Codelco - Operational and Financial Report - December
Codelco - Operational and Financial Report - December
Codelco - Operational and Financial Report - December
2023
Santiago, Chile, March 28, 2024
Corporación Nacional del Cobre (CODELCO) released
its Annual Operational and Financial Report 2023
Total copper production, including CODELCO’s Lithium. CODELCO and SQM announced a public-
stake in El Abra and Anglo American Sur, private partnership to jointly develop productive
decreased by 8.4% to 1,424 ktons during 2023 and commercial activities in the Salar de Atacama
compared to 1,553 ktons during 2022. This decline over the coming decades. This association, that
in production was mainly driven by temporary will materialize as of January 1, 2025, will be
operational difficulties during the first six months structured through a common company with a
of 2023 and the quality of the ore supplied to the majority participation of the State of Chile from
plants, which has impacted production since mid- 2031 onwards and CODELCO will have an early
2022. Of this reduction, 73% (-88 ktmf) was due to stake in the profits of this common company. The
operational aspects and 27% (-33 ktmf) was final document will be signed during the second
caused by the impact of structural projects. quarter of 2024.
Nonetheless, production trends showed signs of
Additionally, CODELCO successfully acquired
recovery in the fourth quarter compared to
100% of the shares of Lithium Power International
previous quarters.
for approximately US$244 million equivalent. LPI
owns the Salar Blanco project in the Maricunga
Direct C1 cash cost was 203.1 cents per pound in salt flat, which is adjacent to Codelco’s property.
2023, compared to 165.4 cents per pound in 2022. The purchase took place in March, 2024 and was
This increase in cash cost was primarily attributed financed with its own resources.
to lower production, increased use of inventory, Furthermore, a competitive process will be carried
higher costs of maintenance services and higher out to select one or more partners for Maricunga.
operational cost in local currency due to the Through both steps, CODELCO consolidates its
appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. mining property in the Maricunga salt flat and
dollar. Nevertheless, higher molybdenum prices advances in the configuration of a very relevant
and lower energy, diesel and acid prices partially project for Chile.
offset this increased cost.
New Debt Issue. Codelco issued two bonds on Revenues amounted to US$ 16.4 billion in 2023,
January 23, 2024, totaling US$2 billion. The first showing a 3.7% decrease from the reported US$
bond was a US$1.5 billion note due in 2036 with a 17.0 billion in 2022. This decrease in revenues was
coupon rate of 6.44% and a yield of T+230. The primarily influenced by lower copper sales
second bond was a US$500 million reopening of volume, partially offset by higher average prices.
the note due in 2053 with a coupon rate of 6.30%
Profit (loss) before tax reached US$ (757.2) 1, 2026, over 85% of the electrical energy used by
million in 2023, in stark contrast to the US$ 1.5 CODELCO will be supplied from 100% renewable
billion profit recorded in 2022. Furthermore, the sources, thus moving toward achieving its
adjusted EBITDA(1) in 2023 totaled US$ 4.2 billion, strategic plan goal , i.e., decarbonize its power grid
down 24.8% from US$ 5.6 billion achieved in 2022. by 2030.
Total Own Molybdenum Production (‘000 mft) 20.1 16.3 (3.8) (19.0)
Total Own Copper Sales (‘000 mft) 1,664.3 1,562.6 (101.7) (6.1)
Net Financial Debt (US$ million) (3) 16,342.1 19,254.8 2,912.8 17.8
Net Financial Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA 2.9 4.6 1.7 56.7
Net Financial Debt to total Capitalization (%) 56.3 60.8 4.5 8.1
Contribution to the Chilean Treasury (US$ million-cash flow) 2,295.4 1,417.1 (878.3) (38.3)
1. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding interest expense, income tax, depreciation and amortization of assets, copper reserve law and
impairment charges to profit (loss) for the period.
2. Total Production Includes Codelco’s share in El Abra and Anglo American Sur.
3. Net Financial Debt is financial Debt minus Cash and Cash Equivalents.
Consolidated Production. In 2023, consolidated copper output, including CODELCO’s stake in El Abra and
Anglo American Sur, decreased by 8.4% to 1,424 ktons compared to 1,553 ktons in 2022. The main reasons
for this drop are due to temporary operational difficulties during the first half of 2023 and the quality of
the ore supplied to the plants, which has impacted production since mid-2022. Of this reduction, 73% (-88
ktmf) was due to operational aspects and 27% (-33 ktmf) was caused by the impact of structural projects.
A more detailed analysis is provided below:
El Teniente Division (-54 ktmf), was affected by the Sewell plant shutdown (due to a fatal accident), a major
maintenance at the Colón plant, an unusual weather event in June, and a seismic event during the last
week of July.
The decline at the Ministro Hales Division (-26 ktmf) is explained by lower ore grades supplied to the
concentrator, mainly during the first half of the year. As a result of the 2021 landslide, we were forced to
change the mining sequence, feeding the concentrator with lower grade ores that was originally scheduled
for the end of the mining plan.
