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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2008

 

or

 

o        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: 1-14066

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(602) 494-5328

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		New York Stock Exchange Lima Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15d of the Act.   Yes o  No x

 

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 x   No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes o   No x

 

As of January 31, 2009, there were of record 853,825,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 

The aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock (based upon the closing price on such date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange - Composite Transactions) of Southern Copper Corporation held by non affiliates was approximately $2,481.7 million.

 

PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Part III:	Proxy statement for 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Part IV:	Exhibit Index is on Page 177 through 178

 

 

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Southern Copper Corporation

 

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

 

 

		Page No.
Part I	Financial Information
Item. 1	Business	4-17
Item 1A	Risk factors	18-28
Item 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	28
Item 2	Properties	29-69
Item 3	Legal Proceedings	70
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	70
Item 4A.	Executive officers of the registrant	70-71
Part II.
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	72-74
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	75-76
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	77-106
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	107-111
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	112-174
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountant on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	175
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	175
Item 9B.	Other Information	175
PART III.
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	176
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	176
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.	176
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.	176

 

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Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	176
PART IV.
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	177-179
	Signatures	180
	Exhibits	181-182

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business:

 

THE COMPANY

 

Southern Copper Corporation is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world.  We produce copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver.  All of our mining, smelting and refining facilities are located in Peru and in Mexico and we conduct exploration activities in those countries and Chile.  See Item 2 Properties, “Review of Operations” for maps of our principal mines, smelting facilities and refineries.  Our operations make us one of the largest mining companies in Peru and also in Mexico.  We are one the largest copper mining companies in the world with significant copper reserves.  We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952 and have conducted copper mining operations since 1960.  Since 1996, our common stock has been listed on both the New York and Lima Stock Exchanges.

 

Our Peruvian copper operations involve mining, milling and flotation of copper ore to produce copper concentrates and molybdenum concentrates; the smelting of copper concentrates to produce anode copper; and the refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes.  As part of this production process, we also produce significant amounts of molybdenum concentrate and refined silver.  We also produce refined copper using SX/EW technology.  We operate the Toquepala and Cuajone mines high in the Andes Mountains, approximately 860 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima, Peru.  We also operate a smelter and refinery west of the Toquepala and Cuajone mines in the coastal city of Ilo, Peru.

 

Our Mexican operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Mexico”), which we acquired on April 1, 2005.  Minera Mexico engages principally in the mining and processing of copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold and lead.  Minera Mexico operates through subsidiaries that are grouped into three separate units.  Mexicana de Cobre S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Mexcobre Unit”) operates La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, a copper ore concentrator, a SX/EW plant, a smelter, refinery and a rod plant.  Mexicana de Cananea S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Cananea Unit”) operates Cananea, an open-pit copper mine, which is located at the site of one of the world’s largest copper ore deposits, a copper concentrator and two SX/EW plants.  Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Minerales Metalicos del Norte, S.A. (together with its subsidiaries, the “IMMSA Unit”) operate five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine and several industrial processing facilities for zinc and copper.

 

We utilize many up-to-date mining and processing methods, including global positioning systems and computerized mining operations.  Our operations have a high level of vertical integration that allows us to manage the entire production process, from the mining of the ore to the production of refined copper and other products and most related transport and logistics functions, using our own facilities, employees and equipment.

 

The sales prices for our products are largely determined by market forces outside of our control. Our management, therefore, focuses on cost control and production enhancement to remain profitable.  We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs.  Our focus is on seeking to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and maximizing results in periods of high copper prices.  For additional information on the sale prices of the metals we produce, please see “Metal prices.”

 

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Currency Information:

 

Unless stated otherwise, all our financial information is presented in US dollars and any reference herein to “U.S. dollars”, “dollars”, or “$” are to U.S. dollars; references to “S/.”, “nuevo sol” or “nuevos soles”, are to Peruvian nuevos soles; and references to “peso”, “pesos”, or “Ps.”, are to Mexican pesos.

 

Unit Information:

 

Unless otherwise noted, all tonnages are in metric tons.  To convert to short tons, multiply by 1.102.  All ounces are troy ounces.  All distances are in kilometers.  To convert to miles, multiply by 0.621.  To convert hectares to acres, multiply by 2.47.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

The following chart describes our organizational structure starting with our controlling stockholder as of December 31, 2008.  For clarity of presentation, the chart identifies only principal subsidiaries and eliminates intermediate holding companies.

 

We are a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”).  Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Grupo Mexico as of December 31, 2008 owns approximately 79.0% of our capital stock. Grupo Mexico’s principal business is to act as a holding company for shares of other corporations engaged in the mining, processing, purchase and sale of minerals and other products and railway and other related services.

 

We conduct our operations in Peru through a registered branch (the “SPCC Peru Branch” or “Peruvian Branch”).  The SPCC Peru Branch comprises substantially all of our assets and liabilities associated with our copper operations in Peru.  The SPCC Peru Branch is not

 

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a corporation separate from us and, therefore, obligations of SPCC Peru Branch are direct obligations of SCC and vice-versa.  It is, however, an establishment, registered pursuant to Peruvian law, through which we hold assets, incur liabilities and conduct operations in Peru.  Although it has neither its own capital nor liability separate from us, it is deemed to have equity capital for purposes of determining the economic interests of holders of our investment shares, formerly known as labor shares (See Note 13 “Minority interest” of our consolidated financial statements).

 

On April 1, 2005, we acquired Minera Mexico, the largest mining company in Mexico on a stand-alone basis, from Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, our controlling stockholder.  Minera Mexico is a holding company and all of its operations are conducted through subsidiaries that are grouped into three units: (i)the Mexcobre unit (ii) the Cananea unit and (iii) the IMMSA unit.  We own 99.95% of Minera Mexico.

 

In 2008, in accordance with our approved $500 million share repurchase plan, we repurchased 28.5 million of our common shares.  In addition, in 2008 AMC purchased approximately 11.8 million shares of our common shares.   As a result of these transactions Grupo Mexico’s ownership of our capital stock increased to 79.0%. In 2009, through February 23, we purchased an additional 2.7 million shares of our common shares and AMC purchased 2.2 million shares of our common shares. As a result, as of February 23, 2009 Grupo Mexico’s ownership of our capital stock increased to 79.5%. Please see Note 22 “Subsequent Events”.

 

REPUBLIC OF PERU AND MEXICO

 

Our revenues are derived principally from our operations in Peru and Mexico.  Risks attendant to the Company’s operations in both countries include our operations in those countries associated with economic and political conditions, effects of currency fluctuations and inflation, effects of government regulations and the geographic concentration of the Company’s operations.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the Public Reference Room.  The SEC maintains a web-site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information that issuers (including Southern Copper Corporation) file electronically with the SEC.  The SEC’s web-site is www.sec.gov.

 

Our Internet address is www.southerncoppercorp.com.  Commencing with the Form 8-K dated March 14, 2003, we have made available free of charge on this internet address our annual, quarterly and current reports, as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  Our web page includes the Corporate Governance guidelines and the charters of our most significant Board Committees.  However, the information found on our website is not part of this or any other report.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production

 

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operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, including taxes, 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 metals prices on commodity exchanges, which can be volatile.

 

Additional business information follows:

 

COPPER BUSINESS

 

Copper is the world’s third most widely used metal and an important component in the world’s infrastructure.  Copper has unique chemical and physical properties, including high electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion, as well as excellent malleability and ductility that has made it a superior material for use in the electrical energy, telecommunications, building construction, transportation and industrial machinery businesses.  Copper is also an important metal in non-electrical applications such as plumbing and roofing and, when alloyed with zinc to form brass, in many industrial and consumer applications.

 

Copper industry fundamentals, including copper demand, price levels and stocks, strengthened in late 2003 and copper prices continued to improve into the third quarter of 2008, from the 15-year price lows set during 2002.  However, late in the third quarter of 2008 the price of copper along with many of the world’s principal commodities weakened and began a decline that continues to date.

 

BUSINESS REPORTING SEGMENTS:

 

Company management views Southern Copper as having three operating segments and manages on the basis of these segments.

 

The three segments identified are groups of individual mines with similar economic characteristics, type of products, processes and support facilities, similar regulatory environments, similar employee bargaining contracts and similar currency risks.  In addition, each mine within the individual group earns revenues from similar type of customers for their products and services and each group incurs expenses independently, including commercial transactions between groups.

 

Intersegment sales are based on arm’s-length prices at the time of sale. These may not be reflective of actual prices realized by the Company due to various factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to outside customers and transportation cost.  Added to the segment information is information regarding the Company’s sales.  The segments identified by the Company are:

 

1.               Peruvian operations include the Toquepala and Cuajone mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants, industrial railroad and port facilities which service both mines. Sales of its products are recorded as revenue of our Peruvian mines. The Peruvian operations produce copper, with production of by-product molybdenum, silver and other material.

 

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2.               Mexican open pit operations, which include La Caridad and Cananea mine complexes and the smelting and refining plants and support facilities which service both mines.  Sales of its products are recorded as revenue of our Mexican mines.  The Mexican open pit operations produce copper, with production of by-products of molybdenum, silver and other material.

 

3.               Mexican underground mining operations include five underground mines that produce zinc, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine which produces coal and coke, and several industrial processing facilities for zinc, copper and silver.  This group is identified as the IMMSA unit and sales of its products are recorded as revenue of the IMMSA unit.

 

Financial information is regularly prepared for each of the three segments and the results are reported to the Chief Operating Officer on the segment basis.  The Chief Operating Officer focuses on operating income and on total assets as measures of performance to evaluate different segments and to make decisions to allocate resources to the reported segments.  These are common measures in the mining industry.

 

Segment information is included in Item 2 under the captions “Metal Production by Segments” and “Ore Reserves.”  More information on business segment and segment financial information are included in Note 20 of our consolidated financial statements.

