SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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

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For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2019

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OR

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

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For the transition period from                        to                       

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Commission File Number: 1-14066

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SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (602) 264-1375

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

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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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 ⌧ No ◻

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

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

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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

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At February 26, 2020, there were of record 773,058,869 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

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The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock (based upon the closing price at June 30, 2019 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions) of Southern Copper Corporation held by non-affiliates was approximately $3,332.7 million.

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PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

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Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”)

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

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PART I

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS

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THE COMPANY

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Southern Copper Corporation (“SCC”, “Southern Copper” or the “Company”) is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world. Our major production includes copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver. All of our mining, smelting and refining facilities are located in Peru and Mexico and we conduct exploration activities in those countries and in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. 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 Mexico. We believe we have the largest copper reserves in the world. 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.

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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 blister and 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 sulfuric acid. Our precious metals plant at the Ilo refinery produces refined silver, gold, and other materials. Additionally, we produce refined copper using solvent extraction/electrowinning technology (“SX-EW”). We operate the Toquepala and Cuajone open-pit 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.

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Our Mexican operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Mexico”), which we acquired in 2005. Minera Mexico engages primarily 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 “La Caridad” unit) operates La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, a copper ore concentrator, a SX-EW plant, a smelter, refinery and a rod plant. The La Caridad refinery has a precious metals plant which produces refined silver, gold and other materials. Operadora de Minas e Instalaciones Mineras, S.A de C.V. (the “Buenavista unit”) operates Buenavista, an open-pit copper mine, which is located at the site of one of the world’s largest copper ore deposits, two copper concentrators and three SX-EW plants. Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (together with its subsidiaries, the “IMMSA unit”) operates five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine and a zinc refinery.

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We utilize modern, state of the art mining and processing methods, including global positioning systems and computerized mining processes. 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 rod and other products and most related transport and logistics functions, using our own facilities, employees and equipment.

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The sales prices for our products are largely determined by market forces beyond 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 to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and on maximizing results in periods of high copper prices. For additional information on the sale prices of the metals we produce, please see “Metal Prices” in this Item 1.

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Currency Information:

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

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Unit Information:

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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.

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

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The following chart describes our organizational structure, starting with our controlling stockholders, as of December 31, 2019. For clarity of presentation, the chart identifies only our main subsidiaries and eliminates intermediate holding companies.

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We are a majority-owned, indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Mexico”). At December 31, 2019, Grupo Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary Americas Mining Corporation (“AMC”) owned 88.9% of our capital stock. Grupo Mexico’s principal business is to act as a holding company for the shares of other corporations engaged in the mining, processing, purchase and sale of minerals and other products and railway and other related services.

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We conduct our operations in Peru through a registered branch (the “SPCC Peru Branch”, “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 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 (See Note 14 “Stockholders´ Equity” of our consolidated financial statements).

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In April 2005, we acquired Minera Mexico, 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 La Caridad unit (ii) the Buenavista unit and (iii) the IMMSA unit. We own 99.96% of Minera Mexico.

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In 2008, our Board of Directors (“BOD”) authorized a $500 million share repurchase program that has since been increased by the BOD and is currently authorized to $3 billion. Pursuant to this program, through December 31, 2019 we have purchased 119.5 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $2.9 billion. These shares are available for general corporate purposes. We may purchase additional shares from time to time, based on market conditions and other factors. This repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified or discontinued at any time.

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REPUBLIC OF PERU AND MEXICO

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

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

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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 NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a website 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 website is www.sec.gov.

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Our website is www.southerncoppercorp.com. Beginning with the Form 8-K dated March 14, 2003, we have made available on this website, free of charge, 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 website also includes the Company’s Corporate Governance guidelines and the charters of our principal Board Committees. However, the information found on our website is not part of this or any other report.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

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Forward-looking statements in this report and in other Company statements include information regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production 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 certain 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, the availability of materials, insurance coverage, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, water and geological problems, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, failure to obtain financial assurance to meet closure and remediation obligations, labor relations, litigation and environmental risks, as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations. Results of operations are directly affected by metal prices on commodity exchanges, which can be volatile.

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Additional business information follows:

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COPPER BUSINESS

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Copper is an important component in the world’s infrastructure. It is the third most widely used metal, after iron and aluminum. Copper has unique chemical and physical properties, including high ductility, malleability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion that has made it a superior material for use in electrical and electronic products, including power transmission and generation, which accounts for about three quarters of copper global use, telecommunications, building construction, transportation and industrial machinery. 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.

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Copper is an internationally traded commodity with prices principally determined by the major metal exchanges, the Commodities Exchange, or “COMEX”, in New York and the London Metal Exchange or “LME.” Copper is usually found in nature in association with sulfur. Pure copper metal is generally produced from a multistage process, beginning with the mining and concentrating of low-grade ores containing copper sulfide minerals, and followed by smelting and electrolytic refining to produce a pure copper cathode. An increasing share of copper is produced from acid leaching of oxidized ores. Copper is one of the oldest metals ever used and has been one of the most important materials in the development of civilization.

