Santiago, September 15, 2025.- The global molybdenum industry met this week in Chile. The International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) held its 37th general assembly at the Sheraton Hotel in Viña del Mar, with Codelco hosting the activities, which included a seminar and an official dinner. In various interventions, the Corporation highlighted the strategic role of molybdenum in the energy transition, mining sustainability, and the geopolitical positioning of critical metals.

In his welcome address, Codelco's CEO, Rubén Alvarado, highlighted the importance of molybdenum in a context of global transformation. "At Codelco, we understand that the value of molybdenum goes beyond the market. It is an opportunity to diversify our offering, strengthen sustainable mining, and contribute to the planet's sustainable development goals. Our long-term strategy is committed to a mining industry that not only extracts, but also transforms and provides concrete solutions to the challenges of the 21st century," he stated.

The executive also highlighted the role of Codelco and Chile, the world's third-largest producer of molybdenum behind China and Peru, in this market: "Of the 38,000 fine metric tons that Chile produced last year, 16,000 were supplied by Codelco, from our mines in Chuquicamata, Radomiro Tomic, Andina, and El Teniente."

He added that the Molyb Plant in Mejillones, inaugurated in 2016, supported Codelco's strategy of achieving maximum autonomy in molybdenum production. "In addition to the Mejillones Port Complex, it allowed us to secure the entire logistics chain from the mines, through the transformation of the concentrate at the plant, to its delivery to the final consumer," he reflected. This, he said, positions the company as a reliable supplier, as evidenced by its more than 40-year relationship with the Japanese market, where molybdenum is primarily used for the production of high-strength steels.

Alvarado also mentioned the IMOA's work in promoting sustainability standards, supporting initiatives such as the Molybdenum Mark, which certifies responsible practices in molybdenum production. "Collaboration among producers allows for anticipating regulations, sharing technical knowledge, and positioning molybdenum as an essential input for a cleaner future," he emphasized.

Unique attributes of Chilean molybdenum

Among Codelco's speakers was Gabriel Méndez, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, who emphasized the distinctive attributes of Chilean molybdenum—specifically, that produced by Codelco—"which position it as a strategic input for high-tech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing industries."

The main attribute he mentioned is its reliable origins. “Chile is internationally recognized for its democratic stability, solid institutional framework, and strength in mining. This reputation not only generates trust in the markets but also allows for the establishment of long-term trade relationships with countries that value predictability and regulatory compliance,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, he noted that traceable production, with certifications that guarantee responsible practices, such as The Molybdenum Mark, promoted by IMOA, and The Copper Mark, by the ICMM (International Council on Mining and Metals), "with which we seek to ensure that our operations demonstrate traceability from the mine to the port, as we understand that it is a condition for accessing markets that prioritize responsible products."

He also highlighted the added value generated by the Molyb Plant, which enables the delivery of products with higher purity, improved technical performance, and greater commercial value, especially in demand by high-end foundries in Japan, South Korea, and Europe. "Accessing these markets not only improves margins but also positions Chile as a provider of technological solutions, not just raw materials. It is a concrete way to advance the sophistication of our production matrix and the addition of national value," he emphasized.

Another presentation was by Eric Medel, an expert market consultant from Codelco's Vice Presidency of Marketing, who addressed the geopolitical and economic context surrounding strategic minerals and the opportunity to take advantage of the deglobalization scenario. "The mining and metals sector is positioned at the center of a new era of global competition, where influence and innovation will be as important as the extraction itself," he said. He concluded that Codelco is prepared to respond to this new era with a traceable, responsible offering aligned with the ESG demands of international markets.

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