 

CAPITAL EXPANSION PROGRAM

 

For a description of our Capital Expansion Program see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Capital Expansion Program.”

 

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

 

We are engaged in ongoing extensive exploration to locate additional ore bodies in Peru, Mexico and Chile.  We also conduct exploration in the areas of our current mining operations.  We invested $37.0 million on exploration programs in 2008, $40.2 million in 2007 and $22.7 million in 2006.  In view of the uncertain economic conditions and the low metal prices we have reduced our budgeted 2009 exploration expenditures to $22.7 million.

 

Currently in Peru, we have direct control of 194,190 hectares of mineral rights.  In Mexico, we hold 347,734 hectares of exploration concessions.  We also hold 35,958 hectares of exploration concessions in Chile.

 

Peru

 

Los Chancas.  The Los Chancas project, located in the department of Apurimac in southern Peru, is a copper and molybdenum porphyry deposit.

 

As a result of the pre-feasibility studies and after the preliminary design of the pit, estimates show 355 million tons of mineralized material with a copper content of 0.62%, 0.05% of molybdenum and 0.039 grams of gold per ton.  In the last quarter of 2008 additional studies were started as well as a diamond drilling program for additional 35,000 meters, in order to define the extent of the deposit.  Also a bidding process is under way for a feasibility study to be developed in 2009.

 

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Tantahuatay.  The Tantahuatay project is located in the department of Cajamarca in northern Peru.  The exploration work conducted in 2008 was intended to evaluate the upper part of the deposit mainly for gold recovery.  Work to date indicates 27.1 million tons of mineralized material, with an average silver content of 13.0 grams per ton and 0.89 grams of gold per ton.  In 2008 we continued with the feasibility study and with our efforts to resolve the social and environmental concerns of communities near the project.  We have a 44.25% share in this project.

 

Other Peruvian Prospects

 

In 2008 we conducted a total of 32,551.90 meters of diamond drilling in the area surrounding the Tia Maria Project as well as regional exploration conducted mainly in the Ayacucho Region.  For 2009 the exploration program will be focused in central and southern Peru with defined projects in the Tacna and Ayacucho regions and we will continue with prospecting programs in the different mineralized strips.

 

Mexico

 

In addition to exploratory drilling programs at existing mines, we are currently conducting exploration to locate mineral deposits at various other sites in Mexico.  The following are some of the more significant exploration projects:

 

El Arco.  The El Arco site is located in the state of Baja California in Mexico.  Preliminary investigations of the El Arco site indicate a deposit of 846 million tons of mineralized material with average copper grades of 0.51% and 0.14 grams of gold per ton, and 170 million tons of leach mineralized materials with average copper grades of 0.56%.  In 2008, we have continued the process of identifying water sources for a leaching operation.  Production wells will be tested to determine the water potential of this area.  Also, five diamond drill holes have been drilled to a depth of 600 meters.  The drilling indicates mineralized material, with 0.50%-0.70% copper mineralization extending 270 meters below the previously known mineralization.

 

Angangueo.  The Angangueo site is located in the state of Michoacán in Mexico.  A deposit of 13 million tons of mineralized material has been identified with diamond drilling.  Testing indicates that the deposit contains mineralized material containing 0.16 grams of gold and 262 grams of silver per ton, and is comprised of 0.79% lead, 0.97% copper and 3.5% zinc.  During 2005, we received the approval for our environmental impact study and we are in the process of obtaining land use approval.  During 2008, we have continued negotiating with the state of Michoacan to purchase various properties essential to the operation.  In addition, a feasibility study was commissioned; the results are expected to be available by the end of first quarter 2009.

 

Buenavista.  The Buenavista project site is located in the state of Sonora in Mexico, adjacent to the Cananea ore body.  Drilling and metallurgical studies have shown that the site contains 36 million tons of mineralized material containing 29 grams of silver, 0.69% of copper and 3.3% of zinc per ton.  A new “scoping level” study indicates that Buenavista may be an economical deposit.  During 2007, 2,100 meters were drilled to upgrade the mineralized material and to acquire material for metallurgical testing.  Results confirm the previous geologic interpretation of the mineralized areas.  Due to the Cananea strike no work was performed in 2008.

 

Carbon Coahuila.  In Coahuila, an intensive exploration program of diamond drilling has identified two additional areas, Esperanza with a potential for more than 30 million tons of “in place” mineralized coal and Guayacan with a potential for 15 million tons of “in place” mineralized coal, that could be used for a future coal-fired power plant.  During 2007 along with 5,767 meters of drilling, 23 million tons of mineralized coal

 

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resources were identified at our Nueva Rosita No. 16 concession.  Due to changed priorities, no work was done on this project in 2008.

 

The Chalchihuites.  The Chalchihuites project is located in the state of Zacatecas.  It is a contact deposit with mixed oxides and sulfides of lead, copper, zinc and silver.  A drilling program, in the late nineties, defined 16 million tons of mineralized material containing 95 grams of silver, 0.36% lead, 0.69% copper and 3.08% zinc per ton.  Preliminary metallurgical testing indicates a leaching precipitating-flotation recovery process that can be applied to this ore.  Due to other priorities only the diamond drilling for metallurgical testing was performed in 2008.

 

Sierra de Lobos.  This project is located southwest of the city of Leon, Guanajuato.  Our target is a copper and zinc deposit with grades between 0.5% and 1.0% copper and between 5% and 7% zinc including a small contribution of gold and silver.  In 2008, 1,636 meters were drilled.  Results confirm the presence of copper and zinc mineralization, but an economic deposit has not yet been identified.

 

Pilares.  During 2008, we bought Freeport-McMoran’s 49% interest in Minera Pilares,S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Pilares”), giving us 100% ownership.  Minera Pilares is located in the state of Sonora, ten kilometers from the town of Nacozari de Garcia.  The work to clear and prepare the access to the Porvenir tunnel started at the end of 2008.  Calculations using Mine-Sight software indicated 52.9 million tons of mineralized material, with 0.92% copper content.

 

Chile

 

El Salado.  The El Salado prospect, located in the Atacama Region, corresponds to a copper-gold ore body which includes the Diego de Almeida sector.  During 2008 a total of 3,232 meters of diamond drilling was performed which is expected to continue in 2009.

 

Other Chilean Prospects.  During 2008 we continued with the exploration of Resguardo, (gold and copper veins) located in northern Chile (Region III-Atacama), with 3,729 meters of diamond drilling.  We also performed 1,000 meters of diamond drilling at the Ticnamar prospect located in northern Chile (Region I-Tarapaca).  Ticnamar is a porphiric deposit of copper and molybdenum.  The exploration program for 2009 mainly contemplates continuing with the diamond drilling at El Salado, Resguardo and Ticnamar and to obtain the necessary permits to continue with the exploration of the gold-silver Catanave prospect.

 

PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS

 

The principal uses of copper are in the building and construction industry, electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, industrial machinery and equipment, consumer products and the automotive and transportation industries.  Molybdenum is used to toughen alloy steels and soften tungsten alloy and is also used in fertilizers, dyes, enamels and reagents.  Silver is used for photographic, electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, brazing alloys and solder, jewelry, coinage, silverware and catalysts.  Zinc is primarily used as a coating on iron and steel to protect against corrosion.  It is also used to make die cast parts, in the manufacturing of batteries and in the form of sheets for architectural purposes.

 

Our marketing strategy and annual sales planning emphasize developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships, and thus acquiring annual or other long-term contracts for the sale of our products is a high priority.  Approximately 90% of our metal production for the year 2008, 2007 and 2006, was sold under annual or longer-term

 

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contracts.  Sales prices are determined based on prevailing commodity prices for the quotation period according to the terms of the contract.

 

We focus on the ultimate end-user customers as opposed to selling on the spot market or to trading companies.  In addition, we devote significant marketing effort to diversifying our sales both by region and by customer base.  We strive to provide superior customer service, including just-in-time deliveries of our products.  Our ability to consistently fulfill customer demand is supported by our substantial production capacity.

 

For additional information on sales please see Revenue recognition on Note 2 “Summary of significant accounting policies” and Note 20 “Segments” of our consolidated financial statements.

 

METALS PRICES

 

Prices for our products are principally a function of supply and demand and, except for molybdenum, are established on the Commodities Exchange, or COMEX, in New York and the London Metal Exchange or LME, the two most important metal exchanges in the world.  Prices for our molybdenum products are established by reference to the publication Platt’s Metals Week.  Our contract prices also reflect any negotiated premiums and the costs of freight and other factors.  From time to time, we have entered into hedging transactions to provide partial protection against future decreases in the market price of metals and we may do so under certain market conditions.  We have entered into copper swaps and collar contracts in 2008, 2007 and 2006, and into zinc swap contracts in 2006.  At December 31, 2008 we did not have any copper or zinc swap contracts outstanding.  For a further discussion of derivative instruments see “Item 7 Quantitative and Qualitative Discussion about Market Risk”.  For a further discussion of prices for our products, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Metal Prices.”

 

The table below shows the high, low and average COMEX and LME copper prices during the last 15 years:

 

		Copper (COMEX)						Copper (LME)
Year		High		Low		Average		High		Low		Average
1994		1.40		0.78		1.07		1.40		0.78		1.05
1995		1.44		1.30		1.37		1.47		1.23		1.33
1996		1.31		0.86		1.06		1.29		0.83		1.04
1997		1.23		0.76		1.04		1.23		0.77		1.03
1998		0.86		0.64		0.75		0.85		0.65		0.75
1999		0.85		0.61		0.72		0.84		0.61		0.71
2000		0.93		0.74		0.84		0.91		0.73		0.82
2001		0.87		0.60		0.73		0.83		0.60		0.72
2002		0.78		0.65		0.72		0.77		0.64		0.71
2003		1.04		0.71		0.81		1.05		0.70		0.81
2004		1.54		1.06		1.29		1.49		1.06		1.30
2005		2.28		1.40		1.68		2.11		1.39		1.67
2006		4.08		2.13		3.10		3.99		2.06		3.05
2007		3.75		2.40		3.23		3.77		2.37		3.23
2008-1st Q		3.99		3.05		3.53		4.03		3.02		3.54
2008-2nd Q		4.03		3.53		3.80		4.03		3.59		3.83
2008-3rd Q		4.08		2.89		3.45		4.08		2.91		3.48
2008-4th Q		2.80		1.25		1.75		2.89		1.26		1.77
2008		4.08		1.25		3.13		4.08		1.26		3.16

 

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The per pound COMEX copper price during the last 5, 10 and 15 year periods averaged $2.49, $1.63 and $1.44, respectively.  The per pound LME copper price during the last 5, 10 and 15 year periods averaged $2.48, $1.62 and $1.42, respectively.

 

At February 23, 2009, the COMEX and LME copper prices were $1.45 and $1.43 per pound, respectively.

 

The table below shows the high, low and average market prices for our three principal by-products during the last 15 years:

 

		Zinc (LME)						Silver (COMEX)						Molybdenum (Dealer Oxide Platt’s Metals Week)
Year		High		Low		Average		High		Low		Average		High		Low		Average
1994		0.52		0.42		0.45		5.78		4.57		5.28		15.50		2.76		4.51
1995		0.52		0.44		0.47		6.10		4.38		5.19		16.50		4.25		8.08
1996		0.48		0.45		0.47		5.82		4.67		5.18		5.25		3.13		3.79
1997		0.80		0.47		0.60		6.31		4.16		4.87		4.75		3.59		4.31
1998		0.52		0.42		0.46		7.26		4.61		5.53		4.48		2.10		3.42
1999		0.56		0.41		0.49		5.76		4.87		5.22		2.80		2.52		2.66
2000		0.58		0.46		0.51		5.55		4.56		4.97		2.92		2.19		2.56
2001		0.48		0.33		0.40		4.81		4.03		4.36		2.58		2.19		2.35
2002		0.38		0.33		0.35		5.11		4.22		4.60		7.90		2.43		3.76
2003		0.46		0.34		0.38		5.98		4.35		4.89		7.60		3.28		5.29
2004		0.58		0.43		0.48		8.21		5.51		6.68		32.38		7.35		16.20
2005		0.87		0.53		0.63		9.00		6.43		7.32		39.25		25.00		31.99
2006		2.10		0.87		1.49		14.85		8.82		11.54		28.20		21.00		24.75
2007		1.93		1.00		1.47		15.50		11.47		13.39		33.75		24.50		30.19
2008-1st Q		1.28		0.99		1.10		20.69		15.17		17.62		33.55		32.38		33.22
2008-2nd Q		1.07		0.82		0.96		18.31		16.12		17.17		33.35		32.35		32.90
2008-3rd Q		0.92		0.74		0.80		19.18		10.46		14.92		33.88		32.25		33.53
2008-4th Q		0.75		0.47		0.54		12.72		8.79		10.15		31.40		8.75		16.63
2008		1.28		0.47		0.85		20.69		8.80		14.97		33.88		8.75		28.42

 

The per pound LME zinc price during the last 5, 10 and 15 year periods averaged $0.98, $0.71 and $0.63, respectively.  The per ounce COMEX silver price during the last 5, 10  and 15 year periods averaged $10.78, $7.79 and $6.93, respectively.  The per pound Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide molybdenum price during the last 5, 10 and 15 year periods averaged $26.31, $14.82 and $11.49, respectively.

 

At February 23, 2009 the LME zinc price was $0.49 per pound, the COMEX silver price was $14.36 per ounce and the Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide molybdenum price was $8.70 per pound.

 

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

 

Competition in the copper market is principally on a price and service basis, with price being the most important consideration when supplies of copper are ample.  The Company’s products compete with other materials, including aluminum and plastics.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 11,494 employees, approximately 73.0% of whom are covered by labor agreements with ten different labor unions.  During the last several

 

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years, we have experienced strikes or other labor disruptions that have had an adverse impact on our operations and operating results.  Since July 2007 and during all of 2008 our Cananea mine, Taxco mine and San Martin mine in Mexico have been on strike.  We cannot assure you when these strikes will be settled, or that in the future we will not experience strikes or other labor related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Peru

 

Approximately 68% of our Peruvian labor force was unionized at December 31, 2008, represented by eight separate unions. Three of these unions, one at each of our major production areas, represent the majority of our workers. The collective bargaining agreements for these unions last through February 2010.  Additionally, there are five smaller unions, representing the balance of our workers. Collective bargaining agreements for this group are in force through November 2012.

 

From June 30 to July 5, 2008 the three major unions went on strike in support of a mining federation strike.  During this strike operations were near normal; an insignificant amount of production was lost as we worked with the support of the staff and administrative personnel and with contractors.

 

Employees of the Toquepala and Cuajone units reside in townsites, where we have built 2,513 houses and apartments and 1,186 houses and apartments, respectively.  In 1998, Company housing, at our Ilo unit, was sold to workers at nominal prices.  We still hold 90 houses at Ilo for staff personnel.  Housing, together with maintenance and utility services, is provided at minimal cost to most of our employees.  Our townsite and housing complexes include schools, medical facilities, churches, social clubs, shopping, banking and other services.

 

Mexico

 

Approximately 75% of our Mexican labor force was unionized at December 31, 2008, represented by two separate unions.  Under Mexican law, the terms of employment for unionized workers is set forth in collective bargaining agreements.  Mexican companies negotiate the salary provisions of collective bargaining agreements with the labor unions annually and negotiate other benefits every two years.  We conduct negotiations separately at each mining complex and each processing plant.

 

In the last seven years the Cananea mine has experienced more than nine labor stoppages totaling more than 634 days of inactivity through December 31, 2008.  Since July 30, 2007 and during 2008, our Cananea mine in Mexico started a work stoppage, which continues into 2009.  On January 11, 2008 the Mexican Federal Labor Court declared the Cananea strike illegal and ordered the workers to return to work within 24 hours.  The workers partially returned to work and the Company resumed operations.  However, on April 11, 2008 the workers restarted the labor stoppage and shut down production, based upon a new federal ruling.  On September 4, 2008, the Fourth Labor District Judge granted the Company’s motion for reconsideration of a ruling by the federal labor court.  In December 2008, the Mexican Federal Labor Court ruled in favor of the Company and declared the strike illegal.  The union appealed this decision.  On January 7, 2009 the judge of the fifth district on labor matters annulled the favorable decision to the Company.  The Company has filed a request for a review of this ruling before an appellate federal court.  The Company will continue to pursue a favorable resolution of the labor stoppage.

 

The Company has tried unsuccessfully to resolve the current labor stoppage that obstructs production at Cananea; hence in the second quarter 2008, the Board of Directors offered all Cananea employees a severance payment in accordance with the

 

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collective bargaining agreement and applicable law.  This was offered in order to award the employees a significant severance payment that allows them to choose the labor alternative that is best for each of them.  During 2008, under this plan, a group of employees was terminated at a cost to the Company of $15.2 million, which was recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statement of earnings.  We have estimated a liability of $36.4 million, which has been recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

The Company has the right to resume operations at the mine with those workers who wish to continue.  Nevertheless some strikers have illegally blocked the entrance to the unit.  The Company has filed two successive complaints before an upper court in order to require the Fifth District judge to safeguard the Company’s right to operate.

 

Additionally, our Taxco and San Martin mines have been on strike since July 2007.  It is expected that operations at these mines will remain suspended until these labor issues are resolved.

 

In 2006, there were a number of work stoppages at some of our Mexican operations.  While some of these work stoppages were of a short-term nature with little or no production loss, others have been more disruptive.  A strike at the La Caridad copper mine in Sonora began in the first quarter of 2006 and ended when the mine was returned to us on July 26, 2006.  A strike at the San Martin polymetallic complex in Zacatecas commenced in the first quarter of 2006 and ended in May 2006.  Additionally, workers at the Cananea copper mine went on strike on June 1, 2006 returning to work six weeks later on July 17, 2006.  These work stoppages were declared illegal by the Mexican authorities.  On June 9, 2006, we announced the closing of the La Caridad mine as picketing workers made it impossible to continue operations.  As a result of these strikes, we declared “force majeure” on certain of our June and July copper contracts.  On July 14, 2006, with the approval of a labor court, we dismissed the La Caridad workers.  Individual work agreements, and the collective union contract, were terminated in compliance with the provisions of the ruling rendered by federal labor authorities.  On July 26, 2006, the La Caridad installations were returned to us and we commenced to hire workers to resume operations.

 

Employees of the Mexcobre and Cananea Units reside in townsites at La Caridad and Cananea, where we have built approximately 2,000 houses and apartments and 275 houses and apartments, respectively.  Employees of the IMMSA Unit principally reside on the grounds of the mining or processing complexes in which they work and where we have built approximately 900 houses and apartments.  Housing, together with maintenance and utility services, is provided at minimal cost to most of our employees.  Our townsites and housing complexes include educational and, in some units, medical facilities, churches, social clubs, shopping, banking and other services.  At the Cananea Unit, health care is provided free of charge to employees, retired unionized employees and their families.

 

FUEL, ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES

 

The principal raw materials used in our operations are fuels (including fuel oil to power boilers and generators, natural gas for metallurgical processes at our Mexican operations and diesel fuel for mining equipment), electricity and water.  We believe that supplies of fuel, electricity and water are readily available.  Although the prices of these raw materials may fluctuate beyond our control, we focus our efforts to reduce these increased costs through cost and energy saving measures.

 

Peru

 

In Peru, electric power for our operating facilities is generated by two thermal electric plants owned and operated by Energia del Sur, S.A. (“Enersur”), a diesel and

 

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waste heat boilers plant located adjacent to the Ilo smelter and a coal plant located south of Ilo.  Power generation capacity for Peruvian operations is currently 344 megawatts.  In addition, we have nine megawatts of power generation capacity from two small hydro-generating installations at Cuajone.  Power is distributed over a 224-kilometer closed loop transmission circuit.  We obtain fuel in Peru principally from a local producer.

