SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ - Quarter Report: 2003 June (Form 10-Q)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

2003
Second Quarter

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarter Ended June 30, 2003

Commission file number 1-14066

SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        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.

Yes            ý        No            o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Act of 1934).

Yes            ý        No            o

        As of July 31, 2003, there were outstanding 14,111,187 shares of Southern Peru Copper Corporation common stock, par value $0.01 per share. There were also outstanding 65,900,833 shares of Southern Peru Copper Corporation Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Southern Peru Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

2

Southern Peru Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Southern Peru Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Southern Peru Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Southern Peru Copper Corporation
and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

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8

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10

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Part I

Item 2 and 3

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The Company reported net earnings of $21.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of 27 cents, for the second quarter of 2003 compared with $26.8 million, or diluted earnings per share of 34 cents, for the second quarter of 2002. For the first half of 2003, net earnings were $40.0 million, or diluted earnings per share of 50 cents after the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, which reduced earnings per share by 2 cents, compared to $31.4 million, or diluted earnings per share of 39 cents for the first half of 2002. Sales of products were $168.4 million in the second quarter of 2003 compared with $193.4 million in the second quarter of 2002. Sales of products for the first half of 2003 totaled $343.2 million compared with $329.6 million for the same period of the previous year. Southern Peru's 2003 second quarter production was significantly higher than the second quarter of 2002. This, however, is not directly reflected in the earnings comparison of the two periods. Sales of copper products were 38.4 million pounds lower in the 2003 quarter, accounting for much of the $25 million decrease in net sales. The Company's operating costs were $20.5 million lower in the 2003 period as a result of volume reductions and the decrease in sales of third-party concentrates. Additionally, the 2002 second quarter includes sales of approximately 22.7 million pounds of copper, held over from the prior quarter because of shipping delays.

        For the first six months of 2003, earnings were $8.6 million higher than in the comparable 2002 period. While metal prices for copper and silver were slightly higher in the 2003 period, the price of molybdenum was 30 percent higher in 2003, sales volumes, however, were lower in the 2003 period, reducing some of the price gain. In addition, the 2002 six month period was reduced by an after tax charge of $8.5 million related to the early payment of debt and the 2003 six month results were reduced by the adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 143 (SFAS No. 143) and the Company's acceptance of elements of a Peruvian tax assessment. The adoption of SFAS No.143 and the acceptance of the Peruvian tax assessment resulted in reductions to the six months 2003 net earnings of $1.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

        The average price for copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in the second quarter of 2003 was 74 cents per pound compared with 73 cents per pound in the year earlier period. The average price for copper on the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) in the second quarter of 2003 was 75 cents per pound, compared with 74 cents per pound in the second quarter of 2002. The average price for molybdenum, one of the Company's principal by-products, was higher in the second quarter of 2003 at $5.21 per pound, compared with $4.35 for the same period of 2002. The price of silver, another principal by-product was lower at $4.59 per ounce on the COMEX in the second quarter of 2003, compared with $4.73 per ounce in the second quarter a year ago.

        Mine copper production increased 17% to 204.0 million pounds in the second quarter of 2003 compared with the second quarter of last year. This increase of 30.3 million pounds included 17.1 million pounds from the Toquepala mine, 16.0 million pounds from the Cuajone mine and an decrease of 2.8 million pounds in solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) production. The Toquepala mine increase in production was due to the higher concentrator capacity. The Toquepala mill processed 30% more ore in the 2003 period. The Cuajone mine increase in production was due to higher ore grades and improved copper recovery at concentrator in the 2003 period. The main reason for the 2.8 million pounds decrease in SX/EW production was lower PLS grade.

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        Tailings studies are under development to place the thickened tailings up-stream from Quebrada Honda in an area called "Pampa Purgatorio", these studies are expected to be finished in September 2003; after which SPCC will choose the best alternative for the placement of tailings.

        In June 2003 the Company hired an independent consulting firm to review and evaluate the six proposals received for the smelter modernization. The firm has already presented their report and SPCC has awarded the contract for the project to Flour-Xstrata.

        The selected proposal meets with SPCC's requirements, which are the use of proven technology (the ISASMELT from Australia), that will not only provide good economic returns but also comply with the current environmental regulations. It is estimated that the construction of the project will take no more than 36 months and it will be completed before January 2007, the original deadline established in the PAMA.

        The cost of the project was previously estimated to exceed $600 million, but has not been finalized pending the completion of the basic engineering by Flour-Xstrata. The approximate value of this project is estimated to be $306 million.

        On June 27, 2003, the Company awarded a contract to Bechtel International for the design and construction of an improved leaching system at Toquepala open pit mine. The new system will replace the use of trucks to haul material, thus, compensating for a forecast decline in mineral grades by lowering costs. The project has an estimated cost of $70 million and is expected to take 24 months to complete.

        Inflation and Devaluation of Peruvian Nuevo Sol:    The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. A portion of the Company's operating costs is denominated in Peruvian new soles. Since the revenues of the Company are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation in Peru is not offset by a corresponding devaluation of the Peruvian new sol, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be adversely affected. The value of the net assets of the Company denominated in new soles can be affected by devaluation of the new sol.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2003, the inflation and devaluation rates were 1.26% and (1.22)% respectively, and for the six months periods ended June 30, 2002 the inflation and devaluation rates were 0.62% and 1.89%, respectively.

        Net Sales:    Net sales in the second quarter of 2003 decreased $25.0 million to $168.4 million from the comparable period in 2002. Net sales for the first six months of 2003 totaled $343.2 million, compared with $329.6 million for the same period of 2002. The decrease in net sales in the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 was principally due to lower copper sales volume. The 2003 second quarter sales volume was lower by 38.4 million pounds, when compared to the second quarter of 2002. The 2002 second quarter included sales of 22.7 million pounds of copper held over from the prior quarter because of shipping delays. In the first half of 2003 the increase in sales is due to higher molybdenum and copper prices reduced somewhat by lower sales volume.

        At June 30, 2003, the Company has recorded sales of 3.2 million pounds of molybdenum, at an average provisional price of $5.37 per pound. These sales are subject to final pricing based on the average monthly Dealer Oxide molybdenum prices in the month of settlement, which will occur in the third quarter of 2003.

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        Prices:    Sales prices for the Company's metals are established principally by reference to prices quoted on the LME, the COMEX or Published in Platt's Metals Week for dealer oxide mean prices for molybdenum products.

(1)

The Company's molybdenum production is sold in concentrate form. Volume represents pounds of molybdenum contained in concentrates.

        Metal Price Sensitivity:    There is market risk arising from the volatility of copper prices. Assuming that expected metal production and sales are achieved, that tax rates are unchanged, that the number of shares outstanding is unchanged, giving no effects to hedging programs or changes in past production, metal price sensitivity factors would indicate the following estimated change in earnings per share resulting from metal price changes in 2003. Estimates are based on 80.0 million shares outstanding.

        Operating Costs and Expenses:    Operating costs and expenses were $130.5 million in the second quarter of 2003 compared with $150.9 million in the second quarter of 2002. In the six months ended June 30, operating costs and expenses were $270.6 million in 2003, compared with $265.8 million in the comparable 2002 period.

        Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2003 was $102.7 million compared with $124.7 million in the comparable 2002 period. In the six months ended June 30, 2003 cost of sales was $217.3 million, compared with $214.9 million in the comparable 2002 period. The decrease in the second quarter was the result of lower copper sales volume and substitution of third-party copper concentrates with SPCC production, due to the Toquepala concentrator capacity increase, completed in the second half of 2002. The increase of $2.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2003, compared with the same period of prior year is mainly due to a $3.3 million increase in the cost of energy.

        Administrative and other expenses were $7.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2003 and $7.9 million in the comparable 2002 period. In the six months ended June 30, 2003, administrative and other expenses were $13.7 million compared with $15.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2002. The decrease in administrative and other expense in the second quarter of 2003 as compared to the 2002 second quarter was principally due to a reduction of $0.8 million in labor costs. The six month decrease is also attributable to lower labor costs. A reduction in force program in 2002 generated these savings.

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        Depreciation, amortization and depletion expense for the three months ended June 30, 2003 was $18.5 million compared with $16.3 million in the comparable 2002 period. In the six months ended June 30, 2003 depreciation, amortization and depletion expense was $36.4 million, compared with $32.5 million in the comparable 2002 period. The increase in 2003 is principally due to new capitalization of fixed assets.

        Non-Operating Items:    Interest income was $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2003, compared with $0.7 million in the comparable 2002 period. In the six months ended June 30, 2003 interest income was $1.5 million compared with $1.4 million for the same period of 2002. The increase reflects higher amounts of excess cash invested in 2003.

