General Information (Unaudited)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

General Information [Abstract]

General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this information should be read in conjunction with Freeport-McMoRan Inc.’s (FCX) consolidated financial statements and notes contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2019 Form 10-K). The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods reported. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020.

Operations Update. Because of the significant negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, including the recent decline in copper and molybdenum prices, in April 2020 FCX revised its operating plans. FCX has assessed its near-term operating plans with a focus on maximizing cash flow and protecting liquidity in a weak and uncertain economic environment and to preserve asset values for anticipated improved copper prices as economic conditions recover. A series of actions are being implemented to significantly reduce costs and capital spending and adjust mine plans and corresponding mining and milling rates to maximize cash flow at lower prices. The plans also incorporate the impact of lower input costs, principally energy and foreign exchange rates, and higher gold prices.

In mid-March 2020, the Peruvian government issued a Supreme Decree and declaration of a National Emergency in its efforts to contain the outbreak of COVID-19, and subsequently extended this order through May 10, 2020. To comply with the government’s requirements, Cerro Verde temporarily transitioned to a care and maintenance status and has adjusted its operations to prioritize critical activities. Cerro Verde has also completed construction of temporary onsite facilities and enhanced protocols to enable critical operations to be maintained in compliance with the Peruvian government order. During April 2020, Cerro Verde operated at an average of approximately one-third of planned rates. Beginning in late April 2020, operating rates increased to over 50 percent of capacity. In early May, the Peruvian government updated its State of Emergency to allow major mining operations to gradually increase activities. Cerro Verde is in discussions with the Peruvian government to clarify the requirements for gradual resumption of normal operations. The revised operating plans reflect the continuation of limited operations at Cerro Verde during second-quarter 2020 and increased mining and milling rates in the second half of 2020. Idle facility costs associated with this temporary shutdown totaled $22 million in first-quarter 2020. Additionally, in April 2020, FCX suspended operations at its Chino copper mine in New Mexico to address COVID-19 concerns. The revised operating plans take into account the impact of the currently suspended operations at the Chino mine. FCX is currently assessing options and future timing of restart of the Chino mine. FCX’s revised operating plans and estimates reflect current assumptions, and FCX will continue to closely monitor health and market conditions and make further adjustments to its mine plans as required.

In connection with the decline in copper and molybdenum prices, FCX evaluated its long-lived assets, other than indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment as of March 31 2020. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated annually as of December 31, and when it is more likely than not that the intangible asset is impaired. FCX’s long-lived asset impairment evaluations required FCX to make several assumptions in determining estimates of future cash flows of its individual mining operations, including: near- and long-term metal price assumptions; estimates of commodity-based and other input costs; proven and probable mineral reserves estimates, including the timing and costs to develop and produce the reserves; and the value of mineral resources not yet included in proven and probable mineral reserves. Projected long-term average metal prices represented the most significant assumption used in the cash flow estimates.

FCX’s evaluation of long-lived assets (other than indefinite-lived intangible assets) did not result in the recognition of significant impairments as of March 31, 2020. Should copper and molybdenum prices decline further in future periods, FCX will continue to evaluate its long-lived assets for impairment. Refer to Note 3 for adjustments to reduce inventories to their net realizable values.