 

In 1997, we sold our Ilo power plant to Enersur and entered into a twenty year power purchase agreement.  We and Enersur also entered into an agreement for the sharing of certain services between the power plant and our smelter at Ilo.  These arrangements were amended in 2003, releasing Enersur from its obligations to construct additional capacity to meet our increased electricity requirements.  We believe we can satisfy the need for increased electricity requirements for our Peru operations from other sources, including local power providers.

 

In Peru, we have water rights or licenses for up to 1,950 liters per second from well fields at Huaitire, Vizcachas and Titijones aquifers and also surface water from the Suches lake and two small water courses, namely Quebrada Honda and Quebrada Tacalaya, which together are sufficient to supply the needs of our two operating units at Toquepala and Cuajone.  At Ilo, we have desalinization plants that produce water for industrial and domestic use that we believe are sufficient for our current and projected needs.

 

Mexico

 

In Mexico, fuel is purchased directly or indirectly from Petroleos Mexicanos, (“PEMEX”), the state oil monopoly.  Electricity for our Mexican operations, which is used as the main energy source at our mining complexes, is either purchased from the Comision Federal de Electricidad (the Federal Electricity Commission, or CFE), the state’s electrical power producer, or steam-generated at Mexcobre’s smelter by recovering energy from waste heat boilers.  Accordingly, a significant portion of our operating costs in Mexico are dependent upon the pricing policies of PEMEX and CFE, which reflect government policy as well as international market prices for crude oil, natural gas and conditions in the refinery markets.  Mexcobre imports natural gas from the U.S. through its pipeline (between Douglas, Arizona and Nacozari, Sonora).  This permits us to import natural gas from the United States at market prices and thereby reduce operating costs.  A contract with PEMEX provides us with the option of using a fixed price for a portion of our natural gas purchases.

 

In the last three years we entered into gas swap contracts to protect part of our gas consumption in both periods as follows:

 

		2008			2007			2006
Gas volume (MMBTUs)		460,000			900,000			3,650,000
Fixed price		$	8.2175		$	7.5250		$	4.2668
(Loss) gain (in millions)		$	(0.9	)	$	(0.9	)	$	6.3

 

The losses and gain obtained were included in the production cost.  At December 31, 2008, we did not hold any open gas swap contracts.

 

In December 2005, we announced our plans for a 450 megawatt coal power generation plant in the state of Sonora, Mexico to supply our facilities.

 

In 2007, we reformulated this project to increase the plant capacity to 600 megawatt.  During 2008, we continued with a feasibility study for this plant. In addition, we are reviewing developments in the power plant equipment market, as well as the coal market, in order to reassess the project in light of the current economic crisis.

 

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In Mexico, water is a national property and industries not connected to a public services water supply must obtain a water concession from Comisión Nacional del Agua (the “National Water Commission”, or “CNA”).  Water usage fees are established in the Ley Federal de Derechos (the Federal Law on Water Rights), which distinguishes several availability zones with different fees per unit of volume according to each zone.  All of our operations have one or several water concessions and, with the exception of Mexicana de Cobre, pump out the required water from one or several wells.  Mexicana de Cobre pumps water from the La Angostura dam, which is close to the mine and plants.  At our Cananea facility, we maintain our own wells and pay the CNA for water measured by usage.  Water conservation committees have been established in each plant in order to conserve and recycle water.  Water usage fees are updated on a yearly basis and have been increasing in recent years.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

For a discussion of environmental matters reference is made to the information contained under the caption “Environmental matters” in “Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements.

 

MINING RIGHTS AND CONCESSIONS

 

Peru

 

We have 249,554 hectares in concessions from the Peruvian government for our exploration, exploitation, extraction and/or production operations, distributed among our various sites as follows:

 

 

We believe that our Peruvian concessions are in full force and in effect under applicable Peruvian laws and that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to these concessions.  The concessions have indefinite terms, subject to our payment of concession fees of up to $3.00 per hectare annually for the mining concessions and a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing concessions.  Fees paid during 2008, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $1.8 million, $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively.  We have two types of mining concessions in Peru: metallic and non-metallic concessions.  We also have water concessions for well fields at Huaitire, Titijones and Vizcachas and surface water rights from the Suches Lake, which together are sufficient to supply the needs of our Toquepala and Cuajone operating units.

 

In June 2004, the Peruvian Congress enacted legislation imposing a royalty charge to be paid by mining companies in favor of the regional governments and communities where mining resources are located.  Under this law, we are subject to a 1% to 3% charge, based on sales, applicable to the value of the concentrates produced in our Toquepala and Cuajone mines.  We made provisions of $53.9 million, $62.8 million and $67.2 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, for this charge.  These provisions are included in cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and depletion) on the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

 

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Mexico

 

In Mexico we have approximately 474,079 hectares in concessions from the Mexican government for our exploration and exploitation activities as outlined in the table below.

 

 

We believe that our Mexican concessions are in full force and in effect under applicable Mexican laws and that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to these concessions.  Under Mexican law, mineral resources belong to the Mexican nation and a concession from the Mexican federal government is required to explore or mine mineral reserves.  Mining concessions have a 50-year term that can be renewed for another 50 years.  Holding fees for mining concessions can be from $0.4 to $8.8 per hectare depending on the expedition dates of mining concession.  Fees paid during 2008, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $2.5 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  In addition, all of our operating units in Mexico have water concessions that are in full force and effect.  We generally own the land to which our Mexican concessions relate, although ownership is not required in order to explore or mine a concession.  We also own all of the processing facilities of our Mexican operations and the land on which they are constructed.

 

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Item 1A. Risk factors

 

Every investor or potential investor in Southern Copper Corporation should carefully consider the following risk factors.

 

General Risks Relating to Our Business

 

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the price of copper and the other metals we produce.

 

Our financial performance is significantly affected by the market prices of the metals that we produce, particularly the market prices of copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver.  Historically, prices of the metals we produce have been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including international economic and political conditions, levels of supply and demand, the availability and costs of substitutes, inventory levels maintained by users, actions of participants in the commodities markets and currency exchange rates.  In addition, the market prices of copper and certain other metals have on occasion been subject to rapid short-term changes.

 

During the last 15-year period the yearly average price of copper per pound on the COMEX ranged from a low $0.72 in 1999 and 2002, to a high $3.23 in 2007.  In 2008 the COMEX copper price decreased from a quarterly high of $3.80 per pound in the second quarter to a quarterly low of $ 1.75 per pound in the fourth quarter and closed the year at $1.39 per pound.  The LME copper prices during these periods, while slightly different, closely paralleled the COMEX prices.  Molybdenum, zinc and silver during the same 15-year period showed average highs and lows as follows: molybdenum $2.35 per pound, low in 2001 and $31.99 per pound, high in 2005; zinc $0.35 per pound, low in 2002 and $1.49 per pound, high in 2006; and silver $4.36 per ounce, low in 2001 and $14.97 per ounce high in 2008.  Also please see discussion in Item 1, “Business,” “Metal Prices.”

 

We cannot predict whether metals prices will rise or fall in the future.  Further declines in metals prices and, in particular, copper or molybdenum prices, will have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition, and we might, in very adverse market conditions, consider curtailing or modifying certain of our mining and processing operations.

 

Changes in the level of demand for our products could adversely affect our product sales.

 

Our revenue is dependent on the level of industrial and consumer demand for the concentrates and refined and semi-refined metal products we sell.  Changes in technology, industrial processes and consumer habits may affect the level of that demand to the extent that changes increase or decrease the need for our metal products.  A change in demand, including any change resulting from economic slow-downs or recessions, could impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our actual reserves may not conform to our current estimates of our ore deposits and we depend on our ability to replenish ore reserves for our long-term viability.

 

There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of reserves.  Until reserves are actually mined and processed, the quantity of ore and grades must be considered as estimates only.  The proven and probable ore reserves data included in this report are estimates prepared by us based on evaluation methods generally used in the mining industry. In December 2006, as a result of an intensive drilling program followed by a review by independent mining consultants, we announced an increase in

 

 

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ore reserves at our Peruvian copper mines.  We may be required in the future to revise our reserves estimates based on our actual production.  We cannot assure you that our actual reserves conform to geological, metallurgical or other expectations or that the estimated volume and grade of ore will be recovered.  Market prices of our metals, increased production costs, reduced recovery rates, short-term operating factors, royalty taxes and other factors may render proven and probable reserves uneconomic to exploit and may result in revisions of reserves data from time to time.  Reserves data are not indicative of future results of operations.  Our reserves are depleted as we mine.  We depend on our ability to replenish our ore reserves for our long-term viability.  We use several strategies to replenish and increase our ore reserves, including exploration and investment in properties located near our existing mine sites and investing in technology that could extend the life of a mine by allowing us to cost-effectively process ore types that were previously considered uneconomic.  Acquisitions may also contribute to increased ore reserves and we review potential acquisition opportunities on a regular basis.

 

Our business requires levels of capital expenditures which we may not be able to maintain.

 

Our business is capital intensive.  Specifically, the exploration and exploitation of copper and other metal reserves, mining, smelting and refining costs, the maintenance of machinery and equipment and compliance with laws and regulations require capital expenditures.  We must continue to invest capital to maintain or to increase the amount of copper reserves that we exploit and the amount of copper and other metals we produce.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our production levels to generate sufficient cash, or that we have access to sufficient financing to continue our exploration, exploitation and refining activities at or above present levels.  As a result of the world’s current economic situation, we have suspended most of our capital investment projects.

 

Restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness and the indebtedness of our Minera Mexico subsidiary may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.

 

Our financing instruments and those of our Minera Mexico subsidiary include financial and other restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our and Minera Mexico’s abilities to incur additional debt and sell assets.  If either we or our Minera Mexico subsidiary do not comply with these obligations, we could be in default under the applicable agreements which, if not addressed or waived, could require repayment of the indebtedness immediately.  Our Minera Mexico subsidiary is further limited by the terms of its outstanding notes, which also restrict the Company’s applicable incurrence of debt and liens.  In addition, future credit facilities may contain limitations on our incurrence of additional debt and liens and on our ability to dispose of assets.

 

Applicable law restricts the payment of dividends from our Minera Mexico subsidiary to us.

 

Minera Mexico is a Mexican company and, as such, may pay dividends only out of net income that has been approved by the shareholders.  Shareholders must also approve the actual dividend payment, after mandatory legal reserves have been created and losses for prior fiscal years have been satisfied.  As a result, these legal constraints may limit the ability of our Minera Mexico subsidiary to pay dividends to us, which in turn, may have an impact on our ability to service debt.

 

Through 2008, our management set aside $2.4 billion of unremitted earnings of its Mexican subsidiary, Minera Mexico, as appropriated retained earnings.  It is our

 

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intention to indefinitely invest these funds in Mexico.  These amounts are earmarked for the Company’s Mexican expansion program.  See also Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Our operations are subject to risks, some of which are not insurable.

 

The business of mining, smelting and refining copper, zinc and other metals is subject to a number of risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, changes in the regulatory environment, environmental hazards and weather and other natural phenomena, such as earthquakes.  Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining operations resulting in monetary losses and possible legal liability.  In particular, surface and underground mining and related processing activities present inherent risks of injury to personnel and damage to equipment.  We maintain insurance against many of these and other risks, which may not provide adequate coverage in certain circumstances.  Insurance against certain risks, including certain liabilities for environmental damage or hazards as a result of exploration and production, is not generally available to us or other companies within the mining industry.  Nevertheless recent environmental legal initiatives have considered future regulations regarding environmental damage insurance.  In case such regulations come into force, we will have to analyze the need to obtain such insurance.  We do not have, and do not intend to obtain, political risk insurance.  These or other uninsured events may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The loss of one of our large customers could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

 

The loss of one or more of our significant customers could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  In 2008, 2007 and 2006, our largest customer accounted for approximately 10.6%, 12.4% and 10.1%, respectively, of our sales.  Additionally, our five largest customers in each of 2008, 2007 and 2006 collectively accounted for approximately 35.8%, 39.6% and 33.7%, respectively, of our sales.

 

Deliveries under our copper sales agreements can be suspended or cancelled by our customers in certain cases.

 

Under each of our copper sales agreements, we or our customers may suspend or cancel delivery of copper during a period of force majeure.  Events of force majeure under these agreements include acts of nature, labor strikes, fires, floods, wars, transportation delays, government actions or other events that are beyond the control of the parties.  Any suspension or cancellation by our customers of deliveries under our copper or other sales contracts that are not replaced by deliveries under new contracts or sales on the spot market would reduce our cash flow and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The copper mining industry is highly competitive.

 

We face competition from other copper mining and producing companies around the world.  We cannot assure you that competition from lower cost producers will not adversely affect us in the future.

 

In addition, mines have limited lives and, as a result, we must periodically seek to replace and expand our reserves by acquiring new properties.  Significant competition exists to acquire properties producing or capable of producing copper and other metals.

 

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The mining industry has experienced significant consolidation in recent years, including consolidation among some of our main competitors, as a result of which an increased percentage of copper production is from companies that also produce other products and may, consequently, be more diversified than we are.  We cannot assure you that the result of current or further consolidation in the industry will not adversely affect us.

 

Potential changes to international trade agreements, trade concessions or other political and economic arrangements may benefit copper producers operating in countries other than Peru and Mexico, where our mining operations are currently located.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete on the basis of price or other factors with companies that in the future may benefit from favorable trading or other arrangements.

 

Increases in energy costs, accounting policy changes and other matters may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We require substantial amounts of fuel oil, electricity and other resources for our operations.  Fuel, gas and power costs constitute approximately 43% of our total 2008 production cost.  We rely upon third parties for our supply of the energy resources consumed in our operations.  The prices for and availability of energy resources may be subject to change or curtailment, respectively, due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, imposition of new taxes or tariffs, interruptions in production by suppliers, worldwide price levels and market conditions.  For example, during the 1970s and 1980s, our ability to import fuel oil was restricted by Peruvian government policies that required us to purchase fuel oil domestically from a government-owned oil producer at prices generally substantially above those prevailing on the world market.  In addition, in recent years the price of oil has risen dramatically due to a variety of factors. Disruptions in supply or increases in costs of energy resources could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We believe our results of operations can, from time to time, be affected by accounting policy changes, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our financial position.

 

Additionally, we expect our future results will continue to be affected by the Peruvian mining royalty charge, which has reduced our earnings since 2004, as further described under Business—Mining Rights and Concessions—Peru.

 

Our results and financial condition are affected by global and local market conditions.

 

We are subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global economic and political conditions.  The United States has been in recession since December 2007.  Business activity across a wide range of industries and regions has greatly been reduced and many businesses are in serious difficulty due to the lack of consumer spending and the lack of liquidity in the credit markets.  Unemployment has increased significantly.  Other economies in the world are similarly affected.  Our industry is cyclical by nature and fluctuates with economic cycles, including the current global economic recession.

 

The continued credit crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system has had and may continue to have an impact on our business and our financial condition.  The global economic recession and credit crisis in the financial markets may prompt banks to limit or deny lending to us or to our customers, which may have an adverse effect on our liquidity and on our ability to carry out our announced capital investment

 

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programs.  Additionally, the global economic recession and credit crisis may prompt our customers to slow down or reduce the purchase of our products.  We may experience longer sales cycles, difficulty in collecting sales proceeds, and lower prices for our products.  A change in the demand of our products could impact our results of operations and financial condition.  We cannot provide any assurance that any of these events will not have a material adverse effect on market conditions, prices of our securities, our ability to obtain financing, and our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.

 

In the last several years we have experienced a number of strikes or other labor disruptions that have had an adverse impact on our operations and operating results.  See “Business—Employees.”  We could experience labor disputes, work stoppages or other disruptions in production that could adversely affect us. As of December 31, 2008, unions represented approximately 73% of our workforce.

 

In the last seven years the Cananea mine has experienced more than nine labor stoppages totaling more than 634 days of inactivity as of December 31, 2008.  Beginning in July 2007, our Cananea mine, as well as Taxco and San Martin in Mexico started a work stoppage, which continues into 2009.  On January 11, 2008 the Mexican Federal Labor Court declared the Cananea strike illegal and ordered the workers to return to work within 24 hours.  The workers partially returned to work and the Company resumed operations. However, on April 11, 2008 the workers restarted the labor stoppage and shut down production, based upon a new federal ruling.  On September 4, 2008, the Fourth Labor District Judge granted the Company the right for a new revision regarding a ruling by the federal labor court which will issue a new decision.  The Company has tried unsuccessfully to resolve the current labor stoppage that obstructs production at Cananea and in the second quarter 2008, the Board of Directors offered all employees a severance payment in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and applicable law.  This was offered in order to award the employees a significant severance payment that allows them to choose the labor alternative that is best for each of them.  During 2008, under this plan a group of employees was terminated at a cost of $15.2 million.  In December 2008, the Mexican Federal Labor Court ruled in favor of the Company and declared the strike illegal.  The union appealed this decision.  On January 7, 2009 the judge of the fifth district on labor matters annulled the favorable decision to the Company.  The Company has filed a request for a review of this ruling before an appellate federal court.  The Company will continue to pursue a favorable resolution of the labor stoppage.

 

The Company has the right to resume operations at the mine with those workers who wish to continue.  Nevertheless some strikers have illegally blocked the entrance to the unit.  The Company has filed two successive complaints before an upper court in order to require the Fifth District judge to safeguard the Company’s right to operate.

 

Additionally, during 2006, there were a number of work stoppages at some of our other Mexican operations.  While some of these work stoppages were of a short-term nature with little or no production loss, others have been more disruptive.  A strike at the La Caridad copper mine in Sonora began in the first quarter of 2006 and ended in July 2006.  As a result of these strikes, we were forced to declare “force majeure” on certain of our June and July copper contracts. In 2006, we also experienced strikes at our Cananea and San Martin mines.

 

Collective bargaining agreements with the Company’s Peruvian labor unions expired in 2007.  A number of strikes were initiated by the Company’s labor unions, demanding wage increases and better benefits.  In addition, some of the unions went on strike in support of national union strikes.  These strikes were generally of a brief nature and

 

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the Company was able to continue normal operations with the support of staff and administrative personnel and contractors.  New collective bargaining agreements, for periods ranging from three to six years were signed with all of the Company’s unions.

 

Environmental, health and safety laws and other regulations may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations or result in operational delays.

 

Our exploration, mining, milling, smelting and refining activities are subject to a number of Peruvian and Mexican laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, as well as certain industry technical standards.  Additional matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, concession fees, transportation, production, water use and discharge, power use and generation, use and storage of explosives, surface rights, housing and other facilities for workers, reclamation, taxation, labor standards, mine safety and occupational health.

 

Environmental regulations in Peru and Mexico have become increasingly stringent over the last decade and we have been required to dedicate more time and money to compliance and remediation activities.  Furthermore, Mexican authorities have become more rigorous and strict in enforcing Mexican environmental laws.  We expect additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters.  Recently, Peruvian environmental laws have been enacted imposing closure and remediation obligations on the mining industry.  Moreover, our Mexican operations are also subject to the environmental agreement entered into by Mexico, the United States and Canada in connection with the North American Free Trade Agreement. We believe our operations are in compliance with all environmental laws and regulations within the areas we operate.