        Interest expense was $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2003 and 2002. In the six months ended June 30, 2003, interest expense was $6.2 million compared with $8.3 million in the first six months of 2002. The decrease is due to lower interest rates in the 2003 period. In addition, the 2002 period includes a $1.0 million write-off of a deferred loan commission related to a loan prepaid in 2002.

        Other income (expense) was $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2003, compared with $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2002. For the six month period ended June 30, 2003 other income (expense) was $0.9 million compared with $(10.2) million in the 2002 six month period. Included in the 2002 period is a charge of $11.4 million for a penalty paid by the Company on the prepayment of the $150 million Secured Export Note.

        Taxes on Income:    Taxes on income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $26.9 million, compared with $14.8 million for the same period of 2002. The increase was principally due to higher earnings in 2003 and a charge of $4.7 million for a Peruvian income tax assessment in the first six months of 2003.

Cash Flows:

        Second Quarter:    Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.2 million in the second quarter of 2003, compared with $30.7 million in the comparable 2002 period. The principal reasons for the increase in cash flow, include higher cash generated by operating assets and liabilities of $8.4 million and a reduction of $4.6 million in capitalized stripping.

        Net cash used in investing activities was $6.8 million in the second quarter of 2003 for capital expenditures. In the second quarter of 2002 cash used for investing activities was $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $22.8 million and a source of cash of $16.6 million from the sale of marketable securities. The Company anticipates that capital expenditures will be higher in the second half of 2003 as major projects move forward.

        Net cash provided from financing activities in the second quarter of 2003 was $40.8 million, compared with a use of $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2002. The second quarter of 2003 includes a dividend distribution of $9.1 million, while the second quarter of 2002 includes a dividend distribution of $1.5 million. In the second quarter of 2003 the Company sold $50.0 million of its Peruvian bonds.

        Six Months:    Net cash provided by operating activities was $63.3 million in the first six months of 2003, an increase of $12.5 million over the comparable 2002 period. The increase was caused by higher earnings before the accounting change of $10.1 million and increases in non-cash charges to earnings of $3.9 million related to depreciation and $6.2 million for deferred taxes. In addition, the amount of mine cost capitalized in the 2003 period decreased by $9.1 million, as waste stripping declined from the prior year period. These positive increases in cash flow were reduced by the decline in the contribution from operating assets and liabilities in the 2003 six month period.

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        Cash used in investing activities was $16.0 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2003, attributable to capital expenditures. In the six months period ended June 30, 2002, cash used in investing activities was $50.3 million due to capital expenditures.

        Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $33.2 million, compared to a use of $94.7 million in the comparable 2002 period. The six months ended June 30, 2003, includes proceeds of $50.0 million from bonds issued, and a dividend distribution of $16.5 million. The six months ended June 30, 2002, includes proceeds of $25.9 million from bond issues and a repayment of $122.9 million of debt. In addition, the six month 2002 period includes dividends distributions of $4.2 million and return of escrow deposits of $6.9 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

        On April 25, 2003, the Company sold, to investors in Peru, $25 million of bonds with maturities ranging from January 2005 to April 2010. These bonds have an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.375 percent and are the fifth issuance under a $750 million bond program. Continuing with this program on May 15, 2003 the Company sold an additional $25 million of bonds with maturities ranging from February 2005 to May 2010. These bonds have an interest rate of Libor plus 2.3125 percent and are the sixth issuance under the bond program. Total issuances under this program now total $199 million.

        On June 16, 2003, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of 11.4 cents per share. On July 24, 2003, a dividend of 13.53 cents per share was declared, payable August 25, 2003.

        Certain financing agreements contain covenants that limit the payment of dividends to stockholders. Under the most restrictive covenant, the Company may pay dividends to stockholders up to 50% of the net income of the Company, on an annual basis.

        On March 31, 2003, Southern Peru Holdings Corporation the 54.2% direct stockholder of the Company and a subsidiary of ASARCO Incorporated (ASARCO) sold all its stock in Southern Peru to Americas Mining Corporation (AMC), the parent of ASARCO. Immediately after the transaction, the shares were transferred to SPHC II Incorporated, a subsidiary of AMC, and were pledged to a group of financial institutions. As part of a financing agreement taken in support of the stock purchase, AMC has agreed to financial covenants requiring SPCC to maintain a minimum stockholders' equity of $900 million, adjusted to include 50% of earnings after 2002, cash proceeds from equity offerings and stockholder contributions. In addition, the agreement requires SPCC to maintain specific debt to equity ratios and interest rate coverage ratios. While SPCC is not a party to this agreement, covenants imposed by a majority shareholder could restrict SPCC's financial flexibility.

        The Company's biggest outstanding capital investment project is the Ilo smelter expansion and modernization. This project will modernize the smelter and is targeted to capture no less than 92 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions, in compliance with PAMA requirements. In June 2003 the Company hired an independent consulting firm to review and evaluate proposals received for the smelter modernization. The firm has presented their report and SPCC has awarded the contract for the project to Flour-Xstrata. It is estimated that the construction of the project will take no more than 36 months and it will be completed before January 2007, the original deadline established in the PAMA. The cost of the project was previously estimated to exceed $600 million, but has not been finalized pending the completion of the basic engineering by Flour-Xstrata. The approximate value of this project is estimated to be $306 million.

        The Company has on hand sufficient funds to commence this project but significant additional funds will be necessary for its completion. The Company expects to meet its capital expenditure and liquidity requirements with these funds as well as internally generated funds and additional external financing. The Company has an approved Peruvian bond program of $750 million, of which

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$199 million have been issued. There can be no assurance that the Company's capital expenditure and liquidity requirements can be financed with Peruvian resources. The Company plans to finance the portion of its liquidity needs that are not financed in Peru with cash on hand, funds from operation or by placing additional financing in the international market.

        At June 30, 2003 the Company's debt as a percentage of total capitalization (the total of debt, minority interest and stockholders equity) was 21.5% as compared with 19.3% at December 31, 2002. At June 30, 2003, the Company's cash and marketable securities amounted to $230.6 million compared to $147.5 million at December 31, 2002.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

        Southern Peru Copper Corporation's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations, as well as quantitative and qualitative disclosures of market risks, are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Preparation of these financial statements requires Southern Peru's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, for the reported period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition; ore reserves; capitalized mine stripping and related estimated mine stripping ratios; the estimated useful lives of fixed assets, asset retirement obligations and litigation and contingencies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        The Company periodically reevaluates estimates of its ore reserves, which represent the Company's estimate of the amount of unmined copper remaining in its existing mine locations that can be produced and sold at a profit. Such estimates are based on engineering evaluations derived from samples of drill holes and other openings, combined with assumptions about copper market prices and production costs. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company recalculated its ore reserve estimates using a 76 cents per pound copper price assumption, the three-year average copper price according to COMEX, and current cost assumptions. Ore reserve calculations for 2002 and recent prior years were calculated based on 90 cents per pound copper price assumption, which represents the Company's long-term outlook for copper price. The Company understands that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently stated that in calculating ore reserves companies should use no more than a three-year average copper price. The Company, therefore, has made this change to comply with the SEC directive. Southern Peru uses its ore reserve estimates in determining the amount of mine stripping capitalized, units of production amortization of capitalized mine stripping and depletion of mineral land. As a result of the change in ore reserves the amount of capitalized mine stripping on the balance sheet at June 30, 2003 was decreased by $1.3 million; and on the Company's statement of earnings for the six months of 2003, reported depreciation, amortization and depletion have increased by $0.2 million and operating income decreased by $1.4 million.

        As of January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS No. 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations", which established standards for accounting for a legal obligation associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. The Company charged income $1.5 million for the cumulative effect, as of January 1, 2003, of adopting this principle. In addition, this change further reduced first six months net income by $0.2 million.

        The estimated costs of asset retirement obligations are based on periodic evaluations by Company management and engineers. In addition, Company's financial personnel estimate the appropriate risk-free credit adjusted interest rate and annual inflation rate to use in calculating the asset retirement obligation. The Company uses its recent borrowing experience in determining the appropriate risk-free

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interest rate to use. Annual inflation rates used in the computations are based on the current four-year average consumer price and producer price indices of the U.S. Changes in such estimates could significantly effect the Company's operating costs and net income.