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BUSINESS REPORTING SEGMENTS:

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Our management views Southern Copper as having three reportable segments and manages it on the basis of these segments.

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

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Inter-segment 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 data is information regarding the Company’s sales. The segments identified by the Company are:

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Financial information is regularly prepared for each of the three segments and the results are reported to Senior management on a segment basis. Senior management 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.

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Segment information is included in Item 2 “Properties,” under the captions—“Metal Production by Segments” and “Ore Reserves.” More information on business segment and segment financial information is included in Note 18 “Segment and Related Information” of our consolidated financial statements.

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CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM AND EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

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For a description of our capital investment program, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Capital Investment Program” and for our exploration activities, see Item 2 “Properties—Explorations Activities.”

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PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND MARKETS

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Copper is primarily used in the building and construction industries, in the power generation and transmission industry, in electrical and electronic products and, to a lesser extent, in industrial machinery and equipment, consumer products and in 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, in brazing alloys and solder, jewelry, coinage, silverware and catalysts. Zinc is primarily used as a coating on iron and steel to protect against corrosion and is also used to make die cast parts, in the manufacturing of batteries and in the form of sheets for architectural purposes.

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Our marketing strategy and annual sales planning emphasize developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships. Thus acquiring annual or other long-term contracts for the sale of our products is a high priority. Generally, 80% to 90% of our metal production is sold under annual or longer-term contracts. Sales prices are determined based on the prevailing commodity prices for the quotation period according to the terms of the contract.

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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 efforts to diversifying our sales both by region and by customer base. We also strive to provide superior customer service, including timely deliveries of our products. Our ability to consistently fulfill customer demand is supported by our substantial production capacity.

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For additional information on sales please see “Revenue recognition” in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 18 “Segment and Related Information” of our consolidated financial statements.

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METALS PRICES

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Prices for our products are principally a function of supply and demand and, with the exception of molybdenum, are established on COMEX and LME. 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. For a further discussion of our products market prices, please see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Metal Prices.”

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The table below shows the high, low and average COMEX and LME per pound copper prices during the last 10 years:

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The per pound COMEX copper price during the last 5 and 10 year periods averaged $2.63 and $3.07, respectively. The per pound LME copper price during the last 5 and 10 year periods averaged $2.64 and $3.06, respectively.

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The table below shows the high, low and average per-pound, except silver, which is per ounce, market prices for our three principal by-products during the last 10 years:

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The per ounce COMEX silver price during the last 5 and 10 year periods averaged $16.32 and $21.10, respectively. The per pound Platt’s Metals Week Dealer Oxide molybdenum price during the last 5 and 10 year periods averaged $8.85 and $10.94, respectively. The per pound LME zinc price during the last 5 and 10 year periods averaged $1.12 and $1.03, respectively.

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COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

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Competition in the copper market is based primarily on price and service basis, with price being the most important factor when supplies of copper are ample. Our products compete with other materials, including aluminum and plastics. For additional information, see Item 1A “Risk Factors—The copper mining industry is highly competitive.”

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LABOR FORCE

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As of December 31, 2019, we had 14,301 employees, approximately 71% of whom are unionized and represented by nine different labor unions. Despite the three strikes in 2017 at our Peruvian operations, we believe the Company has a positive labor environment in our operations in Mexico and Peru, which is allowing us to increase productivity as well as helping us achieve the goals of our capital expansion program.

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Peru

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65% of our 4,890 Peruvian employees were unionized at December 31, 2019. Currently, there are six separate unions, one large union and five smaller unions. In June 2018, the Company signed a three-year collective bargaining agreement with one of the smaller unions. This agreement includes, among other things, annual salary increases of 5% for each year starting September 2018, and a signing bonus of S/ 45,000 (approximately $13,600) which was recorded as labor expense. In August 2018, the Company signed a three-year collective bargaining agreement with three additional unions. This agreement includes, among other things, annual salary increases of 5% for each year starting December 2018, and a signing bonus of S/ 45,000 (approximately $13,600) which was recorded as labor expense. In March 2019, the Company signed an agreement with one additional union. The agreement also included annual salary increases of 5% for each year starting September 2018, and a signing bonus of S/45,000 (approximately $13,600) which was recorded as labor expense in the first quarter of 2019.

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In November 2019, the Company signed two agreements with the remaining union, one of them for one year and the other one consisting of a three-year collective bargaining agreement. The agreements also included annual salary

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increases of 5% for each year starting September 2018, and a signing bonus of S/15,000 (approximately $4,500) for the one-year agreement and S/45,000 for the three-year agreement (approximately $13,600), which were recorded as labor expense in the fourth quarter of 2019.

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Employees of the Toquepala and Cuajone units reside in townsites, where we have built 3,700 houses and apartments. We also have 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 and recreational facilities. We also provide shopping, banking and other services at the townsites.

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Mexico

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73.9% of our 9,358 Mexican employees were unionized at December 31, 2019, represented by three separate unions. Under Mexican law, the terms of employment for unionized workers are 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.

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Our Taxco mine in Mexico has been on strike since July 2007. For a discussion of labor matters, refer to the information contained under the caption “Labor matters” in Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements.

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Employees of La Caridad and Buenavista units reside in townsites at Nacozari and Cananea, where we have built approximately 1,800 houses and apartments. Most of the employees of the IMMSA unit reside on the grounds of the mining or processing complexes in which they work and where we have built approximately 356 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 medical facilities, churches, social clubs, shopping centers, banking and other services. Through 2007, the Buenavista unit provided health care services to employees and retired unionized employees and their families through its own hospital at the Buenavista unit. In 2010, the Company signed an agreement with the Secretary of Health of the State of Sonora to provide these services to its retired workers and their families. The new workers of Buenavista receive health services through the Mexican Institute of Social Security as is the case for all Mexican workers.

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FUEL, ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES

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The principal raw materials used in our operations are fuel, electricity and water. We use natural gas to power boilers and generators, and for metallurgical processes at our Mexican operations and diesel fuel to power mining equipment. We believe that sources of fuel, electricity and water are readily available. The prices of these raw materials may fluctuate outside of our control, therefore we focus our efforts to reduce these costs through cost and energy saving measures.

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Energy is the principal cost in mining, so the concern for its conservation and efficient usage is critical. We have energy management committees at most of our mines, which meet periodically to discuss consumption and to develop measures directed at saving energy. Also, alternative sources are being analyzed at the corporate level, from both traditional and renewable energy sources. This has helped us to develop a culture of energy conservation directed at the sustainability of our operations.

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Fuel: In Peru, we obtain fuel primarily from local companies. The Company believes that adequate supplies of fuel are available in Peru.

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Electricity: In June 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120 megawatt (“MW”) with the state company Electroperu S.A., which began supplying energy for our Peruvian operations for twenty years starting on April 17, 2017. In July 2014, we entered into a power purchase agreement for 120MW with a private power generator

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Kallpa Generacion S.A. (“Kallpa”), which began supplying energy to our Peruvian operations for ten years starting on April 17, 2017. In May 2016, we signed an additional power purchase agreement for a maximum of 80MW with Kallpa, under which Kallpa will supply energy for the operations related to the Toquepala Expansion and other minor projects for ten years starting on May 1, 2017 and ending after ten years of commercial operation of the Toquepala Expansion or on April 30, 2029; whichever occurs first. In addition, we feel confident that additional power can be obtained from the Peruvian national grid, should the need arise.

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Additionally, 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, which is interconnected with the Peruvian network.

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Water: We have water rights or licenses for up to 1,950 liters per second from well fields at the Huaitire, Vizcachas and Titijones aquifers and surface water rights from the Suches lake and two small water courses, Quebrada Honda and Quebrada Tacalaya. We believe these water sources are sufficient to supply the needs of our operating units at Toquepala and Cuajone, including the Toquepala expansion. At Ilo, we have two desalination plants that produce water for industrial use and domestic consumption that we believe are sufficient for our current and projected needs.

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Mexico:

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Fuel: In Mexico, since 2018, we have purchased fuel from Petroleos Mexicanos (“PEMEX”), the state producer, and from private suppliers.

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The La Caridad unit imports natural gas from the United States through its pipeline (between Douglas, Arizona and Nacozari, Sonora), which allows us to import natural gas from the United States at market prices and thereby reduce operating costs. Several contracts with PEMEX and the United States provide us with the option of using a monthly or daily fixed price for our natural gas purchases.

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Natural gas is used for metallurgical processes, to power furnaces, converters, casting wheels, boilers and electric generators. Diesel oil is a backup for all these uses. We use diesel oil to power mining equipment at our operations.

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Electricity: Electricity is used as the main energy source at our mining complexes. We purchase most of our electricity from Mexico Generadora de Energia S. de R. L. (“MGE”), a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico which has two power plants designed to supply power to La Caridad and Buenavista units. MGE is supplying 5.2% of its power output to third party energy users. These plants are natural gas-fired combined cycle power generating units, with a net total capacity of 516.2 megawatts. In 2012, we entered into a power supply agreement with MGE through 2032. The first plant was completed in 2013 and the second was completed in the second quarter of 2014. The first plant began to supply power to the Company in December 2013, and the second plant began to supply power in June 2015.

