One of the world’s top ten copper producers, KGHM is adding Argentina to its investment destination radar. Maciej Matuszewski (Director of Development of Foreign Projects, KGHM Poland) and Mariusz Lasek (General Manager, KGHM Chile) provided more details at Argentina Copper Conference, organized by PANORAMA MINERO and held in San Juan Province.
By Panorama Minero
With a fully integrated business model—from ore extraction, smelting, and refining to finished products like copper wire rods—KGHM stands as the world’s eighth-largest copper producer, with a recorded output of 0.54 MT, and the second-largest silver producer, with a total of 43 Moz of silver, both figures corresponding to 2024. The Polish company’s product offering includes key by-products such as refined lead, sulfuric acid, selenium, rhenium pellets, molybdenum, copper sulfate, and nickel sulfate.
KGHM has a significant portfolio of mining assets in Poland. Over the last decade, the Polish company has expanded its presence to other countries, notably Chile and the United States, through the Sierra Gorda and Robinson mines, respectively.
“KGHM began seeking foreign investments many years ago, and Chile was one of the first destinations. That experience helps us expand into other countries, which is why Argentina is definitely our target for the next steps; there isn’t much copper in Europe, so copper is here in South America—and that’s what we’re after.” (Mariusz Lasek)
This is our first presence in Argentina. We’re gathering information, identifying the right companies we can reach out to in search of a new project. Our experience lies in Sierra Gorda, but as we’ve heard, we’re looking for potential deposits in Argentina, where the province of San Juan is key.” (Mariusz Lasek)
“We have at least 13 years of experience in international investments; Quadra FNX was the company acquired in 2012. Since then, we’ve gained experience in terms of exploration and development of international projects.” (Maciej Matuszewski)