Disclosure Project, through which we have developed 

and reported our inventory of greenhouse gases at SCC. 

With these actions, and others, SCC confirms its commitment to 

reduce carbon footprint, and enhance its position as a sustainable 

global company, thereby improving competitiveness and contributing 

to shift towards an environmentally friendly economic development.

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In the last 5 years, we have 
increased our trees production 
annual capacity in 187%.

BIODIVERSITY

We are the Company with the highest productive capacity of trees 

in the mining industry in Mexico, we produced 4,966,200 trees in 

2017. In the last 5 years, we have increased our trees production 

annual capacity in 187%.

In our operating units we have six forest nurseries and greenhouses 

whose  production  of  regional  native  species  is  used  to  reforest 

and  rehabilitate  ecosystems,  including  those  areas  not  adjacent 

to our operations.  These forest nurseries contribute to biological 

biodiversity and enrichment of flora and fauna; and in addition, they 

act as natural carbon sinks, trapping CO2 from the atmosphere.
As  part  of  our  conservation  efforts,  we  have  a  5.7  hectare 

Environmental Management Unit (EMU) that has been developed 

to replicate the wildlife environment of threatened and endangered 

species, including Mexican Gray Wolf and Turkey Gould, along with 

other species that are part of our program.

The EMU strategy is focuses on reproduction and release of species, 

as  well  as  ecosystems  regeneration.  In  addition,  the  program 

reflects  our  efforts  to  involve  community  in  the  protection  of  the 

environment, in particular, biodiversity of Sonora. In an Ecological 

Path,  along  1.8  kilometers,  EMU  works  offering  educational  and 

recreational activities, which involved 5,000 people and 52 schools 

per year in average.

In Peru, we continue making significant environmental expenditures 

in  Ite  bay  remediation  program  in  Tacna.  In  an  area  of  1,600 

hectares,  the  contaminant  removal  program  is  successfully.    It 

28

is  the  largest  and  most  diverse  coastal  waterfowl  wetland  in  the 

country,  and  it  is  also  a  tourist  attraction  that  improve  economic 

development.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Water is the most important input for our mining operations. SCC 

develops projects to ensure water sustainability, does an efficient 

use of source, promotes, and reuse of water discharged by third 

parties. 

The  efficient  use  of  water  and  savings  programs  are  based 

on  the  implementation  of  pumping  systems  to  recover  water, 

continuous water recovery from tailings and thickener processes, 

implementation  and  maintenance  of  closed  circuits  to  use  the 

total  volume  of  process  water,  and  Implementation  of  the  Zero 

Wastewater  Discharge  Program,  looking  for  a  more  efficient 

management of water resource. 

These  reused  water  programs  represent  a  large  portion  of  total 

water  consumption.  In  2017,  71%  of  total  water  consumption  in 

mining operations was reclaimed water, which management results 

speaks by itself. 

In Toquepala and Cuajone, Peru, we are installing 7 additional high 

efficiency thickeners that will allow us to recover 104,000 m3 / day 

in each plant. Those equipment will increase water recovery 12%, 

which represents 320 liters per second.

In some of our units, SCC uses municipal wastewater, which are 

treated previously, such in San Luis Potosí and Cananea (Mexico), 

so that we support regular fresh water supply to local population.

OUR COMMUNITIES

SCC  looks  to  improves  life  quality  in  communities  around  its 

operations,  promoting  an  approach  based  on  management 

responsibility. SCC has developed a model which people become 

as generators of its own development.  

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This model is known as "Casa Grande", and it has been implemented 

through the following tools:

• 15 Community Development Centers  

Those  are  Open  Houses  for  community,  where  courses  and 

workshops are held to promote development.

• Participatory Diagnostics 

Together, community and SCC participate carrying out development 

actions.

• Community Committees   

Integrated by volunteer leaders from community, as well as members 

of the Company who collaborate in evaluating sustainable proposals.

• Seed Capital  

As  a  result  of  the  participation  in  social  projects,  it  is  possible  to 

implement strategies to improve quality of life in community.

• Productive Projects  

Projects that transform community lives by productive skills.

For  SCC,  social  welfare  represents:  synergy  of  different  factors 

that  strengthen  through  a  multi-strategy,  and  close  dialogue  with 

communities. Therefore, health, education, culture and sports in each 

location we operate are strengthen. 

Participatory Diagnostics motivate local people to be part of the project 

to identify needs and expectations, priorizing opportunities and start 

30

In 2017, 71% 
of total water 
consumption in mining 
operations was 
reclaimed water.

Wetland, Ite Bay, Tacna, Peru.
Next page

31

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working with them.  Our Model, Casa Grande, permits recognize those 

opportunities. By this model, our team of experts materialize Company 

initiatives,  includes  its  participation  of  SCC  volunteers,  community, 

and community centers are meeting point to generate shared value.

SCC organizes events to receive initiatives from communities, where 

education and environment are main axes.  In addition, health, security 

and productive development programs are complementary axes. For 

us, children and young people are priority, because they will set future. 

The  projects  presented  in  those  calls  are  evaluated  by  community 

services, media and citizen which participate in these events.

In 2017, SCC invested $60 million in community development actions 

in areas as education, health, productive projects and development of 

infrastructure and services.

Together,  SCC’  social  team  and  volunteers  from  communities 

neighboring developed projects in 2017.  We carried out 1,283 activities 

and  more  than  110  projects,  12,868  community  and  corporate 

volunteers  participated  in  these  programs.  With  projects  named  as 

seed  capital,  and  summer  camps  we  encouraged  the  formation  of 

32

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (US$)

scc

Community  development  programs,  social  linking  and 
productive projects

$ 

4,995,021 

Infrastructure and equipment in neighboring communities

$ 

  37,558,049 

Investment in town site infrastructure

$ 

  17,944,493

Total

$ 

  60,497,563

development  generators  and  proactive  leaders  that 

states  of  Oaxaca  and  Mexico  City  in  September  2017. 

strengthen the well-being in their communities.

We  support  demolition,  debris  removal,  food  delivery, 

structural  diagnostics  of  houses  and  buildings,  and 

Moreover,  SCC  participated  with  other 

institutions 

provisional  spaces  were  develop;  as  well,  we  provided 

supporting  activities  in  favor  to  earthquakes  victims  in 

psychological and emotional care to these communities 

In 2017, we carried out  1,283 
activities and more than 110 
projects, 12,868 community 
and corporate volunteers 
participated in these 
programs. 

Greenhouse, Buenavista del Cobre, 
Cananea, Sonora, Mexico.

Juchitan and La Ventosa, Oaxaca.

In  Mexico  City,  24  members  of  our  rescue  brigade 

supported  the  activities  of  “Secretaría  de  Defensa 

Nacional y Proteccion Civil Estatal”. We also activated 20 

centers to receive donations along the country.

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In Peru, our mining operations are located in southern with rural 

and remote characteristics.  SCC contributes in close cooperation 

with  authorities  and  local  institutions  to  promote  development 

of  this  area.  Our  commitment  with  the  community  is  improving 

nutrition,  health,  education  and  population  capacities,  support 

agricultural sector and develop infrastructure.

SCC contributes to expand water supply in provinces where we 

operate, developing infrastructure and modern irrigation system, 

particularly in Torata, Moquegua region. Those consists in water 

reservoirs, installation of pipes, construction of support walls, and 

maintenance of watering infrastructure.

By dialogues, we promote in communities around us life quality 

improve,  access  to  different  sources  of  wealth  and  well-being. 

SCC  supported  transportation  of  more  than  4,000  people, 

promotes commerce, education and economic diversification.

By the Act “Obras por Impuestos”, SCC financed Ilabaya - Cambaya 

- Camilaca way which represents the largest investment in this 

kind of road, and it has increased connectivity between Andean 

communities. This road was promoted by Ilabaya Municipality in 

Jorge  Basadre  province.  With  an  investment  of  more  than  US 

$ 39 million, local commerce, safety road and regional tourism 

have benefited four communities in Tacna, Peru.

34

'Forjando Futuro' is another program promotes by SCC.  It trainers 

local  people  to  improve  their  capabilities  according  human 

resources demand in direct influence area of our operations.  It 

also allows select workers from southern region for Cuajone and 

Toquepala mines and Ilo smelter.

SCC contributes to expand 
water supply in provinces 
where we operate, 
developing infrastructure 
and modern irrigation 
systems.

Finally,  ICT  project  (Information  and  Communication  Technologies) 

in  Moquegua,  which  is  very  important,  is  reducing  technological 

gap  in  rural  areas  in  Peru.  Through  cooperation  between  Regional 

Government and SCC, ICT has incorporated in teaching and learning 

process,  benefiting  33,560  students  and  teachers  from  Mariscal 

Nieto, Sánchez Cerro and Ilo provinces in this region, Peru.

To date, SCC has invested more than $ 33 million to incorporate ICT. 

Students and teachers benefit with this program in Moquegua.

At  Southern  Copper  Corporation,  our  business  model  is  focused 

on  continuously  improving  quality  of  life  in  communities  around 

our  operation  areas,  by  encouraging  meaningful  development,  and 

strengthening collective participation that will result in common good, 

placing people as central agents of development.

Geologist analyzing ore in the 
El Arco project, Baja California, 
Mexico.

Our parent company, Grupo 
México was selected to 
be part of the S&P Dow 
Jones Sustainability 
Indices MILA Pacific 
Alliance (DJSI MILA) 
that includes the 42 
leading sustainability 
companies in the 
countries that are 
part of the Pacific 
Alliance.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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RESULTS OF OP ERATIONS

THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016 AND 

2015.

Our net income attributable to SCC in 2017 was $ 728.5 million 

or  diluted  earnings  per  share  of  $  0.94,  compared  with  net 

income attributable to SCC of $776.5 million or diluted earnings 

per share of $1.00 in 2016, and net income attributable to SCC 

of $736.4 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.93 in 2015.

The  Company  presents  its  operating  costs  both  including  and 

excluding  the  revenues  of  its  byproducts  (molybdenum,  silver, 

sulfuric acid, etc.). Excluded from its calculation of operating cash 

cost are the cost of purchases of third parties metal, depreciation, 

amortization  and  depletion,  exploration,  workers  participation 

provisions  and  other  items  of  non-recurring  nature,  and  the 

royalty charges.

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Net sales 
in 2017 were 
$6,654.5 million, 
compared to 
$5,379.8 million 
in 2016, an 
increase of 
$1,274.7 million.

 
The  Company’s  operating  cash  cost,  as  previously  defined,  for  the 

three years ended December 31, is as follows:

2017

2016
D O L L A R  P E R  P O U N D

201 5

Operating  Cash  Cost  without  by-product 
revenues

1.49

1.45

1.65

Operating Cash Cost with by-product revenues

0.92

0.95

1.11

Cuajone mine, 
Moquegua, Peru.

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As seen on the chart above, our 2017 operating cash cost per 

pound  of  copper  without  by-product  revenues  was  $0.05  per 

pound higher than in 2016, an increase of 3.5%. This was due to 

higher production costs.

2017-2016: Net sales in 2017 were $6,654.5 million, compared 

to $5,379.8 million in 2016, an increase of $1,274.7 million. This 

23.7% increase was principally the result of higher metal prices 

as shown below, and also due to slightly higher sales volumes of 

copper (+1.8%) and zinc (+2.0%), partially offset by lower sales 

volumes of silver (2.1%) and molybdenum (1.7%).

Sales prices for 
the Company’s metals 
are established, mainly 
by reference to the 
prices quoted in the 
London Metal Exchange 
(LME) and The New York 
Commodity Exchange
(COMEX), or published 
in the Platt’s Metals 
WeekMetals Week.

2016-2015: Net sales in 2016 were $5,379.8 million, compared 

to  $5,045.9  million  in  2015,  an  increase  of  $333.9  million  or 

6.6%.  The  increase  was  principally  the  result  of  higher  sales 

Maintenance plant, 
Toquepala, Tacna, Peru.

40

volume of copper (+18.3%) and silver (+18.9%), partially offset 

by lower prices for copper and molybdenum.

Prices: Sales prices for the Company’s metals are established, 

mainly  by  reference  to  the  prices  quoted  in  the  London  Metal 

Exchange  (LME)  and  The  New  York  Commodity  Exchange 

(COMEX),  or  published  in  the  Platt’s  Metals  Week,  for  dealer 

oxide mean prices for molybdenum.

.

P R I C E/ V O L U M E  D ATA

2017

2016

2015

A V E R A G E  M E TA L  P R I C E S

Copper (per pound - LME)

Copper (per pound - COMEX)

Molybdenum (per pound)

Zinc (per pound - LME)

Silver (per ounce - COMEX)

S A L E S  V O L U M E ( I N  T H O U S A N D S)

Copper (pounds)

Molybdenum (pounds) (1)

Zinc (pounds)

Silver (ounces)

$   2.80

$   2.80

$   8.13

$   1.31

$ 17.03

2.21

2.20

6.42

0.95

17.10

2.50

2.51

6.59

0.88

15.68

1,959.2

1,923.9

1,625.8

47.1

237.2

16.9

47.9

232.4

17.2

51.2

222.2

14.5

(1) The Company´s molybdenum production is sold in the form of concentrates. Volume represents pounds of molybdenum contained 

in concentrates.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

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ENVIRONM ENTAL MATTERS

The Company has instituted extensive environmental conservation 

programs at its mining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s 

environmental  programs  include,  among  others,  water  recovery 

systems  to  conserve  water  and  minimize  the  impact  on  nearby 

streams,  reforestation  programs  to  stabilize  the  surface  of  the 

tailings  dams  and  the  implementation  of  scrubbing  technology  in 

the mines to reduce dust emissions.

Environmental capital expenditures in years 2017, 2016 and 2015, 

were as follows (in millions):

    Mexican operations

    Peruvian operations

    Total

2017
$ 128.9

$   93.1

$ 222.6

2016
$140.1

$110.3

$250.4

2016
$  22.0

$  98.8

$120.8

Mexican operations: The Company’s operations are subject to applicable Mexican 

federal, state and municipal environmental laws, to Mexican official standards, and 

to regulations for the protection of the environment, including regulations relating to 

water supply, water quality, air quality, noise levels and hazardous and solid waste.

The  principal  legislation  applicable  to  the  Company’s  Mexican  operations  is  the 

Federal  General  Law  of  Ecological  Balance  and  Environmental  Protection  (the 

‘‘General Law’’), which is enforced by the Federal Bureau of Environmental Protection 

(‘‘PROFEPA’’).  PROFEPA  monitors  compliance  with  environmental  legislation  and 

44

enforces Mexican environmental laws, regulations and official standards. It may also 

initiate  administrative  proceedings  against  companies  that  violate  environmental 

laws, which in the most extreme cases may result in the temporary or permanent 

shutdown of non-complying facilities, the revocation of operating licenses and/or 

other sanctions or fines.

In  2011,  the  General  Law  was  amended,  giving  an 

individual or entity the ability to contest administrative 

acts, 

including 

environmental 

authorizations, 

permits  or  concessions  granted,  without  the  need 

to  demonstrate  the  actual  existence  of  harm  to 

the  environment  as  long  as  it  can  be  argued  that 

the  harm  may  be  caused.  In  addition,  in  2011, 

amendments  to  the  Civil  Federal  Procedures  Code 

(‘‘CFPC’’) were enacted. These amendments establish 

three  categories  of  collective  actions  by  means  of 

which 30 or more people claiming injury derived from 

environmental, consumer protection, financial services 

and economic competition issues will be considered 

The principal legislation applicable to the 
Company’s Mexican operations is the 
Federal General Law of Ecological 
Balance  and Environmental Protection 
(the ‘‘General Law’’), which is enforced 
by the Federal Bureau of Environmental 
Protection (‘‘PROFEPA’’). 

Coppers cathodes, SX-EW Plant, 
Toquepala, Tacna, Peru.

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to  be  sufficient  in  order  to  have  a  legitimate  interest  to  seek 

through a civil procedure restitution or economic compensation or 

suspension of the activities from which the alleged injury derived. 

The amendments to the CFPC may result in more litigation, with 

plaintiffs seeking remedies, including suspension of the activities 

alleged to cause harm.

In 2013, the Environmental Liability Federal Law was enacted. The 

law  establishes  general  guidelines  for  actions  to  be  considered 

to  likely  cause  environmental  harm.  If  a  possible  determination 

regarding  harm  occurs,  environmental  clean-up  and  remedial 

actions suffi cient to restore environment to a pre-existing condition 

should  be  taken.  Under  this  law,  if  restoration  is  not  possible, 

compensation  measures  should  be  provided.  Criminal  penalties 

46

and monetary fi nes can be imposed under this law.

The Company also 
believes that continued 
compliance with 
environmental laws of 
Mexico and Peru will not 
have a material adverse 
effect on the Company’s 
business, properties, result 
of operations, financial 
condition or prospects 
and will not result 
in material capital 
investments.

2014 accidental spill at Buenavista mine: In 2014, an accidental 

spill  of  approximately  40,000  cubic  meters  of  copper  sulfate 

solution occurred at a Buenavista mine leaching pond. This solution 

Loading of sulfuric acid, 
Punta Tablones Pier, Ilo, 
Moquegua, Peru.

reached the Bacanuchi River and the Sonora River. The Company 

took  immediate  actions  to  contain  the  spill,  and  to  comply  with 

all necessary legal  requirements. The Company hired contractors 

including environmental specialists and assigned more than 1,200 

of  its  own  personnel  to  clean  the  river.  In  addition,  the  Company 

developed a service program to assist the residents of the Sonora 

River region.

Administrative proceedings: The National Water Commission, the 

Federal Commission for the Protection of Sanitary Risk and PROFEPA 

initiated administrative proceedings regarding the spill to determine 

possible  environmental  and  health  damages.  On  September  15, 

2014,  the  Company  executed  an  administrative  agreement  with 

PROFEPA,  providing  for  the  submission  of  a  remediation  action 

plan to the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources 

(Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales ‘‘SEMARNAT’’). 

The  general  remediation  program  submitted  to  SEMARNAT  was 

approved on January 6, 2015.

The Company’s operations
are subject to applicable 
Peruvian environmental 
laws and regulations. 
The Peruvian government, 
through the Ministry of 
Environment (‘‘MINAM’’) 
conducts annual audits of the 
Company’s Peruvian mining and 
metallurgical operations.

The  Company  also  created  a  trust  with  a  Mexican  development 

bank, acting as a Trustee to support environmental remedial actions 

in  connection  with  the  spill,  to  comply  with  the  remedial  action 

plan and to compensate those persons adversely affected by the 

spill.  The  Company  committed  up  to  two  billion  Mexican  pesos 

(approximately  $150  million). A  technical  committee  for  the  trust 

was  created  with  representatives  from  the  federal  government, 

the Company and specialists assisted by a team of environmental 

experts  to  ensure  the  proper  use  of  the  funds.  Along  with  the 

administrative agreement executed with PROFEPA, the trust served 

as  an  alternative  mechanism  for  dispute  resolution  to  mitigate 

public and private litigation risks.

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On December 1, 2016, SEMARNAT issued its final resolution which held that all 

remediation actions contained in the remediation plan, had been fulfilled and that 

all requirements had been complied with, except for biological monitoring activities 

at the Sonora River that will continue until the first semester of 2019 pursuant 

to  the  plan.  On  January  26,  2017,  PROFEPA  issued  its  final  resolution  under 

which it declared all mitigation actions completed and its investigation closed. In 

light of the above, the Company has obtained all necessary formal rulings from 

SEMARNAT and PROFEPA. On February 7, 2017, the Company closed the trust. 

As a result, $10.2 million of excess provision was credited to income in the first 

quarter of 2017. The total expense recorded for this accident in 2014 and 2015 

was $136.4 million. Therefore, the remediation concerns raised by SEMARNAT 

and PROFEPA have been addressed.

Other procedures: On August 19, 2014, PROFEPA, as part of the administrative 

proceeding initiated after the spill, announced the filing of a criminal complaint 

against Buenavista del Cobre S.A. de C.V. (‘‘BVC’’), a subsidiary of the Company, 

in  order  to  determine  those  responsible  for  the  environmental  damages.  The 

Company  is  vigorously  defending  itself  against  this  complaint. As  of  December 

31, 2017, the case remains pending resolution.

Through the first half of 2015, six collective action lawsuits were filed in federal 

courts in Mexico City and Sonora against two subsidiaries of the Company seeking 

economic compensation, clean up and remedial activities in order to restore the 

environment  to  its  pre-existing  conditions. Two  of  the  collective  action  lawsuits 

have been dismissed by the court. The plaintiffs in the four remaining lawsuits 

are: Acciones Colectivas de Sinaloa, A.C. which established two collective actions, 

48

Defensa  Colectiva  A.C.;  and  Ana  Luisa  Salazar  Medina  et  al.  which  has  been 

granted a collective action certification. The remaining plaintiffs have requested 

cautionary measures on the construction of facilities for the monitoring of public 

health services and the prohibition of the closure of the Rio Sonora Trust. As of 

December 31, 2017, these cases remain pending resolution.

Similarly, during 2015, eight civil action lawsuits were fi led against 

BVC in the state courts of Sonora seeking damages for alleged 

injuries and for moral damages as a consequence of the spill. 

The plaintiffs in the state court lawsuits are: Jose Vicente Arriola 

Nunez et al; Santana Ruiz Molina et al; Andres Nogales Romero 

et al; Teodoro Javier Robles et al; Gildardo Vasquez Carvajal et al; 

Rafael Noriega Souffl e et al; Grupo Banamichi Unido de Sonora 

El  Dorado,  S.C.  de  R.L.  de  C.V;  and  Marcelino  Mercado  Cruz. 

In  2016,  three  additional  civil  action  lawsuits,  claiming  similar 

damages, were fi led by Juan Melquicedec Lebaron; Blanca Lidia 

Valenzuela  Rivera  et  al  and  Ramona  Franco  Quijada  et  al.  In 

2017,  BVC  was  served  with  thirty-three  additional  civil  action 

lawsuits, claiming similar damages.

SCC with a power 
generation capacity 
of 574 megawatts (MW) 
using edge technology.

Sunset in Combined Cycle plant, 
La Caridad, Nacozari, Sonora, 
Mexico.

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During  2015,  four  constitutional  lawsuits  were  filed 

have a material effect on its financial position or results 

before  Federal  Courts  against  various  authorities 

of operations.

and  against  a  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  arguing; 

(i)  the  alleged  lack  of  a  waste  management  program 

Peruvian  operations:  The  Company’s  operations 

approved  by  SEMARNAT;  (ii)  the  alleged  lack  of 

are  subject  to  applicable  Peruvian  environmental 

a  remediation  plan  approved  by  SEMARNAT  with 

laws  and  regulations.  The  Peruvian  government, 

regard  to  the August  2014  spill;  (iii)  the  alleged  lack 

through  the  Ministry  of  Environment  (‘‘MINAM’’) 

of  community  approval  regarding  the  environmental 

conducts  annual  audits  of  the  Company’s  Peruvian 

impact  authorizations  granted  by  SEMARNAT 

to 

mining  and  metallurgical  operations.  Through  these 

one  subsidiary  of  the  Company;  and  (iv)  the  alleged 

environmental audits, matters related to environmental 

inactivity  of  the  authorities  with  regard  of  the  spill 

obligation,  compliance  with 

legal 

requirements, 

in  August  2014.  The  plaintiffs  of  these  lawsuits  are: 

atmospheric emissions, effluent monitoring and waste 

Francisca Garcia Enriquez, et al which established two 

management are reviewed. The Company believes that 

lawsuits,  Francisco  Ramon  Miranda,  et  al  and  Jesus 

it is in material compliance with applicable Peruvian 

David Lopez Peralta et al. During the third quarter of 

environmental  laws  and  regulations.  Peruvian  law 

2016, four additional constitutional lawsuits, claiming 

requires that companies in the mining industry provide 

similar damages were filed by Mario Alberto Salcido et 

assurances for future mine closure and remediation. 

al; Maria Elena Heredia Bustamante et al; Martin Eligio 

In accordance with the requirements of this law, the 

Ortiz Gamez et al; and Maria de los Angeles Enriquez 

Company’s  closure  plans  were  approved  by  MINEM. 

Bacame  et  al.  During  the  third  quarter  of  2017,  BVC 

was served with another constitutional lawsuit filed by 

Francisca Garc´ıa Enriquez et al. As of December 31, 

2017, these cases remain pending resolution.

It is not currently possible to determine the extent of 

the damages sought in these state and federal lawsuits 

50

but  the  Company  considers  that  these  lawsuits  are 

without merit. Accordingly, the Company is vigorously 

defending  against  them.  Nevertheless,  the  Company 

considers that none of the legal proceedings resulting 

from  the  spill,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  would 

In Peru, our mining operations
are located in the south of the country 
in a rural environment, and SCC
contributes to its development 
in close cooperation with
authorities and representative 
organizations of the region.

SX-EW Plant, Toquepala, 
Tacna, Peru.
Next page

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See Note 9 ‘‘Asset retirement obligation,’’ for further discussion 

of this matter.

In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  law,  in  2015  the 

Company submitted the closure plans for the Tia Maria project 

and  for  the  Toquepala  expansion.  The  process  of  review  and 

approval  of  closure  plans  usually  takes  several  months.  In 

March  2016,  MINEM  approved  the  Mining  Closure  Plan  for 

the  Toquepala  expansion  project.  The  closure  plan  for  the  Tia 

Maria  project  was  approved  in  February  2017.  The  Company, 

52

however, has not recorded a retirement obligation for the project 

as the construction permit has not been received, and work on 

the project is on hold. The Company believes that under these 

SCC participated 
with other institutions 
supporting activities 
in favor to 
earthquakes victims 
in states of Oaxaca 
and Mexico City in 
September 2017.

circumstances  the  recording  of  a  retirement  obligation  is  not 

appropriate.  In  December  2017,  the  Company  submitted  the 

SX-EW pad, Toquepala, 
Tacna, Peru.

mine closure plan update for the Cuajone operations, 

World Health Organization and establishes a mean 24-

which is under review and evaluation by MINEM.

hour AQS  equal  to  250  micrograms  per  cubic  meter 

In 2008, the Peruvian government enacted environmental 

regulations  establishing  stringent  air  quality  standards 

(‘‘AQS’’) for daily sulfur dioxide (‘‘SO2’’) in the air for the 
Peruvian  territory.  These  regulations,  as  amended  in 

2013, recognized distinct zones/areas, as atmospheric 

(ug/m3) of SO2 to replace the current 24-hour AQS of 
20 ug/m3 of SO2, effective since 2014. The decree also 
establishes a mean 24-hour AQS equal to 2 ug/m3 of 

gaseous  mercury  and  a  mean  monthly AQS  equal  to 

1.5 ug/m3 of lead in PM10.

basins.  MINAM  had  established  three  atmospheric 

The  Company  believes  that  these  new  AQS  are 

basins  that  required  further  attention  to  comply  with 

appropriate for Peru and will allow Peruvian industry to 

the air quality standards. The Ilo basin was one of these 

be competitive with other countries. The Company has 

three areas and the Company’s smelter and refinery are 

evaluated the potential impact of these new standards 

part of the area.

and expects that its adoption will not have a material 

In  June  2017,  MINAM  enacted  a  supreme  decree 

impact  on  the  financial  SO2,  than  those  required 
by  the  new  AQS.  In  addition,  in  June  2017,  MINAM 

which  defines  new  AQS  for  daily  sulfur  dioxide  and 

enacted  a  supreme  decree  which  establishes  new 

gaseous mercury for the Peruvian territory, as well as 

quality  standards  for  water  in  the  Peruvian  territory. 

monthly lead in particulate matter (PM10), in order to 

The Company has reviewed this decree and considers 

adopt standards similar to comparable countries and 

that its adoption will not have a material impact on its 

conform them to the technical capabilities available in 

financial position.

