UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended:
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class: |
| Trading Symbol |
| Name of each exchange on which registered: |
| | Lima Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | | | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | | Smaller reporting company | |
| Emerging growth company | | | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
As of April 30, 2024 there were outstanding
Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”)
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
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| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 | | 3 |
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| | | 4 | |
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| | Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | | 5 |
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| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 | | 6 |
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| | | 7 | |
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| | | 8-33 | |
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| Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | | 34-50 | |
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| | 51-52 | ||
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| | 53 | ||
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| | 56-59 | ||
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| | | 60 |
2
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended | | ||||
| | March 31, | | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
Net sales (including sales to related parties, see note 5) | | $ | | | $ | | |
Operating cost and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion shown separately below) | |
| | |
| | |
Selling, general and administrative | |
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| | |
Depreciation, amortization and depletion | |
| | |
| | |
Exploration | |
| | |
| | |
Total operating costs and expenses | |
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| | | | | | | |
Operating income | |
| | |
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| | | | | | | |
Interest expense | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Capitalized interest | |
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Other income (expense) | |
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Interest income | |
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Income before income taxes | |
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Income taxes (including royalty taxes, see Note 4) | |
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Net income before equity earnings of affiliate | |
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Equity earnings (loss) of affiliate, net of income tax | |
| | |
| ( | |
Net income | |
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Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest | |
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| | |
Net income attributable to SCC | | $ | | | $ | | |
| | | | | | | |
Per common share amounts attributable to SCC: | | | | | | | |
Net earnings-basic and diluted | | $ | | | $ | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic and diluted | |
| | |
| | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended | | ||||
| | March 31, | | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: | | | | | | | |
Net income and comprehensive income | | $ | | | $ | | |
Total comprehensive income | |
| | |
| | |
Comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest | |
| | |
| | |
Comprehensive income attributable to SCC | | $ | | | $ | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
| | March 31, | | December 31, | ||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| | (in millions) | ||||
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | | | $ | |
Short-term investments | |
| | |
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Accounts receivable trade | |
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Accounts receivable other (including related parties 2024- $ | |
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Inventories | |
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Prepaid taxes | | | | | | |
Other current assets | |
| | |
| |
Total current assets | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Property and mine development, net | |
| | | | |
Ore stockpiles on leach pads | |
| | | | |
Intangible assets, net | |
| | | | |
Right-of-use assets | |
| | | | |
Deferred income tax | |
| | | | |
Equity method investment | |
| | | | |
Other non-current assets | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
Accounts payable (including related parties 2024- $ | | $ | | | $ | |
Accrued income taxes | |
| | |
| |
Accrued workers’ participation | |
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| |
Accrued interest | |
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Lease liabilities current | | | | | | |
Other accrued liabilities | |
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Total current liabilities | |
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Long-term debt | |
| | | | |
Lease liabilities | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes | |
| | | | |
Non-current taxes payable | | | | | | |
Other liabilities and reserves | |
| | | | |
Asset retirement obligation | |
| | | | |
Total non-current liabilities | |
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| | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | | | | | | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NOTE 10) | | | | | | |
Common stock par value $ | |
| | | | |
Additional paid-in capital | |
| | | | |
Retained earnings | |
| | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | |
| ( | | | ( |
Treasury stock, at cost, common shares | |
| ( | | | ( |
Total Southern Copper Corporation stockholders’ equity | |
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Non-controlling interest | |
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Total equity | |
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Total liabilities and equity | | $ | | | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||
| | March 31, | | ||||
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | | | $ | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation, amortization and depletion | |
| | |
| | |
Equity earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received | |
| ( | | | | |
Loss on foreign currency transaction effect | |
| | | | | |
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes | |
| | | | ( | |
Other, net | |
| | | | | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable | |
| ( | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in inventories | |
| ( | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |
| | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in other operating assets and liabilities | |
| ( | | | ( | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| | |
| | |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Proceeds from (purchase) sale of short-term investments, net | |
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Other | |
| | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| | |
| ( | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Other, net | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Net cash used in financing activities | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | |
| | |
| ( | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | |
| | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period | |
| | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period | | $ | | | $ | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
Southern Copper Corporation
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
|
| Three Months Ended | | ||||
| | March 31, | | ||||
(in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL EQUITY, beginning of period | | $ | | | $ | | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, beginning of period | |
| | |
| | |
CAPITAL STOCK: | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning and end of period: | |
| | |
| | |
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL: | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period | |
| | |
| | |
Other activity of the period | |
| | |
| | |
Balance at end of period | |
| | |
| | |
TREASURY STOCK: | | | | | | | |
Southern Copper common shares | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning and end of the period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Used for corporate purposes | |
| | |
| | |
Balance at end of period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Parent Company common shares | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Other activity, including dividend, interest and foreign currency translation effect | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Balance at end of period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Treasury stock balance at end of period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
RETAINED EARNINGS: | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period | |
| | |
| | |
Net earnings | |
| | |
| | |
Dividends declared and paid, common stock, per share, 2024- $ | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Other activity | | | | | | — | |
Balance at end of period | |
| | |
| | |
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): | | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |
| — | |
| — | |
Balance at end of year | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY, end of period | |
| | |
| | |
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, beginning of period | |
| | |
| | |
Net earnings | |
| | |
| | |
Distributions paid | |
| ( | |
| ( | |
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, end of period | |
| | |
| | |
TOTAL EQUITY, end of period | | $ | | | $ | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
Southern Copper Corporation
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1— DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
The Company is a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”). As of March 31, 2024, Grupo Mexico, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”) owned
In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2024 and the results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The December 31, 2023 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2023 and notes included in the Company’s 2023 annual report on Form 10-K.
NOTE 2 — SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Short-term investments were as follows (in millions):
| | At March 31, | | At December 31, | | | ||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | | ||
Trading securities | | $ | | | $ | | | |
Weighted average interest rate | |
| | % |
| | % | |
| | | | | | | | |
Available-for-sale | | $ | | | $ | | | |
Weighted average interest rate | |
| | % |
| | % | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | |
Trading securities consisted of bonds issued by public companies and were publicly traded. Each financial instrument was independent of the others. The Company had the intention to sell these bonds in the short-term.
Available-for-sale investments consist of securities issued by public companies. Each security is independent of the others and as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, included asset and mortgage-backed obligations. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were not material.
The Company earned interest related to these investments, which was recorded as interest income in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. Also, the Company redeemed some of these securities and recognized gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, which were recorded as other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.
8
The following table summarizes the activity of these investments by category (in millions):
| | Three months ended | |
| ||||
| | March 31, | | | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |
| ||
Trading: | | | | | | | | |
Interest earned | | $ | | | $ | | | |
Unrealized gain (loss) at the end of the period | | $ | (*) | | $ | (*) | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Available-for-sale: | | | | | | | | |
Interest earned | |
| (*) | | | (*) | | |
Investment redeemed | | $ | - | | $ | - | | |
(*) Less than $
NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES:
Inventories were as follows:
| | At March 31, | | At December 31, | | ||
(in millions) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
Inventory, current: | | | | | | | |
Metals at average cost: | | | | | | | |
Finished goods | | $ | | | $ | | |
Work-in-process | |
| | |
| | |
Ore stockpiles on leach pads | | | | | | | |
Supplies at average cost | |
| | |
| | |
Total current inventory | | $ | | | $ | | |
Inventory, long-term: | | | | | | | |
Ore stockpiles on leach pads | | $ | | | $ | | |
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, total leaching costs capitalized as non-current inventory of ore stockpiles on leach pads amounted to $
NOTE 4 — INCOME TAXES:
The income tax provision and the effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
Statutory income tax provision | | $ | | | $ | | |
Peruvian royalty | |
| | |
| | |
Mexican royalty | |
| | |
| | |
Peruvian special mining tax | |
| | |
| | |
Total income tax provision | | $ | | | $ | | |
| | | | | | | |
Effective income tax rate | | | | % | | | % |
These provisions include income taxes for Peru, Mexico and the United States. The Mexican royalty, the Peruvian royalty and the Peruvian special mining tax are included in the income tax provision. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was primarily attributable to a reduction in the Mexican mining royalty payment.
Peruvian royalty and special mining tax: The Company has accrued $
9
Mexican mining royalty: The Company has accrued $
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes: In the first three months of 2024, the Company made payments for uncertain tax positions of $
Tax law updates: On May 31, 2019, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) published a two-pillar system that introduces a minimum global tax of
NOTE 5 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company has entered into certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with parties that are controlling shareholders or their affiliates. These transactions include the lease of office space, air and railroad transportation, construction services, energy supply, and other products and services related to mining and refining. The Company lends and borrows funds among affiliates for acquisitions and other corporate purposes. These financial transactions bear interest and are subject to review and approval by senior management, as are all related party transactions. Article Nine of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company prohibits the Company from engaging in a Material Affiliate Transaction that was not the subject of prior review by a committee of the Board of Directors with at least three members, each of whom is independent, and defines a Material Affiliate Transaction as a transaction or series of related transactions between Grupo Mexico or one of its affiliates (other than the Company or its subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the Company or one of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, that involves consideration of more than $
10
Receivable and payable balances with related parties are shown below (in millions):
| | At March 31, | | At December 31, | ||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Related parties receivable current: | | | | | | |
Grupo Mexico and affiliates: | | | | | | |
Asarco LLC | | $ | | | $ | |
AMMINCO Apoyo Administrativo, S.A. de C.V. (“AMMINCO”) | | | (*) | | | (*) |
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. | |
| (*) | | | (*) |
Mexico Generadora de Energia S. de R.L. ("MGE") | | | | | | |
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A de C.V. | | | (*) | | | (*) |
| | | | | | |
Related to the controlling group: | | | | | | |
Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | | | (*) | | | — |
Empresarios Industriales de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
Mexico Transportes Aereos, S.A. de C.V. ("Mextransport") | | | | | | |
Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
| | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Related parties payable: | | | | | | |
Grupo Mexico and affiliates: | | | | | | |
AMMINCO | | $ | | | $ | |
Asarco LLC | | | | | | |
Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Grupo Mexico Servicios | | | | | | |
MGE | | | | | | |
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A de C.V. | | | | | | |
Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
Related to the controlling group: | | | | | | |
Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Mexico Transportes Aereos, S.A. de C.V. (“Mextransport”) | |
| | |
| |
Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
| | $ | | | $ | |
(*) Less than $
11
Purchase and sale activity:
Grupo Mexico and affiliates:
The following table summarizes the purchase and sale activities with Grupo Mexico and its affiliates in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Purchase activity | | | | | | |
Asarco LLC | | $ | | | $ | |
Eolica El Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Grupo Mexico Servicios | | | | | | |
AMMINCO | | | | | | |
MGE | |
| | |
| |
Mexico Compania Constructora S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria S. A. de C.V. | |
| | |
| |
Total purchases | | $ | | | $ | |
Sales activity | | | | | | |
Asarco LLC | | $ | | | $ | |
AMMINCO | | | (*) | | | (*) |
MGE | | | | | | |
Total sales | | $ | | | $ | |
(*) Less than $
Grupo Mexico, the parent and the majority indirect stockholder of the Company, and its affiliates provide various services to the Company. These services are primarily related to accounting, legal, tax, financial, treasury, human resources, price risk assessment and hedging, purchasing, procurement and logistics, sales and administrative and other support services. The Company pays AMMINCO and Grupo Mexico Servicios, subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico, for these services and expects to continue requiring these services in the future.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company donated $
The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for freight services provided by Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., which is a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. The Company´s Peruvian and Mexican operations paid fees for engineering services provided by Grupo Mexico Servicios de Ingenieria, S.A. de C.V., and the Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for construction services provided by Mexico Compania Constructora S.A. de C.V. Both companies are subsidiaries of Mexico Proyectos y Desarrollos, S.A. de C.V., which is a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico.
The Company’s Mexican operations purchased copper cathodes, concentrate and starter sheets from Asarco LLC and also paid fees as reimbursement of freight fees. Additionally, the Company´s Mexican operations purchased power from MGE. Both companies are subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico.
In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, whereby MGE will supply some of the Company’s Mexican operations with power through 2032. MGE has
In 2014, Mexico Generadora de Energia Eolica, S. de R.L. de C.V, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, acquired Eolica el Retiro. Eolica el Retiro is a windfarm with
12
(IMMSA) and other subsidiaries of Grupo Mexico in the third quarter of 2014. Currently, Eolica el Retiro supplies approximately
The Company sold copper starter sheets, lime and sulfuric acid to Asarco LLC. The Company´s Mexican operations received fees for transportation and administrative services that were provided to Asarco and also received fees for natural gas and services provided to MGE, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Additionally, the Company´s Mexican operations received fees for rental services provided to AMMINCO.