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We also purchase electricity from the Comision Federal de Electricidad (the Federal Electricity Commission or the “CFE”), the state’s electrical power producer. In addition, we recover some energy from waste heat boilers at the La Caridad smelter. Accordingly, a significant portion of our operating costs in Mexico is dependent upon the pricing policies of CFE, as well as PEMEX, which reflect government policy, as well as international market prices for crude oil, natural gas and conditions in the refinery markets.

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Some mining operations of IMMSA also purchase electricity from Eolica el Retiro, S.A.P.I de C.V. (“Eolica”), a windfarm energy producer that is an indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. In August 2013, IMMSA and other of the mining operations of the Company entered into a purchase agreement and in late 2014 started to purchase electricity from Eolica. Due to the nature of the production process there is not a fixed power capacity contracted. In 2019, the total purchases were approximately 28.64 million kilowatt hours.

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Water: In Mexico, water is deemed a public property and industries not connected to a public service water supply must obtain a water concession from Comision Nacional del Agua (the National Water Commission or the “CNA”). Water usage fees are established in the Ley Federal de Derechos (the Federal Rights Law), which distinguishes several availability zones with different fees per unit of volume according to each zone, with the exception of Mexicana de

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Cobre. All of our operations have one or several water concessions and pump out the required water from wells. Mexicana de Cobre pumps water from the La Angostura dam, which is close to the mine and plants. At our Buenavista facility, we maintain our own wells and pay the CNA for water 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.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

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For a discussion of environmental matters reference is made to the information contained under the caption “Environmental matters” in Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the consolidated financial statements.

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MINING RIGHTS AND CONCESSIONS

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Peru:

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We have 159,430 hectares in concessions from the Peruvian government for our exploration, exploitation, extraction and production operations, at various sites, as follows:

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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 2019, 2018 and 2017, were approximately $1.8 million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively. We have two types of mining concessions in Peru: metallic and non-metallic concessions.

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In 2011, the Peruvian Congress approved an amendment to the mining royalty charge. The new mining royalty charge is based on operating income margins with graduated rates ranging from 1% to 12% of operating profits, with a minimum royalty charge assessed at 1% of net sales. If the operating income margin is 10% or less, the royalty charge is 1% and for each 5% increment in the operating income margin, the royalty charge rate increases by 0.75%, up to a maximum of 12%. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, we made provisions of $42.3 million, $32.9 million and $23.4 million, respectively.

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At the same time the Peruvian Congress amended the mining royalty charge, it enacted a new tax for the mining industry. This tax is also based on operating income and its rates range from 2% to 8.4%. For additional information see Note 7 “Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements.

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Mexico:

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In Mexico we have 534,400 hectares in concessions from the Mexican government for our exploration and exploitation activities as outlined on the table below:

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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 $0.39 to $8.58 per hectare depending on the beginning date of the mining concession. Fees paid during 2019, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $7.1 million, $6.3 million and $5.8 million,

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respectively. In addition, all of our operating units in Mexico have water concessions that are in full force and effect. Although ownership is not required in order to explore or mine a concession, we generally own the land related to our Mexican concessions. We also own all of the processing facilities of our Mexican operations and the land on which they are constructed.

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In December 2013, the Mexican government enacted a new law which, among other things, established a mining royalty charge of 7.5% on earnings before taxes as defined by Mexican tax regulations and an additional royalty charge of 0.5% over gross income from sales of gold, silver and platinum. These charges were effective January 2014 and are deductible for income tax purposes.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

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Financial risks

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

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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, these prices have been subject to wide fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors out of 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.

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In the last three years, approximately 81% of our revenues came from the sale of copper, 7% from molybdenum and 8% from silver and zinc. Please see the distribution of our revenues per product on Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” Note 18 “Segment and Related Information—Sales value per segment” on page 152.

​

See also historical average price of our products on Item 1 Business caption “Metals prices”.

​

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

​

Our business requires levels of capital investments 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 significant capital investments. We must continue to invest capital to maintain or 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.

​

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

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incurrence of debt and liens. In addition, future credit facilities may contain limitations on our incurrence of additional debt and liens, on our ability to dispose of assets, or on our ability to pay dividends to our common stockholders.

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

​

We 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 capital investment program and global economic conditions, it is possible that future dividend distributions will be reduced from the levels of recent years.

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Our ability to recognize the benefits of deferred tax assets is dependent on future cash flows and taxable income.

​

Through 2019, the Company recognized the expected future tax benefit from deferred tax assets when the tax benefit was considered to be more likely than not of being realized, otherwise, a valuation allowance was applied against deferred tax assets. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires management to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income and existing tax laws and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recognize the expected future benefits of deferred tax assets; such inability could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. For more information on the effects of U.S. Tax Reform, please see Note 7 “Income Taxes”.

​

Operational risks

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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. 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 charges 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 increase ore reserves and we review potential acquisition opportunities on a regular basis. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue with our strategy to replenish reserves indefinitely.

