An essential tool for Codelco to accomplish its future vision is its leadership position in the copper markets: it is the main world producer with more than 1.66 million tons of refined copper (2007).
Codelco also has the largest copper reserves in the world, representing around 20% of the total in the planet. The Chilean Andean region is considered the main copper deposit, with around 40% of the reserves identified in the world.

With copper shippings of 1.94 million tons (2007), including production by others and commercialized by Codelco, is the main seller of this metallic element in the world.

The products of Codelco, starting with the grade A cathodes 99.99% pure copper, are shipped to several locations around the planet. Currently, the most important market is Asia, which absorbs 48% of the output of the Corporation, followed by Europe with 31%, Northamerica with 13% and Southamerica with 8% (2007).

Besides operating major deposits, Codelco has established its leadership by keeping one of the lowest production costs in the world, 39,7 cents per lb in 2007 (cash cost). This makes it possible to maintain a profit margin even during adverse market conditions.

From the viewpoint of commercialization, one of the key aspects is the existence of a portfolio of clients that is stable and geographically diverse.
Codelco is also a world leader in molybdenum production and sales. In 2007 it produced 27.857 metric tons of this metal, used mainly to make special steel alloys, which were commercialized in markets in Europe, Asia and Latinamerica.