Impact of New Accounting Standards:

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations", which established standards for accounting for a legal obligation associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets. The Company has determined that a retirement obligation exists for a portion of its long-lived assets. These assets include a dam on the Torata River, close to the Company's Cuajone mine and the SX/EW facility. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle, net of taxes, was a charge to income of $1.5 million and is shown separately on the Company's consolidated statement of earnings. In addition, as part of this cumulative adjustment, the Company recorded an asset retirement obligation liability of $4.9 million, increased net property $2.5 million and recorded deferred tax and workers' participation benefits of $0.9 million. The adoption of this new principle resulted in an additional charge to earnings from continuing operations of $0.2 million for the six months of 2003. If the Company adopted FAS 143 in 2002 an asset retirement obligation of $4.5 million and $4.8 million would have been recorded as of January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002, respectively. The asset retirement obligations were established by the Company's environmental impact studies for these projects. The Company's retirement obligation for the dam is based on a weighing of two options available to the Company at the end of the dams useful life to the Company. These options are to turn the dam over to the local municipality and provide maintenance for a number of years or to demolish the dam and restore the river to its natural course. The Company's retirement obligation for the SX/EW facility requires a dismantling of the plant and reclamation of the property. The Company has not designated specific assets to satisfy these obligations but will provide funds from operations.

        In addition, the Company expects that MEM will issue new regulations during 2003 that will set forth legal guidelines for the mining sectors remediation obligations. Such regulations may have a material effect on SPCC's asset retirement obligations. However, the Company has no basis for determining the possible effects of these pending regulations.

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company implemented FAS No. 145, "Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections", under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet criteria outlined in Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 30. Under FAS No. 145 the Company reclassified the first quarter 2002 extraordinary loss on the early extinguishment of debt to earnings from continuing operations in the Company's comparative statements.

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities", which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employees Termination Benefits and Other costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". The adoption of FAS No. 146 did not have a material effect on them Company's financial statements.

        Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure". FAS No. 148 does not alter the provisions of FAS No. 123, nor does it require stock-based compensation to be measured under the fair-value approach under FAS No. 123. The Company uses the disclosure only provisions of FAS No. 123. The adoption of FAS No. 148 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.

        In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and

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reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 149 on July 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". This Statement establishes standards of how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective July 1, 2003. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 150 on July 1, 2003, which did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. The Company had no financial instruments during the period June 1 through June 30, 2003, which would have required adoption of this SFAS prior to July 1, 2003.

        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 availability of materials, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, labor relations, 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, which can be volatile.

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        As of June 30, 2003, the Company carried out 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 the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        There was no change in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT

To Southern Peru Copper Corporation:

        We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and subsidiaries (a Delaware Corporation) as of June 30, 2003 and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

        We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

        Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial information as of June 30, 2002 and for the three-month and six-month periods then ended, was not audited or reviewed by us and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on it.

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

Mexico, D.F.,
July 15, 2003

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Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

        The information provided in Note H to the financial statements contained in Part I of this Form 10-Q, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held on May 30, 2003, the holders of the Common Stock, voting as a class, were asked to elect two directors, the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a class, were asked to elect 13 directors, and both classes, voting together, to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as independent accountants for 2003.

        Votes cast in the election of directors by holders of Common Stock were as follows:

        In the election of the directors by holders of Class A Common Stock, each of the following directors received 65,900,833 votes and no votes were withheld.

        Stockholders ratified the selection of the independent accountants as follows:

        Under the by-laws, a Common Stockholder seeking to nominate a director for election by Common Stockholders must give written notice to the Secretary of the Company at least 90 days in advance of the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, or within 10 days of the giving of notice of a special meeting. The notice must provide specific biographical data with respect to each nominee, including such information as is required to be included in the Company's proxy statement, and a representation by the Common Stockholder that he or she is a holder of record entitled to vote at the meeting and that he or she intends to appear in person or by proxy to make the nomination. Nominations for the Company's 2004 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by March 2, 2004.

        Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the Company's 2004 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by the Company at its principal executive office in the United States (2575 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA) by January 16, 2004 in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company's 2004 proxy statement and form of proxy.

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Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        On May 22, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting that on April 28, 2003 and on May 16, 2003 the Company issued press releases regarding debt offerings by the Company.

        On May 22, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting a director's resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company and that he had chosen not to stand for re-election.

        On June 10, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting that on May 30, 2003 the Company issued a press release regarding the election of 15 directors and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoppers LLP, as independent accountants.

        On July 25, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K reporting (i) that on July 21, 2003, the Company issued a press release regarding the selection of a technology and engineering firm to start the capital investment project at its Ilo smelter, and (ii) that on July 23, 2003, the Company issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

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Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirement 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.

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QuickLinks

Item 1—Legal Proceedings
Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K