The projects will now need to satisfy 32 criteria to achieve the certification, an assurance framework established in 2019 to demonstrate responsible production practices and the industry's contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Antofagasta said it plans to roll out the certification to all the company's copper mines.

"We are starting this important process at Centinela and Zaldívar and will then extend it to the rest of our Mining operations," said Ivan Arriagada, chief executive officer.

The criteria include greenhouse gas emissions, safety and health, tailings management, biodiversity, business integrity, gender equality and human rights.

Once the Copper Mark has been granted the producer must be independently assessed every three years to demonstrate continued compliance with all the criteria.

Rene Aguilar, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability added, "This external independent review will help us to continue improving our responsible mining practices. We are working towards becoming leaders of sustainability in our industry and the Copper Mark is a further and important step forward in this journey." 

Earlier this year in April, Centinela, 70% owned by Antofagasta, signed a power contract for renewable energy with Engie Energía Chile. According to the new power purchase agreement (PPA), effective from 2022 until 2033, 100% of the power supplied to the Centinela copper mine in the Antofagasta region will be from renewable sources.