Companies with relationships to the controlling group:
The following table summarizes the purchase and sales activities with other Larrea family companies in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Purchase activity | | | | | | |
Boutique Bowling de Mexico S.A. de C.V. | | $ | | | $ | |
Mextransport | | | | | | |
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | |
Total purchases | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Sales activity | | | | | | |
Boutique Bowling de Mexico S.A. de C.V. | | $ | (*) | | $ | (*) |
Empresarios Industriales de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | | | | | | — |
Mextransport | | | | | | |
Operadora de Cinemas S.A. de C.V. | | | (*) | | | (*) |
Total sales | | $ | | | $ | |
(*) amount is lower than $
The Larrea family controls a majority of the capital stock of Grupo Mexico and has extensive interests in other businesses, including transportation, real estate and entertainment. The Company engages in certain transactions in the ordinary course of business with other entities controlled by the Larrea family relating to the lease of office space, air transportation and entertainment.
The Company’s Mexican operations paid fees for entertainment services provided by Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. Both companies are controlled by the Larrea family. Mextransport provides aviation services to the Company´s Mexican operations. This is a company controlled by the Larrea family.
In addition, the Company received fees for building rental and maintenance provided to Boutique Bowling de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Operadora de Cinemas, S.A. de C.V. The Company´s Mexican operations received fees from Mextransport for reimbursement of maintenance expenses and for rental services.
Equity Investment in Affiliate: The Company has a
In addition, the Company has a
It is anticipated that in the future the Company will enter into similar transactions with these same parties.
13
NOTE 6 — LEASES:
The Company has operating leases for power generating facilities, vehicles and properties. The Company recognizes leasing expenses for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Some of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components which are accounted for separately. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of
The weighted average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases is
The operating lease expense recognized in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was classified as follows (in millions):
Classification |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) |
| $ | | | $ | |
Selling, general and administrative | |
| (*) | |
| (*) |
Exploration | |
| (*) | |
| (*) |
Total lease expense |
| $ | | | $ | |
(*) amount is lower than $
Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
| | Lease liabilities | |
Year |
| (in millions) | |
2024 |
| $ | |
2025 | |
| |
2026 | |
| |
2027 | |
| |
2028 | |
| |
After 2028 | |
| |
Total lease payments |
| $ | |
Less: interest on lease liabilities | |
| ( |
Present value of lease payments |
| $ | |
NOTE 7 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:
Peruvian operations:
The Company maintains an asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Peru, as required by the Peruvian Mine Closure Law. In accordance with the requirements of this law, the Company’s closure plans were approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MINEM”). As part of the closure plans, the Company is required to provide annual guarantees over the estimated life of the mines, based on a present value approach, and to furnish the funds for the asset retirement obligation. This law requires a review of closing plans every
On June 24, 2019, MINEM approved a change to the guarantees required for the mining closure plans. The new regulation specifies that annual guarantees can be secured with real estate up to a maximum of
14
On July 20, 2021, the Peruvian Government published Law 31347, which requires companies in the production stage to set aside additional guarantees for progressive closure of its operations. The resources that back these guarantees will be returned to the Company when activities cease and the regulatory agency verifies that all closure measures have been satisfactorily completed. Under this Law, companies must include activities for environmental remediation within the closure schedule and assume costs associated with environmental impacts that are identified during audits. As of September 30, 2023, the regulation attached to this Law had yet to be published. The Company is currently evaluating the possible financial impact of the Law but cannot fully estimate the magnitude until the Law’s regulation is published.
The closure cost recognized for this liability includes the cost, as outlined in its closure plans, of dismantling the Toquepala and Cuajone concentrators, the Ilo smelter and refinery, and the shops and auxiliary facilities at the
In 2022, the Company made a change in the estimate for the asset retirement obligation for its Peruvian operations, mainly due to a detailed review of the closing activities required for each facility. The effect of this change was a decrease in the asset retirement liability by $
Mexican operations:
The Company has recognized an estimated asset retirement obligation for its mining properties in Mexico as part of its environmental commitment. Even though there is currently no enacted law, statute, ordinance, written or oral contract requiring the Company to carry out mine closure and environmental remediation activities, the Company believes that a constructive obligation presently exists based on the remediation requirements caused by the closure of any facility. The overall cost recognized for mining closure in Mexico includes the estimated costs of dismantling concentrators, smelter and refinery plants, shops and other facilities.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company adjusted its estimate for the asset retirement obligation for its Mexican operations following a detailed review of the closing activities required. The effect was a decrease in the asset retirement obligation to the order of $
The following table summarizes the asset retirement obligation activity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Balance as of January 1 | | $ | | | $ | |
Changes in estimates | |
| ( | |
| — |
Closure payments | |
| — | |
| ( |
Accretion expense | |
| | |
| |
Balance as of March 31, | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 8 — BENEFIT PLANS:
Post retirement defined benefit plans:
The Company has
15
The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows (in millions):
| | Three months ended | ||||
| | March 31, | ||||
(in millions) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Service cost | | $ | | | $ | |
Interest cost | |
| | |
| |
Expected return on plan assets | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Amortization of net loss/(gain) | |
| (*) | |
| |
Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | | | $ | |
Post-retirement health care plans:
In Mexico, through 2007, the Buenavista unit provided health care services free of charge to employees and retired unionized employees and their families through its hospital at the Buenavista unit. In 2011, the Company signed an agreement with the Secretary of Health of the State of Sonora, which assumed the obligation to provide healthcare services to retired workers and their families. New employees at Buenavista del Cobre will receive health services from the Mexican Institute of Social Security, as is the case for all workers at our Mexican operations.
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows (in millions):
(in millions) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Interest cost | | $ | | | $ | |
Amortization of net loss (gain) | |
| (*) | |
| (*) |
Amortization of prior service cost/ (credit) | |
| (*) | |
| (*) |
Net periodic benefit cost | | $ | | | $ | |
(*) amount is lower than $
NOTE 9 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Environmental matters:
The Company has established comprehensive environmental conservation programs at its mining facilities in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s environmental programs include 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, among others.
Environmental capital investments in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Peruvian operations | | $ | | | $ | |
Mexican operations | |
| | |
| |
| | $ | | | $ | |
Peruvian operations: 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. Through these environmental audits, matters relating to environmental and legal compliance, atmospheric emissions, effluent monitoring and waste management are reviewed. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with applicable Peruvian environmental laws and regulations. Peruvian law requires that companies in the mining industry provide assurances for future mine closure and remediation. In accordance with the requirements of this law, the Company’s closure plans were approved by MINEM. See Note 7 “Asset retirement obligation” for further discussion of this matter.
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Air Quality Standards (“AQS”): In June 2017, MINAM enacted a supreme decree which defined new AQS for daily sulfur dioxide in the air. As of March 31, 2024, the Company maintains the daily average level of µg/m3 of SO2, below the requirement of the AQS.
In November 2023, MINAM enacted a new AQS for Cadmium, Arsenic and Chromium in particulate matter less than ten microns (PM10). A review of the Company´s chemical monitoring results has determined that the Company´s operations will not be significantly impacted by the new standards and concentration values in place. The Company´s results are expected to continue to fall below regulatory AQS.
Soil Environmental Quality Standards (“SQS”): In 2013, the Peruvian government enacted Soil Quality Standards. In accordance with the regulatory requirements of the law, the Company prepared Soil Decontamination Plans (“SDP”) for environmentally impacted sites at each of its operation units (Toquepala, Cuajone and Ilo) with the assistance of consulting companies. The costs of these SDPs are not material, either individually or in aggregated form, for the financial statements of the Company.
Climate change: On April 17, 2018, the Peruvian government enacted Law N. 30754, which promotes public and private investments in climate change management and establishes a Climate Change Framework. The law proposes creating an institutional framework to address climate change in Peru and outlines new measures for climate change mitigation, such as provisions to address an increase in carbon capture and use of carbon sinks; afforestation and reforestation practices; land use changes; sustainable systems of transportation, solid waste management, and energy systems. This climate change framework law incorporates obligations from the Paris Agreement. Supreme Decree 013-2019 published on December 31, 2019, enacted statutory regulations, which are applicable to all Peruvian institutions and agencies. It is expected that additional Peruvian regulations will be applicable to non governmental entities. However, no carbon pricing mechanism is currently applicable to the Company’s operations in Peru.
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 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 to provide 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. Additionally, amendments to the Civil Federal Procedures Code (“CFPC”) were enacted in 2011 and established
In 2013, the Environmental Liability Federal Law was enacted. The law establishes general guidelines for actions considered likely to cause environmental harm. If a possible determination regarding harm occurs, environmental clean-up and remedial actions sufficient to restore the environment to a pre-existing condition must be taken. If restoration is not possible, compensation measures should be provided. Criminal penalties and monetary fines can be imposed under this law.
17
Guaymas sulfuric acid spill: On July 9, 2019, there was an incident at the Company´s Marine Terminal in Guaymas, Sonora, that caused the discharge of approximately
On July 10, 2019, PROFEPA made a first inspection of the area, concluding that the Company executed all the appropriate procedures to contain the discharge, and no reference was made to the existence of negative impacts on the environment resulting from the incident. On July 19, 2019, PROFEPA revisited the facilities to carry out a second inspection and declared a partial temporary shutdown that only affected the storage process and transportation of sulfuric acid at the terminal, arguing the absence of an authorization of environmental impact. It is important to note that these facilities have been in operation since 1979, prior to the 1988 Mexican General Law of Ecological Balance and the Protection of the Environment. Companies that were operating before the enactment of the aforementioned law are exempt from the permit requirement. The Company has solved this issue and expect to restart operations soon.
Climate change: Several taxes are applicable to the Company’s mining operations in Mexico, including federal and state fossil fuel taxes, and the requirements associated with Mexico’s emission trading scheme. These taxes range from $
The Company believes that all of its facilities in Peru and Mexico are in material compliance with environmental, mining and other applicable laws and regulations. The Company also believes that continued compliance with environmental laws of Mexico and Peru will have no material adverse effects on the Company’s business, properties, or operating results.
On May 09, 2023, Mexican Congress approved several changes effective immediately to the Mining Law, National Waters Law, the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection, and the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste. The main changes are reducing mining concession terms from
These amendments to the law have been challenged and are being reviewed by the Supreme Court. The company is not expecting any negative impacts on its operations.
Litigation matters:
Peruvian operations:
The Tia Maria Mining Project
There are
18
The Mendoza Padilla case was initially rejected by the lower court on July 8, 2015. This ruling was confirmed by the Superior Court on June 14, 2016. On July 12, 2016, the case was appealed before the Constitutional Court. On November 20, 2018, the Constitutional Court reversed the previous decisions and remanded the case to the lower court for further action. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company was notified that the complaint had been reinstated. The Company answered the complaint on September 15, 2020. On December 2, 2020, the lower court issued a resolution, considering the complaint answered. On September 27, 2021, the Court ordered to temporarily archive the case. As of March 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Guillen Lopez case is currently before the lower court. Oral arguments took place on July 19, 2019. On January 7, 2020, the Judge decided to suspend the proceedings until the del Carpio Lazo case is concluded. On March 8, 2022, SCC’s Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. On September 7, 2023, the Judge cancelled the suspension and declared the case ready for a resolution. As of March 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Junta de Usuarios del Valle del Tambo case is currently before the lower court. In May 2016, the Company was included in the process after the Ministry of Energy and Mines filed a civil complaint. On March 6, 2019, the Company was formally notified of the lawsuit and answered the complaint on March 20, 2019. On July 8, 2019, the Company requested the suspension of the proceeding until the del Carpio Lazo case is concluded. On March 11, 2022, SCC’s Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. As of March 31, 2024, the case remains pending resolution.
The Gobierno Regional de Arequipa case is currently before the lower court. The Company answered the complaint on September 15, 2020. On February 8, 2021, the Judge decided to suspend the proceeding until the del Carpio Lazo case was concluded. On March 24, 2022, SCC’s Peruvian Branch informed the Court that the del Carpio Lazo case had concluded. On March 28, 2022, the Judge cancelled the suspension. On May 24, 2022, the parties presented their closing arguments. On March 15, 2023, the Judge dismissed the lawsuit. The plaintiff missed the chance to appeal the ruling, therefore, the Judge declared the case had concluded in favor of SCC’s Peruvian Branch. On October 20, 2023 the Superior Court declared that the plaintiff had not been properly informed of the ruling and ordered issuance of a new notification of the First Instance ruling. The Superior Court instructed the First Instance Court to inform the Gobierno Regional de Arequipa that it must establish a new address to ensure proper notification. As of March 31, 2024, the case is pending resolution.