​

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, weather and other natural phenomena, such as seismic activity, wall failures and rock slides in our open-pit mines, structural collapses of our underground mines or tailings impoundments, and lower than expected ore grades or recovery rates. The Company’s operations may also be affected by mudslides and flash floods caused by torrential rains.

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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, loss of life and damage to equipment.

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The waste rock and tailings produced in our mining operations represent our largest volume of waste material. Managing the volume of waste rock and tailings presents significant environmental, safety and engineering challenges and risks. We maintain large tailings impoundments containing sand of ground rock, moistened with water, which are effectively large dams that must be engineered, constructed and monitored to assure structural stability and avoid leakages or structural collapse. The failure of tailings and other impoundments at any of our mining operations could cause severe property and environmental damage and loss of life. The importance of careful design, management and monitoring of large impoundments was emphasized in recent years by large scale tailings dam failures at unaffiliated mines, which caused extensive property and environmental damage and resulted in the loss of life. For more information regarding our tailing dams, please see Item 2 “Properties—Slope Stability—Tailing Dams.”

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We maintain insurance against many of these and other risks, which in certain circumstances may not provide adequate coverage. 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. We cannot assure you that these and other uninsured events will not have an adverse effect on our business, properties, operating results, financial condition or prospects.

​

Changes in the demand level for our products and copper sales agreements could adversely affect our revenues.

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Our financial results are subject to fluctuations on the level of industrial and consumer demand for the refined, semi-refined metal products and concentrates we sell, as well as global economic slow-downs or recessions. Also, changes in technology, industrial processes, concerns over weaknesses in the global economy and consumer habits may affect the level of demand to the extent that those increase or decrease the need for our metal products. Likewise, our revenues could be adversely affected by events of force majeure that could have a negative impact on our sales agreements. These events include acts of nature, labor strikes, fires, floods, wars, transportation delays, government actions or other events that are beyond the control of the parties of the agreement.

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Interruptions of energy supply or increases in energy costs, shortages of water supply, critical parts, equipment, skilled labor and other production costs may adversely affect our results of operations.

​

We require substantial amounts of fuel oil, electricity, water and other resources for our operations. Fuel, gas and power costs constituted approximately 28%, 29% and 31% of our total production cost in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We rely upon third parties for our supply of the energy resources consumed in our operations so that prices for and availability of energy resources may be subject to change or curtailment, 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. Regarding water consumption, although each operation currently has sufficient water rights to cover its operational demands, the loss of some or all water rights for any of our mines or operations, in whole or in part, or shortages of water to which we have rights could require us to curtail or shut down mining production and could prevent us from pursuing expansion opportunities. In addition, future shortages of critical parts, equipment and skilled labor could adversely affect our operations and development projects.

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Our Company is subject to health and safety laws which may restrict our operations, result in operational delays or increase our operating costs and adversely affect our financial results of operations.

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We are required to comply with occupational health and safety laws and regulations in Peru and Mexico where our operations are subject to periodic inspections by the relevant governmental authorities. These laws and regulations govern, among others, health and safety work place conditions, including high risk labor and the handling, storage and disposal of chemical and other hazardous substances. We believe our operations are in compliance in all material respects with applicable health and safety laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. Compliance with these laws and regulations and new or existing regulations that may be applicable to us in the future could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our financial results of operations and cash flows.

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Our efforts are focused on the health and safety of our workforce in order to consistently improve performance and compliance through the implementation of occupational health programs, adequate training and safety incentives at our operations. Despite the Company’s efforts, we are not exempt from accidents. These are reported to Mexican and Peruvian authorities as required. Regarding non-fatal accidents, in the last three years, the Company’s Dart rate (rate to measure workplace injuries severe enough to warrant Day Away from work, job Restrictions and/or job Transfers) was much lower than the MSHA Dart rate (the MSHA Dart rate is published by the U.S.’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, and is used as an industry benchmark).

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Unfortunately, in 2019 we had four fatalities in Mexico and Peru. In 2018, we did not have fatalities; but in 2017, we had two fatalities in Mexico and Peru. The amounts paid to the Mexican and Peruvian authorities for reportable accidents did not have an adverse effect on our results. Under Mexican and Peruvian law penalties and fines for safety violations are generally monetary, but in certain cases may lead to the temporary or permanent shutdown of the affected facility or the suspension or revocation of permits or licenses. Also, violations of security and safety laws and regulations in our Peruvian operations can be considered a crime, punishable with a sentence of up to 10 years of prison.

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

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Metals exploration is highly speculative in nature. It involves many risks and is frequently unsuccessful. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling until 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.

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Development projects have no operating history upon which we can 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 decreases in actual or expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce.

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

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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. Furthermore, 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.

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We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.

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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. As of December 31, 2019, unions represented approximately 71% of our workforce. Currently, we have labor agreements in effect for our Mexican and Peruvian operations.