Peru,  while  ensuring  the  protection  of  public  health. 

This decree also considers criteria established by the 

In  2013,  the  Peruvian  government  enacted  soil 

We promote 
in communities 
around 
us life quality improve, 
access to different 
sources of wealth and 
well-being. 

environmental  quality  standards  (‘‘SQS’’)  applicable 

to  any  existing  facility  or  project  that  generates  or 

could  generate  the  risk  of  soil  contamination  in  its 

area of operation or influence. In March 2014, MINAM 

issued a supreme decree, which establishes additional 

provisions  for  the  gradual  implementation  of  SQS. 

Under  this  rule  the  Company  had  twelve  months  to 

identify contaminated sites in and around its facilities 

and present a report of identified contaminated sites. 

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These  documents  were submitted to MINEM for  approval  in April 

2015.  After  MINEM’s  review,  the  documents  for  the  Company’s 

operations were fully approved in July 2017. The next step is for 

the Company to prepare a characterization study to determine the 

depth, extent and physio-chemical composition of the contaminated 

areas and define an appropriate remediation plan with time-frame 

for completion. In addition, the Company must submit for approval 

a  Soil  Decontamination  Plan  (SDP)  within  30  months  after  being 

notified by the authority. This SDP must include remediation actions, 

a  schedule  and  compliance  deadlines.  Also  under  this  rule,  if 

deemed necessary and given reasonable justification, the Company 

may request a one year extension for the decontamination plan.

Soil  confirmation  tests  must  be  carried  out  after  completion  of 

decontamination actions (within the approved schedule) and results 

must be presented to authorities within 30 days after receiving such 

results. Non-compliance with this obligation or with decontamination 

goals will carry penalties, although no specific sanctions have been 

established yet. During compliance with this schedule, companies 

cannot be penalized for non-compliance with the SQS.

While the Company believes that there is a reasonable possibility 

that  a  potential  loss  contingency  may  exist,  it  cannot  currently 

estimate  the  amount  of  the  contingency.  The  Company  believes 

that a reasonable determination of the loss will be possible once 

the characterization study and the SDP are substantially completed, 

54

which  is  expected  for  the  first  quarter  of  2020. At  that  time  the 

Company  will  be  in  a  position  to  estimate  the  remediation  cost. 

Further,  the  Company  does  not  believe  that  it  can  estimate  a 

reasonable  range  of  possible  costs  until  the  noted  studies  have 

The Company believes 
that these new Air 
Quality Standards (AQS) 
are appropriate for Peru 
and will allow Peruvian 
industry to be competitive 
with other countries.

substantially progressed and therefore is not be able to disclose a 

range of costs that is meaningful.

The Company believes that all of its facilities in Peru and Mexico are 

in material compliance with applicable environmental, mining and 

other laws and regulations. 

The  Company  also  believes  that  continued  compliance  with 

environmental  laws  of  Mexico  and  Peru  will  not  have  a  material 

adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  business,  properties,  result  of 

operations,  fi nancial  condition  or  prospects  and  will  not  result  in 

material capital investments.

Tailing disposal plant in Quebrada Honda, 
Toquepala, Tacna, Peru.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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58

GENERAL INFORMATION

Information related to its constitution and their inscription in the 

Public Registry: 

See:  “Brief  historical  review  from  the  constitution  of  the 

Company”  on  page  74.  Brief  Description:  Southern  Copper 

Corporation  (SCC)  is  one  of  the  largest  integrated  copper 

producers in the world. We produce copper, molybdenum, zinc, 

lead,  coal  and  silver.  All  of  our  mining,  smelting  and  refining 

facilities  are  located  in  Peru  and  in  Mexico  and  we  conduct 

exploration  activities  in  those  countries  and  in  Chile,  Ecuador 

and Argentina. Our operations make us one of the largest mining 

companies in Peru and also in Mexico. We are one of the largest 

copper mining companies in the world. At December 31, 2017, 

SCC  is  the  mining  company  with  the  largest  copper  inventory 

worldwide. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952 and have 

conducted copper mining operations since 1960. Since 1996, 

our common stock has been listed on both the New York and the 

Lima Stock Exchanges.

Our  Peruvian  copper  operations  involve  mining,  milling  and 

flotation  of  copper  ore  to  produce  copper  concentrates  and 

molybdenum concentrates, the smelting of copper concentrates 

to  produce  anode  copper,  and  the  refining  of  anode  copper  to 

produce copper cathodes. As part of this production process, we 

also  produce  significant  amounts  of  molybdenum  concentrate 

and refined silver. We also produce refined copper using SX/EW 

technology. We operate the Toquepala and Cuajone mines high 

in the Andes Mountains, approximately 860 kilometers southeast 

of the city of Lima, Peru. We also operate a smelter and refinery 

west of the Toquepala and Cuajone mines in the coastal city of 

Ilo, Peru.

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Interior view of SX-EW III, Buenavista 
del Cobre, Sonora, Mexico.
Preview page 

 
 
Our  Mexican  operations  are  conducted  through  our 

subsidiary,  Minera  Mexico  S.A.  de  C.V.  (“Minera 

Mexico”), which we acquired in 2005. Minera Mexico 

engages  principally  in  the  mining  and  processing  of 

Rod plant in Metallurgic 
Complex, La Caridad, Sonora, 
Mexico.  

copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold and lead. Minera 

S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “IMMSA 

Mexico operates through subsidiaries that are grouped 

unit”)  operates  five  underground  mines  that  produce 

into three separate units. Mexicana de Cobre S.A. de 

zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine and a 

C.V.  (together  with  its  subsidiaries,  the  “Mexcobre 

zinc  refinery.  Effective  February  1,  2012,  Minerales 

unit”) operates La  Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, 

Metalicos  del  Norte  S.A  was  merged  with  Industrial 

a  copper  ore  concentrator,  a  SX/EW  plant,  a  smelter, 

Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. (IMMSA). IMMSA absorbed 

refinery and a rod plant.

Minerales Metalicos del Norte S.A.

Operadora  de  Minas  e  Instalaciones  Mineras  S.A  de 

We utilize modern/state of the art mining and processing 

C.V.  (the  “Buenavista  unit”)  operates  Buenavista, 

methods,  including  global  positioning  systems  and 

formerly  named  Cananea,  an  open-pit  copper  mine, 

computerized  mining  operations.  Our  operations 

which is located at the site of one of the world’s largest 

have a high level of vertical integration that allows us 

60

copper  ore  deposits,  a  copper  concentrator  and  two 

to  manage  the  entire  production  process,  from  the 

SX/EW plants. The Buenavista mine was operated until 

mining of the ore to the production of refined copper 

December 11, 2010 by Mexicana de Cananea S.A. de 

and  other  products  and  most  related  transport  and 

C.V.  and  by  Buenavista  del  Cobre  S.A.  de  C.V.  from 

logistics functions, using our own facilities, employees 

that  date  until  July  2012.  Industrial  Minera  Mexico, 

and equipment.

ECONOMIC GROUP

SCC, indirectly, is part of “Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V.” which owns 100% of Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”).

NAME OF THE 
COMPANY

S E V E R A L  A C T I V I T I E S

L O C AT I O N

INSCRIPTION 
IN THE RPMV

%

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Grupo México, S.A.B. de C. V.

        Grupo México Servicios, S.A. de C.V.

ACTIVIDADES DE TRANSPORTE FERROVIARIO

Mexico

Mexico

         Infraestructura y Transportes México, S.A. de C. V.

Mexico

ACTIVIDADES MINERAS

         Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”)

               Southern Copper Corporation (SCC)

                          Minera México, S. A. de C. V.

                                Industrial Minera México, S.A. de C. V.

                                Buenavista del Cobre, S.A. de C. V.

                                Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C. V.

                    Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Agencia en Chile

                    Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Sucursal del Perú

                    Compañía Minera Los Tolmos, S.A.

USA

USA

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Chile

Peru

Peru

100

100

100

88.91

99.96

100

100

98.20

100

(cid:57)

99.291

100

 CORPORATE CAPITAL AND COMMON STOCK 

The authorized number of shares

Issues an Paid Capital: Common Shares

Nominal Value of Common Shares

SHARES

2,000,000,000

884,596,086

$ 0.01

 TOTAL NUMBER AND PERCENT OF SHARES

SHARES

INTEREST

  Americas Mining Corporation

  Common Shares

  Total

687,275,997 

85,7521,472 

773,028,469 

 88.91% 

 11.09%

 100.0%

1 Include 82.69% of common shares and 16.60% of investment shares.

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OPERATIONS IN MEXICO
LA CARIDAD MINE

“La  Caridad  Concentrator”  began  operations  in  1979.  

ounces  of  silver  per  day,  247  ounces  of  gold  per  day 

The concentrator has a current capacity of 94,500 tons 

and 342 kilograms of selenium per day.

of ore per day.  “Molybdenum Plant” started operations 

in  1982,  with  a  production  capacity  of  2,000  tons  of 

“La  Caridad  Wire  Rod  Plant”,  a  rod  plant  at  the  La 

copper-molybdenum concentrate per day.

Caridad complex began operations in 1998 and reached 

its  full  annual  operating  capacity  of  150,000  tons  in 

“La Caridad SX-EW” has an annual production capacity 

1999.  The  plant  is  producing  eight  millimeter  copper 

of  21,900  tons  of  copper  cathodes.  Approximately 

rods with a purity of 99.99%.

835.5 million tons of leaching ore with an average grade 

of approximately 0.243% copper have been extracted 

Effluent and Dust Treatment Plant, a dust and effluent 

from  the  La  Caridad  open-pit  mine  and  deposited  in 

plant with a treatment capacity of 5,000 tons of smelter 

leaching dumps from May 1995 to December 31, 2017.

dusts per year which will produce 1,500 tons of copper 

by-products and 2,500 tons of lead sulfates per year. 

LA CARIDAD METALLURGIC COMPLEX

This plant started its operating in 2012. 

La  Caridad  Smelter  started  operations  in  July,  1986. 

The actual installed capacity of the smelter is 1,000,000 

BUENAVISTA MINE

tons  per  year,  a  capacity  that  is  sufficient  to  treat  all 

A “Buenavista Concentrator”, the original concentrator 

the  concentrates  of  La  Caridad  and  almost  40.5% 

currently has a nominal milling capacity of 76,700 tons 

of  total  production  of  the  OMIMSA  I  and  OMIMSA  II 

per day. The second concentrator began operations in 

concentrators  from  Buenavista,  and  starting  in  2010, 

2015 with a nominal milling capacity of 100,000 tons 

the concentrates from the IMMSA mines, as we closed 

per day.

the San Luis Potosi smelter.

“Buenavista SX/EW I Plant” started operating in 1980, 

“La Caridad Refinery” started operations in July, 1997, 

with a capacity of 30 tons per day.

with  a  production  capacity  of  493  tons  of  copper 

cathode  per  day  and  was  expanded  to  822  tons  in 

“Buenavista SX/EW II Plant” started operating in 1989, 

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January, 1998. The installed capacity of the refinery is 

with a capacity of 66 tons per day and was expanded to 

300,000 tons per year.

120 tons per day in 2001.

“La Caridad Precious Metals Plant” started operations 

“Buenavista SX/EW III Plant” started operating during 

in  May,  1999,  with  a  production  capacity  of  43,836 

the  June  2014,  we  completed  the  construction  of  a 

Operator in Central Warehouse, 
Ilo, Moquegua, Peru.

new  SX-EW  plant  that  significantly  has  increased  production  of 

leachable material by approximately 120,000 tons per year. The SX-

EW  facilities  have  a  cathode  production  capacity  of  174,470  tons 

per year.

UNDERGROUND MINES

1.  The Santa Barbara Unit with a milling capacity of 5,800 tons of 

ore per day.

2.  The Santa Eulalia Unit with a milling capacity of 1,450 tons of 

ore per day.

3.  The San Martin Unit with a milling capacity of 4,400 tons of ore 

per day.

4.  The  Charcas  Unit  with  a  milling  capacity  of  4,100  tons  of  ore 

per day.

5.  The Taxco Unit with a milling capacity of 2,000 tons per day.

6.  Coquizadora  Coal  Plant,  in  Coahuila  Unit,  with  a  capacity  of 

105,000 tons of coke per year.