The Municipalidad Distrital de Dean Valdivia case is currently before the lower court. On August 17, 2022, the Company was formally notified of the lawsuit and answered the complaint on September 2, 2022. SCC’s Peruvian Branch informed the Court the result of the del Carpio Lazo case. As of March 31, 2024, the case is pending resolution.
The Company asserts that these lawsuits are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. The potential contingency amount for these cases cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.
Special Regional Pasto Grande Project (“Pasto Grande Project”)
In 2012, the Pasto Grande Project, an entity of the Regional Government of Moquegua, filed a lawsuit against SCC’s Peruvian Branch alleging property rights over a certain area used by the Peruvian Branch and seeking the demolition of the tailings dam where SCC’s Peruvian Branch has deposited its tailings from the Toquepala and Cuajone operations since 1995. The Peruvian Branch has had title to use the area in question since 1960 and has constructed and operated the tailings dams with proper governmental authorization since 1995. Following a motion filed by the Peruvian Branch, the lower court included MINEM as a defendant in this lawsuit. MINEM has answered the complaint and denied the validity of the claim. On July 2, 2022, the case was temporarily archived. On May 26, 2023, the Judge ordered termination of the proceeding due to the lack of interest of the plaintiff. On June 2, 2023, the plaintiff appealed the termination of the proceeding. On September 18, 2023, the Superior Court reversed the termination and ordered the Judge to continue the proceeding. As of March 31, 2024, the case is pending resolution.
SCC’s Peruvian Branch asserts that the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously defending against it. The amount of this contingency cannot be reasonably estimated by management at this time.
19
Mexican operations:
The Accidental Spill at Buenavista Mine of 2014
In relation to the 2014 accidental spill of copper sulfate solution at a leaching pond in the Buenavista mine, the following legal procedures are pending against the Company:
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 to determine those responsible for environmental damages. During the second quarter of 2018, the criminal complaint was dismissed. This decision was appealed and was pending resolution as of March 31, 2024. On October 12, 2023, SEMARNAT publicly announced the filing of another criminal complaint regarding the Sonora River spill, arguing that remediation of damages to the river was incomplete and compensation for said damages was insufficient. The Company has been directed to provide information regarding remediation activities and compensation for damages. In due course, BVC will analyze this new complaint. Nonetheless, the Company strongly believes that it has duly completed all remediation and compensation-related activities as required by the competent Mexican authorities and as such, this new complaint lacks merit.
Through the first half of 2015,
Similarly, during 2015,
In 2015,
20
2014. The plaintiffs of these lawsuits are: Francisca Garcia Enriquez, et al filed
It is currently not possible to determine the extent of the damages sought in these state and federal lawsuits but the Company believes that these lawsuits are without merit. Accordingly, the Company is vigorously defending against them. Nevertheless, the Company believes that none of the legal proceedings resulting from the spill, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Labor matters:
Peruvian operations:
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company began applying the terms of the agreement entered into with the
In June 2023, the Company held
conditions. The Company has been complying with all its obligations under such collective labor agreements and guarantees it will continue to maintain on-going communication with the unions to ensure harmony.
In the last quarter of 2023, one of the unions which represents
21
In the first quarter of 2024, meetings were held with four of the Company's
The Company maintains permanent communication with union representatives to ensure labor harmony and proper management of labor relations. Southern Peru has collective bargaining agreements with each of the
An important development in labor relations with the Company´s unions stems from a ruling by the Peruvian Supreme Court that was notified to the Company on October 23, 2023. After
Mexican operations: In recent years, the Mexican operations have experienced a positive improvement in their labor environment, as workers opted to change their affiliation from the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalurgicos y Similares de la Republica Mexicana (the “National Mining Union”) to other less politicized unions.
The workers of the San Martin mine were on strike since July 2007. On February 28, 2018, the striking workers of the San Martín mine of IMMSA held an election to vote on the union that would hold the collective bargaining agreement at the San Martin mine. The Federacion Nacional de Sindicatos Independientes (the National Federation of Independent Unions) won the vote by a majority. Nevertheless, the vote was challenged by the National Mining Union. On June 26, 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board issued a ruling recognizing the election results. Due to the agreement between workers and the Company to end the protracted strike, on August 22, 2018, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board authorized the restart of operations of the San Martin mine. Such authorization was challenged by the National Mining Union. On April 4, 2019, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board recognized, once again, the election results from February 28, 2018, by which the National Federation of Independent Unions won by a majority. In the last quarter of 2019, a Federal Court issued a resolution that established that the Labor Court should analyze the list of workers with the right to vote in the union election. The Company and the National Federation of Independent Unions challenged such determination before the Supreme Court of Justice. Such challenges were dismissed by the Supreme Court. Consequently, on September 6, 2021, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board issued a new resolution determining that, based on the documents submitted by the National Federation of Independent Unions and given the status of the strike until 2018, it was not possible to create a registry of workers holding a right to vote. Therefore, in case of a strike, any collective bargaining proceedings shall remain suspended. On June 9, 2023, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board, in a ruling that veered from its previous stance, did not recognize the common representatives of the coalition workers and consequently ruled that the agreement which such representatives had made with the Company to lift the strike in 2018 lacked validity. Notwithstanding, on June 14, 2023, in an arbitration proceeding initiated at IMMSA's request, the Federal Mediation and Arbitration Board handed down a ruling that terminated the strike and ordered workers to resume activities within 15 days. The Mining Union filed a protective action (Amparo) against this resolution, which is pending resolution as of March 31, 2024.
Additionally, the Mining Union has filed a complaint before the Government of the United States of America under the rules of the Rapid Response Mechanism contained in the Mexico-United States-Canada Treaty (“T-MEC”), alleging denial of free association rights.
The Company´s operations at the San Martin unit continue to evolve normally and the conflict is expected to be resolved in accordance with the legal framework set by labor authorities; any actions taken will respect the will of the workers
In the case of the Taxco mine, its workers have been on strike since July 2007. After several legal procedures, in August 2015, the Supreme Court decided to assert jurisdiction over the case and to rule on it directly. As of March 31, 2024, the case was pending resolution without further developments.
22
It is expected that operations at the Taxco mine will remain suspended until the labor issues are resolved. In view of the lengthy strike, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of the Taxco mine to ascertain whether impairment exists. The Company concluded that there is a non-material impairment of the assets located at this mine.
Other legal matters:
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its operations, but the Company does not believe that decisions adverse to it in any such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Other commitments:
Peruvian Operations:
Michiquillay
In June 2018, the Company signed a contract for the acquisition of the Michiquillay copper project in Cajamarca, Peru, at a purchase price of $
As per the purchase agreement, the Company paid $
In 2021, the Company signed social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities. In addition, in October 2021, the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines approved the semi-detailed environmental impact study for the project. In the last quarter of 2022, the Company informed MINEM that exploration activities had begun and that it initiated an in-depth assessment of existing mineral resources. In 2023, in accordance with the social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities, the Company has hired unskilled labor and is paying for the use of surface land. The Company is supporting social programs in both communities. Additionally, the Company continues exploration activities on this project and as of March 31, 2024 it had drilled
Social agreements with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities represent an opportunity to improve quality of life for their residents through the Company´s strong social programs, backed by a solid framework for technical work at the project level. The main commitments signed by the Company regarding the social agreements are related to providing support for agricultural and livestock activities, financial support for local initiatives, and social programs in favor of education, water management, waste disposal, and healthcare for vulnerable groups.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company has a corporate social responsibility policy to maintain and promote the continuity of its mining operations while obtaining the best results. The main objective of this policy is to integrate the Company´s operations with local communities in the areas of influence of its operations by creating permanent positive relationships to develop optimum social conditions and promote sustainable development in the area. Accordingly, the Company has made the following commitments:
23
Tacna Region: In connection with the Toquepala concentrator expansion, the Company has committed to fund various social and infrastructure improvement projects in Toquepala’s neighboring communities. The total amount committed for these purposes is S/
As the Toquepala expansion project was completed, the Company considers that these commitments constitute present obligations of the Company and consequently has recorded a liability of $
In addition, the Company has committed S/
Moquegua Region: In the Moquegua region, the Company participates in a “development roundtable” with local municipal authorities and community representatives to discuss social needs to determine how the Company can contribute to sustainable development in the region. Although the development roundtable is not currently meeting, during previous sessions it discussed the possibility of creating a Moquegua Region Development Fund, for which the Company has offered a contribution of S/
In addition, the Company has committed S/
Apurimac Region: The Company has committed S/
Arequipa Region: The Company has completed the financing of the studies for a sport infrastructure project for S/
Power purchase agreements
● | Electroperu S.A.: In June 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for |
24
● | Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”): In July 2014, the Company entered into a power purchase agreement for |
Mexican operations:
Power purchase agreements
● | MGE: In 2012, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with MGE, an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company’s Mexican operations through 2032. For further information, please see Note 5 “Related party transactions”. |
● | Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V.: In 2013, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I. de C.V. a windfarm energy producer that is an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply power to some of the Company´s Mexican operations. For further information, please see Note 5 “Related party transactions”. |
● | Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V.: On February 20, 2020, the Company signed a power purchase agreement with Parque Eolico de Fenicias, S. de R.L. de C.V., an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, to supply |
Corporate operations:
Commitment for capital projects
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had committed approximately $
Tax contingency matters: Tax contingencies are provided for under ASC 740-10-50-15 Uncertain tax position (see Note 4 “Income taxes”).
NOTE 10 — STOCKHOLDERS’EQUITY:
Treasury Stock:
Activity in treasury stock in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Southern Copper common shares | | | | | | |
Balance as of January 1, | | $ | | | $ | |
Used for corporate purposes | |
| (*) | |
| ( |
Balance as of March 31, | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Parent Company (Grupo Mexico) common shares | | | | | | |
Balance as of January 1, | |
| | |
| |
Other activity, including dividend, interest and foreign currency translation effect | |
| | |
| |
Balance as of March 31, | |
| | |
| |
Treasury stock balance as of March 31, | | $ | | | $ | |
(*) Less than $
25
Common Stock:
In September 2022, Grupo Mexico, through its wholly owned subsidiary AMC, purchased
Southern Copper Common Shares:
On March 31, 2024 and on December 31, 2023, there were in treasury
Directors’ Stock Award Plan:
The Company has established a Director´s Stock Award Plan for certain non-employee directors. Southern Copper has reserved
For 2023 and 2022, the stock-based compensation expense associated with this plan amounted to $
The activity of this plan for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Total SCC shares reserved for the plan |
| |
| |
Total shares granted at January 1, |
| ( |
| ( |
Granted in the period |
| ( |
| ( |
Total shares granted at March 31, |
| ( |
| ( |
Remaining shares reserved |
| |
| |
Parent Company common shares:
At March 31, 2024 and 2023 there were in treasury
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
2018 Plan: In November 2018, the Company offered a new stock purchase plan (the “New Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) to eligible employees through a trust that acquires series B shares of Grupo Mexico stock for sale to its employees, and employees of subsidiaries, and certain affiliated companies. The purchase price was established at
If Grupo Mexico pays dividends on shares during the
In the case of voluntary or involuntary resignation/termination of the employee, the Company will pay to the employee the fair market sales price on the date of resignation of the fully paid shares, net of costs and taxes. When the fair market
26
sales value of the shares is higher than the purchase price, the Company will apply a deduction over the amount to be paid to the employee based on a decreasing schedule specified in the plan.
In case of retirement or death of the employee, the Company will render the buyer or his legal beneficiary, the fair market sales value as of the date of retirement or death of the shares effectively paid, net of costs and taxes.