 

The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru and Mexico and in relevant trade agreements could impose constraints and additional costs on our operations and require us to make significant capital expenditures in the future.  We cannot assure you that future legislative, regulatory or trade developments will not have an adverse effect on our business, properties, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

 

Our metals exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may be unsuccessful.

 

Metals exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently unsuccessful.  Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling before production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change.  Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable ore reserves through drilling, to determine metallurgical processes to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities.  We cannot assure you that our exploration programs will result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new proven and probable ore reserves.

 

Development projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs.  Estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geological data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques, and feasibility studies that derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore, comparable facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors.  As a result, actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon development of proven and probable ore reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated.  Moreover, significant

 

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decreases in actual or expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce.

 

Our profits may be negatively affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 

The U.S. dollar is our functional currency and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars.  However, portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian nuevos soles and Mexican pesos.  Accordingly, when inflation in Peru or Mexico increases without a corresponding devaluation of the nuevo sol or the Mexican peso our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.  To manage the volatility related to the risk of currency rate fluctuations, we may enter into forward exchange contracts.  We cannot assure you, however, that currency fluctuations will not have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our assets, earnings and cash flows are influenced by various currencies due to the geographic diversity of our sales and the countries in which we operate.  As some of our costs are incurred in currencies other than our functional currency, the U.S. dollar, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may have a significant impact on our financial results.  These costs principally include electricity, labor, maintenance, local contractors and fuel.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, a substantial portion of our costs were denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollar.  Operating costs are influenced by the currencies of the countries where our mines and processing plants are located and also by those currencies in which the costs of equipment and services are determined.  The Peruvian nuevo sol, the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar are the most important currencies influencing our costs.

 

Further, in the past there has been a strong correlation between copper prices and the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar.  A strengthening of the U.S. dollar may therefore be accompanied by lower copper prices, which would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may be adversely affected by challenges relating to slope stability.

 

Our open-pit mines get deeper as we mine them, presenting certain geotechnical challenges including the possibility of slope failure.  If we are required to decrease pit slope angles or provide additional road access to prevent such a failure, our stated reserves could be negatively affected.  Further, hydrological conditions relating to pit slopes, renewal of material displaced by slope failures and increased stripping requirements could also negatively affect our stated reserves.  We have taken actions in order to maintain slope stability, but we cannot assure you that we will not have to take additional action in the future or that our actions taken to date will be sufficient.  Unexpected failure or additional requirements to prevent slope failure may negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition, as well as have the effect of diminishing our stated ore reserves.

 

Litigation involving Asarco may adversely affect us.

 

Our direct and indirect parent corporations, including AMC and Grupo Mexico, have from time to time been named parties in various litigations involving Asarco LLC (“Asarco”).  In August 2002 the U.S. Department of Justice brought a claim alleging fraudulent conveyance in connection with AMC’s then-proposed purchase of SCC from Asarco.  That action was settled pursuant to a Consent Decree dated February 2, 2003.  In March 2003, AMC purchased its interest in SCC from a subsidiary of Asarco.  In October 2004, AMC, Grupo Mexico, Mexicana de Cobre and other parties, not including SCC, were named in a lawsuit filed in New York State court in connection with alleged asbestos liabilities, which lawsuit claims, among other matters, that AMC’s purchase of SCC from Asarco should

 

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be voided as a fraudulent conveyance.  The lawsuit filed in New York State court was stayed as a result of the August 2005 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Asarco, as described below.  However, on November 16, 2007, this lawsuit, after being removed to federal court, was transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Brownsville, Texas, for resolution in conjunction with a new lawsuit filed by Asarco, the debtor in possession.  On February 2, 2007 a complaint was filed by Asarco, the debtor in possession, alleging many of the matters previously claimed in the New York State lawsuit, including that AMC’s purchase of SCC from Asarco should be voided as a fraudulent conveyance. In June 2008 the lawsuit was concluded in Brownsville, Texas. The constructive fraudulent conveyance claim was dismissed; however the actual fraud and the aiding and abetting the breach of fiduciary duties counts were favorable to plaintiffs. The court’s decision did not determine the damage amount.  Grupo Mexico has stated they will appeal the ruling.  In late December 2004 and early January 2005, three purported class action derivative lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery (New Castle County) relating to the merger transaction between SCC and Minera Mexico. On January 31, 2005, the three actions were consolidated. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the merger was the result of breaches of fiduciary duties by SCC’s directors and was not entirely fair to SCC and its minority stockholders.  The case is currently in the early stages of discovery. The defendants believe that the lawsuit is without merit and are vigorously defending the action.  While Grupo Mexico and its affiliates believe that these claims are without merit, the Company cannot assure you that these or future claims, if successful, will not have an adverse effect on the Company’s parent corporation or the Company.  Any increase in the financial obligations of the Company’s parent corporation, as a result of matters related to Asarco or otherwise could, among other effects, result in the Company’s parent corporation attempting to obtain increased dividends or other funding from the Company.  In 2005, certain subsidiaries of Asarco filed bankruptcy petitions in connection with alleged asbestos liabilities.  In July 2005, the unionized workers of Asarco commenced a work stoppage.  As a result of various factors, including the above-mentioned work stoppage, in August 2005 Asarco filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Asarco’s bankruptcy case is being joined with the bankruptcy cases of its subsidiaries.  Asarco’s bankruptcy could result in additional claims being filed against Grupo Mexico and its subsidiaries, including SCC, Minera Mexico or its subsidiaries.

 

We are controlled by Grupo Mexico, which exercises control over our affairs and policies and whose interests may be different from yours.

 

Grupo Mexico owns indirectly approximately 79.0% of our capital stock.  Certain of our and Minera Mexico’s officers and directors are also officers of Grupo Mexico.  We cannot assure you that the interests of Grupo Mexico will not conflict with ours.

 

Grupo Mexico has the ability to determine the outcome of substantially all matters submitted for a vote to our stockholders and thus exercises control over our business policies and affairs, including the following:

 

·                  the composition of our board of directors and, as a result, any determinations of our board with respect to our business direction and policy, including the appointment and removal of our officers;

 

·                  determinations with respect to mergers and other business combinations, including those that may result in a change of control;

 

·                  whether dividends are paid or other distributions are made and the amount of any dividends or other distributions;

 

·                  sales and dispositions of our assets; and

 

·                  the amount of debt financing that we incur.

 

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In addition, we and Minera Mexico have in the past engaged in, and expect to continue to engage in, transactions with Grupo Mexico and its other affiliates which are related party transactions and may present conflicts of interest.  For additional information regarding the share ownership of, and our relationships with, Grupo Mexico and its affiliates, see “Related Party Transactions.”

 

We may not continue to pay a significant amount of our net income as cash dividends on our common stock in the future.

 

We have distributed a significant amount of our net income as dividends since 1996.  Our dividend practice is subject to change at the discretion of our Board of Directors at any time.  The amount that we pay in dividends is subject to a number of factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, tax considerations, future prospects, legal restrictions, contractual restrictions in credit agreements, limitations imposed by the government of Peru, Mexico or other countries where we have significant operations and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.  In light of our expansion program and the current global economic recession and credit crisis we expect that future dividend distributions will be reduced from the levels of recent years.

 

Risks Associated with Doing Business in Peru and Mexico

 

There is uncertainty as to the termination and renewal of our mining concessions.

 

Under the laws of Peru and Mexico, mineral resources belong to the state and government concessions are required in both countries to explore for or exploit mineral reserves.  In Peru, our mineral rights derive from concessions from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines for our exploration, exploitation, extraction and/or production operations.  In Mexico, our mineral rights derive from concessions granted, on a discretionary basis, by the Ministry of Economy, pursuant to the Mining Law and regulations thereunder.

 

Mining concessions in both Peru and Mexico may be terminated if the obligations of the concessionaire are not satisfied.  In Peru, we are obligated to pay certain fees for our mining concession.  In Mexico, we are obligated, among other things, to explore or exploit the relevant concession, to pay any relevant fees, to comply with all environmental and safety standards, to provide information to the Ministry of Economy and to allow inspections by the Ministry of Economy.  Any termination or unfavorable modification of the terms of one or more of our concessions, or failure to obtain renewals of such concessions subject to renewal or extensions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and prospects.

 

Peruvian economic and political conditions may have an adverse impact on our business.

 

A significant part of our operations are conducted in Peru.  Accordingly, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be affected by changes in economic or other policies of the Peruvian government or other political, regulatory or economic developments in Peru.  During the past several decades, Peru has had a history of political instability that has included military coups and a succession of regimes with differing policies and programs.  Past governments have frequently intervened in the nation’s economy and social structure.  Among other actions, past governments have imposed controls on prices, exchange rates and local and foreign investment as well as limitations on imports, have restricted the ability of companies to dismiss employees, have expropriated private sector assets (including mining companies) and have prohibited the remittance of profits to foreign investors.

 

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There is a risk of terrorism in Peru relating to Sendero Luminoso and the Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru, which were particularly active in the 1980s and early 1990s.  To a much lesser degree terrorist incidents have continued in some rural areas of the country.

 

Because we have significant operations in Peru, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions in Peru and/or terrorist activity will not have a material adverse effect on market conditions, prices of our securities, our ability to obtain financing, and our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Mexican economic and political conditions may have an adverse impact on our business.

 

A significant part of our operations are based in Mexico. In the past, Mexico has experienced both prolonged periods of weak economic conditions and dramatic deterioration in economic conditions, characterized by exchange rate instability and significant devaluation of the peso, increased inflation, high domestic interest rates, a substantial outflow of capital, negative economic growth, reduced consumer purchasing power and high unemployment.  An economic crisis occurred in 1995 in the context of a series of internal disruptions and political events including a large current account deficit, civil unrest in the southern state of Chiapas, the assassination of two prominent political figures, a substantial outflow of capital and a significant devaluation of the peso.

 

A general election was held in Mexico on July 2, 2006, with Mr. Felipe Calderon as the winner.  The results were contested and recounts were made.  Nevertheless, on December 1, 2006, Mr. Calderon was sworn in as president of Mexico.

