As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 5, 2010

Registration No. 333-          

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

11811 North Tatum Blvd.

Suite 2500

Phoenix, Arizona 85028

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of

Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

 

 

Armando Ortega Gómez

Secretary

11811 North Tatum Blvd.

Suite 2500

Phoenix, Arizona 85028

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,

of agent for service)

 

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Phyllis G. Korff

Andrea L. Nicolás

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Telephone: (212) 735-3000

Facsimile: (212) 735-2000

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by the Registrant

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

 

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. þ

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. þ

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

                                                                  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 5, 2010

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

COMMON STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES

 

 

We may from time to time offer to sell together or separately in one or more offerings:

 

 

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. We will provide the specific prices and terms of these securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus at the time of the offering. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision.

 

We may offer and sell these securities through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering and will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the offering and any applicable fees, commissions or discount arrangements.

 

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus.

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Lima Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “SCCO.” Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 2 before you make your investment decision.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is April 5, 2010.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

 

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials, together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and, therefore, file reports and other information with the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are only summaries. If SEC rules require that any agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for its complete contents.

 

You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any other offering materials is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of each document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since then.

 

In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, we use the terms “Southern Copper Corporation,” the “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” to refer to Southern Copper Corporation.

 

This is only a summary and may not contain all the information that is important to you. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and any other offering materials, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

 

SCC is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world. We produce copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver. All of our mining, smelting and refining facilities are located in Peru and in Mexico and we conduct exploration activities in those countries and Chile. Our operations make us one of the largest mining companies in Peru and also in Mexico. Based on published reports, we believe our copper reserves are among the largest in the world. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1952 and have conducted copper mining operations since 1960. Since 1996, our common stock is listed on both the New York and Lima Stock Exchanges.

 

Our Peruvian copper operations involve mining, milling and flotation of copper ore to produce copper concentrates and molybdenum concentrates; the smelting of copper concentrates to produce anode copper; and the refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes. As part of this production process, we also produce significant amounts of molybdenum concentrate and refined silver. We also produce refined copper using solvent extraction/electrowinning (“SX/EW”) technology. We operate the Toquepala and Cuajone mines high in the Andes Mountains, approximately 860 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima, Peru. We also operate a smelter and refinery west of the Toquepala and Cuajone mines in the coastal city of Ilo, Peru.

 

Our Mexican operations are conducted through our subsidiary, Minera Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Mexico”), which we acquired in 2005. Minera Mexico engages primarily in the mining and processing of copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold and lead. Minera Mexico operates through subsidiaries that are grouped into three separate units. Mexicana de Cobre S.A. de C.V. operates La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, a copper ore concentrator, a SX/EW plant, a smelter, a refinery and a rod plant. Mexicana de Cananea S.A. de C.V. operates Cananea, an open-pit copper mine located at the site of one of the world’s largest copper ore deposits, a copper concentrator and two SX/EW plants. Industrial Minera Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Minerales Metalicos del Norte, S.A. operate five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, a coal mine and several industrial processing facilities for zinc and copper.

 

We utilize modern mining and processing methods, including global positioning systems and computerized mining operations. Our operations have a high level of vertical integration that allows us to manage the entire production process, from the mining of the ore to the production of refined copper and other products and many related transport and logistics functions, using our own facilities, employees and equipment.

 

The sales prices for our products are largely determined by market forces outside of our control. Our management, therefore, focuses on cost control and production enhancement to remain profitable. We endeavor to achieve these goals through capital spending programs, exploration efforts and cost reduction programs. Our focus is on seeking to remain profitable during periods of low copper prices and maximizing results in periods of high copper prices.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 11811 North Tatum Blvd. Suite 2500, Phoenix, Arizona and our telephone number at that address is (602) 494-5328. Our website address is www.southerncoppercorp.com. The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus and should not be relied upon in connection with making any investment decision with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus.

 

You should consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, the risk factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus supplement and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, before making an investment decision. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 12 of this prospectus.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we had no preferred stock outstanding.

 

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the common stock, preferred stock and debt securities that we may offer and sell from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 884,596,086 shares have been issued and are outstanding as of December 31, 2009.

 

The following is a description of our capital stock and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and certain provisions of applicable law. The following is only a summary and is qualified by applicable law and by the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

Common Stock

 

We have one class of common stock. All holders of our common stock are entitled to the same rights and privileges, as described below.

 

Voting Rights.  Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote. Except with respect to the election and removal of directors and certain other limited circumstances, all matters relating to stockholder action will be decided by a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy by the stockholders entitled to vote on any such matters. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders holding of record in the aggregate a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock constitute a quorum for purposes of voting.

 

Our certificate of incorporation provides the holders of our common stock with the right to elect a number of directors as fixed from time to time by resolution of a majority of our board of directors. In all elections of directors, each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote and directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any such election by the holders of our common stock who are entitled to vote.

 

Under our by-laws, holders of 10% of our common stock have the right to call special meetings of our stockholders.

 

Special Independent Directors and Our Special Nominating Committee.  Our certificate of incorporation requires that the board of directors include at all times a minimum number of “special independent directors” and provides for the creation of a Special Nominating Committee.

 

The Special Nominating Committee has the exclusive power and authority to nominate a number of persons to stand for election as special independent directors at annual stockholder meetings. A special independent director is any director who satisfies the independence requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and has been nominated to the board of directors by the Special Nominating Committee; or has been otherwise nominated pursuant to our certificate of incorporation.

 

The number of special independent directors nominated by the Special Nominating Committee is determined as follows. The Special Nominating Committee has the right to nominate a number of special independent directors that equals (a) the number of directors constituting our entire board of directors multiplied by (b) the percentage of our common stock owned by all holders of our common stock (other than Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. and its affiliates) as of the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date on which the Special Nominating Committee acts, rounded up to the nearest whole number. At no time can the aggregate number of special independent directors, including both those nominated by the Special Nominating Committee and stockholder designees, be less than two or greater than six. A special independent director may only be removed from the board of directors for cause.

 

The Special Nominating Committee is authorized to fill any vacancies created by the removal, resignation, retirement or death of a special independent director, other than stockholder designees. The unanimous vote of all members of the Special Nominating Committee will be necessary for the adoption of any resolution or the taking of any action.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have three special independent directors who were nominated by the Special Nominating Committee, Messrs. Luis Miguel Palomino Bonilla, Gilberto Perezalonso Cifuentes, and Carlos Ruiz Sacristán. In addition, Mr. Emilio Carrillo Gamboa is our fourth independent director.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the power and authority of the Special Nominating Committee to nominate special independent directors is subject to the rights of our stockholders to make nominations in accordance with our by-laws. The provisions of our certificate of incorporation pertaining to the Special Nominating Committee may only be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of our common stock, other than Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. and its affiliates.

 

Dividends.  Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock.

 

Liquidation and Dissolution.  Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets available for distribution after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the preferential rights of holders of any outstanding capital stock ranking prior to the common stock as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 

Other Rights.  Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

 

Listing.  Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Lima Stock Exchange under the symbol “SCCO.”

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar.  The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is The Bank of New York Mellon Shareowner Services. Its address is 480 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310, Phone: (800) 524-4458.

 

Anti-takeover Effects of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws

 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and Delaware law contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors.

 

Special Meetings Only Callable By Holders of 10% of our Common Stock.  Our by-laws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the board, the president, the board pursuant to a resolution adopted by eight directors or the holders of 10% or more of our common stock.

 

Board Vacancies to Be Filled by Remaining Directors and Not Stockholders.  Our certificate of incorporation and our by-laws provide that any vacancies on our board will be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining directors, even if such directors constitute less than a quorum. No vacancy will be filled by our stockholders.

 

Delaware law.  We are a Delaware corporation and consequently are also subject to certain anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 of the General Corporation Law prevents a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for three years following the date that the person became an interested stockholder, unless the interested stockholder attained such status with the approval of our board of directors or unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger or consolidation involving us and the “interested stockholder” and the sale of more than 10% of our assets. In general, an “interested stockholder” is any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person. Section 203 makes it more difficult for an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period. This statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts not approved in advance by our board of directors, and as a result could discourage attempts to acquire us, which could depress the market price of our common stock.

 

We may offer secured or unsecured debt securities which may be senior, subordinated or junior subordinated, and which may be convertible. We may issue debt securities in one or more series.

 

The following description briefly sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will be issued in one or more series under an indenture to be entered into between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. A form of the indenture is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the debt securities will include those set forth in the applicable indenture, any related securities documents and those made a part of the global indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (“TIA”). You should read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the applicable indenture and any related security documents, if any, in their entirety before investing in our debt securities. Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the indentures.

 

The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under the indenture is unlimited. The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the debt securities. These terms may include the following:

 

 

 

General

 

We may sell the debt securities, including original issue discount securities, at par or at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series or any other series outstanding at the time of issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of securities under the indenture. In addition, we will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement, material U.S. federal income tax considerations and any other special considerations for any debt securities we sell which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

 

We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof. Subject to the limitations provided in the indenture and in the prospectus supplement, debt securities that are issued in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the designated corporate trust office of the trustee, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Global Securities

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Global securities will be issued in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the debt securities shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:

 

 

A distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the issuance of derivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, subscriptions, exchangeable securities, forward delivery contracts and the writing of options.

 

In addition, the manner in which we may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus includes, without limitation, through:

 

 

We may also enter into hedging transactions. For example, we may:

 

 

In addition, we may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

 

A prospectus supplement with respect to each offering of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

 

 

 

The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:

 

 

General

 

Any public offering price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be changed from time to time. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be “underwriters” as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profits they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their commissions, fees or discounts in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

 

Underwriters and Agents

 

If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. These sales may be made at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to such prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. We may offer the securities to the public through an underwriting syndicate or through a single underwriter. The underwriters in any particular offering will be mentioned in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

 

Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we will enter into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

 

We may designate agents to sell the offered securities. Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. We may also sell the offered securities to one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These firms will remarket the offered securities upon purchasing them in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation.