The decrease in sulfides processed at the Chuquicamata concentrator (-11 ktmf) is explained by depleting
mineral resources from the open-pit mine (-85 ktmf), but it has been offset by higher grade ores from the
underground mine (+46 ktmf).
The lower production at the Andina Division (-13 ktmf) is mainly due to lower treatment caused by a ball
mill motor failure, and operational discontinuities during the first half of the year. Additionally, this Division
was affected by a severe weather event at the end of June, preventively stopping operations to avoid
environmental incidents in the event that the tailings channel were damaged.
The reduction at the Gabriela Mistral Division (-3.7 ktmf) is mainly due to lower copper ore grades
compared to 2022, a difference that occurred mainly in the first six months.
Regarding the impact of structural projects in 2023 (-33 ktmf), key events are the lower production in
Salvador Division (-24 ktmf), due to the delay in the start-up of the Rajo Inca Project, and the slower
progress of the Chuquicamata Underground project (-9 Ktmf), which has hampered the access to better
grade ores (0.91% in 2023 vs. 0.97% in 2022).
Notwithstanding the above, own-production trends showed signs of recovery during the fourth quarter,
reaching 360 ktons between October and December 2023, 8.1% and 17.6% higher than in the third quarter
and the second quarter, respectively. It is important to highlight the improvements and advances in terms
of plant activity and material movement in the mines, which lay the foundations for a production recovery
once the quality of the mineral ore improves:
- 52% increase in the mineral extraction rate from the Chuquicamata underground mine (50 ktpd in
December 2023 versus 33 ktpd in December 2022).
- Greater sulfide extraction capacity from Radomiro Tomic (45%) treated at the Chuquicamata
concentrator, compensating for the depletion of the pit and slower growth rate of the
underground mine.
- Use of minerals from Radomiro Tomic (2,085 ktms) to improve the metallurgical response of the
Ministro Hales concentrator.
- 5% increase in stacking at the Gabriela Mistral Division (111 ktpd versus 105 ktpd), reaching a
historical stacking record in May 2023 (135 ktpd) and managing to register 1,000 million tons
transported in autonomous trucks in the same month.
- Ministro Hales Division increased the concentrator throughput rate by 10%, reaching 59 ktpd in
December 2023 versus the same period in 2022, as a result of stabilizing the tailings treatment
process.
Molybdenum production was down 19.0% to 16.3 ktons in 2023, compared to 20.1 ktons in 2022. This
decline in molybdenum production was primarily attributed to lower production at Chuquicamata.
4. CODELCO’s figures for El Abra include 49% of the mine’s total production (CODELCO’s share of production, i.e., 49% ownership interest in the
mine).
5. CODELCO’s figures presented for Anglo American Sur include 20% of the mine’s total production (CODELCO’s share of production, i.e., 20%
ownership interest in the mine).
Revenues. Amounted to US$ 16.4 billion in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from the reported US$ 17.0 billion in
2022. This decrease in revenues was primarily influenced by a lower copper sales volume, partially offset
by higher average prices.
Consolidated Costs. Direct C1 cash cost was 203.1 cents per pound in 2023, compared to 165.4 cents per
pound in 2022. This increase in cash cost was primarily attributed to lower production, increased use of
inventory, higher costs of maintenance services and higher operational costs in local currency due to the
appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar (in 2023, the average exchange rate was CLP 839
per U.S. dollar compared to CLP 872 per U.S. dollar in 2022). Nevertheless, higher molybdenum prices and
lower energy, diesel and acid prices partially offset this increased cost.
2024 Guidance
Adjusted EBITDA. In 2023, the Adjusted EBITDA totaled US$ 4.2 billion, down 24.8% decrease from US$
5.6 billion achieved in 2022. On December 31, 2023, the net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio surged to 4.6x
from 2.9x on December 31, 2022. Additionally, the Adjusted EBITDA coverage ratio declined to 6.2x in
2023, decreasing from 10.7x in 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding interest expense, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of assets
plus export taxes (Copper Reserve Law) and impairment charges to profit (loss) for the period. Impairment
charges include charges and reversals of charges for investment projects, research projects, and
investment in associates and joint ventures.
Debt is defined as bonds issued plus leases and loans from financial institutions. Net debt is defined as
debt net of cash and cash equivalents. Adjusted EBITDA coverage ratio is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to
interest expense net of finance income.
December 31,
2022 2023
(US$000’s)
Profit (loss) for the period 361,571 (591,239)
CASH FLOWS
In 2023, net cash flows from operating activities totaled US$ 623.5 million, down 71.7% compared to
2022. Higher other cash receipts from operating activities, payments to and on behalf of employees, and
supplier payments for goods and services were the main drivers behind the decrease in operating cash
flows, partially offset by lower taxes and non-dividend payment.
In December 31, 2023, net financial debt increased to US$ 19.3 billion, showing a 17.8% rise compared to
net financial debt of US$ 16.3 billion recorded on December 31, 2022. This increase can be attributed to
the issuance of two bonds on January 23, 2024, totaling US$2 billion (the first bond was a US$1.5 billion
note due in 2036 with a coupon rate of 6.44% and a yield of T+230, while the second bond was a US$500
million reopening of the note due in 2053 with a coupon rate of 6.30% and a yield of T+235).