 

Because we have significant operations in Mexico, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions in Mexico, will not have a material adverse effect on market conditions, prices of our securities, our ability to obtain financing, and our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Peruvian inflation reduced economic growth and fluctuations in the nuevo sol exchange rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Over the past several decades, Peru has experienced periods of high inflation, slow or negative economic growth and substantial currency devaluation.  The inflation rate in Peru, as measured by the Indice de Precios al Consumidor (Consumer Price Index) and published by the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica e Informatica, (National Institute of Statistics and Informatics), has fallen from a high of 7,649.7% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2008.  The Peruvian currency has been devalued numerous times during the last 20 years.  The devaluation rate has decreased from a high of 4,019.3% in 1990 to 4.8% in 2008.  Our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and our operating expenses are partly denominated in U.S. dollars.  If inflation in Peru were to increase without a corresponding devaluation of the nuevo sol relative to the U.S. dollar, our financial position and results of operations, and the market price of our common stock, could be affected.  Although the Peruvian government’s economic policy reduced inflation and the Peruvian economy has experienced a significant growth in recent years, we cannot assure you that inflation will not increase from its current level or that such growth will continue in the future at similar rates or at all.

 

Among the economic circumstances that could lead to a devaluation of the nuevo sol is the decline of Peruvian foreign reserves to inadequate levels.  Peru’s foreign reserves at December 31, 2008, were $31.2 billion as compared to $27.7 billion and $17.3 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  We cannot assure that Peru will be able to maintain adequate foreign reserves to meet its foreign currency

 

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denominated obligations or that Peru will not devalue its currency should its foreign reserves decline.

 

Mexican inflation, restrictive exchange control policies and fluctuations in the peso exchange rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Although all of our Mexican operations’ sales of metals are priced and invoiced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our Mexican operations’ cost of sales are denominated in pesos.  Accordingly, when inflation in Mexico increases without a corresponding devaluation of the peso, as it did in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the net income generated by our Mexican operations is adversely affected.

 

The annual inflation rate in Mexico was 6.5% in 2008, 3.8% in 2007 and 4.1% in 2006.  The Bank of Mexico has publicly announced an objective of 3% inflation for 2009.  At the same time, the peso has been subject in the past to significant devaluation, which may not have been proportionate to the inflation rate and may not be proportionate to the inflation rate in the future.  The value of the peso decreased by 24.5% in 2008, increased by 0.1% in 2007 and decreased by 1.5% in 2006.

 

While the Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican companies or individuals to convert pesos into dollars or other currencies, in the future, the Mexican government could impose a restrictive exchange control policy, as it has done in the past.  We cannot assure you that the Mexican government will maintain its current policies with regard to the peso or that the peso’s value will not fluctuate significantly in the future.  The imposition of such exchange control policies could impair Minera Mexico’s ability to obtain imported goods and to meet its U.S. dollar-denominated obligations and could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

Developments in other emerging market countries and in the United States may adversely affect the prices of our common stock and our debt securities.

 

The market value of securities of companies with significant operations in Peru and Mexico is, to varying degrees, affected by economic and market conditions in other emerging market countries.  Although economic conditions in such countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Peru or Mexico, as the case may be, investors’ reactions to developments in any of these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value or trading price of the securities, including debt securities, of issuers that have significant operations in Peru or Mexico.

 

In addition, in recent years economic conditions in Mexico have increasingly become correlated to U.S. economic conditions.  Therefore, adverse economic conditions in the United States could also have a significant adverse effect on Mexican economic conditions, including the price of our common stock or debt securities.

 

We cannot assure you that the market value or trading prices of our common stock and debt securities, will not be adversely affected by events in the United States or elsewhere, including in emerging market countries.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None

 

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Item 2.  Properties

 

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952.  Our corporate offices in the United States are located at 11811 North Tatum Blvd. Suite 2500, Phoenix, Arizona 85028.  Our telephone number in Phoenix, Arizona is (602) 494-5328.  Our corporate offices in Mexico are located in Mexico City and our corporate offices in Peru are located in Lima.  Our website is www.southerncoppercorp.com.  We believe that our existing properties are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.

 

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

 

The following maps set forth the locations of our principal mines, smelting facilities and refineries.  We operate open-pit copper mines in the southern part of Peru — at Toquepala and Cuajone — and in Mexico, principally at La Caridad and Cananea.  We also operate five underground mines that produce zinc, copper, silver and gold, as well as a coal mine and a coke oven.

 

 

EXTRACTION, SMELTING AND REFINING PROCESSES

 

Our operations include open-pit and underground mining, concentrating, copper smelting, copper refining, copper rod production, solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW), zinc refining, sulfuric acid production, molybdenum concentrate production and silver and gold refining.  The extraction and production process are summarized below.

 

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OPEN-PIT MINING

 

In an open-pit mine, the production process begins at the mine pit, where waste rock, leaching ore and copper ore are drilled and blasted and then loaded onto diesel-electric trucks by electric shovels.  Waste is hauled to dump areas and leaching ore is hauled to leaching dumps.  The ore to be milled is transported to the primary crushers.

 

UNDERGROUND MINING

 

In an underground mine, the production process begins at the stopes, where copper, zinc and lead veins are drilled and blasted and the ore is hauled to the underground crusher station.  The crushed ore is then hoisted to the surface for processing.

 

CONCENTRATING

 

The copper ore with a copper grade over 0.4% from the primary crusher or the copper, zinc and lead-bearing ore from the underground mines is transported to a concentrator plant where gyratory crushers break the ore into sizes no larger than three-quarters of an inch.  The ore is then sent to a mill section where it is ground to the consistency of fine powder.  The finely ground ore is mixed with water and chemical reagents and pumped as a slurry to the flotation separator where it is mixed with certain chemicals.  In the flotation separator, reagents solution and air pumped into the flotation cells cause the minerals to separate from the waste rock and bubble to the surface where they are collected and dried.

 

If the bulk concentrated copper contains molybdenum it is first processed in a molybdenum plant as described below under “Molybdenum Production.”

 

COPPER SMELTING

 

Copper concentrates are transported to a smelter, where they are smelted using a furnace, converter and anode furnace to produce either copper blister (which is in the form of cakes with air pockets) or copper anodes (which are cleaned of air pockets).  At the smelter, the concentrates are mixed with flux (a chemical substance intentionally included for high temperature processing) and then sent to reverberatory furnaces producing copper matte and slag (a mixture of iron and other impurities).  Copper matte contains approximately 65% copper.  Copper matte is then sent to the converters, where the material is oxidized in two steps: (i) the iron sulfides in the matte are oxidized with silica, producing slag that is returned to the reverberatory furnaces, and (ii) the copper contained in the matte sulfides is then oxidized to produce copper that, after casting, is called blister copper, containing approximately 98% to 99% copper, or anodes, containing approximately 99.7% copper.  Some of the blister and anode production is sold to customers and the remainder is sent to the refinery.

 

COPPER REFINING

 

Anodes are suspended in tanks containing sulfuric acid and copper sulfate.  A weak electrical current is passed through the anodes and chemical solution and the dissolved copper is deposited on very thin starting sheets to produce copper cathodes containing approximately 99.99% copper.  During this process, silver, gold and other metals (for example, palladium, platinum and selenium), along with other impurities, settle on the bottom of the tank (anodic slime).  This anodic slime is processed at a precious metal plant where selenium, silver and gold are recovered.

 

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COPPER ROD PLANT

 

To produce copper rod, copper cathodes are first smelted in a furnace and then dosified in a casting machine.  The dosified copper is then extruded and passed through a cooling system that begins solidification of copper into a 60´50 millimeter copper bar.  The resulting copper bar is gradually stretched in a rolling mill to achieve the desired diameter.  The rolled bar is then cooled and sprayed with wax as a preservation agent and collected into a rod coil that is compacted and sent to market.

 

SOLVENT EXTRACTION/ELECTROWINNING (SX/EW)

 

An alternative to the conventional concentrator/smelter/refinery process is the leaching and SX/EW process.  During the SX/EW process, certain types of low-grade ore with a copper grade under 0.4% are leached with sulfuric acid to allow copper content recovery.  The acid and copper solution is then agitated with a solvent that contains chemical additives that attract copper ions.  As the solvent is lighter than water, it floats to the surface carrying with it the copper content.  The solvent is then separated using an acid solution, freeing the copper.  The acid solution containing the copper is then moved to electrolytic extraction tanks to produce copper cathodes.  Refined copper can be produced more economically (though over a longer period) and from lower grade ore using the SX/EW process instead of the traditional concentrating, smelting and refining process.

 

MOLYBDENUM PRODUCTION

 

Molybdenum is recovered from copper-molybdenum concentrates produced at the concentrator.  The copper-molybdenum concentrate is first treated with a thickener until it becomes slurry with 60% solids.  The slurry is then agitated in a chemical and water solution and pumped to the flotation separator.  The separator creates a froth that carries molybdenum to the surface but not the copper mineral (which is later filtered to produce copper concentrates containing approximately 27% copper).  The molybdenum froth is skimmed off, filtered and dried to produce molybdenum concentrates of approximately 58% contained molybdenum.

 

ZINC REFINING

 

Metallic zinc is produced through electrolysis using zinc concentrates and zinc oxides.  Sulfur is eliminated from the concentrates by roasting and the zinc oxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid solution to eliminate solid impurities.  The purified zinc sulfide solution is treated by electrolysis to produce refined zinc and to separate silver and gold, which are recovered as concentrates.

 

SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION

 

Sulfur dioxide gases are produced in the copper smelting and zinc roasting processes.  As a part of our environmental preservation program, we treat the sulfur dioxide emissions at two of our Mexican plants and at Peruvian processing facilities to produce sulfuric acid, some of which is, in turn, used for the copper leaching process, with the rest sold to mining and fertilizer companies located principally in Mexico, Peru, the United States, Chile and other countries.

