Finding better ways to find the materials the world needs
Oyu Tolgoi is one of the largest known copper and gold deposits in the world. It is also one of the most modern, safe and sustainable operations in the world
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We think copper is cool for so many reasons: it is tough but malleable, 100% recyclable, corrosion-resistant and its antimicrobial properties can even help keep us safe.
In 2020, our Kennecott copper mine in Utah, US, and Oyu Tolgoi, in Mongolia, became the world's first producers to be awarded the – the industry’s independent assurance program – verifying the copper is responsibly produced.
That means:
Kennecott and Oyu Tolgoi's copper has been assessed against 32 criteria – based on the – across environment, social and governance categories. These include health and safety, emissions, human rights and community development.
With a Copper Mark, our customers can be assured our copper meets the highest environmental and social standards – including a transparent and responsible supply chain.
And, in case you needed another reason to love our copper:
Like all the materials we produce, our copper is essential for the future. Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. Because it can help things work more efficiently, copper will play an important part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, a single 1MW wind turbine uses 3 tonnes of copper. And electric vehicles have a copper intensity 3-4 times higher than traditional vehicles.
Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity on the planet. Because it can help things work more efficiently, copper will play an important part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, a single 1MW wind turbine uses 3 tonnes of copper. And electric vehicles have a copper intensity 3-4 times higher than traditional vehicles.
It’s enough to make anyone blush.
Independent industry stewardship programs help assure our customers of our responsible value chain. Our Kennecott and Oyu Tolgoi copper operations have been awarded the Copper Mark, the copper industry’s independently assessed responsible production program. Kennecott has also been awarded the , an application of the same rigorous framework to molybdenum producers - molybdenum is a copper mining byproduct and a vital material in clean energy technologies and sustainable construction practices. These 2 certifications demonstrate our continued commitment to responsible production as we find better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
Kennecott’s copper: