Codelco, the world's largest producer of copper, and Aurubis, a global leader in non-ferrous metals and one of the world's largest copper recyclers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The objective of the MoU is to promote a cooperation for building a more responsible and sustainable copper industry and value chain, that is in line with the German-Chilean Raw Materials Partnership. One part of the MoU is the potential cooperation of smelting companies and in circular economy projects in Chile.
In addition, the document includes an agreement on joint efforts to promote the Copper Mark, a seal of approval for integrity and sustainability of the copper industry supply chain. The Copper Mark criteria are rigorous and comprehensive regarding compliance with responsible production. They are derived from 32 internationally recognized and leading sustainability standards.
Continuous Improvement of Copper Production
Roland Harings, CEO of Aurubis, says: "The world needs metals like copper to achieve climate targets and to develop the industry. This will also require primary materials to meet the steadily increasing global demand for copper in the foreseeable future. It is therefore very important that the players of entire value chain work together and adhere to standards. This is the only way to ensure that metals are produced truly responsibly. Aurubis is thus a determined supporter of the Copper Mark seal. In addition, we always seek continuous improvement with our business partners. Therefore, I am deeply convinced that our future cooperation with Codelco has the potential to make an immense contribution to promoting sustainability in the supply chain."
Máximo Pacheco, Codelco Chairman: "One of our main challenges is increasing the copper production in an environmentally sustainable way in order to achieve positive relations with the communities at our sites of operation. We further want to enable the transitions towards renewable energy, electrification and electromobility. This way, we are committed to the further development not only of Chile, but of the entire world, and initiatives like these contribute to our goals."
Leading Role in Environmental Protection
André Sougarret, CEO of Codelco, says: "Responsible copper production is one of Codelco's strategic pillars. That is why we take this challenge very seriously. We have established several commitments to reduce our carbon footprint and consumption of inland waters as well as to recycle industrial waste. We are ambitious for Chile to take the leading role in the development of environmental protection".
Both Aurubis and Codelco stressed their support for the German-Chilean raw materials partnership, which was recently renewed in Santiago de Chile with Olaf Scholz and Chilean President Gabriel Boric present. The raw materials partnership is intended to strengthen cooperation in the areas of development, mining, raw materials trade, and circular economy.