 

SILVER AND GOLD REFINING

 

Silver and gold are recovered from copper, zinc and lead concentrates in the smelters and refineries, and from slimes through electrolytic refining.

 

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KEY PRODUCTION CAPACITY DATA:

 

All production facilities are owned by the Company.  The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2008, the locations of production facilities by reportable segment, the processes used, as well as the key production and capacity data for each location:

 

Facility Name		Location		Process		Nominal Capacity (1)		2008 Production		2008 Capacity Utilization
PERUVIAN OPEN PIT UNIT
Mining Operations
Cuajone Open-pit Mine		Cuajone (Peru)		Copper ore milling and recovery, copper and molybdenum concentrate production		87.0 ktpd — Milling		83.8 ktpd		96.3 %
Toquepala Open-pit Mine		Toquepala (Peru)		Copper ore milling and recovery, copper and molybdenum concentrate production		60.0 ktpd — Milling		59.8 ktpd		99.7 %
Toquepala SX-EW Plant		Toquepala (Peru)		Leaching, solvent extraction and cathode electro winning		56.0 ktpy — Refined		40.1 ktpy		71.6 %
Processing Operations
Ilo Copper Smelter		Ilo (Peru)		Copper smelting, blister, anodes production		1,200.0 ktpy — Concentrate feed		1,003.3 ktpy		83.6 %
Ilo Copper Refinery		Ilo (Peru)		Copper refining		280 ktpy — Refined cathodes		248.7 ktpy		88.8 %
Ilo Acid Plants		Ilo (Peru)		Sulfuric Acid		1,050 ktpy — Sulfuric acid		958.6 ktpy		91.2 %
Ilo Precious Metals Refinery		Ilo (Peru)		Slime recovery & processing, gold & silver refining		320 tpy		294.0 tpy		91.9 %
MEXICAN OPEN PIT UNIT
Cananea Open-Pit Mine (2)		Sonora (Mexico)		Copper Ore milling & recovery, copper concentrate production		76.7 ktpd — Milling		16.7 ktpd		21.8 %
Cananea SX-EW I, II Plants (2)		Sonora (Mexico)		Leaching, solvent extraction & refined cathode electrowinning		54.8 ktpy (combined)		9.5 ktpy		17.3 %
La Caridad Open-Pit Mine		Sonora (Mexico)		Copper ore milling & recovery, copper & molybdenum concentrate production		90.0 ktpd — Milling		86.3 ktpd		95.9 %
La Caridad SX-EW Plant		Sonora (Mexico)		Leaching, solvent extraction & cathode electro winning		21.9 ktpy — Refined		22.0 ktpy		100.5 %

 

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Processing Operations
La Caridad Copper Smelter		Sonora (Mexico)		Concentrate smelting, anode production		1,000 ktpy — Concentrate feed		574.6 ktpy		57.5 %
La Caridad Copper Refinery		Sonora (Mexico)		Copper refining		300 ktpy Copper cathode		140.3 ktpy		46.8 %
La Caridad Copper Rod Plant		Sonora (Mexico)		Copper rod production		150 ktpy Copper rod		76.3 ktpy		50.9 %
La Caridad Precious Metals Refinery		Sonora (Mexico)		Slime recovery & processing, gold & silver refining		2.8 ktpy — Slime		0.6 ktpy		21.4 %
La Caridad Sulfuric Acid Plant		Sonora (Mexico)		Sulfuric acid		1,565.5 ktpy — Sulfuric acid		578.2 ktpy		36.9 %
IMMSA UNIT
Underground Mines
Charcas		San Luis Potosi (Mexico)		Copper, zinc, lead milling, recovery & concentrate production		1,460 ktpy — Milled ore		1,168.7 ktpy		80.1 %
San Martin (2)		Zacatecas (Mexico)		Lead, zinc, copper & silver mining, milling recovery & concentrate production		1,606 ktpy — Milled ore		0.0 ktpy		0.0 %
Santa Barbara		Chihuahua (Mexico)		Lead, copper and zinc mining & concentrates production		2,190 ktpy - Milled ore		1,450.5 ktpy		66.2 %
Santa Eulalia		Chihuahua (Mexico)		Lead & zinc mining and milling recovery & concentrate production		547.5 ktpy — Milled ore		280.9 ktpy		51.3 %
Taxco (2)		Guerrero (Mexico)		Lead, zinc silver & gold mining recovery & concentrate production		730 ktpy — Milled ore		0.0 ktpy		0.0 %
Nueva Rosita Coal & Coke Complex(3)		Coahuila (Mexico)		Clean coal production		900 ktpy clean coal 100 ktpy coke		71.3 ktpy 70.3 ktpy		15.8 % 70.3 %
Processing Operations
San Luis Potosi Copper Smelter		San Luis Potosi (Mexico)		Concentrate smelting, blister production		60 ktpy concentrate feed 24.0 ktpy blister production		40.9 ktpy 19.0 ktpy		82.2 % 79.2 %
San Luis Potosí Zinc Refinery		San Luis Potosi (Mexico)		Zinc concentrates refining		105.0 ktpy zinc cathode		95.4 ktpy		90.9 %
San Luis Potosi Sulfuric Acid Plant		San Luis Potosi (Mexico)		Sulfuric acid		180.0 ktpy sulfuric acid		162.1 ktpy		90.1 %

Key:                       ktpd = thousands of tons per day

ktpy = thousands of tons per year

tpy = tons per year

(1)          Our estimates of actual capacity contemplating normal operating conditions with allowance for normal downtime for repairs and maintenance and based on the average metal content for the relevant period.

(2)          During 2008, there were 278 days of illegal strike work stoppage at Cananea and there was no production at Taxco and San Martin in 2008, due to illegal work stoppages.

(3)          At December 31, 2008, the coal reserves for the Nueva Rosita coal plant were 66,038,000 tons with average sulfur content of 1.78% and a BTU content of 9,054.9 per pound.

 

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PROPERTIES BOOK VALUE

 

At December 31, 2008, net book values of property are as follows:

 

Peruvian operations $1,846.7 million: Cuajone $396.7 million, Toquepala $624.8 million, Tia Maria Project $118.0 million and Ilo and other support facilities $707.2 million.

 

Mexican open pit operations: $1,644.5 million: (Cananea $559.4 million, La Caridad $1,081.2 million, property in progress and other facilities $3.9 million) and

 

Mexican IMMSA unit: $271.1 million (San Luis Potosi $40.5 million, zinc electrolytic refinery $62.2 million, Charcas $13.9 million, San Martin $33.6 million, Santa Barbara $56.4 million, Taxco $6.3 million, Santa Eulalia $17.7 million, Pasta de Conchos and Nueva Rosita $23.1 million and property in progress and other facilities $17.4 million).

 

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Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY OPERATING DATA

 

The following table sets out certain operating data underlying our financial and operating information for each of the periods indicated.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2008		2007		2006
COPPER (thousand pounds):
Mined
Peru open pit
Toquepala		251,651		310,560		334,605
Cuajone		432,249		401,498		384,493
SX-EW Toquepala		85,537		80,844		78,935
Mexico open pit
La Caridad		213,691		225,443		128,024
Cananea		13,591		140,896		245,331
SX-EW La Caridad		48,422		50,072		24,796
SX-EW Cananea		20,811		76,265		115,794
IMMSA Unit		11,949		19,961		23,270
Total Mined		1,077,901		1,305,539		1,335,248
Smelted
Peru open pit
Blister Ilo		—		20,466		67,364
Anodes Ilo		675,903		511,906		656,016
Mexico open pit
Anodes La Caridad		379,000		446,894		530,592
IMMSA Unit
Blister IMMSA		41,881		45,894		44,518
Total Smelted		1,096,784		1,025,160		1,298,490
Refined
Peru Open Pit
Cathodes Ilo		548,381		393,297		602,520
SX-EW Toquepala		88,511		88,920		78,935
Mexico Open Pit
Cathodes La Caridad		309,366		382,152		441,705
SX-EW La Caridad		48,422		50,072		24,796
SX-EW Cananea		20,811		76,265		115,794
Total Refined		1,015,491		990,706		1,263,750
Rod Mexico Open Pit
La Caridad		168,172		212,978		212,923
Total Rod		168,172		212,978		212,923
SILVER (thousand ounces)
Mined
Peru Open Pit
Toquepala		1,591		2,047		2,083
Cuajone		2,482		2,219		2,141
Mexico Open Pit
La Caridad		1,796		1,893		1,055
Cananea		81		798		1,616
IMMSA Unit		6,366		8,272		9,276
Total Mined		12,316		15,229		16,171
Refined
Peru Open Pit — Ilo		2,971		2,657		3,831
Mexico Open Pit — La Caridad		4,386		3,539		4,211
IMMSA Unit		3,484		3,805		4,337
Total Refined		10,841		10,001		12,379
MOLYBDENUM (thousand pounds)
Mined
Toquepala		10,289		13,730		12,815
Cuajone		9,793		8,424		7,767
La Caridad		16,052		13,578		5,514
Total Mined		36,134		35,732		26,096
ZINC (thousand pounds)
Mined IMMSA		235,718		266,787		301,133
Refined IMMSA		210,365		200,105		112,513

 

SLOPE STABILITY:

 

Peruvian Operations

 

The Toquepala and Cuajone pits are approximately 700 meters and 800 meters deep, respectively, under the present mine plan configuration both pits will reach a depth of 1,200 meters.  The deepening pit presents us with a number of geotechnical challenges.  Perhaps the foremost concern is the possibility of slope failure, a possibility that all open pit mines face.  In order to maintain slope stability, in the past we have decreased pit slope angles, installed additional or duplicate haul road access, and increased stripping requirements.  We have also responded to hydrological conditions and removed material displaced by a slope failure.  There is no assurance that we will not have to take these or other actions in the future, any

 

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