HAMBURG/SANTIAGO DE CHILE (dpa-AFX) - The German metals and copper group Aurubis and Chile's state-controlled mining group Codelco want to cooperate in building a more sustainable copper industry. To this end, both companies signed a corresponding declaration of intent in Santiago de Chile on the sidelines of the South America trip of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). Potential cooperation is planned with regard to smelter operations and circular economy projects in Chile, Aurubis and Codelco announced in a joint press release on Monday.

Aurubis CEO Roland Harings said, "The world needs metals like copper to achieve climate targets and develop industry." This would also require primary materials for the foreseeable future to meet the ever-increasing global demand for copper. The signed document also includes an agreement on joint efforts to promote the so-called Copper Mark, the seal of approval for sustainability and supply chain integrity in the copper industry. Aurubis is a firm supporter of this seal, Harings said.

Aurubis and Codelco also reaffirmed their support for the German-Chilean raw materials partnership, which was renewed on Sunday in Santiago de Chile in the presence of Chilean President Gabriel Boric and the German Chancellor. Codelco is the world's largest copper producer by its own account.

The Aurubis Group, which is listed on the M-Dax, had earned significantly more in fiscal year 2021/2022 despite rising energy costs and a shaky global economy due to particularly high demand for copper. Operating profit before taxes increased by around 40 percent year-on-year to €532 million, as the company announced at the end of December 2022. Sales subsequently climbed by almost 14 percent to 18.5 billion euros./hr/DP/mis