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7.  The  Zinc  Refinery  with  a  capacity  of  288  tons  per 

de Mineria” authorized construction and expansion 

day.

PERUVIAN OPERATIONS
TOQUEPALA

of  Toquepala  SX/EW  plant  to  18,737  tons/day 

throughput.  Directoral  Resolution  dated  May  19, 

2003, based on Report No. 291-2003-EM-DGM/

DPDM, authorized operation of the SX/EW plant to 

1.  Toquepala  Concentrator.  Directorial  Resolution 

a throughput of 18,737 tons/day.

No.455-91-EM/DGM/DCM 

dated 

July 

5, 

1991  approved  the  operation  of  the  Toquepala 

CUAJONE

Concentrator. The resolution granted 240 hectares 

1.  1.  Botiflaca  Concentrator  in  Cuajone:  Directorial 

of  surface  land  and  authorized  a  throughput  of 

Resolution  No.  150-81-EM/DCM  dated  August 

39,000 tons/day.

14,  1981  approved  the  operation  of  Botiflaca 

Concentrator.  The  resolution  granted  56  hectares 

Based  on  Report  No.  413-97-EM/DGM/DPDM 

of surface land.

dated  July  7,  1997,  the  “Director  General  de 

Mineria” authorized the expansion of the Toquepala 

Based  on  Report  No.  266-99-EM/DGM/DPDM 

Concentrator to a 43,000 tons/day throughput.

dated  July  20,  1999  the  “Director  General  de 

Mineria”  authorized  the  expansion  of  Botiflaca 

Based  on  Report  N°  547-2002-EM/DGM/DPDM, 

Concentrator to 87,000 MT per day throughput.

dated November 6, 2002, the “Director General de 

Mineria” authorized the expansion of the Toquepala 

Resolution  N°  379-2010-MEM-DGM/V  dated 

Concentrator to a capacity of 60,000 MT per day.

October  7,  2010,  based  on  Report  N°312-2010-

MEM-DGM-DTM/PB,  authorized  construction  and 

2.  Toquepala  Leaching  Plant 

(SX/EW).  Directorial 

expansion of Botiflaca Concentrator to 90,000 MT 

Resolution No. 166-96-EM/DGM dated May 7, 1996, 

per day throughput.

approved the operation of the Toquepala SX/EW plant. 

The  resolution  granted  60  hectares  of  surface  land 

For operating reasons as part of the crusher process 

64

and authorized a throughput of 11,850 tons/day.

optimization, on November 18, 2011, we requested 

Based  on  Report  No.  660-98-EM-DGM/DPDM 

2144941  to  add  three  additional  facilities  (HPGR 

dated  November  10,  1998  the  “Director  General 

mill and others).

to  the  Peruvian  authorities  through  resources  N° 

On  May  2012,  with  Directoral  Resolution  N° 

surface land and authorized a throughput of 2,100 

153-2012-MEM-DGM-V 

based 

on 

report 

MT per day. Based on Report No. 988-2009-MEM-

165-2012-MEM-DGM-DTM-PB.  MEM  approved 

DGM/V,  dated  December  16,  2009,  Cuajone  SX 

and authorized the project to include three additional 

plant operation was approved and authorized the of 

facilities  aforementioned  on  the  procedure  of  the 

the, with a capacity of 3100 MT per day.

amendment and increase of the installed capacity 

from 87,000 to 90,000 MT per day.

ILO

1. 

Ilo  Smelter:  Authorized  (definitely)  by  Directorial 

2.  Cuajone  Leaching  Plant 

(LX/EW).  Directorial 

Resolution No. 078-69-EM/DGM dated August 21, 

Resolution No.155-96-EM/DGM dated May 6, 1996 

1969 approved the operation of the Ilo Smelter. The 

approved  the  operation  of  the  Cuajone  Leaching 

resolution  authorized  a  production  of  400  Short 

plant.  The  resolution  granted  400  hectares  of 

tons/day of blister copper.

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Based  on  Report  No.204-2000-EM-DGM-DPDM 

Resolution 

N°520-2010-MEM-DGM/V 

dated 

dated  June  20,  2000  the  “Director  General  de 

December 30, 2010, based on Report N° N°414-

Mineria” authorized the expansion of the Ilo Smelter 

2010-MEM-DGM-DTM/PB, authorized changes in 

to  a  3,100  MT  per  day  throughput  of  copper 

Ilo  copper  refinery  without  expanded  its  capacity 

concentrates.

throughput.

On  February  4,  2010,  by  the  Application  Nº 

3.  Sulfuric  Acid  Plant:  Authorized  by  Directorial 

1961695,  the  Company  began  the  process  to 

Resolution  No.  024-96-EM/DGM  dated  January 

obtain authorization from the MINEM to operate a 

19,  1996,  approved  the  operation  of  the  sulfuric 

capacity  of  3,770  MT  per  day,  which  is  included 

acid plant, installed at the smelter, at a production 

as  an ancillary  facility to Acid Plant No. 2, with a 

rate of 150,000 tons per year.

capacity  of  2,880  MT  per  day  or  1,051,200  MT 

per year.

Based  on  Report  No.  313-98-EM/DGM/DPDM 

dated  May  21,  1998  the  “Director  General  de 

2. 

Ilo Refinery: Authorized by Report No. 056-94-EM/

Mineria”, authorized the expansion of the Ilo Sulfuric 

DGM/DRDM  dated  May  27,  1994  the  “Director 

Acid Plant to a capacity of 300,000 tons per year 

General de Mineria” authorized the operation of the 

production.

Ilo Copper Refinery at 533 MT per day throughput 

of blister copper.

4.  “Coquina Wash Plant and Sea shell Concentrates” 

authorized  to  operate  by  Directorial  Resolution  Nº 

Based  on  Report  No.  506-97-EM/DGM/DPDM 

110-93-EM/DGM  of  August  3,  1993.  The  plant 

dated  September  2,  1998  the  “Director  General 

processes  95  TC/h  of  raw  material  (coquina) 

de  Mineria”  authorized 

the  expansion  of 

Ilo 

recovered from nearby mines. Seashell is produced 

Copper Refinery to a capacity of 658 MT per day 

separating  sand  and  other  materials  from  the 

throughput.

coquina using sea water washing screens.

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Based  on  Report  N°  080-2002-EM-DGM/DPDM, 

dated  March  14,  2002,  the  “Director  General  de 

Mineria” authorized the expansion of the Ilo Copper 

Refinery to a capacity of 800 MT per day.

Continuously, 
we carry out exploration 
activities for 
locate more minerals 
resources and 
for discover new deposits. 

With a capital investment of  
$ 2,900 million, we are 
currently working in several 
copper projects in Peru.

Cuajone mine, Moquegua, Peru.

Resolution  N°038-2011-MEM-DGM-DTM/PB  dated  February 

2,  2011,  based  on  Report  N°035-2011-MEM-DGM-DTM/

PB,  authorized  modification  in  the  concession  of  “Coquina 

Wash Plant and Sea shell Concentrates” to a classified dry sea 

shell  plant  without  expanded  its  capacity  throughput,  which 

represents  2,068  tons/day.  By  the  Application  Nº  2499277 

dated on May 19, 2015, SPCC requested temporary suspension 

for three years of its plant Dry Sea shell Concentrates.

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D ES C RIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND D EV E LOP M E N T 
R EG ARDING THE ISSUING  ENTITY P URP O SE

THE PURPOSE

The purpose of SCC is to engage in activities allowed by the laws of 

the State of Delaware. Its main activity is to extract, mill, concentrate, 

smelt, treat, prepare for market, manufacture, sell, exchange and, in 

general, to produce and negotiate for sales of copper, molybdenum, 

gold,  silver,  lead,  zinc,  iron  and  any  other  class  of  minerals  and 

materials  or  other  materials,  effects  and  goods  of  any  nature 

or  description;  as  well  as  to  explore,  exploit,  sample,  examine, 

investigate,  recognize,  locate,  appraise,  buy,  sell,  exchange,  etc., 

mining concessions and mining deposits. SCC belongs to the CIIU 

1320 group.

The term of duration of the Company is indefinite.

BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW FROM THE CONSTITUTION 

OF SCC:

The Company was organized on December 12, 1952, according to 

the Laws of the State of Delaware of the United States of America, 

under the original denomination of Southern Peru Copper Corporation 

(“SPCC”), which was renamed on October 11, 2005, to Southern 

Copper Corporation.

In  1954,  SCC  established  a  Branch  in  Peru  to  carry  out  mining 

activities  in  this  country.  The  Branch  was  established  under 

public instrument certified by public notary from Lima, Dr. Ricardo 

Fernandini Arana, on November 6, 1954. 

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The Branch is registered in the Electronic Record Nº 03025091 of 

the Juridical People of the Registry Office of Lima and Callao. 

ACTOS POSTERIORES A LA CONSTITUCIÓN DE SCC: 

ACTIONS FOLLOWING COMPANY INCORPORATION: 

Capital Increase: 

By  Public  Deed  dated  May  31,  1995,  signed  before  notary  public  of 

Lima, Dr. Carlos A. Sotomayor Bernos, the Branch capital increase was 

formalized. It was made through money contribution by the Company in 

favor  of  its  Peru  Branch  and  by  the  owners  of  labor  shares,  pursuant 

to  Legislative  Decree  No.  677.  The  capital  contribution  made  by  the 

Company was aimed at increasing the capital allotted to the Branch by 

the headquarters and registered in Peru. The capital contribution made 

by the Labor Shares (today Investment Shares) owners was assigned to 

the Labor Shares account of the Branch for issuing new Labor Shares.

Miners in Santa Eulalia 
underground mine, 
Chihuahua, Mexico.

Part of the money contribution made by the Company in favor of its 

Branch and by the Labor Shares owners was applied as a capital 

premium to the Resident account as Additional Capital.

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EXCHANGE OF INVESTMENT SHARES (LABOR SHARES) 

FOR COMMON SHARES:

Dated September 7, 1995, “Southern Peru Copper Holding Company” 

was also incorporated pursuant to the Laws of the State of Delaware, 

aiming at acting as a holding company that owns all Southern Peru 

Copper Corporation shares, and at performing an exchange of the 

shares  that  were  then  called  “Labor  Shares”  (today  Investment 

Shares) issued by the branch in Peru, delivering the owners of labor 

shares a certain number of Common Shares issued by SPCC in the 

United  States.  As  a  consequence  of  this  share  exchange,  at  that 

times, former owners of Labor Shares acquired 17.31% of SPCC’s 

Capital, and this company acquired ownership of 80.77% of Labor 

Shares (today Investment Shares).

70

On December 31, 1995, Southern Peru Copper Corporation changed 

its corporate name to “Southern Peru Limited”, and “Southern Peru 

Copper Holding Company” changed its corporate name to Southern 

Peru Copper Corporation.

Toquepala 
Expansion Project, 
Tacna, Peru.

As a consequence of this corporate name change, the 

Mexico, acquired in the United States 100% of ASARCO 

mining activities of the Company in Peru started being 

Incorporated,  the  main  shareholder  of  Southern  Peru 

performed  under  the  name  of  Southern  Peru  Limited, 

Copper Corporation at that time. In this way, SPCC became 

Peru Branch (SPL).

a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, who keeps its shareholding 

through Americas Mining Corporation (AMC).

On December 31, 1998, the merger between Southern 

Peru  Copper  Corporation  and  Southern  Peru  Limited 

ACQUISITION  OF  MINERA  MEXICO  (“MM”), 

was  agreed.  The  first  company  absorbed  the  second 

AND OTHER CORPORATE CHANGES:

one and assumed all its assets and liabilities, including 

SCC  shareholders,  in  a  shareholder  extraordinary 

the  Branch  in  Peru.  This  merger  did  not  imply  any 

meeting  dated  March  28,  2005,  approved  issuance 

change to the share percentage in the corporate capital 

of  Common  Shares  and  required  actions  related  to 

or in the Net Worth Share Account (Investment Shares), 

the acquisition of MM, a firm incorporated pursuant to 

which were kept the unchanged.

the  Laws  of  the  Republic  of  Mexico.  This  transaction 

was  approved  by  more  than  90%  of  the  stocks  and 

As a consequence of the merger, the mining activities 

circulating  capital  of  SCC.  To  acquire  Minera  Mexico, 

of the corporation in Peru were again carried out under 

SCC  issued  67,207,640  shares  in  exchange  for  MM 

the  name  of  Southern  Peru  Copper  Corporation,  Peru 

shares. Once the shares related to the acquisition were 

Branch,  or  the  abbreviated  name  of  “Southern  Peru” 

issued, AMC increased its share in SCC from 54.2% to 

and/or the acronym SPCC.

approximately 75.1%.

CHANGE OF ECONOMIC GROUP:

AMC Increased its Participation in SCC:

In November 1999, Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C. V., a firm 

In  2008  and  2009  Grupo  Mexico,  through  its  wholly 

incorporated  pursuant  to  the  Laws  of  the  Republic  of 

owned  subsidiary  Americas  Mining  Corporation, 

SCC looks to improves  life quality 
in communities around its 
operations, promoting an approach 
based on management responsibility. 
SCC has developed a model which 
people become as generators of its 
own development.

purchased  11.8  million  and  4.9  million  shares  of  the 

Company’s common Stock, respectively.

SCC $500 Million Share Repurchase Program: 

In 2008, our Board of Directors (‘‘BOD’’) authorized a 

$500 million share repurchase program that has since 

been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to 

$3 billion. Pursuant to this program, through December 

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31, 2017 we have purchased 119.5 million shares of our common 

stock  at  a  cost  of  $2,900  million.  These  shares  are  available  for 

general  corporate  purposes.  We  may  purchase  additional  shares 

from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This 

repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or 

discontinued at any time.

At December 31, 2016, Grupo Mexico indirect ownership is 88.91%.

CHANGE IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION:

On March 28, 2005, following Board of Directors recommendations, 

SCC  shareholders  approved  in  an  extraordinary  meeting  the 

amendments  to  the  Articles  of  Incorporation  Deed,  changing  the 

composition and obligations of some Board committees.

Special Independent Director:

The changes to the Articles of Incorporation Deed require the Board 

to  include  a  certain  number  of  special  independent  directors.  A 

special independent director is a person who (i) complies with the 

independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange (or any 

other stock exchange or association in which Common Shares are 

listed) and (ii) is appointed by the Special Appointment Committee 

of the Board. A special independent director may only be removed 

from the Board upon a justified cause.

Our  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  determine 

72

that the minimum number of Special Independent Directors in that 

Directory  at  any  time  shall  equal  the  total  number  of  directors  in 

the Board multiplied by the percentage of Common Shares all the 

shareholders  (that  are  not  Grupo  Mexico  and  its  affiliates)  have, 

rounding  up  to  the  following  integer  number.  Notwithstanding  the 

abovementioned,  the  total  number  of  people  appointed  as  special 

independent  directors  (not  belonging  to  Grupo  Mexico)  cannot  be 

less than two or more than six.

Special Nominating Committee

A  Currently,  the  Special  Nominating  Committee  functions  as  a 

special  committee  to  nominate  special  independent  directors  to 

the  Board.  Pursuant  to  our  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of 

Incorporation,  as  amended,  a  special  independent  director  is  any 

director who (i) satisfies the independence requirements of the New 

York Stock Exchange or NYSE (or any other exchange or association 

on which the Common Stock is listed) and (ii) is nominated by the 

Special Nominating Committee. The Special Nominating Committee 

has the right to nominate a number of special independent directors 

based on the percentage of our Common Stock owned by all holders 

of our Common Stock, other than Grupo Mexico and its affiliates.

Casa Grande provides open spaces for 
communities, where courses and workshops are 
taught to encourage development.

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The  Special  Nominating  Committee  consists  of  three 

be necessary for the adoption of any resolution or the 

directors.  Two  directors  (2)  of  whom  are  Luis  Miguel 

taking of any action.

Palomino  and  Carlos  Ruiz  Sacristan  (each  an  “Initial 

Member” and, together with their successors, “Special 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the power of the Special 

Designees”) and such other director, currently Gilberto 

Nominating Committee to nominate special independent 

Perezalonso  Cifuentes,  as  may  be  appointed  by  the 

directors is subject to the rights of the stockholders to 

Board of Directors or the “Board Designee”. The Board 

make nominations in accordance with our by-laws.

Designee  will  be  selected  annually  by  the  Board  of 

Directors.  The  Special  Designees  will  be  selected 

The provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate 

annually by the members of the Board who are special 

of  Incorporation,  as  amended,  relating  to  Special 

independent directors or Initial Members. Only Special 

74

Independent Directors can fill vacancies on the Special 

Nominating  Committee.  Any  member  of  the  Special 

Nominating  Committee  may  be  removed  at  any  time 

by  the  Board  of  Directors  for  cause.  The  unanimous 

vote  of  all  members  of  the  nominating  committee  will 

Casa Grande has been implemented 
Community Committees, integrated by 
volunteer leaders from community, as well 
as members of the Company who collaborate 
in evaluating sustainable proposals.

Independent  Directors  may  only  be  amended  by  the 

Company  lends  and  borrows  funds  among  affiliates 

affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of shares of 

for acquisitions and other corporate purposes. These 

Common Stock (calculated without giving effect to any 

financial transactions bear interest and are subject to 

super  majority  voting  rights)  other  than  Grupo  Mexico 

review and approval by senior management, as are all 

and its affiliates.

related party transactions. It is the Company’s policy 

that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall 

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:

review  all  related  party  transactions.  The  Company 

The  Company  has  entered  into  certain  transactions 

is  prohibited  from  entering  or  continuing  a  material 

in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  with  parties  that 

related party transaction that has not been reviewed 

are  controlling  shareholders  or  their  affiliates.  These 

and approved or ratified by the Audit Committee.

transactions  include  the  lease  of  office  space,  air 

transportation,  construction  services  and  products 

CHANGE OF CORPORATE NAME AND OTHER 

and  services  related  to  mining  and  refining.  The 

CORPORATE CHANGES:

SCC provides educational 
materials to our stakeholders.

On  September  20,  2005,  by  written  consent  instead 

of  an  extraordinary  shareholder  meeting,  the  majority 

shareholder  approved  the  corporate  name  change  of 

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Southern Peru Copper Corporation to Southern Copper 

After  consulting  with  Peruvian  lawyers,  the  Board  of 

Corporation or SCC. The change was adopted because 

Directors,  taking  into  consideration  the  net  worth  and 

the  new  corporate  name  reflects  more  precisely  the 

assets importance of the Branch, the need to continue 

Company’s  operational  reach  outside  the  Republic  of 

acknowledging the position of the Peruvian Branch with 

Peru  after  its  acquisition  of  Minera  Mexico  and  the 

its  local  and  international  copper  clients,  the  need  to 

latter’s  presence  in  the  Republic  of  Chile  through  the 

preserve its proceeds and its position in good name in 

acquisition of some mining exploration concessions, and 

the copper market, and the need to prevent any possible 

its  exploration  activities  in  the  Republics  of  Argentina 

client  loss,  as  well  as  to  guarantee  the  revenue  flow 

and Ecuador.

from  sales,  its  financial  and  economic  revenues  and 

its solvency, the Board of Directors agreed to maintain 

Additionally, on the same date, the majority shareholder 

the original corporate name to the Peru Branch, that is, 

approved an amendment of our Articles of Incorporation 

Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Peru Branch, or the 

Deed to remove others’ provisions in our Deed related 

abbreviated name “Southern Peru” and/or the acronym 

with  our  Class  A  Common  Shares  that  were  formerly 

SPCC.

in  circulation,  which  were  converted  to  Common 

Shares on May 19, 2005, and to change the number 

Changes 

in 

the  Certificate  of  Articles  of 

of Corporate directors from fifteen to a number that will 

Incorporation and Bylaws

be regularly established following agreement of most of 

Dated  January  26,  2006, 

the  Board  approved 

Board members stipulating the number of directors will 

amendment to Southern Copper Corporation’s bylaws: 

not be less than six or more than fifteen.

(i)  aiming  at  removing  the  provisions  related  to  Class 

A  Common  Shares  among  other  changes.(ii)  adding 

The Deed amendment was submitted to the Secretary 

a  new  provision  for  advance  notice  to  shareholders 

of State of the State of Delaware, and came into effect 

seeking  to  nominate  directors  or  to  propose  other 

on October 11, 2005.

business at annual or special meetings of the Common 

PERU BRANCH NAME:

Stockholders (as applicable) (iii) substitute Grupo Mexico 

for  ASARCO  Incorporated  in  the  “Change  in  Control” 

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Generally, 

the  change  of  headquarters  corporate 

definition in the Corporation’s by-laws (iv) and eliminate 

name should comprise the corresponding name of the 

the  80%  supermajority  vote  requirement  for  certain 

ancillary organizations linked to it, as is the case of the 

corporate  actions.  The  modification  of  the  Modified 

Peru Branch through which the Corporation develops its 

Certificate of Incorporation increased the capital stock 

mining activities in Peru.

from  167,207,640  shares  to  320,000,000  shares. 

These modifications were submitted for approval of the 

Stock had an affirmative vote of 79.85% of the required 

shareholders at the shareholders annual meeting held 

votes. Because the required vote for the approval of this 

on April 27, 2006 which was adjourned and reconvened 

proposal  was  80%  and  because  there  were  still  votes 

for May 4, 2006, and later on adjourned and reconvened 

that needed to be tabulated, the annual meeting for this 

for May 11, 2006.

proposal was adjourned until May 4, 2006. On May 4, 

2006,  at  the  adjourned  and  reconvened  meeting  the 

At the annual meeting, on April 27, 2006, the proposal 

stockholders  approved the proposal with an affirmative 

to  amend  the  by-laws  to  eliminate  certain  extraneous 

vote of 80.61% of the required votes.

provisions relating to the retired series of Class A Common 

SCC participated with other institutions 
supporting activities in favor to 
earthquakes victims in Mexico.

On  April  27,  2006,  stockholders  approved  (i)  the 

amendment to the by-laws to introduce a new provision 

for advance notice to shareholders seeking to nominate 

directors  or  to  propose  other  business  at  annual  or 

special  meetings  of  the  Common  Stockholders  (as 

applicable);  (ii)  the  amendment  to  the  by-laws  to 

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substitute Grupo Mexico for ASARCO Incorporated in the “Change in 

Control” definition in the Corporation’s bylaws; (iii) the amendments 

to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase 

the  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock,  which  the  Corporation 

is  authorized  to  issue  from  167,207,640  shares  to  320,000,000 

shares; and (iv) the selection of the independent accountants.

On April 27, 2006, the proposal to amend the by-laws to eliminate 

the  80%  supermajority  vote  requirement  for  certain  corporate 

actions had received preliminary votes, representing an affirmative 

vote of 78.35% of the required votes. Because the required vote 

for the approval of this proposal was 80% and because there were 

still votes that needed to be tabulated, the annual meeting for this 

proposal was adjourned first until May 4, 2006, and subsequently 

until  May  11,  2006.  On  May  11,  2006,  at  the  adjourned  and 

reconvened  meeting  stockholders  did  not  approve  the  proposal 

having  received  an  affirmative  vote  of  79.61%  of  the  required 

votes.

SCC is indirectly, part of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. which owns 

100% of Americas Mining Corporation (AMC) shareholding, owner 

of 88.91% of SCC shares.

INFORMATION ABOUT PLANS AND INVESTMENT 

POLICIES:

See Capital Expenditures and Exploration on page 15.

Relationship between the Issuer and the Government

On November 20, 1996, SCC and the Peruvian Government (Ministry 

of Energy and Mines) signed a contract that remained effective until 

the year 2010 and guaranteed the tax stability and the availability of 

78

exchange to foreign currency of the Branch’s earnings related to the 

operation of the SX/EW plant at Toquepala and the Solvent Extraction 

(SX)  operation  in  Cuajone.  Also,  on  April  18,  1995,  SCC  and  the 

Peruvian  Government  (CONITE)  signed  a  contract  that  remained 

effective during ten years and guaranteed the availability of foreign 

currencies, free remittance of dividends to the exterior, among other 

guarantees related to the acid plant of the Ilo Smelter.

SCC  obtains  refunds  for  tax  credits  in  Peru  for  the  general  sales 

tax  (IGV)  paid  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  capital  goods 

and other goods and services used in its operations, counting these 

credits  as  a  paid  expense  in  advance.  By  virtue  of  these  refunds, 

SCC is entitled to credit the amount of the IGV against its Peruvian 

tax obligations or to receive a refund.

Special Mining tax 

In September 2011, the Peruvian government enacted a new tax for 

the mining industry. This tax is based on operating income and its 

rate ranges from 2% to 8.4%. It begins at 2% for the first 10% of 

operating  income  margin  and  for  each  additional  5%  of  operating 

income margin is increased by an additional rate of 0.4% until 85% 

of operating income margin is reached.

Mining Royalty 

In September 2011, the Peruvian Congress approved an amendment 

to the mining royalty charge. The new mining royalty charge is based 

on operating income margins with graduated rates ranging from 1% 

to 12%, with a minimum royalty charge assessed at 1% of net sales. 

If the operating income margin is 10% or less, the royalty charge is 

1% and for each 5% increment in the operating income margin, the 

royalty charge rate increases by 0.75%, up to a maximum of 12%.  

SCC, indirectly, 
is part of “Grupo Mexico 
S.A.B. de C.V.” which 
owns 100% of Americas 
Mining Corporation 
(“AMC”).

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SAFETY AND HEALTH

In Southern Copper Corporation, life caring, health and welfare of 

our employees and their families is priority in all our operations. 

No task is more important.

Accordingly, our main commitment is to create optimal and safe 

work environments for our employees, applying the highest safety 

and occupational health standards. Our goal: ZERO accidents.

An  Integrated  Occupational  Health  and  Safety  Management 

System  allows  us 

to 

implement  effective  processes  and 

provide  our  employees  knowledge  and  skills  necessary  for  the 

identifi cation, control and mitigation of risks, prioritizing actions 

and the necessary care to prevent accidents.

In  2017  we  maintained  11  units  in  Mexico  and  Peru  whose 

Occupational  Safety  and  Health  Management  System,  have 

been certifi ed according to OHSAS 18001: 2007. Additionally, in 

Mexico we have 17 units certifi ed with the Secretariat of Labour 

and  Social  Welfare  in  Self-Managed  Occupational  Health  and 

Safety (PASST), endorsing our commitment to best practices in 

health and safety at work.