In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.

 

Dealers

 

We may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. We may negotiate and pay dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by us may allow other dealers to participate in resales.

 

Direct Sales

 

We may choose to sell the offered securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.

 

Institutional Purchasers

 

We may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.

 

We will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that we approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.

 

Indemnification; Other Relationships

 

We may have agreements with agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business. This includes commercial banking and investment banking transactions.

 

Market-Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions

 

There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than the common stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Lima Stock Exchange. If the offered securities are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. While it is possible that an underwriter could inform us that it intends to make a market in the offered securities, such underwriter would not be obligated to do so, and any such market-making could be discontinued at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active trading market will develop for the offered securities. We have no current plans for listing of the debt securities on any securities exchange; any such listing with respect to any particular debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

 

In connection with any offering of common stock, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common stock in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. “Covered” short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters’

over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make “naked” short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

 

In connection with any offering, the underwriters may also engage in penalty bids. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.

 

Fees and Commissions

 

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (the “FINRA”), the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be; however, it is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this amount.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York will provide opinions regarding the authorization and validity of the securities. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may also provide opinions regarding certain other matters. Any underwriters will also be advised about legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in the prospectus supplement.

 

The 2009 consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from SCC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, have been audited by Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008 incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplements and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts are forward-looking and usually identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecasts,” “approximate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and other words of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial matters. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference include statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or metal production operations, projected quantities of future metal production, anticipated production rates, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, including taxes, as well as projected demand or supply for the company’s products. Actual results could differ materially depending upon factors including the risks and uncertainties relating to general U.S. and international economic and political conditions, the cyclical and volatile prices of copper, other commodities and supplies, including fuel and electricity, availability of materials, insurance coverage, equipment, required permits or approvals and financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than expected ore grades, water and geological problems, the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, failure to obtain financial assurance to meet closure and remediation obligations, labor relations, litigation and environmental risks, as well as political and economic risk associated with foreign operations. Results of operations are directly affected by metals prices on commodity exchanges, which can be volatile. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and assumptions about future events. While we consider these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. The risks and uncertainties that may affect our operations, performance and results and the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” commencing on page 19 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may inspect without charge any documents filed by us at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Southern Copper Corporation.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered part of this prospectus, and information filed with the SEC subsequent to this prospectus and prior to the termination of the particular offering referred to in such prospectus supplement will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement the documents listed below (excluding any portions of such documents that have been “furnished” but not “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act):

 

 

 

We also incorporate by reference any future filings made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the date all of the securities offered hereby are sold or the offering is otherwise terminated, with the exception of any information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, which is not deemed filed and which is not incorporated by reference herein. Any such filings shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference and to be a part of this prospectus from the respective dates of filing of those documents.

 

We will provide without charge upon written or oral request to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any and all of the documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus (other than exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents).

 

You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at our Investor Relations Department at:

 

11811 North Tatum Blvd. Suite 2500, Phoenix, Arizona 85028, USA

Telephone: (602)494-5328

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

 

The expenses relating to the registration of the securities will be borne by the registrant. Such expenses are estimated to be as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Set forth below is a description of certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of SCC and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), as such provisions relate to the indemnification of the directors and officers of the registrant. This description is intended only as a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the certificate of incorporation, the by-laws and the DGCL.

 

The certificate of incorporation provides that SCC shall, to the full extent permitted by Sections 102 and 145 of the DGCL, indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto and eliminates the personal liability of its directors to the full extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL.

 

Section 145 of the DGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its directors and officers against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought by third parties, if such directors or officers acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. In an action by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may be made only for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by directors and officers in connection with the defense or settlement of an action or suit, and only with respect to a matter as to which they shall have acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made if such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, although the court in which the action or suit was brought or the Delaware Court of Chancery may determine upon application that the defendant officers or directors are reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses despite such adjudication of liability.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a corporation may eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective.

 

SCC also maintains, at its expense, a policy of insurance which insures its directors and officers, subject to certain exclusions or deductions as are usual in such insurance policies, against certain liabilities which may be incurred in those capacities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. The registrant has also entered into agreements with its directors and officers which provide them with indemnification against such liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

 

The Exhibits to this registration statement are listed in the Index to Exhibits on page II-7 and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(A)(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (A)(1)(i), (A)(1)(ii) and (A)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

A. Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

B. Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

 

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(B) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(C) Filing of Registration Statement Becoming Effective Upon Filing. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities

(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Phoenix , State of Arizona, on the 5th day of April, 2010.

 

SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION

 

Name:     Oscar González Rocha

 

SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated. Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Armando Ortega Gómez and Xavier García de Quevedo and each of them severally, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting along with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, and to any registration statement filed under SEC Rule 462, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dated indicated.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX