More than 20 percent of the world’s global mined copper now comes from mines that adhere to responsible, sustainable mining practices outlined by the Copper Mark, the assurance framework to promote responsible practices and demonstrate the copper industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Copper Mark announced that reported the Copper Mark designation has been awarded to two more sites from Antofagasta and Southern Peaks Mining. With these additions, over 20 percent of the world’s global mined copper production now comes from Copper Mark-awarded sites. In addition, a further three participating sites – including two from Capstone Copper and one from Aurubis – have joined the framework, bringing the total number of participating sites to 42.

The newest recipients of the Copper Mark include Antofagasta’s Antucoya Mine and Southern Peaks Mining’s Compañía Minera Condestable S.A. site. Through these successful participants, the Copper Mark has achieved a crucial milestone of awarding 30 sites with the Copper Mark standard.

The Copper Mark also welcomed Aurubis’ Olen NV site, as well as Capstone Copper’s Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde operations. These now begin the process of assessment based on the Copper Mark’s Assurance Process. Through these additions, the Copper Mark has reached the milestone of over 40 participating sites which reflects the growing momentum behind the Copper Mark and the increasing commitment of copper producers to adopting responsible practices.

“We are encouraged by the increasing participation in the Copper Mark. Sites that have been assured against our criteria for responsible production now cover over 20 percent of global mined copper production,” said Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark. “With new commitments from Capstone Copper and Aurubis we have more than 40 participants in the Copper Mark framework today.

“The new commitments from Aurubis and Capstone Copper are also indicative of a wider trend we are seeing from copper producers and customers who are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing more responsible production practices. We expect this trend to continue to grow as part of the shift toward creating a greener economy.”

“As the world’s most sustainable and efficient smelter network, we are delighted that our Hamburg and Lünen sites have also successfully passed the comprehensive auditing process and that our Belgian site in Olen has officially committed itself to the Copper Mark too and plans to complete the certification process within one year,” said Roland Harings, CEO Aurubis AG, said. “The quality seal is a confirmation of our strategy to continuously expand our position as an industry leader in sustainability, and to meet our objective of creating value from raw materials responsibly in everything we do.”

“I am proud to share that our Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde operations in Chile have joined the Copper Mark, reaffirming our commitment to continually pursue best practices based on international standards for responsible mining,” said Roland Harings, CEO Aurubis AG. “Copper is essential to a low-carbon future, and so it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we supply this critical natural resource in as sustainable a manner as possible.”