FCX · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report
Leaching Technology Initiatives
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC · 2026-08-06 · Importance 52 · Surprise 42 · In source text
FCX is applying new leaching technologies, operational enhancements and data analytics across its U.S. and South America operations to increase copper recoveries and improve cost competitiveness. Incremental copper production from these initiatives reached 47 million pounds in the second quarter and 101 million pounds in the first six months of 2026. The company is testing an internally developed additive at Morenci and plans to field-test two additional additives, together with heat application to stockpiles. FCX is targeting a 300-million-pound annual production run rate from leaching initiatives by the end of 2026, with potential for additional recoverable copper in future years.
Key facts
- We are targeting reaching an annual run rate of 300 million pounds of copper from leaching initiatives by the end of 2026. source
- We are deploying large-scale testing of an internally developed additive product at our Morenci operations and plan to field-test two additional additives and application of heat to stockpiles. source
- Incremental copper production from leaching initiatives totaled 47 million pounds in second-quarter 2026 and 101 million pounds for the first six months of 2026. source
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| revenue | positive | probable | — | We are targeting reaching an annual run rate of 300 million pounds of copper from leaching initiatives by the end of 2026. |
| operating_income | positive | contingent | — | We are deploying large-scale testing of an internally developed additive product at our Morenci operations and plan to field-test two… |
| revenue | positive | realized | — | Incremental copper production from leaching initiatives totaled 47 million pounds in second-quarter 2026 and 101 million pounds for the… |
| revenue | positive | realized | — | Incremental copper production from leaching initiatives totaled 47 million pounds in second-quarter 2026 and 101 million pounds for the… |