The  accomplishments  achieved  in  2017  on  occupational  health 

and safety include:

S
T
N
E
D

I

C
C
A
LE SS

%
8
2

•  The  occupational  accident  rates  at  our  mining  operations  in 

80

SCC is 41% below average mining industry in USA, according to 

Mine Safety and Health Administration.

• The Mining Chamber of Mexico (CAMIMEX) awarded the “Jorge 

Rangel Zamorano” Silver Helmet Trophy to Mexicana de Cobre and 

Santa Eulalia unit, for achieving the lowest recorded accident rates 

in the industry, as for his efforts in the field of accident prevention.

•  In  Peru,  SCC  has  reduced  its  rate  of  accidents  by  33%  during 

the  last  5  years  by  the  implementation  of  programs  to  reinforce 

prevention culture.

As  a  result  of  our  commitment  with  safety  and  health,  SCC  has 

reduced its rate of accidents by 28%. Every year, we reinforce our 

policy  of  prevention  to  identify  risks  and  set  strategies  to  reduce 

accidents in our processes for the care of the physical integrity of 

our employees.

Cuajone mine, 
Moquegua, Peru.

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ACCIDENT RATE  (IR),
SCC, 2012 - 2017

SEVERITY RATE  (SR),
SCC, 2013 - 2017

2
1
0
2

9
0
.
1

3
1
0
2

1
0
.
1

4
1
0
2

9
8
.
0

5
1
0
2

2
7
.
0

6
1
0
2

7
7
.
0

7
1
0
2

9
7
.
0

2
1
0
2

9
6
.
0

3
1
0
2

1
2
.
0

4
1
0
2

8
5
.
0

5
1
0
2

4
2
.
0

6
1
0
2

2
3
.
0

7
1
0
2

1
5
.
0

IR =

No.of disabling accidents 

No.of total men - hours worked 

x 200,000

GR =

No.of days lost 

x 1.00

No.of total men - hours worked 

These results reflect the efforts in our culture of safety 

During  the  last  five  years,  we  reduced  our  rate  of 

activities, the implementation of inspection plans and, 

occupational  diseases  by  52%  as  a  result  of  various 

especially, the work and commitment of our employees.

programs on education, prevention and control risks, as 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Healthy  environments  are  part  of  the  organizational 

to our employees and, in some cases, to their families, 

contractors,  suppliers,  institutions  and  the  general 

well as diseases treatment. These programs are offered 

culture and management system, as a responsibility of 

public.

82

the Company that establishes a culture of involvement, 

participation and commitment to generate better health 

conditions that lead to improving the quality of life of our 

employees, their families and the communities in which 

we operate.

     
 
 
     
 
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE 
RATE, 
SCC, 2013-2017

3
1
0
2

7
4
.
0

4
1
0
2

2
3
.
0

5
1
0
2

2
1
.
0

6
1
0
2

7
3
.
0

7
1
0
2

2
4
.
0

ODR =

No. of Cases of Occupational Diseases

No. of Total Men-Hours Worked

x 200,000

ACTIVITIES: 

TARGETING WORKPLACE PERSONNEL / LABOR

• Security courses and conferences

TARGETING EMPLOYEES’ FAMILIES AND 

• Expo safety

• Internal Security 

• Health Fair

• Health Career Forum

COMMUNITY / FAMILY:

• Guided tours “Knowing my Company”

• Health career

• Parades Familiar Promote values

• Awards to employees or Departments with

• Firefighting courses

   ZERO ACCIDENTS

• Familiar contests and contests to

• Health fair

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INVESTMENT IN SAFETY AND HEALTH
During 2017, we invested over $112 million in occupational safety 

and  health,  focusing  efforts  on  engineering  works,  purchase  of 

personal  protective  equipment,  training,  coaching,  and  industrial 

hygiene  studies.  In  enhanced  occupational  health,  we  have 

developed programs in promotion and protection health, as well as 

in primary prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

INVESTMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
(in millions) 

Management costs

Training

Personal protection equipment

Industrial hygiene studies

Engineering works

Total

SCC

3.31 

0.67 

8.89

1.13

94.52

108.52

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

INVESTMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
(in millions) 

Development, Promotion and Protecition of Health

Detection and prevention

Treatment

Rehabilitation

84

Total

SCC

0.72 

2.39 

0.31

0.04

3.46

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPLOYEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31TH

M E X I C A N  O P E R AT I O N S

Total

P E R U V I A N  O P E R AT I O N S

Total

E C U A D O R  O F F I C E

Total

A R G E N T I N A  O F F I C E

Total

C H I L E  O F F I C E

Total

C O R P O R AT E  O F F I C E

Total

T O TA L  E M P L O Y E E S  I N  S C C

Total Mexico

Total Peru

Total Ecuador

Total Argentina

Total Chile

Total Corporate Office

Total

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

8,450

8,762

8,316

8,105

8,182

4,628

4,562

4,602

4,524

4,430

27

18

10

2

8,450

4,628

27

18

10

2

47

20

20

3

8,762

4,562

47

20

20

3

52

26

26

2

8,316

4,602

52

26

26

2

52

26

26

2

8,105

4,524

52

26

26

2

17

16

18

2

8,182

4,430

17

16

18

2

13,135

13,414

13,024

12,735

12,665

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PRINCIPL ES OF COR PO RA TE G OVERN AN CE

Information  referred  to  the  Resolution  of  “Superintendencia  del  Mercado  de 

Valores”  No.  012-2014-SMV  /  01,  consisting  of  a  "Report  on  Compliance  with 

the  Code  of  Good  Corporate  Governance  for  Peruvian  Companies"  is  applicable 

only to Peruvian companies. Not being SCC a Peruvian company, this report is not 

submitted to the “Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores” (SMV) of Peruvian 

Republic. Notwithstanding, SCC submits the "Annual Written Affirmation" to SMV.  

This document is an informative of Good Corporate Governance which our company 

remits annually to the New York Stock Exchange.

Economic relations with other companies due to loans that commit more than 10% 

of the stockholder’s equity of the issuing entity.

To date, there are no loans with other companies that compromise more than 10% 

of SCC’s property.

Administrative  Judicial  or  Arbitration  Processes  Litigation:  See  Note  12 

“Commitments and Contingencies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Changes  of  those  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  revision  of  the  financial 

Information.

At December 31, 2017, no changes have been done.

INFORMATION RELATED TO THE STOCK ENTERED IN THE STOCK 

MARKET PUBLIC

Common Stock

86

On  November  29,  1995  the  Company  offered  to  exchange  the  recently  issued 

common shares for all and any labor shares of the Peruvian Branch of the Company, 

at a ratio of one common share per four S-1 shares and one common share per 

five S-2 shares. The exchange expired on December 29, 1995, with 80.8% of the 

total labor shares in circulation exchange for 22,959,334 common shares. These 

common  shares  are  quoted  in  New  York  Stock  Exchange  and  the  Lima  Stock 

Exchange and are entitled to one vote per share.

Along  with  the  exchange  of  labor  shares  the  holders  of  common  shares  of  the 

Company exchanged their shares for Class A common shares, with the right to five 

votes per share.

In  connection  with  the  Minera  Mexico  acquisition  (April  1,  2005),  134,415,280 

new common shares were issued and class A common shares of the Company 

were  converted  to  common  shares,  and  preferential  votes  were  eliminated.  On 

June 9, 2005, Cerro Trading Company, Inc., SPC Investors L.L.C., Phelps Dodge 

Overseas Capital Corporation and Climax Molybdenum B.V., subsidiaries of two of 

SCC’s founding shareholders and affiliates, sold their share in SCC.

On August 30, 2006 the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors declared 

a two-for-one split of the Company’s outstanding common stock. On October 2, 

2006 common shareholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 

2006,  received  one  additional  share  of  common  stock  for  every  share  owned. 

The Company’s common stock began trading at its post-split price on October 3, 

2006. The split increased the number of shares outstanding to 294,460,850 from 

147,230,425.

On  June  19,  2008  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  declared 

a  three-for-one  split  of  the  Company’s  outstanding  common  stock.  On  July  10, 

2008 common shareholders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2008, 

received two additional shares of common stock for every share owned. The split 

increased the number of shares outstanding to 883,410,150 from 294,470,050.

All share and per share amounts were retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock 

splits.

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Since  2008  and  2017,  the  Company  and  AMC  had  bought  shares 

periodically.

At  December  31,  2017,  there  were  of  record  773,028,469  shares  of 

common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

CORPORATE BONDS

Between July 2005 and October 2015 the Company issued senior unsecured 

notes eight times totaling $6.2 billion as listed above. Interest on the notes is 

paid semi-annually in arrears. The notes rank pari passu with each other and 

rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing 

and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

The  indentures  relating  to  the  notes  contain  certain  restrictive  covenants, 

including limitations on liens, limitations on sale and leaseback transactions, 

rights of the holders of the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control 

triggering  event,  limitations  on  subsidiary  indebtedness  and  limitations  on 

consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances. Certain of these covenants 

cease to be applicable before the notes mature if the Company obtains an 

investment grade rating. The Company obtained investment grade rating in 

2005.

In addition, the Company´s Mexican operations hold $51.2 million in bonds 

referred  above  as  “Yankee  bonds”,  contain  a  covenant  requiring  Minera 

Mexico to maintain a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 

2.5 to 1.0 as such terms are defined in the debt instrument. 

88

At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with this covenant.

Toquepala Expansion 
Project, Tacna, Peru.

Please  see  Note  11  “Financing”  for  a  discussion  about  the  covenants 

requirements related to our long-term debt, on Form 10-K 2017.

Cuajone mine, 
Moquegua, Peru.
Next page

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90

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

GERMAN LARREA MOTA-VELASCO

Director.

Mr.  Larrea  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  since 

December  1999,  Chief  Executive  Officer  from  December  1999 

to October 2004, and a member  of our Board of Directors since 

November 1999. He has been Chairman of the board of directors, 

President and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Mexico, S.A.B. de 

C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”) (holding) since 1994. Mr. Larrea has been 

Chairman  of  the  board  of  directors  and  Chief  Executive  Officer 

of  Grupo  Ferroviario  Mexicano,  S.A.  de  C.V.  (railroad  company) 

since  1997.  Mr.  Larrea  was  previously  Executive  Vice  Chairman 

of Grupo Mexico and has been member of the board of directors 

since 1981. He is also Chairman of the board of directors and Chief 

Executive  Officer  of  Empresarios  Industriales  de  Mexico,  S.A.  de 

C.V. (“EIM”) (holding) and Fondo Inmobiliario (real estate company), 

since 1992. He founded Grupo Impresa, a printing and publishing 

company in 1978, remaining as the Chairman and Chief Executive 

Officer until 1989 when the company was sold. He is a director of 

the Consejo Mexicano de Negocios since 1999, was a director of 

Banco Nacional de Mexico, S.A. (Citigroup) from 1992 to 2015 and 

was also a director of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from 1999 to 2014.

OSCAR GONZALEZ ROCHA

Director.

Mr. Gonzalez Rocha has been our President since December 1999 

and  our  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  since  October  21, 

2004.  He  has  been  a  director  of  the  Company  since  November 

1999.  Mr.  Gonzalez  Rocha  has  been  the  President  and  Chief 

Executive  Officer  of  Americas  Mining  Corporation  ("AMC")  since 

November 1, 2014 and the Chief Executive Officer and a director 

of Asarco LLC (integrated US copper producer), an affiliate of the 

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Company, since August 2010. Previously, he was the 

the  most  recent  being  that  of  President  and  Chief 

Company’s  President  and  General  Director  and  Chief 

Executive Officer from June 1975 to June 1987.  He 

Operating  Officer  from  December  1999  to  October 

later served as Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada from 

20, 2004. Mr. Gonzalez Rocha has been a director of 

July  1987  to  February  1989.  Mr.  Carrillo  Gamboa 

Grupo Mexico since 2002. He was General Director of 

served from 2002 through March 2010 on the board 

Mexicana de Cobre, S.A. de C.V. from 1986 to 1999 

and on the audit committee of Empresas ICA, S.A.B. 

and  of  Buenavista  del  Cobre,  S.A.  de  C.V.  (formerly 

de  C.V.  (NYSE—ICA),  an  engineering,  procurement 

Mexicana  de  Cananea,  S.A.  de  C.V.)  from  1990  to 

and  construction  company.  He  has  been  a  member 

1999.  He  was  an  alternate  director  of  Grupo  Mexico 

of  the  valuation,  contract  review,  nominating  and 

from 1998 to April 2002. Mr. Gonzalez Rocha is a civil 

corporate  governance,  and  audit  committees  of  The 

engineer with a degree from the Autonomous National 

Mexico Fund, Inc. since 2002.  Mr. Carrillo Gamboa 

University of Mexico ("UNAM") in Mexico City, Mexico.

has  served  on  the  board  and  audit  committee  of 

Grupo  Mexico  since  2004  and  on  the  boards  of 

EMILIO CARRILLO GAMBOA 

Grupo Nacional Provincial S.A.B. (Mexican insurance 

Director. 

company)  since  2007,  Grupo  Posadas,  S.A.B.  de 

Mr.  Carrillo  Gamboa  has  been  a  director  of  the 

C.V. (Mexican hotel operation company) since 2006, 

Company  since  May  30,  2003  and  is  our  fourth 

Grupo  Profuturo,  S.A.B.  de  C.V.  (Mexican  insurance 

independent  director  nominee.  Mr.  Carrillo  Gamboa 

and  pension  holding  company)  since  2009,  and 

is  a  prominent  lawyer  in  Mexico  and  has  been  the 

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (consumer 

Senior  Partner  of  the    Bufete  Carrillo  Gamboa, 

products) since 2002.  Mr. Carrillo Gamboa has a law 

S.C.,  a  law  firm  specializing  in  corporate,  financial, 

degree  from  the  UNAM  in  Mexico  City,  Mexico.  He 

commercial, and public utility issues, for the last five 

also attended a continuous legal education program 

years.  Mr.  Carrillo  Gamboa  has  extensive  business 

at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington 

experience and currently serves on the boards of many 

D.C., and practiced at the World Bank.

prestigious  international  and  Mexican  corporations, 

as  well  as  charitable  organizations.  Since  March  9, 

ALFREDO CASAR PEREZ

92

2005,  he  has  been  Chairman  of  the  board  of  The 

Director.