The stock based compensation expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and the unrecognized compensation expense under this plan were as follows (in millions):
|
| 2024 | | 2023 | ||
Stock based compensation expense | | $ | |
| $ | |
Unrecognized compensation expense | | $ | |
| $ | |
The following table presents the stock award activity of this plan for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | Unit Weighted Average |
|
| Shares |
| Grant Date Fair Value |
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2024 |
| | $ | |
Granted |
| — | $ | — |
Exercised |
| ( |
| |
Forfeited |
| | | — |
Outstanding shares at March 31, 2024 |
| | $ | |
Outstanding shares at January 1, 2023 | | | $ | |
Granted | | — | | — |
Exercised | | ( | | — |
Forfeited | | — | | — |
Outstanding shares at March 31, 2023 |
| | $ | |
Executive Stock Purchase Plan:
Grupo Mexico also offers a stock purchase plan to certain members of its executive management; to executive management at its subsidiaries; and to certain affiliated companies. Under this plan, participants will receive cash incentive bonuses to purchase shares of Grupo Mexico, which are deposited in a trust.
Non-controlling interest:
The following table presents the non-controlling interest activity the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Balance as of January 1, |
| $ | |
| $ | |
Net earnings | |
| | |
| |
Dividend paid | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Balance as of March 31, |
| $ | |
| $ | |
NOTE 11 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT:
Subtopic 820-10 of ASC “Fair value measurement and disclosures — Overall” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under Subtopic 820-10 are described below:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
27
Level 2 - Inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, but do not qualify as Level 1 inputs. (i.e., quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities).
Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (other than accounts receivable associated with provisionally priced sales) and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
| | At March 31, 2024 | | At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
|
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value |
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value | ||||
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt level 1 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | |
Long-term debt level 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total long-term debt | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost and its estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy except for the case of the Yankee bonds, which qualify as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active.
Fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were calculated as follows as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in millions):
| | Fair Value at Measurement Date Using: | ||||||||||
|
| | |
| | |
| Significant |
| | | |
| | Fair Value | | Quoted prices in | | other | | Significant | ||||
| | as of | | active markets for | | observable | | unobservable | ||||
| | March 31, | | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | ||||
Description | | 2024 | | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | ||||
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short term investment: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Trading securities | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | — |
—Available-for-sale debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate bonds | |
| — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Asset backed securities | |
| | | | — | | | | | | — |
Mortgage backed securities | |
| | | | — | | | | | | — |
Accounts receivable: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Embedded derivatives—Not classified as hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provisionally priced sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Copper | |
| | |
| | | | — | | | — |
Molybdenum | |
| | |
| | |
| — | | | — |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — |
28
| | Fair Value at Measurement Date Using: | ||||||||||
|
| | |
| | |
| Significant |
| | | |
| | Fair Value | | Quoted prices in | | other | | Significant | ||||
| | as of | | active markets for | | observable | | unobservable | ||||
| | December 31, | | identical assets | | inputs | | inputs | ||||
Description | | 2023 | | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | ||||
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short term investment: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Trading securities | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | — |
—Available-for-sale debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset backed securities | |
| | | | — | | | | | | — |
Mortgage backed securities | |
| | | | — | | | | | | — |
Accounts receivable: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Embedded derivatives-Not classified as hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provisionally priced sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Copper | |
| | |
| | | | — | | | — |
Molybdenum | |
| | |
| | |
| — | | | — |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — |
The Company’s short-term trading securities investments were classified as Level 1 because they were valued using quoted prices of the same securities as they consisted of bonds issued by public companies and were publicly traded. The Company’s short-term available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 2 because they are valued using quoted prices for similar investments.
The Company’s accounts receivables associated with provisionally priced copper sales are valued using quoted market prices based on the forward price on the LME or on the COMEX. Such value is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Molybdenum prices are established by reference to the publication Platts Metals Week and are considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
29
NOTE 12 — REVENUE:
The Company’s net sales were $
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| | | | Mexican | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | Mexican | | IMMSA | | Peruvian | | Corporate & | | | | ||||
|
| Open-Pit |
| Unit |
| Operations |
| Elimination |
| Consolidated | |||||
The Americas: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexico | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
United States | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Peru | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Brazil | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Chile | |
| — | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other American countries | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Europe: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Switzerland | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Italy | |
| (*) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Spain | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other European countries | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Asia: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
China | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Singapore | |
| | |
| ( | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Japan | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other Asian countries | |
| | |
| — | |
| | | | | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
(*) Less than $
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | Mexican | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mexican | | IMMSA | | Peruvian | | Corporate & | | | | ||||
|
| Open-Pit |
| Unit |
| Operations |
| Elimination |
| Consolidated | |||||
The Americas: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexico | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | ( | | $ | |
United States | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Peru | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Brazil | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Chile | |
| ( | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other American countries | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Europe: | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Switzerland | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Italy | | | ( | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Spain | | | | |
| — | |
| — | |
| | |
| |
Other European countries | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Asia: | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
China | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | | |
Singapore | | | | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Japan | | | | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other Asian countries | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
30
The following table presents information regarding the sales value by reporting segment of the Company’s significant products for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
|
| | | Mexican | | | | | | | |||||
| | Mexican |
| IMMSA |
| Peruvian |
| Corporate, Other & |
| Total | |||||
| | Open-pit | | Unit | | Operations | | Eliminations | | Consolidated | |||||
Copper | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
Molybdenum | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| — | |
| |
Silver | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Zinc | |
| | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| |
Other | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
|
| | | Mexican | | | | | | | |||||
| | Mexican |
| IMMSA |
| Peruvian |
| Corporate, Other & |
| Total | |||||
| | Open-pit | | Unit | | Operations | | Eliminations | | Consolidated | |||||
Copper | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
Molybdenum | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| — | |
| |
Silver | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Zinc | |
| — | |
| | |
| — | |
| | |
| |
Other | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
The opening and closing balances of receivables by reporting segment of the Company were as follows (in millions):
| | | | | Mexican | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| Mexican |
| IMMSA |
| Peruvian |
| Corporate & |
| | | ||||
| | Open-Pit | | Unit | | Operations | | Elimination | | Consolidated | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of March 31, 2024: |
| |
|
| | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Trade receivables | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Related parties, current | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| — | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2023: | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Trade receivables | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Related parties, current | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
As of March 31, 2024, the Company has long-term contracts with promises to deliver the following products in 2024:
Copper concentrates (in tonnes) |
| |
Copper cathodes (in tonnes) | | |
Molybdenum concentrates (in tonnes) |
| |
Sulfuric acid (in tonnes) |
| |
Provisionally priced sales: At March 31, 2024, the Company has recorded provisionally priced sales of copper at average forward prices per pound, and molybdenum at the March 31, 2024 market price per pound. These sales are subject to final pricing based on the average monthly London Metal Exchange (“LME”), or New York Commodities Exchange (“COMEX”), copper prices and Dealer Oxide molybdenum prices in the future month of settlement.
31
Following are the provisionally priced copper and molybdenum sales outstanding at March 31, 2024:
|
| Sales volume |
| Priced at |
| |
| | (million lbs.) | | (per pound) | | Month of settlement |
Copper | | | | | | April 2024 through August 2024 |
Molybdenum | | | | | | April 2024 through July 2024 |
The provisional sales price adjustment included in accounts receivable and net sales as of March 31, 2024 includes positive adjustments of $
Management believes that the final pricing of these sales will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or on operating results.
NOTE 13 — SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION:
Company management views Southern Copper as having
The
Financial information is regularly prepared for each of the
Financial information relating to Southern Copper’s segments is as follows:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| | (in millions) | |||||||||||||
|
| |
| Mexican |
| | |
| Corporate, other |
| | | |||
| | Mexican | | IMMSA | | Peruvian | | and | | | | ||||
| | Open-pit | | Unit | | Operations | | eliminations | | Consolidated | |||||
Net sales outside of segments | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Intersegment sales | |
| — | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| — |
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Selling, general and administrative | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Depreciation, amortization and depletion | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Exploration | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Operating income | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | | | $ | ( | | | |
Less: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Equity earnings of affiliate | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Non-controlling interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Net income attributable to SCC | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | |
Capital investment | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Property and mine development, net | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Total assets | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
32
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| | (in millions) | |||||||||||||
|
| |
| Mexican |
| | |
| Corporate, other |
| | | |||
| | Mexican | | IMMSA | | Peruvian | | and | | | |||||
| | Open-pit | | Unit | | Operations | | eliminations | | Consolidated | |||||
Net sales outside of segments | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Intersegment sales | |
| — | |
| | |
| — | |
| ( | |
| — |
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ( | |
| |
Selling, general and administrative | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Depreciation, amortization and depletion | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Exploration | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Operating income | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | | |
Less: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Other income (expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Equity earnings of affiliate | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Non-controlling interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ( |
Net income attributable to SCC | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | |
Capital investment | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Property and mine development, net | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Total assets | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
NOTE 14 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Dividends:
On April 18, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly stock dividend of
In lieu of fractional shares, cash will be distributed to each shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share, based on a share price of $
Shareholders will not be required to take any action to receive the stock dividend. After the payment date, shareholders' book entry accounts will be credited with the additional shares that represent the stock dividend. When shares are held in a brokerage account in the name of a broker, the additional shares will be distributed to the broker on the shareholder's behalf. The stock dividend is administered by Computershare, the Company's transfer agent.
33
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the condensed consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Southern Copper Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “SCC”, “the Company”, “our”, and “we”). This item should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this quarterly report. Additionally, the following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Business: Our business is primarily the production and sale of copper. In the process of producing copper, a number of valuable metallurgical by-products are recovered, which we also produce and sell. Market forces outside of our control largely determine the sale prices for our products. Our management, therefore, focuses on value creation through copper production, cost control, production enhancement and maintaining a prudent capital structure to remain profitable. We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs. Our aim is to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and to maximize financial performance in periods of high copper prices.
We are one of the world’s largest copper mining companies in terms of production and sales and our principal operations are in Peru and Mexico. We also have exploration programs in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. In addition to copper, we produce significant amounts of other metals, either as a by-product of the copper process or through a number of dedicated mining facilities in Mexico.
Outlook: Various key factors will affect our outcome. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
● | Sales structure: In the first quarter of 2024, approximately 78.6% of our revenue came from the sale of copper; 10.5% from molybdenum; 4.3% from silver; 2.7% from zinc; and 3.9% from various other products, including gold, sulfuric acid, and other materials. |
● | Copper: In the first quarter of 2024, the LME copper price decreased from an average of $4.05 per pound in the first quarter of 2023 to $3.83 (-5.4%). In addition to reports on significant reductions in projections for expected global copper production, we are also seeing strong market demand on the back of a resilient US economy and new demand from AI and decarbonization technologies. We believe the latter will play a preponderant role in driving demand for copper and should sustain attractive copper prices in the long run. |
It is important to emphasize that copper plays a leading role in the global shift to clean energy, which correlates positively with our assertion that the underlying demand for copper will be strong in the long-term. In this scenario, we believe the current cycle of low prices should be short-lived.
● | Molybdenum: Accounted for 10.5% of our sales in the first quarter of 2024 and is currently our most important by-product. Molybdenum prices averaged $19.84 per pound in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $32.04 in the same period of 2023, reflecting a decrease of 38.1%. |
Molybdenum is mainly used in the production of special alloys for stainless steel that require significant hardness and corrosion and heat resistance. New uses for this metal are associated with lubricants, sulfur filtering of heavy oils and shale gas production.
For the short term, we believe molybdenum prices will have good support due to a market deficit and higher demand coming from the aerospace and defense industries.
34
● | Silver: Represented 4.3% of our sales in the first quarter of 2024. We believe that the prices for silver will be supported by intensive level of industrial use. |
● | Zinc: Average zinc prices dropped 21.8% in the first quarter of 2024 versus the figure in 2023. We believe zinc has very good long-term fundamentals due to high levels of industrial consumption and expected production. Zinc represented 2.7% of our sales in the first quarter of 2024. |
● | Production: For 2024, we expect to produce 948,800 tonnes of copper, an increase of 4.1% over 2023’s final results. Last year we drove our Pilares project to full capacity and initiated ramp-up at the Buenavista zinc concentrator. For 2024, we expect these two projects to contribute 43,800 tonnes of copper. |
We also expect to produce 26,100 tonnes of molybdenum, which represents an increase of 2.4% over our 2023 production level. In 2024, we expect to produce 20.5 million ounces of silver, an increase of 11.4% compared to 2023 production results. Additionally, we expect to produce 120,300 tonnes of zinc from our mines, which represents an increase of 83.7% compared to our 2023 production level. This growth will be driven by the Buenavista Zinc concentrator. We expect this facility to produce 54,500 tonnes of zinc in 2024 and an average of 90,200 tonnes of zinc and 20,000 tonnes of copper per year over the next five years.
