News Release
FY2023
November 27, 2023
JX Metals Corporation
Caserones Copper Mine awarded the Copper Mark
―Copper Mark Acquired by All JX Metals-Related mines and smelting and refining plants―
On October 11, 2023, the Caserones Copper Mine, in which JX Metals Corporation (President: Hayashi Yoichi; "the Company") owns an equity share, obtained the Copper Mark. With this award, all copper mines in which the JX Metals Group has invested, as well as all the copper smelter and refineries operated by the Group1 have been awarded the Copper Mark.
The Copper Mark is a credible assurance framework to promote responsible production practices and demonstrate the copper industry's commitment to the green transition. The Caserones Copper Mine started the application procedure in January 2023 and was granted the Copper Mark after an independent third-party assessment. The Copper Mark certifies that the mine conforms with 32 criteria in a wide range of categories including the environment, human rights, community, and governance, and its acquisition helps to boost the competitiveness of sustainable operations amid rising demand for ESG initiatives internationally.
Copper resources are essential to realizing a decarbonized society. The Company has defined copper that can sustainably respond to the increased demand for such resources as "Sustainable Copper"3 and has been undertaking "Green Hybrid Smelting," which combines the use of copper concentrate and scrap as raw materials, to promote its further evolution. The Caserones Copper Mine plays an important role as a procurement site for the raw materials essential for promoting these measures. For some time, the mine has pursued responsible production practices such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making use of renewable energy, and the Company regards its receipt of the Copper Mark as objective endorsement of these efforts.
The Company is committed to pursuing responsible procurement and production throughout its supply chain. We believe the fact that all of our copper mines, copper smelter and refineries have received the Copper Mark demonstrates the results of these efforts. Going forward, we will continue to promote collaboration (Green Enabling Partnership) with partners involved in the production and use of copper, leading to industry-wide Sustainable Copper.
By implementing the initiatives set out in its Sustainable Copper Vision, the JX Metals Group will continue to promote decarbonization and circular economy and contribute to developing a sustainable society.
1. The following operating sites related to the JX Metals Group have received the Copper Mark.
| Name of site | Type of site | Copper Mark awarded |
| Escondida Copper Mine (Chile) | Copper mine (the Company's equity share: 3.0%) | Nov. 2021 |
| Los Pelambres Copper Mine (Chile) | Copper mine (the Company's equity share: 15.79%) | Nov. 2022 |
| Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery, JX Metals Smelting Co., Ltd. | Smelting and electrorefining of copper | Dec. 2022 |
| Hitachi Works, JX Metals Smelting Co., Ltd. | Electrorefining of copper | Dec. 2022 |
| Caserones Copper Mine (Chile) | Copper mine (the Company's equity share: 49.0%) | Oct. 2023 |
2. The International Copper Association (ICA) is a global organization with a membership of copper mining, smelting/refining, and processing companies. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its aims are opening up new markets including development of new applications for copper, promoting demand, and actively contributing to achievement of the United Nations SDGs.
3.For details of the Sustainable Copper Vision, please refer to the news release dated August 3, 2022: "Sustainable Copper Vision: JX Metals Aims to Supply Sustainable Copper" and the attachment.