Chile’s state-owned miner Codelco said its El Teniente division has obtained both The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark certifications. The company linked the outcome to responsible mining practices, ESG performance and global supply chain transparency. Codelco said international auditors confirmed that El Teniente’s operations meet demanding environmental, social and governance requirements following an independent assessment.
El Teniente assessed under RRA 3.0 guidelines
Codelco said El Teniente was evaluated under the Responsible Raw Materials Assurance (RRA) 3.0 Guidelines developed by The Copper Mark. The company described the framework as more rigorous than previous certification cycles. It said the standard expands requirements beyond general sustainability reporting into a detailed assessment.
The updated approach includes 33 performance criteria and 171 operational requirements. Codelco said the evaluation covers every stage of the mining value chain, with expectations for stronger technical controls, improved accountability and enhanced sustainability performance. The company stated that meeting the benchmarks demonstrates alignment with internationally recognized standards for responsible mineral production.
The Copper Mark certification process and audit scope
Codelco said The Copper Mark is increasingly relevant as demand grows for responsibly sourced minerals. The company stated that major commodity markets and buyers require proof of responsible sourcing before purchasing or financing mineral products. It said the certification supports traceability of copper production while providing customers, investors and communities with confidence in mining practices.
For the audit, Codelco said international auditors carried out an independent review of El Teniente’s operations. The assessment included on-site evaluations and interviews with company executives, employees and members of surrounding communities. Codelco said auditors reviewed environmental management systems, social responsibility programs, governance practices, operational controls and stakeholder engagement processes.
Compliance results, improvement roadmap and certification validity
Codelco reported that auditors found El Teniente achieved compliance across the overwhelming majority of evaluated criteria. The company said the certification evaluation also identified two specific areas where further improvements could strengthen performance. In response, El Teniente developed a structured improvement roadmap.
Codelco said the roadmap includes defined actions, implementation timelines and assigned responsibilities. It added that progress will be monitored through periodic audits and independent external verification. Codelco said the certifications remain valid until 2029, providing three years of formal recognition alongside ongoing performance monitoring.
Implications for copper and molybdenum supply chains
Codelco said the certifications come as countries expand renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicle production and power transmission networks. It stated that demand for responsibly sourced copper is expected to accelerate in that context. In parallel, Codelco said molybdenum remains used to strengthen steel and specialty alloys.
The company added that molybdenum is also applied in infrastructure, energy, aerospace and industrial applications. Codelco said investors and consumers increasingly emphasize sustainability when assessing mining operations with verified ESG performance. It stated that holding both marks supports market access, investor confidence and long-term commercial relationships with customers seeking certified responsible materials.
Codelco divisions progressing through company-wide evaluations in 2026
Codelco said El Teniente is not the only operation pursuing these standards. It listed remaining divisions including Chuquicamata, Radomiro Tomic, Ministro Hales, Gabriela Mistral, Salvador, Ventanas and Andina as progressing through their own evaluation and audit processes. The company described this as part of a company-wide initiative scheduled throughout 2026.
Codelco said the effort aims to establish consistent sustainability standards across its portfolio. It also linked the initiative to strengthening its position as a supplier of responsibly produced metals in global supply chains.