● | Capital Investments: In the first quarter of 2024, we spent $213.8 million on capital investments; this represented 29.0% of net income and a decrease of 10.2% compared to the amount registered for the same period in 2023. |
KEY MATTERS
Below, we discuss several matters that we believe are important to understand the results of our operations and financial condition. These matters include, (i) our earnings, (ii) our production, (iii) our “operating cash costs” as a measure of our performance, (iv) metal prices, (v) business segments, (vi) the effect of inflation and other local currency issues, and (vii) our capital investment and exploration program.
Earnings: The table below highlights key financial and operational data of our Company for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions, except copper price, percentages and per share amounts):
| | | Three months ended March 31, |
| |||||||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance | | % Change |
| | |||||
Copper price LME | | | 3.83 | | | 4.05 | | | (0.22) |
| (5.4) | % | | ||
Pounds of copper sold | | | 518.5 | | | 504.3 | | | 14.2 |
| 2.8 | % | | ||
Net sales | | $ | 2,599.8 | | $ | 2,793.9 | | $ | (194.1) |
| (6.9) | % | | ||
Operating income | | $ | 1,189.7 | | $ | 1,353.7 | | $ | (164.0) |
| (12.1) | % | | ||
Net income attributable to SCC | | $ | 736.0 | | $ | 813.2 | | $ | (77.2) | | (9.5) | % | | ||
Earnings per share | | $ | 0.95 | | $ | 1.05 | | $ | (0.10) | | (9.5) | % | | ||
Dividends per share | | $ | 0.80 | | $ | 1.00 | | $ | (0.20) | | (20.0) | % | |
Net sales in the first quarter of 2024 totaled $2,599.8 million, which represented a slight decrease of 6.9% compared to net sales in the same period of 2023. This decrease was influenced by lower prices of copper (-5.4% - LME), molybdenum (-38.1%) and zinc (-21.8%) and by a reduction in the sales volumes of silver (-3.4%) and zinc (-3.1%). The aforementioned drop in net sales was partially offset by higher sales volumes for copper (+2.8%) and molybdenum (+8.4%) and by an uptick in prices for silver (+3.6%).
Net income in the first quarter of 2024, attributable to SCC, was $736.0 million, reflecting a 9.5% decrease from the same period in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a drop in sales due to low prices in the period, which was slightly offset by a 3.1% drop in the costs of sales.
35
Production: The table below highlights our mine production data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | Three months ended March 31, | | | ||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | |
Copper (in million pounds) |
| 529.6 |
| 492.2 |
| 37.4 |
| 7.6 | % |
|
Molybdenum (in million pounds) |
| 15.6 |
| 14.2 |
| 1.4 |
| 9.5 | % |
|
Silver (in million ounces) |
| 4.8 |
| 4.4 |
| 0.4 |
| 8.4 | % |
|
Zinc (in million pounds) |
| 58.1 |
| 33.2 |
| 24.9 |
| 74.9 | % |
|
The table below highlights our mine production data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | |||||||||
Copper (in million pounds): | | 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | | |||
Toquepala | | 138.2 |
| 113.1 |
| 25.1 |
| 22.2 | % |
| |||
Cuajone | | 90.9 |
| 80.0 |
| 10.9 |
| 13.7 | % |
| |||
La Caridad | | 65.0 |
| 57.6 |
| 7.4 |
| 12.9 | % |
| |||
Buenavista | | 229.9 |
| 236.9 |
| (7.0) |
| (3.0) | % |
| |||
IMMSA | | 5.6 |
| 4.6 |
| 1.0 |
| 22.4 | % |
| |||
Total mined copper | | 529.6 |
| 492.2 |
| 37.4 |
| 7.6 | % |
|
Copper mine production in the first quarter of 2024 increased 7.6% to stand at 529.6 million pounds. This increase was primarily driven by an uptick in production levels at Toquepala (+22.2% due to higher ore grades and recoveries), Cuajone (+13.7% due to an increase in processed mineral), La Caridad (+12.9% due to higher ore grades) and IMMSA (+22.4%; higher ore grades). This was partially offset by a reduction in production at the Buenavista (-3.0%) mine; this result was driven primarily by a drop in SX-EW cathode production and ore grades, which was partially offset by copper production from the new zinc concentrator. Additionally, we reported that our Buenavista operation experienced difficulties with its water supply during the last quarter of 2023. During the first quarter of 2024, we took action to procure the water requirements for this facility. Therefore, we believe we have ensured sufficient provisions to operate our Mexican facilities as forecasted in our annual plan.
Molybdenum production increased 9.5% in the first quarter of 2024 versus the figure in the same period in 2023. This was attributable to higher production at our Toquepala (+58.2%), Cuajone (+4.9%) and Buenavista (+2.6%) mines, which was primarily fueled by an increase in ore grades. This effect was offset mainly by a reduction in production at our La Caridad (-10.8%) mine, which was in turn driven by a drop in ore grades and recoveries.
Silver mine production increased 8.4% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. This was attributable to higher production at our Toquepala (+25.0%), La Caridad (+22.9%), Cuajone (+11.7%) and IMMSA (+10.9%) operations in quarter-on-quarter terms. This was slightly offset by a decrease in production at our Buenavista (-9.5%) mine.
Zinc production increased 74.9% in the first quarter of 2024 versus the figure for the same period in 2023. This result was attributable to production start-up at Buenavista zinc concentrator, which produced 9,695 tonnes over the period.
Operating Cash Costs: An overall benchmark that we use, which is a common industry metric to measure performance is operating cash costs per pound of copper produced. Operating cash cost is a non-GAAP measure that does not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures provided by other companies. This non-GAAP information should not be considered in isolation or as substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced to the cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings is presented under the subheading, “Non-GAAP Information Reconciliation” on page 50. We disclose operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, both before and net of by-product revenues.
We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced before by-product revenues as cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), plus selling, general and administrative charges, treatment and refining
36
charges net of sales premiums; less the cost of purchased concentrates, workers’ participation and other miscellaneous charges, including royalty charges, and the change in inventory levels; divided by total pounds of copper produced by our own mines.
In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, we exclude depreciation, amortization and depletion, which are considered non-cash expenses. Exploration is considered a discretionary expenditure and is also excluded. Workers’ participation provisions are determined on the basis of pre-tax earnings and are also excluded. Additional exclusions from operating cash costs are items of a non-recurring nature and the mining royalty charge as it is based on various calculations of taxable income, depending on which jurisdiction, Peru or Mexico, is imposing the charge. We believe these adjustments allow our management and stakeholders to more fully visualize our controllable cash cost, which we believe is one of the lowest of all copper-producing companies of similar size.
We define operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues as operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, as defined in the previous paragraph, less by-product revenues and net revenue (loss) on sale of metal purchased from third parties.
In our calculation of operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, net of by-product revenues, we credit against our costs the revenues from the sale of all our by-products, including, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold, etc. and the net revenue (loss) on sale of metals purchased from third parties. We disclose this measure including the by-product revenues in this way because we consider our principal business to be the production and sale of copper. As part of our copper production process, much of our by-products are recovered. These by-products, as well as the processing of copper purchased from third parties, are a supplemental part of our production process and their sales value contribute to covering part of our incurred fixed costs. We believe that our Company is viewed by the investment community as a copper company, and is valued, in large part, by the investment community’s view of the copper market and our ability to produce copper at a reasonable cost.
We believe that both of these measures are useful tools for our management and our stakeholders. Our cash costs before by-product revenues allow us to monitor our cost structure and address areas of concern within operating management. The measure operating cash cost per pound of copper produced net of by-product revenues is a common measure used in the copper industry and is a useful management tool that allows us to track our performance and better allocate our resources. This measure is also used in our investment project evaluation process to determine a project’s potential contribution to our operations, its competitiveness and its relative strength in different price scenarios. The expected contribution of by-products is generally a significant factor used by the copper industry to determine whether to move forward or not in the development of a new mining project. As the price of our by-product commodities can have significant fluctuations from period to period, the value of its contribution to our costs can be volatile.
Our operating cash cost per pound of copper produced, before and net of by-product revenues, is presented in the table below for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Operating cash cost per pound of copper produced (1)
(In millions, except cost per pound and percentages)
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | ||||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | | |||
Total operating cash cost before by‑product revenues | | $ | 1,079.0 | | $ | 987.7 | | $ | 91.3 |
| 9.2 | % | |
Total by‑product revenues | | $ | (532.2) | | $ | (630.6) | | $ | 98.4 |
| (15.6) | % | |
Total operating cash cost net of by‑product revenues | | $ | 546.8 | | $ | 357.1 | | $ | 189.7 |
| 53.1 | % | |
Total pounds of copper produced(2) | |
| 510.8 | |
| 473.0 | |
| 37.8 |
| 8.0 | % | |
Operating cash cost per pound before by‑product revenues | | $ | 2.11 | | $ | 2.09 | | $ | 0.02 |
| 1.1 | % | |
By‑products per pound revenues | | $ | (1.04) | | $ | (1.33) | | $ | 0.29 |
| (21.7) | % | |
Operating cash cost per pound net of by‑product revenues | | $ | 1.07 | | $ | 0.76 | | $ | 0.31 |
| 40.8 | % | |
(1) | These are non-GAAP measures. Please see page 50 for reconciliation to GAAP measure. |
(2) | Net of metallurgical losses. |
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In the first quarter of 2024, our per-pound cash cost, excluding by-product revenues rose 9.2% year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by an increase in production costs, which was partially offset by the unit effect generated by a 8.0% increase in pounds of copper produced. Our cash cost per pound net of by-product revenue for the first quarter of 2024 increased 40.8% year-over-year. This was attributable to a decrease in by-product revenue credits this quarter.
Metal Prices: The profitability of our operations is dependent on, and our financial performance is significantly affected by, the international market prices for the products we produce, and for copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver in particular.
We are subject to market risks arising from the volatility of copper and other metal prices. For the remaining nine months of 2024, assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved, tax rates remain unchanged and no effects are generated by potential hedging programs, metal price sensitivity factors would indicate the following change in estimated net income attributable to SCC resulting from metal price changes:
|
| Copper |
| Molybdenum |
| Zinc |
| Silver | ||||
Change in metal prices (per pound except silver—per ounce) | | $ | 0.10 | | $ | 1.00 | | $ | 0.10 | | $ | 1.00 |
Change in net earnings (in millions) | | $ | 91.7 | | $ | 25.4 | | $ | 16.8 | | $ | 9.9 |
Business Segments: We view our Company as having three reportable segments and manage it on the basis of these segments. These segments are (1) our Peruvian operations, (2) our Mexican open-pit operations and (3) our Mexican underground operations, known as our IMMSA unit. Our Peruvian operations include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad and port facilities that service both mines. The Peruvian operations produce copper, with significant by-product production of molybdenum, silver and other material. Our Mexican open-pit operations include La Caridad and Buenavista mine complexes, the smelting and refining plants and support facilities, which service both mines. The Mexican open pit operations produce copper, with significant by-product production of molybdenum, silver and other material. Our IMMSA unit includes five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, and several industrial processing facilities for zinc, copper and silver.
Segment information is included in our review of “Results of Operations” in this item and also in Note 13 “Segment and Related Information” of our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Inflation and Exchange Rate Effect of the Peruvian Sol and the Mexican Peso: Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Significant portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian sol and Mexican pesos. Accordingly, when inflation and currency devaluation/appreciation of the Peruvian currency and Mexican currency occur, our operating results can be affected. In recent years, exchange rate volatility has been high but has had a limited effect on our results. Please see Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more detailed information.
Capital Investment Programs: We made capital investments of $213.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $238.1 million in the same period of 2023. In general, the capital investments and investment projects described below are intended to increase production, decrease costs or address social and environmental commitments.
Set forth below are descriptions of some of our current expected capital investment programs. We expect to meet the cash requirements for these projects by utilizing cash on hand; internally generated funds and additional external financing. All capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to respond to changes in the economy and market conditions.
Projects in Mexico:
Buenavista Zinc - Sonora: This project is located within the Buenavista deposit, where we have built a new concentrator plant. This facility has a production capacity of 100,000 tonnes of zinc and 20,000 tonnes of copper per year. When operating, the concentrator will double the Company’s zinc production capacity and will provide more than 2,000 jobs on the operating front.
38
Project update: the capital budget for the project is $439 million, of which $382.9 million had been invested as of March 31, 2024. Concentrator operation began in the first quarter of 2024. We expect to produce 54,500 tonnes of zinc and 11,900 tonnes of copper in 2024 and an average of 90,200 tonnes of zinc and 20,000 tonnes of copper per year in the next five years.