Additionally, on September 2023, CODELCO also issued US$ 2,000 million in two tranches, the first bond
was a US$1.3 billion note due in 2034 with a coupon rate of 5.95% and a yield of T+170. The second bond
was a US$700 million note due in 2053 with a coupon rate of 6.30% and a yield of T+195.
Safety. Accident-severity and Accident-frequency rates improved trends up to December 31, 2023.
Accident-severity and Accident-frequency rates were 119 and 0.50 on December 31, 2023, respectively.
SEVERITY RATE - EMPLOYEES & CONTRACTORS FREQUENCY RATE - EMPLOYEES & CONTRACTORS
(DAYS LOST & DAYS CHARGED / MILLION HOURS WORKED) (LOST TIME INJURY / MILLION HOURS WORKED)
400
1.40
300
1.10
200
119 0.80
0.50
100 0.50
0 0.20
2012
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2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2012
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2023
1. Reduce carbon footprint: Codelco will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.
We will implement a 100% renewable energy portfolio of Power Purchase Agreements. We will also
innovate to replace all underground mine production and logistics equipment with electrical equipment
and actively participate in the search for new clean energy sources such as green hydrogen.
2. Reduce water footprint: Codelco will reduce inland water use per ton of treated ore by 60%.
We will reduce make-up water (freshwater resources utilized by operations) through process efficiency,
Codelco will incorporate a desalination plant in the Northern District and, through innovative solutions,
we will recover water from our tailings storage facilities.
4. A new tailings storage standard: Tailings storage facilities (TSF) with 100% world-class sustainability
measures in place. Using innovative systems, Codelco will conduct online monitoring of the TSF physical
and chemical stability and apply seepage control systems.
5. Create additional social value in our territories: Codelco will increase by 60% the goods and services
sourced from local suppliers and increase employment of local workforce.
Moreover, Codelco will implement a new strategy for territorial integration focused on creating social
value, by promoting the use of local labor, strengthening mining education and increasing sustainability
within the territory.
6.-Reduce particular matter: Codelco will reduce PM10 emissions by 25%. The North District will reduce
emissions 20% by 2030; this is 3% more than required by the Calama Air Decontamination Plan. We will
incorporate new dust suppression technologies, detection system for adverse weather conditions, and
100% of the air quality monitoring stations will detect levels below 40 μg per m3 (micrograms of PM10/m3
of air) in local communities by 2030.
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FULL YEAR RESULTS 2023
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FULL YEAR RESULTS 2023
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FULL YEAR RESULTS 2023
EQUITY
2022 2023
CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY SALES OF GOODS AND
17,999,563 16,752,682
RENDERING OF SERVICES
OTHER CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING
2,335,896 2,706,265
ACTIVITIES
TYPES OF CASH PAYMENTS - -
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FULL YEAR RESULTS 2023
COMPANY PROFILE
CODELCO is the world’s largest copper producer primarily engaged in the exploration, development and
extraction of copper-bearing ores and by-products, processing ore into refined copper and international
trade of refined copper and by-products. CODELCO is 100% owned by the Republic of Chile and controls
approximately 4.7% of the world’s proven and probable copper reserves as defined by the U.S.
Geological Survey.
INVESTOR CONTACT
C O D E L C O O P E R A T I O N A L A N D F I N A N C I A L R E S U L T S D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 16
FULL YEAR RESULTS 2023
DISCLAIMER
This new release has been prepared by Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (“CODELCO” or the
“Company”) This news release does not constitute or form part of an offer or any request to any other
person or to the general public to subscribe for or otherwise acquire securities issued by CODELCO in any
jurisdiction or an inducement to enter into investment activity, nor shall it (or any part hereof) or the fact
of its distribution or availability, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, or act as any
inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment or investment decision.
The information contained in this independent news release has not been verified and is subject to change
without notice. No representation or warranty expressed or implied is made as to and no reliance should
be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or the opinions
contained herein, None of the Company, any of its respective affiliates, advisers or representatives shall
have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of
this presentation or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with the presentation.
This news release is only for persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments
and must not be acted or relied on by people who are not relevant persons,
This news release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Security
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this news release, there
are certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the
statements made, The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any update or
revisions for any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s
expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
statement is based.
As an Industry Standard, CODELCO divides its mineral holdings into two categories, reserves and resources.
Resources are ore bodies of economic value that have been identified and evaluated through exploration,
reconnaissance, and sampling. Reserves are the portion of the resources that can be extracted based on
an economic, environmental, and technological analysis set forth in the mining plan, Reserves and
resources are both subdivided further, based on the degree of knowledge that CODELCO has of their
extent and composition. The system used by CODELCO for categorizing mineral ores is according to the
Chilean law (N° 20,235), which is in accordance with other systems widely used within the mining industry.
The “Comisión Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras” is the independent Chilean
entity that regulates this, and it is part of the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting
Standards (CRISCO).
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