Mexico  Fund,  Inc.  (NYSE—MXF),  a  nondiversified 

Mr. Casar Perez has been a director of the Company 

closed-end  management  investment  company.  Mr. 

since October 26, 2006. He has been a member of the 

Carrillo Gamboa held various offices with Telefonos de 

board of directors of Grupo Mexico since 1997. He is 

Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“TELMEX”) from 1960 to 1987, 

also a member of the board of directors of Ferrocarril 

Mexicano,  S.A.  de  C.V.,  an  affiliated  company  of  Grupo  Mexico, 

since  1998  and  its  Chief  Executive  Officer  since  1999.  From  1992 

to  1999,  Mr.  Casar  Perez  served  as  General  Director  and  member 

of  the  board  of  directors  of  Compañia  Perforadora  Mexico,  S.A.  de 

C.V. and Mexico Compañia Constructora, S.A. de C.V., two affiliated 

companies  of  Grupo  Mexico.  Mr.  Casar  Perez  served  as  Project 

Director  of  ISEFI,  a  subsidiary  of  Banco  Internacional,  in  1991  and 

Executive Vice President of Grupo Costamex in 1985. Mr. Casar Perez 

also  worked  for  the  Real  Estate  Firm,  Agricultural  Ministry,  and  the 

College of Mexico. Mr. Casar Perez holds a degree in Economics from 

the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico, ITAM, and one in 

Industrial Engineering from Anahuac University in Mexico City, Mexico. 

He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of 

Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

ENRIQUE CASTILLO SANCHEZ MEJORADA

Director.

Mr. Castillo Sanchez Mejorada  has been a director of the Company 

since July 26, 2010 and is our fourth independent director nominee.  

From May 2013 to date, Mr. Castillo Sanchez Mejorada has been Senior 

Partner  of  Ventura  Capital  Privado,  S.A.  de  C.V.  (Mexican  financial 

company) and since October 2013 to date, he has been Chairman of 

the board of directors  of Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, S.A.B. de C.V. 

(Mexican  telecommunications  company).    Since  November  2016  to 

date, Mr. Castillo Sanchez Mejorada has been Chairman of the Board 

of Banco Nacional de Mexico, S.A. (Citibanamex) one of the largest 

banks in Mexico.

From April 2011 to May 2013, Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada was a 

senior advisor at Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A.B. de C.V. (“GFNorte”) 

a  financial  holding  institution  that  controls  a  bank,  a  broker  dealer 

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and  other  financial  institutions  in  Mexico.    From  October  2000  to 

March 2011, Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada was the Chairman of the 

board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of Ixe Grupo Financiero, 

S.A.B.  de  C.V.,  a  Mexican  financial  holding  company  that  merged 

into  GFNorte  on  April  2011.  In  addition,  from  March  2007  to  March 

2009, Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada was the President of the Mexican 

Banking Association (Asociación de Bancos de México).  Currently, Mr. 

Castillo Sánchez Mejorada is Chairman of the Board of Banco Nacional 

de Mexico, S.A. (Citbanamex), one of the largest banks in Mexico and 

serves as an independent director on the board of directors of (i) Grupo 

Herdez, S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexican holding company for the manufacture, 

sale and distribution of food products; (ii) Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexico-

based  holding  company  that,  through  its  subsidiaries,  is  engaged  in 

the petrochemical, food processing, automotive and telecommunication 

sectors;  (iii)  Médica  Sur,  S.A.B.  de  C.V.,  a  Mexico-based  company 

engaged  in  the  hospital  business  and  (iv)  UNIFIN,  an  independent 

leasing  company.  He  is  also  a  Senior  Advisor  for  General  Atlantic  in 

Mexico, a private equity firm based out of New York. From April 2012 

to April 2016, Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada served as a member of 

the board of directors of Organización Cultiba, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly 

Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas, S.A.B. de C.V.), a Mexico-based holding 

company primarily engaged in the beverage industry.  From April 2012 

until April 2014, Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada served as an independent 

director on the board and as a member of the audit committee of Grupo 

Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexico-based and NYSE-

listed company that operates, maintains and develops twelve airports in 

94

the Pacific and central regions of Mexico. From April 2010 until 2013, 

Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada was a member of the board of directors 

of Grupo Casa Saba, S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexican wholesale distributor 

of  pharmaceutical,  health,  beauty  and  other  consumer  products  and 

operator of a retail pharmacy chain. Mr. Castillo Sánchez Mejorada has 

been a member of the audit committee of Alfa, S.A.B. 

Condumex, S.A. de C.V. (telecommunications, electronic 

de  C.V.  since  2010.  Mr.  Castillo  Sánchez  Mejorada 

and automotive parts producer) for eight years. Mr. Garcia 

holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration 

de Quevedo was the Chairman of the Mining Chamber 

from the Anáhuac University, in Mexico City, Mexico.

of  Mexico  from  November  2006  to  August  2009.  He 

is  a  chemical  engineer  with  a  degree  from  the  UNAM 

XAVIER GARCIA DE QUEVEDO TOPETE

in Mexico City, Mexico. He also attended a continuous 

Director.

business  administration  and  finance  program  at  the 

Mr.  Garcia  de  Quevedo  has  been  a  director  of  the 

Technical Institute of Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Company  since  November  1999.  He  was  our  Chief 

Operating  Officer  from  April  12,  2005  until  April  23, 

DANIEL MUÑIZ QUINTANILLA

2015. Since November 1, 2014 Mr. Garcia de Quevedo 

Director.

Topete    serves  as  the  President  of  the  infrastructure 

Mr.  Muñiz has been a director of the Company since May 

division of Grupo Mexico, composed of the energy, gas, 

28, 2008. He was appointed Executive Vice President of 

oil and construction subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.  Mr. 

the Company on April 28, 2016. Mr. Muñiz has been the 

Garcia  is  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Grupo  Mexico. 

Chief Financial Officer of Grupo Mexico since April 2007 

He  was  the  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 

to October 2015. He has been Executive Vicepresident 

Southern Copper Minera Mexico from September 2001 

of  AMC  since  October  2015.  Prior  to  joining  Grupo 

until  November  1,  2014.  He  was  the  President  and 

Mexico,  Mr.  Muñiz  was  a  practicing  corporate-finance 

Chief Executive Officer of Americas Mining Corporation 

lawyer from 1996 to 2006. During this time he worked at 

from September 7, 2007 to October 31, 2014.  From 

Cortes, Muñiz y Nuñez Sarrapy; Mijares, Angoitia, Cortes 

December 2009 to June 2010, he was Chairman and 

y Fuentes; and Baker & McKenzie (London and Mexico 

Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Asarco  LLC,  previously  he 

City offices). He holds a Master’s degree in Financial Law 

was  President  of  Asarco  LLC  from  November  1999  to 

from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington 

September  2001.  Mr.  Garcia  de  Quevedo  began  his 

D.C., and a Master’s degree in Business Administration 

professional career in 1969 with Grupo Mexico. He was 

from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain.

President  of  Grupo  Ferroviario  Mexicano,  S.A.  de  C.V. 

and of Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. from December 

LUIS MIGUEL PALOMINO BONILLA

1997 to December 1999, and Executive Vice-President 

Director.

of Exploration and Development of Grupo Mexico from 

Dr. Palomino has been a director of the Company since 

1994 to 1997. He has been a director of Grupo Mexico 

March 19, 2004 and is a special independent director 

since April 2002. He was also Vice President of Grupo 

nominee. Dr. Palomino has been Chairman of the board 

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of  directors  of  Aventura  Plaza,  S.A.  (commercial  real 

in  economics  and  finance,  acquired  from  extensive 

estate  developer  and  operator)  since  January  2008, 

academic  studies,  including  a  PhD  in  Finance  from 

Manager of the Peruvian Economic Institute (economic 

the  Wharton  School  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania 

think tank) since April 2009, Partner of  Profit Consultoria 

in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  his  expertise,  his  wise 

e  Inversiones  (a  financial  consulting  firm)  since  July 

counsel, and his extensive business experience gained 

2007, director of the Master in Finance Program at the 

from  his  past  and  current  activities  from  serving  as 

University of the Pacific in Lima, Peru since July 2009, 

a  financial  analyst,  including  of  the  mining  sectors  in 

and a director and chairman of the audit committee of 

Mexico and Peru.

the Bolsa de Valores de Lima (Lima Stock Exchange) 

since March 2013. He was a member of the board of 

GILBERTO PEREZALONSO CIFUENTES

directors  of  Access  SEAF  SAFI  from  December  2007 

Director.

to April 2010.  Dr. Palomino was previously Principal 

Mr.  Perezalonso  has  been  a  director  of  the  Company 

and  Senior  Consultant  of  Proconsulta  International 

since June 2002 and is a special independent director 

(financial  consulting)  from  September  2003  to  June 

nominee. Mr. Perezalonso was Chairman of the board 

2007. Previously he was First Vice President and Chief 

of  directors  of  Volaris  Compañia  de  Aviacion,  S.A.P.I. 

Economist,  Latin  America,  for  Merrill  Lynch,  Pierce, 

de  C.V.  (airline)  from  March  2,  2011  to  November 

Fenner & Smith, New York (investment banking) from 

2014.  He was Chief Executive Officer of Corporacion 

2000 to 2002. He was Chief Executive Officer, Senior 

Geo, S.A. de C.V. (housing construction) from February 

Country  and  Equity  Analyst  of  Merrill  Lynch,  Peru 

2006  to  February  2007.  Mr.  Perezalonso  was  the 

(investment banking) from 1995 to 2000. Dr. Palomino 

Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Aeromexico  (Aerovias  de 

has  held  various  positions  with  banks  and  financial 

Mexico, S.A. de C.V.) (airline company) from 2004 until 

institutions  as  an  economist,  financial  advisor  and 

December 2005. From 1998 until April 2001, he was 

analyst.  He  has  a  PhD  in  finance  from  the  Wharton 

Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance 

School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, 

of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (media company). From 1980 

Pennsylvania  and  graduated  from  the  Economics 

until  February  1998,  Mr.  Perezalonso  held  various 

Program of the University of the Pacific in Lima, Peru. 

positions  with  Grupo  Cifra,  S.A.  de  C.V.  (department 

96

stores), the most recent position being that of General 

Dr. Palomino is a member of our Audit Committee and 

Director  of  Administration  and  Finance.  Now  he  is  a 

a special independent director nominee. He is also our 

member of the advisory council of Banco Nacional de 

“financial expert,” as the term is defined by the SEC. 

Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (banking), the board of directors and 

Dr. Palomino contributes to the Company his education 

the investment committee of Afore Banamex (banking), 

the board and the investment committee of Siefore Banamex No. 1 

(banking), and is a member of the boards of directors of Gigante, 

S.A. de C.V. (retail), Masnegocio Co. S. de R.L. de C.V. (information 

technology), Intellego (technology), Telefonica Moviles Mexico, S.A. 

de C.V. (wireless communication), Cruz Roja Mexicana (emergency 

and  medical  services),  Construction  Company  Marhnos  (housing 

construction),  and  Fomento  de  Investigacion  y  Cultura  Superior, 

A.C. (Foundation of the Iberoamerican University) . Mr. Perezalonso 

was a director of Cablevision, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. 

and  a  member  of  the  audit  committee  of  Grupo  Televisa,  S.A.B. 

from March 1998 to September 2009.  Mr. Perezalonso has a law 

degree  from  the  Iberoamerican  University  in  Mexico  City,  Mexico 

and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Business 

Administration  Graduate  School  for  Central  America  (INCAE)  in 

Nicaragua. Mr. Perezalonso has also attended a Corporate Finance 

program at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

CARLOS RUIZ SACRISTAN

Director.

Mr.  Ruiz  Sacristan  has  been  a  director  of  the  Company  since 

February  12,  2004  and  is  a  special  independent  director 

nominee.  Since  November  2001,  he  has  been  the  owner  and 

Managing Partner of Proyectos Estrategicos Integrales, a Mexican 

investment  banking  firm  specialized  in  agricultural,  transport, 

tourism, and housing projects. Mr. Ruiz Sacristan has held various 

distinguished positions in the Mexican government, the most recent 

being that of Secretary of Communications and Transportation of 

Mexico from 1995 to 2000. While holding that position, he was 

also  Chairman  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Mexican-owned 

companies in the sector, and member of the board of directors 

of  development  banks.  He  was  also  the  Chairman  of  the  board 

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of  directors  of  Asarco  LLC.  Mr.  Ruiz  Sacristan  was  a  member 

of  the  board  of  directors  from  2007  to  2012  and  of  the  audit, 

and environmental and technology committees of Sempra Energy 

(energy  services).  In  2012,  Mr.  Ruiz  Sacristan  was  appointed 

Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  IEnova,  the  Mexican 

operating  subsidiary  of  Sempra  Energy.  He  is  a  member  of  the 

boards  of  directors  of  Constructora  y  Perforadora  Latina,  S.A. 

de  C.V.  (Mexican  geothermal  exploration  and  drilling  company), 

of Banco Ve Por Mas, S.A. (Mexican bank), of OHL Concesiones 

Mexico  (a  construction  and  civil  engineering  company),  and  of 

AMAIT  (an  international  airport  in  Mexico).  Mr.  Ruiz  Sacristan 

holds  a  Bachelor’s  degree  in  Business  Administration  from 

the  Anahuac  University  in  Mexico  City,  Mexico,  and  a  Master's 

degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University 

in Chicago, Illinois.

RAFAEL MAC GREGOR ANCIOLA

Director.

Mr.Mac  Gregor  has  been  a  director  of  the  Company  since  July 

2017 and is an independent director. Mr. Mac Gregor has served 

as managing Partner of RMAC Asociados (Mexican consulting firm) 

since  2016.  He  has  been  an  independent  director  of  the  Board 

of  Grupo  Financiero  Citibanamex  (Mexican  banking  company), 

Chairman  of  its  Risk  Committee,  Chairman  of  Citibanamex’s 

Impulsora  de  Fondos  Committee 

(Asset  Management  Co), 

and  member  of  Citibanamex’s  Audit  Committee  since  2016.  In 

98

addition, he is an independent member of the Board of directors of 

Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) (multi-national agro-industrial 

company) since 2016. From February 1999 to July 2015, he served 

as a Corporate Director of Grupo Bal (Mexican companies principally 

engaged  in  agricultural  and  livestock,  commercial  operations, 

industrial  operations,  and  financial  services  businesses).  From 

April 1999 to 2015, he was a member of the Board of Directors 

of the Mexican Stock Exchange. From 2001 to 2016, he served 

as a member of the Board of the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo 

de  México  (ITAM)  and  from  April  2008  to  2016,  he  served  as  a 

member  of  the  Board  of  Fresnillo  PLC  (Mexican-based  mining 

company). From April 1995 to July 2015, he served as President 

of the Board of a Mexican Brokerage House and Valmex Leasing 

Company (Mexican leasing company).

Additionally,  from  April  1995  to  July  2015,  Mr.  Mac  Gregor 

Anciola served on the Boards of Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A.B. 

(Mexican  insurance  company),  Grupo  Palacio  de  Hierro,  S.A.B. 

(Mexican department stores), Industrias Peñoles, S.A.B. (Mexican 

mining  company),  Crédito  Afianzador,  S.A.  (Mexican  financing 

company), MineraTizapa, S.A. de C.V. (Mexican mining company), 

MineraPenmont, S.A. de C.V.(Mexican mining company), Profuturo 

G.N.P.,  S.A.  de  C.V.,  Afore,  Profuturo  GNP  Pensiones,  S.A.  de 

C.V. (Mexican insurance and pension holding company) and Vice 

President of the MexDer (Mexican derivatives exchange). Mr. Mac 

Gregor  Anciola  holds  the  recognition  of  the  Professional  Merit 

Award  from  ITAM.  Mr.  Mac  Gregor  Anciola  holds  a  degree  in 

Business Administration from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo 

de México in Mexico City and he attended the Stanford University 

Executive program in Palo Alto, California.

Mr.  Mac Gregor Anciola brings to the Company more than 30 years 

of experience in the financial sector. He also adds to the Board of 

Directors his leadership experience and expertise attained through 

his participation as a director of the Mexican Stock Exchange and 

as an independent director of various other companies.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

GERMAN LARREA MOTA-VELASCO

Chairman of the Board of Directors

OSCAR GONZALEZ ROCHA

President and Chief Executive Officer

DANIEL MUÑIZ QUINTANILLA

Executive Vice President

RAUL JACOB RUISANCHEZ

Vice-President,  Finance  Treasurer  and  Chief 

Financial Officer

EDGARD CORRALES AGUILAR

Vice-President, Exploration

JORGE LAZALDE PSIHAS

Secretary

ANDRES FERRERO G.

General Counsel

LINA VINGERHOETS VILCA

Comptroller

100

General Auditor

RAFAEL FERNANDO LÓPEZ ABAD

NEXT OF KIN 

A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by a single entity, a 

"controlled company", need not comply with the requirements of the New York Stock 

Exchange (“NYSE”) corporate governance rules requiring a majority of independent 

directors  and  independent  compensation  and  nomination/corporate  governance 

committees.  

SCC  is  a  controlled  company  as  defined  by  the  rules  of  the  NYSE.  Grupo  Mexico 

owns indirectly 88.91 % of the stock of the Company, as of December 31, 2017.   

The Company has taken advantage of the exceptions to comply with the corporate 

governance rules of the NYSE.  The Board of Directors of the Company determined 

that  Messrs.  Luis  Miguel  Palomino  Bonilla,  Gilberto  Perezalonso  Cifuentes,  and 

Carlos  Ruiz  Sacristan,  the  three  members  of  the  Company’s  Audit  Committee, 

are  independent  of  management  and  financially  literate  in  accordance  with  the 

requirements  of  the  NYSE  and  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (“SEC”), 

as  such  requirements  are  interpreted  by  the  Company's  Board  of  Directors  in  its 

business  judgment.  Additionally,  Messrs.  Emilio  Carrillo  Gamboa,  Enrique  Castillo 

Sanchez  Mejorada  and  Rafael  Mac  Gregor  Anciola  are  our  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth 

independent directors. 

At  its  meeting  on  January  26,  2017  and  July  20,  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors 

determined  that  Messrs.  Luis  Miguel  Palomino  Bonilla,  Gilberto  Perezalonso 

Cifuentes, Carlos Ruiz Sacristan, Emilio Carrillo Gamboa, Enrique Castillo Sanchez 

Mejorada  and  Rafael  Mac  Gregor  Anciola  are  independent  of  management  in 

accordance with the requirements of the NYSE as such requirements are interpreted 

by our Board of Directors in its business judgment.

To  the  best  of  the  Company’s  knowledge,  no  relationship  of  affinity  and/or 

consanguinity exists among the members of the Board, and between them and the 

Executive Officers of Southern Copper Corporation.

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SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

SCC’s  Board  of  Directors  has  organized  the  following  Special 

Committees:

1.  Executive  Committee.  It  is  comprised  of  five  members  who 

substitute for the Board when sessions or decisions are required 

concerning urgent matters, or matters for which the Board would 

have expressly delegated its mandate.

2.  Audit  Committee.  It  is  comprised  of  three  independent  Board 

members  who  are  knowledgeable  in  accounting  and  financial 

matters. Its main purpose is to: (a) assist the Board in monitoring 

(i) the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial statements; 

(ii)  the  qualifications  and  independence  of  the  independent 

auditors;  (iii)  the  performance  of  the  internal  audit  function  and 

of  the  independent  auditors;  and  (iv)  the  Company’s  compliance 

with legal and regulatory requirements; and (b) prepare the report 

required by SEC rules.

3.  Compensation  Committee.    It  is  comprised  of  four  Board 

members  and  its  principal  objective  is  to  evaluate  and  establish 

the remunerations of principal officers and key employees of the 

Company and its subsidiaries.

4.  Special Nominating Committee.  It is comprised of two independents 

Board members and one nominated by the Board and it has the 

exclusive  authority  to  propose  and  evaluate  individuals  who  are 

102

proposed as special independents directors.

5.  Corporate Governance Committee.  It is comprised of four Board 

members and has as its primary functions to consider and make 

recommendations  to  the  Board  concerning  the  appropriate 

function  and  needs  of  the  Board,  to  develop  and  recommend 

to  the  Board  corporate  governance  principles,  to  oversee 

evaluation of the Board and management, and to oversee and 

review compliance with the disclosure and reporting standards 

of  the  Company  that  require  full,  fair,  accurate,  timely,  and 

understandable disclosure of material information regarding the 

Company  in reports and documents  that it  files with the SEC, 

the NYSE and equivalent authorities in the countries in which the 

Company operates, as well as in other public communications 

that it regularly makes.

6.  Administrative  Committee.  It  is  designated  by  the  Named 

Fiduciary appointed by the Board for the benefit plans as required 

by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act – ERISA of the 

United States.  ERISA is the law that covers employee retirement 

and  other  benefit  plans.    Mr.  Daniel  Muñiz  Quintanilla  is  the 

Board-appointed  Named  Fiduciary  for  the  Company’s  benefits 

plans  subject  to  US  regulations,  including  ERISA.  This  Officer 

appoints  an  Administrative  Committee,  which  is  comprised  of 

three  management  members  and  its  purpose  is  to  administer 

and manage said plans and to oversee the performance of the 

trust  agents  and  other  fiduciaries  charged  with  investing  the 

plans’ funds.

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ADMINISTRATION AND BOARD INCOME

Total remunerations of Board and Administration members, in relation to the

Company´s gross income is 0.06%.

ANNUAL MEETING

The  annual  stockholders  meeting  of  Southern  Copper  Corporation  will  be  held 

at  Edificio  Parque  Reforma,  Campos  Eliseos  No.  400,  9th  Floor,  Col.  Lomas  de 

Chapultepec, Mexico City, C.P. 11000, Mexico, on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 9:00 

A.M., Mexico City time.

CORPORATE OFFICES

United States 

1440 East Missouri

Avenue, Suite 160

Phoenix, Az. 85014, USA

Phone: +(602) 264-1375, 

MEXICO 

Edificio Parque Reforma, Campos 

Eliseos Nº. 400  

Col. Lomas de Chapultepec Mexico D.F.

Phone: +(52-55) 1103-5000

PERU 

Caminos del Inca Avenue Nº 171

104

Chacarilla del Estanque

Santiago de Surco, Lima 33, Peru

Phone: +(511) 512-0440, Ext. 3181

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND STOCKHOLDER SERVICES

Computershare

480 Washington Boulevard

Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900

Phone: +1(866)230-0172

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PROGRAM

SCC stockholders can have their dividends automatically reinvested in SCC common 

shares. SCC pays all administrative and brokerage fees. This plan is administered by 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. For more information, contact The Bank 

of New York Mellon Corporation at phone +1(866) 230-0172.

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

The principal markets for SCC’s Common Stock are the New York Stock Exchange 

and the Lima Stock Exchange. Effective February 17, 2010, SCC’s Common Stock 

changed  its  symbol  from  PCU  to  SCCO  on  both  the  NYSE  and  the  Lima  Stock 

Exchange.

OTHERS

The Branch in Peru has issued, in accordance with Peruvian law, ‘investment shares’ 

(formerly named labor shares) that are quoted in the Lima Stock Exchange under the 

symbol SPCCPI1 and SPCCPI2.

Transfer Agent, registrar and stockholders services are provided by Banco de Credito 

of Peru at Avenue Centenario 156, La Molina, Lima 12, Peru. 

Phone +(511) 313-2478, Fax +(511) 313-2556.

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OTHER CORPORATE INFORMATION

For  other  information  on  the  corporation  or  to  obtain  additional  copies  of  the 

annual report, Form 10-K 2015  contact to Investor Relations Department at our 

corporate offices:

Southern Copper Corporation

USA: 1440 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 160 Phoenix, Az. 85014, USA

Phone: (602)264-1375, Fax (602) 264-1397.

MEXICO: Campos Eliseos No. 400, 11 floor, Col. Lomas de Chapultepec 

Mexico D.F.

Phone +(52-55) 1103-5000, Extension 5855.

PERU: Caminos del Inca Avenue 171 (B-2), Chacarilla del Estanque, Santiago de 

Surco – Lima 33 - Peru. 

Phone. +(511) 512-0440, Ext. 3181.

Web Page: www.southerncoppercorp.com

Email address: southerncopper@southernperu.com.pe

Form 10-K1

Attached Form 10-K contains Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations, Consolidated Combined Financial Statements 

and the accompanying notes are an integral part of these Annual Report.

106

1Form 10-K  Phone. +(511) 512-0440, extension 3442 for Spanish

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

German Larrea Mota-Velasco

Oscar Gonzalez Rocha

Emilio Carrillo Gamboa 

Enrique Castillo Sanchez Mejorada

Alfredo Casar Perez

Xavier Garcia de Quevedo Topete

Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla

Luis Miguel Palomino Bonilla

Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes

Carlos Ruiz Sacristan

Rafael Mac Gregor Anciola

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Emilio Carrillo Gamboa, Chairman

Luis Miguel Palomino Bonilla 

Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes

Enrique Castillo Sanchez Mejorada

Ite wetlands, 
Moquegua, Peru.
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108

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

CORPORATE OFFICES

UNITED STATES
1440 E. Missouri Avenue, 
Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85014, U.S.A.
Phone: +(602) 264-1375

MEXICO
Edifi cio Parque Reforma, Campos Eliseos Nº 400. 
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico D.F.
Phone: + (52-55) 1103-5000

PERU 
Caminos del Inca Avenue 171
Chacarilla del Estanque, Santiago de Surco 
Lima 33 - Peru
Phone: +(511) 512-0440, Ext. 3181

Symbol: SCCO

E-mail address:

southerncopper@southernperu.com.pe