El Pilar - Sonora: This low-capital intensity copper greenfield project is strategically located in Sonora, Mexico, approximately 45 kilometers from our Buenavista mine. Its copper oxide mineralization contains estimated proven and probable reserves of 317 million tonnes of ore with an average copper grade of 0.249%. We anticipate that El Pilar will operate as a conventional open-pit mine with an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of copper cathodes. This operation will use highly cost efficient and environmentally friendly SX-EW technology. The budget for El Pilar is $310 million.
Projects in Peru:
Quebrada Honda dam expansion – Tacna: This project aims to enlarge the main and lateral dams in Quebrada Honda and includes the relocation and repowered of some facilities due to dam growth and implementation of other facilities for water recovery, among other factors. The drainage works and removal of Eolic material for the main and lateral dam, as well as complementary operational works are completed. We have also installed two cyclone nests for the main dam, which are currently operating. Additionally, purchases are pending for equipment for tailings hauling. We intend to build administrative facilities down the line. This project has a total budget of $165.0 million, of which we have invested $152.3 million as of March 31, 2024.
Tia Maria - Arequipa: This greenfield project, located in Arequipa, Peru, will use state of the art SX-EW technology with the highest international environmental standards to produce 120,000 tonnes of SX- EW copper cathodes per year. The estimated capital budget for the project is $1.4 billion.
The Company has been consistently working to promote the welfare of the population of the Islay province. As part of these efforts, we have implemented successful social programs in education, healthcare and productive development to improve the quality-of-life in the region. We have also promoted agricultural and livestock activities in the Tambo Valley and supported growth in manufacturing, fishing and tourism in Islay.
We reiterate our view that the initiation of construction activities at Tia Maria will generate significant economic opportunities for the Islay province and the Arequipa region. Given the current Peruvian economic situation, it is crucial to move ahead on projects that will stimulate a sustainable growth cycle. We expect to begin the construction phase of the project in the near future. We will make it a priority to hire local labor to fill the 9,000 jobs that we expect to generate during Tia Maria’s construction. Additionally, from day one of our operations, we will generate significant contributions to revenues in the Arequipa region.
Potential projects:
We have a number of other projects that we may develop in the future. We continuously evaluate new projects on the basis of our long-term corporate objectives, expected return on investment, environmental concerns, required investment and estimated production, among other considerations. All capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to respond to changes in the economy and market conditions.
El Arco - Baja California: This is a world-class copper deposit located in the central part of the Baja California peninsula with ore reserves of over 1,230 million tonnes with an average ore grade of 0.40% and 141 million tonnes of leach material with an average ore grade of 0.27%. The project includes an open-pit mine with a combined concentrator and SX-EW operations. Annual production is expected to total 190,000 tonnes of copper and 105,000 ounces of gold.
Project update: The Company has completed the environmental baseline study for the mine, concentrator and industrial facilities and will proceed to submit the Environmental Impact Statement (Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental “MIA”)
39
to the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources “SEMARNAT” to request the respective environmental impact permits. The Company is currently preparing studies for the port, power lines, townsites and auxiliary facilities.
Los Chancas - Apurimac: This greenfield project, located in Apurimac, Peru, is a copper and molybdenum porphyry deposit. Current estimates of indicated copper mineral resources are 98 million tonnes of oxides with a copper content of 0.45% and 52 million tonnes of sulfides with a copper content of 0.59%. The Los Chancas project envisions an open-pit mine with a combined operation of concentrator and SX-EW processes to produce 130,000 tonnes of copper and 7,500 tonnes of molybdenum annually. The estimated capital investment is $2,600 million and the project is expected to begin operating in 2030. We continue to engage in social and environmental improvements for the local communities and work on the project´s environmental impact assessment.
Project update: The Company continues to engage in coordinated efforts with the Peruvian authorities to eradicate illegal mining activity. Once this process is completed, we will resume the environmental impact assessment and initiate hydrogeological as well as geotechnical studies. We also will conduct a diamond drilling campaign for 40,000 meters to gather additional information on the characteristics of the Los Chancas deposit.
Michiquillay Project - Cajamarca: In June 2018, Southern Copper signed a contract for the acquisition of the Michiquillay project in Cajamarca, Peru. Michiquillay is a world class mining project with inferred mineral resources of 2,288 million tonnes with an estimated copper grade of 0.43%. When developed, we expect Michiquillay to produce 225,000 tonnes of copper per year (along with by-products of molybdenum, gold and silver) at a competitive cash-cost for an initial mine life of more than 25 years. We estimate an investment of approximately $2.5 billion will be required and expect production start-up by 2032. Michiquillay will become one of Peru´s largest copper mines and will create significant business opportunities in the Cajamarca region; generate new jobs for the local communities; and contribute with taxes and royalties to the local, regional and national governments.
Project update: As of March 31, 2024, we had drilled 80,000 meters and obtained 27,902 core samples for chemical analysis. Diamond drilling is underway, which will provide data for cross-section interpretation, geological modeling and resource evaluation. We expect to begin hydrogeological and geotechnical studies soon, and will also assess the results of metallurgical testing at the deposit.
The Company continues to work with the Michiquillay and La Encañada communities based on the guidelines of corresponding social agreements.
The aforementioned information is based solely on estimates. We cannot make any assurances that we will undertake any of these projects or that the information noted is accurate.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”) PRACTICES
Performance on ESG assessments conducted by rating agencies. For the third consecutive year, we were included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook. This means that thanks to our performance in this agency’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment evaluation, we are ranked among the top 15% of the best-rated companies in sustainability in mining and metals. Regarding the ESG Risk Ratings Report evaluation by Sustainalytics, SCC reduced its risk level by improving its score within the medium risk category from 27.5 in 2023 to 23.4 in 2024.
Climate action. In the first quarter of 2024, we received clean energy certificates from one of our electricity suppliers in Peru. With this, all the electrical energy we consumed in Peru in 2023 came from renewable sources. Measurements indicate that consumption of renewable electrical energy at SCC increased from 23% to 36% in 2023, which means we have already hit our 2027 target to ensure that 25% of our electricity supply is derived from renewable sources. Over the same period, greenhouse gas emissions dropped 7.5% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Climate Governance. Recently, a briefing from Chapter Zero, home of the Climate Governance Initiative, was held for the directors and management of Southern Copper Corporation to inform them about the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, aims to support non-executive directors and chairs in integrating climate action into their business strategy.
40
Exceptional Company. For the second consecutive year, we received the “Exceptional Company” award in Mexico, presented by the Business Coordinating Council, the Communication Council, and the Institute for the Promotion of Quality. On this occasion, the success of our Educational Center model was recognized after outstanding results were reported for mathematics and Spanish and English languages, which are above the national and regional average for the cohort of two thousand students from the four basic level schools sponsored by the Company in Mexico under a voluntary initiative to benefit our employees.
Adding educational quality. We inaugurated the High Performance School (COAR) in Tacna, the Peruvian region where our Toquepala mine operates. This campus houses three hundred outstanding students of the state educational system. Many of these students come from the most vulnerable areas of the region. The COAR facilities will allow them to continue their studies in state-of-the art classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residences and sports areas, thanks to an investment of $26.0 million through the works for taxes modality.
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, as well as quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks, are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We make our best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include: ore reserves, revenue recognition, ore stockpiles on leach pads and related amortization, estimated impairment of assets, asset retirement obligations, determination of discount rates related to the financial lease liabilities, classification of operating leases versus financial leases, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, unrecognized tax benefits and fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
NEW ACCOUNTING DISCLOSURE RULES
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released its final climate disclosure rule in March 2024. It requires that, when material, annual reports and registration statements include disclosures about greenhouse gas emissions under Scope 1 and Scope 2 as well as other climate-related subjects. The requirements for disclosure will begin phasing in for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. As we examine the new rule's impacts, we anticipate updating the climate-related disclosures in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year of adoption when defined.
41
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following highlights key financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
|
| Three Months Ended |
|
| ||||||||||
| | March 31, | | | ||||||||||
Statement of Earnings Data |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | | ||||
Net sales | | $ | 2,599.8 | | $ | 2,793.9 | | $ | (194.1) | | $ | (6.9) | % | |
Operating costs and expenses | |
| (1,410.1) | |
| (1,440.2) | |
| 30.1 | |
| (2.1) | % | |
Operating income | |
| 1,189.7 | |
| 1,353.7 | |
| (164.0) | |
| (12.1) | % | |
Non‑operating income (expense) | |
| (34.2) | |
| (50.9) | |
| 16.7 | |
| (32.8) | % | |
Income before income taxes | |
| 1,155.5 | |
| 1,302.8 | |
| (147.3) | |
| (11.3) | % | |
Income taxes | | | (423.4) | | | (480.5) | | | 57.1 | | | (11.9) | % | |
Equity earnings of affiliate | | | 6.7 | | | (6.4) | | | 13.1 | | | (204.7) | % | |
Net income attributable to non‑controlling interest | |
| (2.8) | |
| (2.7) | |
| (0.1) | |
| 3.7 | % | |
Net income attributable to SCC | | $ | 736.0 | | $ | 813.2 | | $ | (77.2) | | $ | (9.5) | % | |
NET SALES
Net sales in the first quarter of 2024 totaled $2,599.8 million, which represented a slight decrease of 6.9% compared to net sales in the same period of 2023. This decrease was influenced by the drop reported for prices of copper (-5.4% - LME), molybdenum (-38.1%) and zinc (-21.8%) and by a reduction in the sales volumes of silver (-3.4%) and zinc (-3.1%). The aforementioned was partially offset by higher sales volumes for copper (+2.8%) and molybdenum (+8.4%) and by an uptick in prices for silver (+3.6%).
The table below outlines the average published market metals prices for our metals for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | ||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| % Change | | | ||
Copper price ($per pound—LME) | | $ | 3.83 | | $ | 4.05 | | (5.4) | % | |
Copper price ($per pound—COMEX) | | $ | 3.86 | | $ | 4.09 | | (5.6) | % | |
Molybdenum price ($per pound)(1) | | $ | 19.84 | | $ | 32.04 | | (38.1) | % | |
Zinc price ($per pound—LME) | | $ | 1.11 | | $ | 1.42 | | (21.8) | % | |
Silver price ($per ounce—COMEX) | | $ | 23.35 | | $ | 22.53 | | 3.6 | % | |
(1) | Platts Metals Week Dealer Oxide |
The table below provides our metal sales as a percentage of our total net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | Three Months Ended |
| ||
| | March 31, | | ||
Sales as a percentage of total net sales |
| 2024 |
| 2023 | |
Copper |
| 78.6 | % | 76.9 | % |
Molybdenum |
| 10.5 | % | 10.8 | % |
Silver |
| 4.3 | % | 4.1 | % |
Zinc |
| 2.7 | % | 3.3 | % |
Other by‑products |
| 3.9 | % | 4.9 | % |
Total |
| 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
42
The table below provides our copper sales by type of product for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The difference in value between products is the level of processing. At the market price, concentrates take a discount since they require smelting and refining processes, while refined and rod copper receive premiums due to their purity and presentation.
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| ||||||
Copper Sales (million pounds) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | |
Refined (including SX‑EW) | | 267.3 | | 281.1 | | (13.8) | | (4.9) | % | |
Rod | | 91.8 | | 90.2 | | 1.6 | | 1.8 | % | |
Concentrates and other | | 159.4 | | 133.0 | | 26.4 | | 19.8 | % | |
Total | | 518.5 | | 504.3 | | 14.2 | | 2.8 | % | |
The table below provides our copper sales volume by type of product as a percentage of our total copper sales volume for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | Three months ended March 31, | |||
Copper Sales by product type |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
Refined (including SX‑EW) |
| 51.6 | % | 55.7 | % |
Rod |
| 17.7 | % | 17.9 | % |
Concentrates and other |
| 30.7 | % | 26.4 | % |
Total |
| 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
The table below summarizes the production cost structure by major components as a percentage of total production cost:
|
| Three months ended March 31, | | ||
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | |
Power |
| 13.0 | % | 14.6 | % |
Labor |
| 11.8 | % | 11.1 | % |
Fuel |
| 16.0 | % | 15.5 | % |
Maintenance |
| 22.7 | % | 21.1 | % |
Operating material |
| 19.4 | % | 20.6 | % |
Other |
| 17.1 | % | 17.1 | % |
Total |
| 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
43
First quarter: Operating costs and expenses were $1,410.1 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $1,440.2 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease of $30.1 million was primarily due to:
Operating cost and expenses for the first quarter of 2023 |
| $ | 1,440.2 | |
Less: | | | | |
• | Decrease in volume and cost of metals purchased from third parties. | | | (27.8) |
• | Decrease in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), which is mainly attributable to: | (8.8) | ||
| - Inventory variance | (38.1) | | |
| - Workers participation | (12.9) | | |
| - Sales expenses | (8.2) | | |
| - Leachable material | (7.0) | | |
| - Energy costs | (3.4) | | |
| - Natural gas | (1.1) | | |
| - Other net | (4.0) | | |
| - Repairing materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts | 32.6 | | |
| - Fuel | 17.6 | | |
| - Labor costs | 15.6 | | |
Plus: | | | | |
• | Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense. |
|
| 5.3 |
• | Increase in exploration expense. | |
| 0.8 |
• | Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. | | | 0.4 |
Operating cost and expenses for the first quarter of 2024 | | $ | 1,410.1 |
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)
Non-operating income (expense) represented a net expense of $34.2 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to a net expense of $50.9 million in the same period of 2023.
