World’s largest copper producer commit to Copper Mark framework

Codelco confirm all sites will align with agreement by end of 2023.

Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer has signed up to the Copper Mark framework, an initiative designed to promote responsible practices and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Chilean company has committed to have all its sites participate in the framework by the end of 2023. The first will be the company’s El Teniente operation.

In a press release accompanying the announcement, Copper Mark praised the firm for its current environmental ambitions. 'The announcement is also a testament to Codelco’s growing commitment to demonstrate responsible and sustainable production practices across its global operations,' it read. 'The company’s participation in the Copper Mark framework builds on its commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 70% and decrease its consumption of continental waters by 65% by 2030, as well as achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050.'

Commenting on the agreement, Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark, continued the praise. “We are delighted that the world’s largest copper producer, Codelco, has made a commitment for all its sites to participate in the Copper Mark. Their willingness to commit all their sites to participate in the assurance framework by the end of 2023 reflects the company’s long-term ambition to demonstrate its use of responsible production practices.

“The commitment from Codelco to our framework is indicative of a wider trend we are seeing from copper producers, who are responding to ESG demand from investors and customers to adopt more responsible production practices that we expect to continue to grow as part of the shift towards creating a greener economy.”