Anglo American's Peruvian and Chilean Copper Mines Earn The Copper Mark Certification for Responsible Production

Quellaveco Achieves First Copper Mark Certification, Marking a Major Milestone for Anglo American's Peruvian Asset

The Quellaveco copper mine in Peru has earned The Copper Mark certification for the first time, signifying a strong endorsement of its responsible production methods. The mine underwent an independent evaluation against Copper Mark standards, with Tony Power, Anglo American's CEO in Peru, calling Quellaveco "a blueprint for responsible mining." The site also secured The Molybdenum Mark certification, acknowledging molybdenum as a by-product of its copper extraction processes.

This certification arrives amid rising global copper demand driven by the energy transition and expanding needs of developing economies. Anglo American highlights that Quellaveco’s responsible producer status offers important differentiation in the marketplace. Operated as part of Anglo American’s extensive copper portfolio, Quellaveco plays a vital role in decarbonizing the global economy. Independent verification of responsible production practices meets growing stakeholder demands for transparency on environmental and social performance, reinforcing investor confidence in the mine’s sustainability credentials.

Chilean Copper Operations Reaffirm Copper Mark Certifications at Los Bronces, El Soldado, and Chagres

Anglo American’s three managed copper operations in Chile—Los Bronces, El Soldado, and the Chagres smelter—have had their Copper Mark certifications reaffirmed following independent reassessments. These sites initially received Copper Mark recognition in 2022. The reaffirmations confirm ongoing compliance with international responsible production standards. Los Bronces, which also produces molybdenum as a by-product, had The Molybdenum Mark certification reaffirmed, reflecting the integrated nature of Anglo American’s Chilean copper operations.

Tzveta Tchorbadjieva, Interim CEO of Anglo American in Chile, stated that the reaffirmation "reflects the sustained work of our teams to operate in accordance with the highest international standards, integrating sustainability into our decision-making." The Chilean portfolio forms a significant part of the company’s global copper production. The Copper Mark reaffirmation validates continuous improvements and confirms these operations meet rigorous independent criteria, strengthening trust among communities, regulators, and investors. This consistent certification across multiple sites highlights Anglo American’s systematic approach to responsible production governance.

Chain of Custody Certification Enhances Supply Chain Transparency Across All Four Sites

All four operations—Quellaveco, Los Bronces, El Soldado, and Chagres—have obtained their first Copper Mark Chain of Custody certification, which specifically addresses supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing. This certification demonstrates Anglo American’s commitment to ethical sourcing practices and traceability, aligning with industry trends toward verifying mineral provenance and ethical supply chains. Chain of Custody certification offers downstream users and end customers independent assurance that copper is produced and transported under controlled, verified conditions meeting responsible production standards.

The simultaneous achievement of Chain of Custody certification across all four sites signals coordinated implementation of traceability systems and governance frameworks within Anglo American’s copper operations. Given the company’s strategic position in the copper sector, where customers increasingly demand independently verified responsible production, these credentials are crucial. The certification is important for "customers, end-users and other stakeholders," and is expected to provide commercial advantages in markets valuing responsible sourcing or sustainability-focused procurement programs.

Assessment Covered 33 Performance Areas Across Environmental, Social, and Governance Criteria

The Copper Mark assessment evaluated all four sites against 33 performance areas, providing a comprehensive framework for responsible production evaluation. These criteria included environmental risk management, energy consumption, waste and tailings management, mine closure and reclamation, occupational health and safety, business integrity, community and stakeholder engagement, human rights, and cultural heritage. This broad assessment reflects the complex nature of responsible mining standards and aligns with global best practices increasingly adopted in the extractive sector.

The on-site assurance process began in October 2025, involving extensive independent third-party verification and inspections. Environmental aspects such as tailings management and mine closure planning address current regulatory and stakeholder concerns about lifecycle risk management. Inclusion of human rights, cultural heritage, and community engagement criteria shows that The Copper Mark framework covers operational efficiency and social license to operate—critical in Peru and Chile where indigenous rights and community relations face significant scrutiny. This thorough assessment offers investors externally verified confirmation of management practices across multiple operational domains.

The Copper Mark Framework Integrates Anglo American into Independent Assurance Ecosystem for Responsible Metals Production

The Copper Mark is described as "the leading assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains." The organization collaborates with companies throughout these metals’ supply chains to meet growing demands for independently verified responsible practices. Anglo American’s engagement with The Copper Mark reflects a broader industry shift toward standardized, third-party verified sustainability credentials.

Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of The Copper Mark, welcomed Quellaveco’s certification, noting it represents "Anglo American’s fourth awarded site," alongside the three Chilean operations. This highlights Anglo American’s commitment to independent assurance rather than relying solely on internal sustainability frameworks. For investors, participation in third-party verification provides external validation of operational standards. The Copper Mark framework helps demonstrate how companies across these metals’ value chains can "contribute positively to sustainable development," aligning certification with global development goals.

Copper’s Role in Energy Transition Drives Demand for Responsibly Produced Supplies

The announcement emphasizes copper as "a key metal for the energy transition and maturing economies globally," underpinning demand for Anglo American’s primary copper operations. Tony Power noted responsible copper production is important "for customers, end-users and other stakeholders," as end markets increasingly focus on sustainability credentials. With expanding renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and grid modernization worldwide, copper demand grows across these sectors, creating opportunities for producers with verified responsible production.

Anglo American positions its portfolio of copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients as "future-enabling products essential for decarbonizing the global economy." The Copper Mark certification confirms these operations produce copper under independently verified responsible practices, potentially enabling access to premium market segments or supply chains with sustainability requirements. Investors may monitor whether certification translates into commercial benefits through supply agreements valuing responsible sourcing or participation in sustainability-linked procurement programs in renewable energy and electrification sectors.

Portfolio Transformation Elevates Copper as Core Strategic Focus Amid Divestitures

The announcement notes Anglo American is "implementing major structural changes to unlock value and accelerate strategic priorities." Sales of steelmaking coal and nickel businesses are progressing, and separation of its diamond business, De Beers, continues. Upon completion, Anglo American will focus on a "world-class resource asset base in copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients," elevating the strategic importance of copper operations like Quellaveco and the Chilean assets now Copper Mark certified.

As the company reshapes its portfolio, copper operations become central to strategy and capital allocation. Certification of major copper assets independently validates operational quality and responsible production credentials at a time of renewed focus on core businesses. Investors may view the Copper Mark certifications as confirmation that targeted copper operations meet governance and quality standards appropriate for core assets in a streamlined, copper-centric minerals company. The timing of certifications following portfolio restructuring suggests management prioritizes third-party validation of responsible practices for its primary business focus post-divestitures.

Independent Certification Aligns Regulatory and Community Stakeholders in Peru and Chile

The certification process addresses stakeholder expectations in Peru and Chile, where mining operations face significant regulatory scrutiny and community engagement demands. The announcement highlights these certifications demonstrate Anglo American’s "commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain traceability" and reflect "the sustained work of our teams to operate in accordance with the highest international standards." Effective community relations and environmental governance are essential in both countries to maintain social license and regulatory approvals for ongoing operations.

Tzveta Tchorbadjieva emphasized that the reaffirmed certifications "strengthen trust with communities, regulators and investors," identifying these key stakeholder groups whose confidence is enhanced by third-party verification. In Peru, Quellaveco operates amid considerable public and political scrutiny, making independent certification of environmental and social performance critical to its long-term license and community relations. Similarly, Chilean operations face regulatory focus on environmental management, water use, and indigenous rights. The Copper Mark certifications independently verify these operations address stakeholder concerns through documented practices evaluated against external standards, potentially reducing regulatory and reputational risks.

Chain of Custody Certification Supports Supply Chain Benefits and Market Access

Chain of Custody certification across all four operations introduces traceability and responsible sourcing credentials that may unlock commercial advantages in specific customer segments and markets. All four sites "achieved their first Copper Mark Chain of Custody award, demonstrating their commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain traceability." This certification verifies copper production and handling under controlled conditions meeting responsible production standards throughout the value chain, providing customers and end-users with externally verified sourcing integrity.

For downstream customers—including manufacturers of renewable energy equipment, electric vehicle components, and electrical infrastructure—Chain of Custody certification may facilitate participation in sustainability-linked procurement programs or supply agreements with environmental and social performance criteria. Some major institutional customers require verified responsible sourcing credentials, and certification via independent frameworks like The Copper Mark may offer competitive advantages for contracts. While the company did not disclose specific commercial impacts or customer feedback, investors may watch for marketing and communications emphasizing these credentials to support premium pricing, customer retention, or market access in geographies or segments valuing responsible sourcing.