There are many sectors and activities where, if the world is moving towards a more sustainable future, we need to be able to allocate capital and invest in industries that are crucial to this transition. Here we focus on copper mining, and in particular, our holding in Antofagasta.
The real skill sits in the balance of probabilities and getting paid for the amount of risk you are taking.
As we look to decarbonise the global economy we can expect to see continued expansion of low carbon technologies, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). This will result in an increase in demand for the transition metals, particularly copper, that these technologies require. For example, solar photovoltaic (PV), onshore wind, and offshore wind require roughly 2.8, 2.9 and 8 tonnes of copper per MW of new capacity, in addition to other transition metals such as silicon or zinc. If we look at transport, full battery EVs require roughly 2.5x more copper per vehicle compared to traditional combustion engines, as well as extensive charging networks.
In fact, demand for copper in electromobility and renewables is expected to account for nearly 40% of total growth over the next 20 years1, with some estimates suggesting that global copper demand will be 50% higher in 2040 than today2. This demand for copper will inevitably increase so much that it cannot be met just by recycling existing above ground supplies. Mining for more copper will be required.
Copper mining through the lens of Avoid, Invest, Improve
In 2022 we purchased Chilean copper miner Antofagasta in the CT Sustainable Universal MAP range. By considering both the company and mining more broadly against each of the key pillars that constitute our sustainable investment approach, we can make the case that Antofagasta has a role to play in the transition and a place in our range.
Our overall approach to sustainable investment within the CT Sustainable Universal MAP range is built upon 3 key pillars: Avoid, Invest, Improve.
Avoid – We want to Avoid companies with socially damaging products or unsustainable business practices.
Invest – We aim to Invest around themes and in companies which are either part of a sustainable future or will assist us on our pathway to it.
Improve – We will seek to improve the companies we do own, engaging with management to drive change and share best practice. This is led by our Responsible Investment (RI) team.
The mention of any specific shares should not be taken as a recommendation to deal. Columbia Threadneedle Investments does not give any investment advice.
Avoid – a robust approach to exclusions.
The mining sector has a range of negative environmental and social impacts and connotations that, on first glance, make it seemingly at odds with a sustainable investment approach. For example, the extraction of Earth’s finite resources; a relatively high contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions; and possible land rights issues or impacting sites of cultural or natural importance. Despite this, the sector has steadily improved its practices, even if some of this improvement has been driven by responses to controversies. We believe in supporting responsible miners as they develop the projects needed to fuel the energy transition, while making certain that management are fully aware of the need for high standards at every stage of the project lifecycle. Our Sustainable policy excludes investment in companies with revenue from tobacco, weapons, or fossil fuels, and looks to avoid companies with poor conduct elsewhere. We believe that Antofagasta exhibits better corporate conduct when compared to many of their peers in the mining sector. They have progressive policies around environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, are committed to transparency and continue to be open to dialogue with investors like us.
Invest – searching for sustainability leaders.
We explained earlier why copper is much needed in the energy transition. That said, to justify the inclusion of a copper miner in our portfolios we require good conduct. As stewards of capital, we want to be comfortable that there is both current action and aspiration from management for great conduct, and that evidence shows they have made good progress on that journey.
Improve – working to drive positive change.
Improve focuses on the engagement and voting efforts led by our 40+ strong Responsible Investment team. We want to see evidence of a willingness to listen and improve practices and management around ESG issues. When we understand management and can be aligned philosophically, it is easier to drive change.
Antofagasta have shown themselves to be very receptive to engagement and demonstrate ongoing improvement. Throughout 2022 we engaged with the company multiple times, with details of one such engagement shown below.
Engagement on Water, Communities and Climate Change
We had a positive call with Antofagasta on several topics including water, community relations and climate change with their Investor Relations and Sustainability teams.
On Water and Communities:
- They are actively managing water issues with local communities, providing them with resources and technology to manage the drought, as well as being a part of local governance efforts to manage water issues.
On Climate Change:
- We pushed for further clarity on their 2030 and Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 targets, other interim targets, Scope 3 emissions and 1.5C scenario analysis.
- They were very receptive to feedback and committed to improving their plan and including Scope 3 in the next two years.
Reporting on impact
Underpinning our sustainable investment approach is reporting because we want to share the sustainability outcomes of the CT Sustainable Universal MAP range.
Antofagasta is one of the most waste intensive issuers held within portfolios, owing to tailings and waste rock generation. This is to such an extent that the Funds’ waste intensity, as reported in our recently released 2022 Impact Report, has increased from the prior year in part due to the purchase of this name. It is important to highlight however, that the waste is mostly inert waste rock, and that their tailings management and circular economy approach handle the remaining substances thoroughly.
Conclusion
Antofagasta is just one example of the sort of name we look at within the Sustainable Universal MAP range, where we aim to allocate capital due to both the role it can play in the energy transition and the diversification it adds to our sector exposures.