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During 2017, the Unified Labor Union of SPCC workers and one of Toquepala’s unions held three separate strikes. The Company estimates that the loss of copper production resulting from the 2017 strikes was not significant and our sales contracts were not affected.

​

Our Taxco mine in Mexico has been on strike since July 2007. It is expected that operations at this mine will remain suspended until these labor issues are resolved. In addition, the workers of the San Martin mine were on strike from July 2007 to August 2018. After eleven years of an illegal stoppage, we resumed control of the San Martin mine in August 2018. The San Martin facilities deteriorated during this period and we undertook a major renovation in order to restart operations during the second quarter of 2019, with an estimated capital budget of $97.7 million. For additional information, see Item 2, “Properties—Mexican IMMSA Unit—San Martin and Taxco”, and Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies—Labor matters”, to our consolidated financial statements.

​

We cannot assure you when the pending strike 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.

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Our mining or metal production projects may be subject to additional costs due to community actions and other factors.

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In recent years, worldwide mining activity has been pressured by neighboring communities for financial commitments to fund social benefit programs and infrastructure improvements. Our projects in Peru are not exempt from these pressures. Our Tia Maria project in Peru has experienced delays while trying to resolve issues with community groups.

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It appears that it is becoming a part of the Peruvian mining environment that in order to obtain acceptance from local communities for projects in their localities, demands for substantial investments in community infrastructure and upgrades must be met in order to proceed with the mining projects.

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We are confident that we will move forward with the Tia Maria project. However, we cannot assure you when and that we will not continue to incur additional costs for community infrastructure and upgrades in order to obtain the approval of current or future mining projects.

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In addition, there are a number of collective action lawsuits and civil action lawsuits, filed against the Company in Mexico´s federal courts and the state courts of Sonora. A number of constitutional lawsuits have also been filed against various governmental authorities and against the Company. These lawsuits are seeking damages and requesting remedial actions to restore the environment. The Company believes that it is not possible to determine the extent of the damages sought and considers the lawsuits without merit. However the Company cannot offer any assurances that the outcome of these lawsuits will not have an adverse effect on the Company.

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Environmental, regulatory response to climate change, and other regulations may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations or result in operational delays.

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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, and 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.

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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, the 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.

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Please refer to Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies—Environmental matters” of our financial statements for further information on this subject.

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The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic location of our facilities. These may include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing sea levels, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperatures. These effects may adversely impact the cost, production and financial performance of our operations.

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We are aware of fluctuations in weather patterns in the areas where we operate. Aligned with government efforts, we are working in measuring its carbon footprint in order to reduce any contribution to greenhouse gases generated by our operations. Similarly, we evaluate our water demand, as weather changes may result in increase/decrease scenarios that affect our needs.

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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 requiring us to make significant investments in the future. We cannot assure you that current or future legislative, regulatory or trade developments will not have an adverse effect on our business, properties, operating results, financial condition or prospects.

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Our mining and metal production projects may subject us to new risks.

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Our Company is in the midst of a large expansion program, which may subject us to additional risks of industrial accidents. While we believe our contractors employ safety standards and other procedures to ensure these projects are completed with proper governance, it is possible that the increased activity occurring at our sites could cause accidents of an environmental nature or danger to human life.

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Our business depends upon information technology systems which may be adversely affected by disruptions, damage, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration.

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Our operations depend upon information technology systems which may be subject to disruption, damage or failure from different sources, including, without limitation, installation of malicious software, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks and defects in design. In recent years, cybersecurity incidents have increased in frequency and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data.

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However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of information technology disruptions, we could potentially be subject to manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks, operational delays, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.

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Other risks

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

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Our subsidiary, 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. These legal constraints may limit the ability of Minera Mexico to pay dividends to us, which in turn, may have an impact on our ability to pay stockholder dividends or to service debt.

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Global and local market conditions, including the high competitiveness in the copper mining industry, may adversely affect our profitability.

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Our industry is cyclical by nature and fluctuates with economic cycles. Therefore, we are subject to the risks arising from adverse changes in domestic and global economic and political conditions, such as lower levels of consumer and corporate confidence, decreased business investment, increased unemployment, reduced income and asset values in

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many areas, currency volatility and limited availability of credit and access to capital. Additionally, we face competition from other copper mining and producing companies around the world; significant competition exists to acquire properties producing or capable of producing copper and other metals as well as consolidation among some of our main competitors that make them more diversified than we are.

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We cannot assure you that changes in market conditions, including competition, will not adversely affect us to compete in the future on the basis of price or other factors with companies that may benefit from future favorable trading or other arrangements.

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

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At December 31, 2019, Grupo Mexico owned indirectly 88.9% of our capital stock. Certain of our and Minera Mexico’s officers and directors are also directors and/or officers of Grupo Mexico and/or of its affiliates. We cannot assure you that the interests of Grupo Mexico will not conflict with our minority stockholders.