First quarter: The $16.7 million decrease in the expense level was due to:
● | $8.5 million increase in other income, which includes a $19.4 million of insurance compensation net of 10.9 lower miscellaneous income. |
● | $2.2 million decrease in interest expense, net of capitalized interest and |
● | $6.0 million increase in interest income. |
INCOME TAXES
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||
| | March 31, | | ||||
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
Provision for income taxes ($ in millions) | | $ | 423.4 | | $ | 480.5 | |
Effective income tax rate | |
| 36.6 | % |
| 36.9 | % |
In addition to the income taxes of Peru, Mexico and the United States, the provision for income taxes also includes the mining royalties from Peru and Mexico and the Peruvian special mining tax.
44
SEGMENT RESULT ANALYSIS
We have three segments: the Peruvian operations, the Mexican open-pit operations and the Mexican underground mining operations.
The table below presents information regarding the volume of our copper sales by segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| ||||||
Copper Sales (million pounds) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | |
Peruvian operations | | 215.0 |
| 187.8 | | 27.2 |
| 14.5 | % | |
Mexican open‑pit | | 307.1 |
| 315.9 | | (8.8) |
| (2.8) | % | |
Mexican IMMSA unit | | 7.9 |
| 5.3 | | 2.6 |
| 49.1 | % | |
Other and intersegment elimination | | (11.5) |
| (4.7) | | (6.8) |
| 144.7 | % | |
Total copper sales | | 518.5 |
| 504.3 | | 14.2 |
| 2.8 | % | |
The table below presents information regarding the volume of sales by segment of our significant by-products for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| ||||||
By‑product Sales (million pounds, except silver—million ounces) |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | |
Peruvian operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Molybdenum contained in concentrate | | 7.3 | | 5.4 | | 1.9 |
| 35.2 | % |
|
Silver | | 1.4 | | 1.1 | | 0.3 |
| 27.3 | % |
|
Mexican open‑pit operations: | | | | | |
|
|
| |
|
Molybdenum contained in concentrate | | 8.2 | | 8.9 | | (0.7) |
| (7.9) | % |
|
Zinc | | 4.8 | | — | | 4.8 | | — | % | |
Silver | | 2.9 | | 2.9 | | — |
| — | % |
|
IMMSA unit | | | | | |
|
|
| |
|
Zinc‑refined and in concentrate | | 51.7 | | 58.4 | | (6.7) |
| (11.5) | % |
|
Silver | | 1.7 | | 1.9 | | (0.2) |
| (10.5) | % |
|
Other and intersegment elimination | | | | | |
|
|
| |
|
Silver | | (0.9) | | (0.8) | | (0.1) |
| 12.5 | % |
|
Total by‑product sales | | | | | |
|
|
| |
|
Molybdenum contained in concentrate | | 15.5 | | 14.3 | | 1.2 |
| 8.4 | % |
|
Zinc‑refined and in concentrate | | 56.6 | | 58.4 | | (1.8) |
| (3.1) | % |
|
Silver | | 5.1 | | 5.1 | | — |
| (0.0) | % |
|
Peruvian Open-pit Operations:
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | ||||||||||
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | | Variance |
| % Change | | ||||
Net sales | | $ | 1,028.7 | | $ | 1,025.7 | | $ | 3.0 | | | 0.3 | % |
Operating costs and expenses | |
| (571.2) | |
| (576.5) | |
| 5.3 | | | (0.9) | % |
Operating income | | $ | 457.5 | | $ | 449.2 | | $ | 8.3 | | | 1.8 | % |
Net sales in the first quarter of 2024 increased by $3.0 million versus the figure in 2023. This increase was driven by an uptick in sales volumes of copper (+14.5%), molybdenum (+35.2%), and silver (+27.3%), alongside a by higher silver prices (+3.6%). This positive effect was nonetheless offset by lower prices for copper (-5.4% - LME) and molybdenum (-38.1%).
45
Operating costs and expenses were $571.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $576.5 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease of $5.3 million was primarily due to:
| Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2023 |
| $ | 576.5 | |
| Less: | |
| | |
| • | Increase in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), mainly attributable to: | | (14.5) | |
| | - Inventory variance | (11.3) | | |
| | - Sales expenses | (10.3) | | |
| | - Workers Participation | (7.8) | | |
| | - Other net | (0.2) | | |
| | - Repairing materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts | 15.1 | | |
| • | Decrease in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense. | | | (0.2) |
| Plus: | | | | |
| • | Increase in cost of metals purchased from third parties. | | | 7.8 |
| • | Increase in exploration expenses. | | | 1.2 |
| • | Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. | |
| 0.4 |
| Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2024 | | $ | 571.2 |
Mexican Open-pit Operations:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | ||||||||||
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | | Variance | | % Change | | | ||||
Net sales | | $ | 1,466.0 | | $ | 1,626.9 | | $ | (160.9) | | | (9.9) | % | |
Operating costs and expenses | |
| (715.0) | |
| (711.1) | |
| (3.9) | |
| 0.5 | % | |
Operating income | | $ | 751.0 | | $ | 915.8 | | $ | (164.8) | | | (18.0) | % | |
Net sales in the first quarter of 2024 decreased by $160.9 million versus the figure in 2023. This drop was driven by a reduction in the sales volumes of copper (-2.8%) and molybdenum (-7.9%) and by lower prices for copper (-5.4% - LME) and molybdenum (-38.1%). Higher silver prices (+3.6%) and production start-up at the new zinc concentrator slightly offset the aforementioned reduction.
Operating costs and expenses were $715.0 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $711.1 million in the same period of 2023. The increase of $3.9 million was primarily due to:
| Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2023 |
| $ | 711.1 | |
| Plus: | | | | |
| • | Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense. |
|
| 24.2 |
| • | Increase in exploration expense. | |
| 2.3 |
| • | Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. | |
| 1.2 |
| • | Increase in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), which is mainly attributable to: | 0.3 | ||
| | - Repairing materials, principally heavy equipment spare parts | 17.1 | | |
| | - Fuel | 15.3 | | |
| | - Energy costs | (9.9) | | |
| | - Inventory variance | (7.1) | | |
| | - Leachable material | (5.2) | | |
| | - Workers participation | (5.0) | | |
| | - Other net | (4.9) | | |
| Less: | | | | |
| • | Decrease in volume and cost of metals purchased from third parties. | | | (24.1) |
| Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2024 | | $ | 715.0 |
46
Mexican Underground Operations (IMMSA):
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | | ||||||||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | | Variance | | % Change |
| | ||||
Net sales | | $ | 146.4 | | $ | 179.5 | | $ | (33.1) | | | (18.4) | % | |
Operating costs and expenses | |
| (153.2) | |
| (178.1) | |
| 24.9 | |
| (14.0) | % | |
Operating income | | $ | (6.8) | | $ | 1.4 | | $ | (8.2) | | | (585.7) | % | |
Net sales in the first quarter of 2024 decreased by $33.1 million versus the figure in 2023. This decline was primarily fueled by reduced sales volumes of zinc (-11.3%) and silver (-10.5%) and by lower prices for copper (-5.4% - LME) and zinc (-21.8%). Growth in sales volumes of copper (+49.1%) and higher silver prices (+3.6%) slightly offset the aforementioned decline.
Operating costs and expenses were $153.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $178.1 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease of $24.9 million was primarily due to:
Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2023 |
| $ | 178.1 | |
Less: | | | | |
• | Decrease in other cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion), which is mainly attributable to: | (16.7) | ||
| - Inventory variance | (19.7) | | |
| - Exchange rate variance | (5.2) | | |
| - Other net | (0.8) | | |
| - Energy costs | 4.6 | | |
| - Labor costs | 4.4 | | |
• | Decrease in volume and cost of metals purchased from third parties. | | | (9.1) |
• | Decreaser in exploration expense. | |
| (0.4) |
• | Decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses. | |
| (0.4) |
Plus: | | | | |
• | Increase in depreciation, amortization and depletion expense. | |
| 1.7 |
Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2024 | | $ | 153.2 |
Intersegment Eliminations and Adjustments:
The net sales, operating costs and expenses and operating income discussed above will not be directly equal to amounts in our condensed consolidated statement of earnings because the adjustments of intersegment operating revenues and expenses must be taken into account. Please see Note 13 “Segment and Related Information” of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flow:
The following table shows the cash flow for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance | | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 659.7 | | $ | 1,185.2 | | $ | (525.5) | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | $ | 56.2 | | $ | (170.4) | | $ | 226.6 | |
Net cash used in financing activities | | $ | (620.1) | | $ | (774.7) | | $ | 154.6 | |
47
Net cash provided by operating activities:
The change in net cash from operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 include, in millions, the following significant items:
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Variance |
| % Change | | ||||
Net income | | $ | 738.8 | | $ | 815.9 | | $ | (77.1) | | | (9.4) | % |
Depreciation, amortization and depletion | |
| 209.0 | |
| 203.7 | |
| 5.3 | |
| 2.6 | % |
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes | |
| 19.1 | |
| (18.4) | |
| 37.5 | |
| (203.8) | % |
Loss on foreign currency transaction effect | |
| 3.8 | |
| 6.5 | |
| (2.7) | |
| (41.5) | % |
Other adjustments to net income | |
| (0.2) | |
| 13.9 | |
| (14.1) | |
| (101.4) | % |
Operating assets and liabilities | |
| (310.8) | |
| 163.6 | |
| (474.4) | |
| (290.0) | % |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 659.7 | | $ | 1,185.2 | | $ | (525.5) | | | (44.3) | % |
Three months ended March 31, 2024: Net income was $738.8 million, which represented approximately 111.9% of the net operating cash flow. The cash flow from operating assets and liabilities decreased by $310.8 million due to the following:
● | $301.6 million increase in other operating assets and liabilities, net. |
● | $8.2 million net increase in inventory |
● | $1.0 million decrease in net, accounts payable and receivable at our Peruvian and Mexican operations |
Three months ended March 31, 2023: Net income was $815.9 million, which represented approximately 69% of the net operating cash flow. The operating cash flow increased by $163.6 million due to the following variances in operating assets and liabilities:
● | $131.5 million decrease in trade accounts receivable, primarily driven by a negative impact of the accounting adjustment for a price variation on sales made and not yet collected, which was primarily associated with our molybdenum sales. |
● | $29.6 million net decrease in inventory; principally at our Mexican operations. |
● | $12.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, net. |
● | $(10.2) million increase in other operating assets and liabilities, net. |
Net cash used in investing activities:
Three months ended March 31, 2024: Net cash used in investing activities included $213.8 million for capital investments. Capital investments included:
● | $143.3 million of investments at our Mexican operations: |
● | $31.8 million for the IMMSA unit, |
● | $31.6 million for the tailing deposits of new concentrator, |
● | $13.2 million for Buenavista Zinc project, |
● | $8.3 million for Bella Union mine, |
● | $45.6 million for various replacement and maintenance expenditures, and |
● | $12.8 million in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid. |
● | $70.5 million of investments at our Peruvian operations: |
● | $5.3 HPGR optimization at Cuajone, |
● | $2.9 million for the maintenance workshops at Cuajone, |
● | $1.0 million for the relocation of the leaching crusher at Toquepala, |
● | $0.8 million for the Maintenance workshops at Toquepala concentrator, |
● | $0.2 Quebrada Honda filter plant, |
● | $56.5 million for various other replacement and maintenance expenditures, and |
● | $3.8 million in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid. |
Investment activities in the first three months of 2024 included $270.0 million of net proceeds of short-term investments.
48
Three months ended March 31, 2023: Net cash used in investing activities included $238.1 million for capital investments. The capital investments included:
● | $148.3 million of investments at our Mexican operations: |
● | $19.4 million for the Buenavista-Zinc project, |
● | $2.3 million for the Pilares project, |
● | $14.1 million for the MexArco unit, |
● | $28.8 million at our IMMSA unit, |
● | $13.7 million for the tailing deposits of new concentrator |
● | $11.4 million for Bella Union mine, |
● | $55.9 million for various replacement and maintenance capital expenditures, and |
● | $2.7 million increase in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid. |
● | $89.8 million of investments at our Peruvian operations: |
● | $18.5 million for the HPGR optimization at Cuajone, |
● | $5.5 million for the Quebrada Honda dam expansion, |
● | $2.6 million for the Quebrada Honda filter plant, |
● | $0.9 million for the relocation of facilities at Toquepala, |
● | $0.1 million for projects at the Ilo facilities, |
● | $51.9 million for various other replacement and maintenance capital expenditures, and |
● | $10.3 million decrease in capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid. |
Investment activities in the first three months of 2023 included $67.7 million of net proceeds from short-term investments.
Dividends:
On April 18, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly stock dividend of 0.0104 shares of common stock per share of common stock, payable on May 23, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 8, 2024.
In lieu of fractional shares, cash will be distributed to each shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share, based on a share price of $115.13, which is the average of the high and low share price on April 18, 2024
Shareholders will not be required to take any action to receive the stock dividend. After the payment date, shareholders' book entry accounts will be credited with the additional shares that represent the stock dividend. When shares are held in a brokerage account in the name of a broker, the additional shares will be distributed to the broker on the shareholder's behalf. The stock dividend is administered by Computershare, the Company's transfer agent.
Capital Investment and Exploration Programs:
A discussion of our capital investment programs is an important part of understanding our liquidity and capital resources. We expect to meet the cash requirements for these capital investments from cash on hand, internally generated funds and from additional external financing if required. For information regarding our capital investment programs, please see the discussion under the caption “Capital Investment Programs” under this Item 2.
Contractual Obligations:
There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations in the first quarter of 2024. Please see item 7 in Part II of our 2023 annual report on Form 10-K.
49
NON-GAAP INFORMATION RECONCILIATION
Operating cash cost: Following is a reconciliation of “Operating Cash Cost” (see page 37) to cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) as reported in our consolidated statement of earnings, in millions of dollars and dollars per pound of copper in the table below:
|
| Three Months Ended |
| Three Months Ended | | ||||||||
| | March 31, 2024 | | March 31, 2023 | | ||||||||
|
| | |
| $ per |
| | |
| $ per | | ||
| | $ millions | | pound | | $ millions | | pound | | ||||
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) | | $ | 1,157.6 | | $ | 2.27 | | $ | 1,194.2 | | $ | 2.53 | |
Add: | |
|
| |
| | |
|
| |
| | |
Selling, general and administrative | |
| 30.8 | |
| 0.06 | |
| 30.4 | |
| 0.06 | |
Sales premiums, net of treatment and refining charges | |
| (4.9) | |
| (0.01) | |
| (7.4) | |
| (0.02) | |
Less: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Workers’ participation | |
| (59.9) | |
| (0.12) | |
| (72.8) | |
| (0.15) | |
Cost of metals purchased from third parties | |
| (34.5) | |
| (0.07) | |
| (62.3) | |
| (0.13) | |
Royalty charge and other, net | |
| (6.0) | |
| (0.01) | |
| (45.3) | |
| (0.10) | |
Inventory change | |
| (4.1) | |
| (0.01) | |
| (49.1) | |
| (0.10) | |
Operating Cash Cost before by‑product revenues | | $ | 1,079.0 | | $ | 2.11 | | $ | 987.7 | | $ | 2.09 | |
Add: | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
By‑product revenues(1) | |
| (520.4) | | | (1.02) | |
| (620.6) | | | (1.31) | |
Net revenue on sale of metal purchased from third parties | |
| (11.8) | | | (0.02) | |
| (10.0) | | | (0.02) | |
Add: | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total by‑product revenues | |
| (532.2) | |
| (1.04) | |
| (630.6) | |
| (1.33) | |
Operating Cash Cost net of by‑product revenues | | $ | 546.8 | | $ | 1.07 | | $ | 357.1 | | $ | 0.76 | |
(1) | By-product revenues included in our presentation of operating cash cost contain the following: |
|
| Three Months Ended |
| Three Months Ended | | ||||||||
| | | March 31, 2024 | | | March 31, 2023 | | ||||||
|
| | |
| $ per |
| | |
| $ per | | ||
| | $ millions | | pound | | $ millions | | pound | | ||||
Molybdenum | | $ | (273.5) | | $ | (0.54) | | $ | (301.7) | | $ | (0.64) | |
Silver | |
| (102.1) | |
| (0.20) | |
| (112.2) | |
| (0.24) | |
Zinc | |
| (45.7) | |
| (0.09) | |
| (70.4) | |
| (0.15) | |
Sulfuric Acid | |
| (69.3) | |
| (0.14) | |
| (89.5) | |
| (0.19) | |
Gold and others | |
| (29.8) | |
| (0.06) | |
| (46.8) | |
| (0.09) | |
Total | | $ | (520.4) | | $ | (1.02) | | $ | (620.6) | | $ | (1.31) | |
50
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Commodity price risk:
For additional information on metal price sensitivity, refer to “Metal Prices” in Part I, Item 2 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk:
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian soles and Mexican pesos. Given that our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation or deflation in our Mexican or Peruvian operations is not offset by a change in the exchange rate of the sol or the peso to the dollar, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be affected by local cost conversion when expressed in U.S. dollars. In addition, the dollar value of our net monetary assets denominated in soles or pesos can be affected by an exchange rate variance of the sol or the peso, resulting in a re-measurement gain or loss in our financial statements. Recent inflation and exchange rate variances are provided in the table below for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
| | March 31, | | ||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
|
Peru: |
|
|
|
|
|
Peruvian inflation rate |
| 1.6 | % | 1.8 | % |
Initial exchange rate |
| 3.713 |
| 3.820 |
|
Closing exchange rate |
| 3.721 |
| 3.765 |
|
Appreciation/(devaluation) |
| (0.2) | % | 1.4 | % |
Mexico: |
|
|
|
|
|
Mexican inflation rate |
| 1.4 | % | 1.5 | % |
Initial exchange rate |
| 16.894 |
| 19.362 |
|
Closing exchange rate |
| 16.678 |
| 18.105 |
|
Appreciation/(devaluation) |
| 1.3 | % | 6.5 | % |
Change in monetary position:
Assuming an exchange rate variance of 10% at March 31, 2024, we estimate our net monetary position in Peruvian sol and Mexican peso would increase (decrease) our net earnings as follows:
|
| Effect in net | |
|
| earnings | |
|
| ($ in millions) | |
Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol | | $ | 16.4 |
Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Peruvian sol | | $ | (20.0) |
Appreciation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso | | $ | (32.0) |
Devaluation of 10% in U.S. dollar vs. Mexican peso | | $ | 26.2 |
Open sales risk:
Our provisional copper and molybdenum sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separate from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of copper and molybdenum concentrates at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale. The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is marked to market through earnings each period prior to settlement. See Note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about these provisional sales.
Short-term Investments:
For additional information on our trading securities and available-for-sale investments, refer to “Short-term Investments” in Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024.
51
Derivative Instruments:
From time to time, we use derivative instruments to manage our cash flows exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not enter into derivative contracts unless we anticipate that the possibility exists that future activity will expose our future cash flows to deterioration. Derivative contracts for commodities are entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of the commodities that we use in our manufacturing process.
Cash Flow Hedges of Natural Gas
Our objective in using natural gas derivatives is to protect the stability of natural gas costs and manage exposure to natural gas price increases. To protect natural gas costs from estimated price increases in 2021, we acquired two derivative instruments that began in November 2021 and ended in March 2022.
We assessed these derivative instruments as Cash Flow Hedges. As such, the effective portions of said hedges were initially reported in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and were reclassified as earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affected earnings. The Company did not identify any ineffective portions of these derivatives.
As of March 31, 2024, we held no derivative instruments.
Cautionary Statement:
Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures as well as projected demand or supply for the Company’s products. Actual results could differ materially depending upon factors including the risks and uncertainties relating to general U.S. and international economic and political conditions, the cyclical and volatile prices of copper, other commodities and supplies, including fuel and electricity, availability of materials, insurance coverage, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, water and geological problems, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, failure to obtain financial assurance to meet closure and remediation obligations, labor relations, litigation and environmental risks as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations. Results of operations are directly affected by metal prices on commodity exchanges that can be volatile.
52
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of March 31, 2024, the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s disclosure committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2024, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is:
1. | Recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and |
2. | Accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. |
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
53
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Southern Copper Corporation:
Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern Copper Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2024, the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 29, 2024, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
/s/ Paulina Ramos Ramirez | |
C.P.C. Paulina Ramos Ramirez | |
Mexico City, Mexico | |
April 30, 2024 | |
54
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings:
The information provided in Note 9 “Commitments and Contingencies” to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I of this Form 10-Q, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors:
The Company's operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024. The following supplements and updates the risk factor previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Mexican economic and political conditions, as well as drug related violence, may have an adverse impact on our business
On April 29 2023, Mexican Senate approved a fast-track bill that would impact the mining industry. The main aspects that will be affected by the legislation are changes in mining concession period from 50 to 30 years; new restrictions and conditions on water use; provide of guarantees for closure and remediation of operations, sets 5% contribution of net earnings to indigenous communities for new projects and finally significant changes to exploration activities.
In the future, the aforementioned changes could trigger amendments, additions and repeals to provisions of a number of laws, including the Mining Law, the National Water Law, the General Law for Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the General Law for the Prevention and Management of Mine Waste.
Although the Company believes that there would be no material impact on the Company's operations or financial condition, we cannot assure you that future developments in these laws will not affect our current business as well as our organic growth portfolio.
Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds:
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures:
Not applicable.
55
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibit | |
---|---|---|---|
| | | |
3.1 | | ||
| | | |
3.2 | | ||
| | | |
4.1 | | ||
| | | |
4.2 | | ||
| | | |
4.3 | | ||
| | | |
4.4 | | ||
| | | |
4.5 | | ||
| | | |
4.6 | | ||
| | | |
4.7 | | ||
| | | |
4.8 | | ||
| | | |
4.9 | | ||
| | | |
4.10 | | ||
| | |
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Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibit | |
---|---|---|---|
4.11 | | ||
| | | |
4.12 | | ||
| | | |
4.13 | | ||
| | | |
10.1 | | ||
| | | |
10.2 | | ||
| | | |
10.3 | | ||
| | | |
14.0 | | ||
| | | |
15.0 | | | |
23.2 | | | |
23.3 | | | |
23.4 | | | |
23.5 | | | |
23.6 | | | |
23.7 | | | |
23.8 | | |
57
Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibit | |
---|---|---|---|
23.9 | | | |
23.10 | | | |
23.11 | | | |
23.12 | | | |
23.13 | | | |
23.14 | | | |
31.1 | | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). | |
| | | |
31.2 | | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). | |
| | | |
32.1 | | ||
| | | |
32.2 | | | |
96.1 | | | |
96.2 | | | |
96.3 | | | |
96.4 | | | |
96.5 | | | |
96.6 | | | |
96.7 | | |
58
Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibit | |
---|---|---|---|
96.8 | | | |
96.9 | | | |
96.10 | | | |
96.11 | | | |
96.12 | | | |
96.13 | | ||
| | | |
101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document (submitted electronically with this report). The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |
| | | |
101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (submitted electronically with this report). | |
| | | |
101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report). | |
| | | |
101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report). | |
| | | |
101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report). | |
| | | |
101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (submitted electronically with this report). | |
| | | |
104 | | Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”)). |
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
59
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION |
| (Registrant) |
| |
| |
| /s/ Oscar Gonzalez Rocha |
| Oscar Gonzalez Rocha |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
April 30, 2024 | |
| |
| |
| /s/ Raul Jacob |
| Raul Jacob |
| Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
| |
April 30, 2024 | |
60