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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:

​

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We cannot assure you that increased financial obligations of Grupo Mexico or AMC resulting from financings or for other reasons will not result in our parent corporations obtaining loans, increased dividends or other funding from us.

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In addition, we 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 Note 17 “Related Party Transactions.”

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Unanticipated litigation or negative developments in pending litigation or with respect to other contingencies may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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We are currently, and may in the future become, subject to litigation, arbitration or other legal proceedings with other parties. If decided adversely to the Company, these legal proceedings, or others that could be brought against us in the future, may adversely affect our financial position or prospects. For further detailed discussion of pending litigation, please see Note 13 “Commitment and Contingencies—Litigation matters”.

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Developments in the United States, Europe and emerging market countries may adversely affect the Company business, our common stock price and our debt securities.

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The business and market value of securities of companies with significant operations in Peru and Mexico is, to varying degrees, affected by the economic policies and market conditions in the United States, Europe and emerging market countries. Although economic policies and conditions in such countries may significantly differ from economic conditions in Peru or Mexico, as the case may be, the business community reactions to developments in any of these countries may adversely effect the Company business or the market value or trading price of the securities, including debt securities, of issuers that have significant operations in Peru or Mexico.

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In addition, in recent years economic conditions in Mexico have increasingly become correlated to U.S. economic conditions. Therefore, changes in economic policies and conditions in the United States could also have a significant adverse effect on Mexican economic conditions, affecting our business, the price of our common stock or debt securities. In 2017, the United States, Canada and Mexico began a discussion leading towards an update of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). In September 2018, the three countries reached an agreement on a new trade deal, which will be known as the United States—Mexico—Canada Agreement (“USMCA”). In June 2019, Mexico’s senate ratified the UMSCA. During December 2019, the three countries agreed to a new revision of its regional trade pact, also concluding that the USMCA would replace NAFTA. On January 29, 2020, the U.S. ratified the USMCA and its President signed the USMCA into law. The ratification process by the Canadian parliament continues.

​

In addition, rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China and efforts by the Chinese government to reduce debt levels contributed to a recent slowdown in China’s growth. A continued slowing in China’s economic growth and copper demand and continued trade tensions between the U.S. and China could result in lower copper prices which could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, changes in the state of China-U.S. relations, including the current trade tensions, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies are difficult to predict and could adversely affect demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, competitive position, financial condition or results of operations.

​

Additionally, there is uncertainty in global markets arising from the June 2016 referendum in the United Kingdom, the

result of which was a vote to leave the European Union (“Brexit”) which has resulted in the United Kingdom leaving the

European Union after an 11-month transition period, that started in January. Brexit may adversely affect global political, regulatory, economic and market conditions, including capital markets and foreign exchange markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. It is likely that there will continue to be a period of instability and volatility in global financial markets until the terms and timing of Brexit are clear.

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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.

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Other international risks.

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We are a company with substantial assets located outside of the United States. We conduct production operations in Peru and Mexico and exploration activities in these countries as well as in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Accordingly, in addition to the usual risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, our business may be adversely affected by political, economic and social uncertainties in each of these countries. Such risks include possible expropriation or nationalization of property, confiscatory taxes or royalties, possible foreign exchange controls, changes in the national policy toward foreign investors, extreme environmental standards, etc.

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Our international operations must comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws of the other jurisdictions in which we operate. There has been a substantial increase in the global enforcement of these laws in recent years. As such, our corporate policies and processes may not prevent or detect all potential breaches of law. Any violation of those laws could result in significant criminal or civil fines and penalties, litigation, and loss of operating licenses or permits, and may damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.

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Our insurance does not cover most losses caused by the above described risks. Consequently, our production, development and exploration activities in these countries could be substantially affected by factors out of control, some of which could materially and adversely affect our financial position or results of operations.

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We may be adversely affected by natural disasters, pandemics (including the recent coronavirus outbreak) and other catastrophic events, and by man-made problems such as terrorism, that could disrupt our business operations, and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.

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Natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, floods, pandemics (including the recent coronavirus outbreak), acts of terrorism and other catastrophic or geo-political events may cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce, and the global economy, and could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial

condition.

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Risks Associated with Doing Business in Peru and Mexico

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

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Under the laws of Peru and Mexico, mineral resources belong to the state and government and concessions are required in both countries to explore for or exploit mineral reserves. In Peru, our mineral rights derive from concessions from Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MINEM”) 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 Mexican mining law and regulations thereunder.

Mining concessions in both Peru and Mexico may be terminated if the obligations of the concessioner 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.

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

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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 the country. During the past several decades, Peru has had 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 investments, as well as limitations on imports, have restricted the ability of companies to dismiss employees and have prohibited the remittance of profits to foreign investors.

​

In 2019 Peru continued experiencing heightened political instability derived from various currently ongoing investigations into allegations of money laundering and corruption linked to the Operation Car Wash investigation that was initiated by Brazilian authorities. Because we have significant operations in Peru, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions, including any changes to economic policies or the adoption of other reforms proposed by existing or future administrations, in Peru and/or other factors 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.

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Mexican economic and political conditions, as well as drug-related violence, may have an adverse impact on our business.

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The Mexican economy is highly sensitive to economic developments in the United States, mainly because of its high level of exports to this market. Other risks in Mexico are increases in taxes on the mining sector and higher royalties as were enacted in 2013. As has occurred in other metal producing countries, the mining industry may be perceived as a source of additional fiscal revenue.

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In addition, security institutions in Mexico are under significant stress, as a result of drug-related violence. This situation creates potential risks especially for transportation of minerals and finished products, which affect a small part of our production. However, drug-related violence has had a limited impact on our operations as it has tended to concentrate outside our areas of production. The potential risks to our operations might increase if the violence was to spread to our areas of production.

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Because we have significant operations in Mexico, we cannot provide any assurance that political developments and economic conditions, including any changes to economic policies or the adoption of other reforms proposed by existing or future administrations, or drug-related violence, in Mexico will not have a material adverse effect on market conditions, prices of our securities, on our ability to obtain financing, and on our results of operations and financial condition.

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

​

Although the U.S. dollar is our functional currency and our revenues are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, as we operate in Peru, portions of our operating costs are denominated in Peruvian soles. Accordingly, when inflation or deflation in Peru is not offset by a change in the exchange rate of the sol, our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and the market price of our common stock could be affected.

​

Inflation in Peru in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was 1.9%, 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively. The value of the sol appreciated against the U.S. dollar 1.8% and 3.4% in 2019 and 2017, respectively, and it depreciated 4.1% in 2018. Although the Peruvian government’s economic policy reduced inflation and the economy has experienced 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. Additionally a global financial economic crisis could negatively affect the Peruvian economy.

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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.

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

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Although all of our Mexican operations’ sales of metals are priced and invoiced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of its costs are denominated in pesos. Accordingly, when inflation in Mexico increases without a corresponding depreciation of the peso, the net income generated by our Mexican operations is adversely affected. The annual inflation rate in Mexico was 2.8% in 2019, 4.8% in 2018 and 6.8% in 2017.

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At the same time, the peso has been subject in the past to significant volatility, 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 relative to the U.S. dollar increased by 4.3%, 0.3% and 4.5% in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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The Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican companies or individuals to convert pesos into dollars or other currencies. While we do not expect the Mexican government to impose any restriction or exchange control policies in the future, it is an area we closely monitor. We cannot assure you 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 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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

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None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

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We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952. Our corporate offices in the United States are located at 1440 East Missouri Avenue Suite 160, Phoenix, Arizona 85014. Our Phoenix telephone number is (602) 264-1375. Our corporate offices in Mexico are located in Mexico City and our corporate offices in Peru are located in Lima. Our website is

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www.southerncoppercorp.com. We believe that our existing properties are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.

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REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

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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, at La Caridad and Buenavista. We also operate five underground mines that produce zinc, copper, silver and gold, as well as a coal mine and a coke oven.

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EXTRACTION, SMELTING AND REFINING PROCESSES

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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

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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.

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UNDERGROUND MINING

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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.

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CONCENTRATING

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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-quarter 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

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it is mixed with certain chemicals. In the flotation separator, reagent solutions 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.

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

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COPPER SMELTING

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Copper concentrates are transported to a smelter, where they are smelted using a furnace, converter and anode furnace to produce either blister copper (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. Most of the blister and anode production is sent to the refinery and the remainder is sold to customers.

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COPPER REFINING

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Anodes are suspended in tanks with a solution containing water, 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 muds). This anodic mud is processed at a precious metal plant where selenium, silver and gold are recovered.

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COPPER ROD PLANT

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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.

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SOLVENT EXTRACTION/ELECTROWINNING (“SX-EW”)

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A complementary processing method is the leaching and SX-EW process. During the SX-EW process, low-grade sulfides ore and copper oxides 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.

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MOLYBDENUM PRODUCTION

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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.

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ZINC REFINING

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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.

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SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION

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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 our Peruvian processing facilities to produce sulfuric acid, some of which is, in turn, used for the copper leaching process, with the balance sold to mining and fertilizer companies located principally in Mexico, Peru, United States and Chile.

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SILVER AND GOLD REFINING

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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

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All production facilities are owned by us. The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2019, the locations of production facilities by reportable segment, the processes used, as well as the key production and capacity data for each location:

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ktpd = thousands of tons per day

ktpy = thousands of tons per year

Tpy = tons per year

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PROPERTY BOOK VALUE

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At December 31, 2019, net book values of property and mine development are as follows (in millions):

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SUMMARY OPERATING DATA

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