PHOENIX - Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX):
- Net income attributable to common stock totaled $217 million, $0.16 per share, for third-quarter 2016. After adjusting for net gains totaling $39 million, $0.03 per share, third-quarter 2016 adjusted net income attributable to common stock totaled $178 million, $0.13 per share.
- Consolidated sales (including volumes from Tenke Fungurume (Tenke), which is being reported as discontinued operations) totaled 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 317 thousand ounces of gold, 16 million pounds of molybdenum and 12.0 million barrels of oil equivalents (MMBOE) for third-quarter 2016, compared with 1.0 billion pounds of copper, 294 thousand ounces of gold, 23 million pounds of molybdenum and 13.8 MMBOE for third-quarter 2015.
- Consolidated sales for the year 2016 are expected to approximate 4.8 billion pounds of copper (including 485 million pounds from Tenke), 1.26 million ounces of gold and 73 million pounds of molybdenum, including 1.3 billion pounds of copper, 590 thousand ounces of gold and 21 million pounds of molybdenum for fourth-quarter 2016.
- Average realized prices were $2.18 per pound for copper, $1,327 per ounce for gold and $40.63 per barrel for oil for third-quarter 2016.
- Average unit net cash costs were $1.14 per pound of copper for mining operations and $15.00 per barrel of oil equivalents (BOE) for oil and gas operations for third-quarter 2016. Unit net cash costs for the year 2016 are expected to average $1.20 per pound of copper for mining operations.
- Operating cash flows totaled $980 million for third-quarter 2016. Based on current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming average prices of $2.10 per pound for copper, $1,250 per ounce for gold and $7 per pound for molybdenum for fourth-quarter 2016, operating cash flows for the year 2016 are expected to approximate $3.6 billion (including $0.3 billion in working capital sources and changes in other tax payments).
- Capital expenditures totaled $494 million for third-quarter 2016, consisting of $333 million for mining operations (including $250 million for major projects) and $160 million for oil and gas operations. Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $2.8 billion for the year 2016, consisting of $1.6 billion for mining operations (including $1.2 billion for major projects) and $1.2 billion for oil and gas operations.
- At September 30, 2016, consolidated debt totaled $19.0 billion and consolidated cash totaled $1.1 billion. At September 30, 2016, FCX had no borrowings and $3.5 billion available under its $3.5 billion revolving credit facility.
- FCX expects to receive $5.2 billion in gross proceeds during fourth-quarter 2016 in connection with previously announced asset sale transactions.
- In July 2016, FCX commenced a registered at-the-market offering of up to $1.5 billion of common stock. Through October 24, 2016, FCX has sold 33.5 million shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of $415 million ($12.39 per share average price).
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) reported net income attributable to common stock of $217 million, $0.16 per share, for third-quarter 2016 and net losses attributable to common stock of $4.4 billion, $3.45 per share, for the first nine months of 2016, $3.8 billion, $3.58 per share, for third-quarter 2015 and $8.2 billion, $7.77 per share, for the first nine months of 2015. FCX’s net income attributable to common stock for third-quarter 2016 includes net gains of $39 million, $0.03 per share, primarily reflecting net tax credits, partly offset by the impairment of oil and gas properties. Third-quarter 2015 net loss attributable to common stock included net charges of $3.7 billion, $3.43 per share, primarily for the impairment of oil and gas properties. For further discussion of these amounts and net charges impacting the nine month periods, refer to the supplemental schedule "Adjusted Net Income (Loss)," on page IX, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."
Richard C. Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our actions during 2016 position us to achieve our objectives of restoring our balance sheet strength and focusing our strategy on our industry leading portfolio of high quality, long-lived copper assets. Our announced asset sale transactions totaling $6.6 billion combined with significant free cash flow generation in the coming quarters will enable us to achieve our debt reduction targets. Our global team continues to execute our cost and capital management initiatives during a period of weak copper prices in a manner that protects the long-term values of our large resources. We remain focused on completing our announced transactions, executing our operating plans and building long-term values from our portfolio of low-cost, long-lived reserves and resources for the benefit of our shareholders."
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenuesa,b | $ | 3,877 | $ | 3,382 | $ | 10,453 | $ | 11,091 | |||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss)a | $ | 359 | $ | (3,964 | ) | $ | (3,495 | ) | $ | (9,415 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 292 | $ | (3,815 | ) | $ | (4,034 | ) | $ | (8,090 | ) | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income from discontinued operationsc | $ | (6 | ) | $ | 25 | $ | (191 | ) | $ | 95 | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockd,e | $ | 217 | $ | (3,830 | ) | $ | (4,446 | ) | $ | (8,155 | ) | ||||||||||
| Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 0.18 | $ | (3.59 | ) | $ | (3.27 | ) | $ | (7.80 | ) | ||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | (0.02 | ) | 0.01 | (0.18 | ) | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||
| $ | 0.16 | $ | (3.58 | ) | $ | (3.45 | ) | $ | (7.77 | ) | |||||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding | 1,351 | 1,071 | 1,289 | 1,050 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flowsf | $ | 980 | $ | 822 | $ | 2,594 | $ | 2,608 | |||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 494 | $ | 1,527 | $ | 2,309 | $ | 5,055 | |||||||||||||
| At September 30: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,108 | $ | 233 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 233 | |||||||||||||
| Total debt, including current portion | $ | 18,982 | $ | 20,698 | $ | 18,982 | $ | 20,698 | |||||||||||||
a. For segment financial results, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Business Segments," beginning on page XII, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
b. Includes (unfavorable) favorable adjustments to provisionally priced concentrate and cathode copper sales recognized in prior periods totaling $(15) million ($(7) million to net income attributable to common stock from continuing operations or $(0.01) per share) in third-quarter 2016, $(117) million ($(58) million to net loss attributable to common stock from continuing operations or $(0.05) per share) in third-quarter 2015, $5 million ($2 million to net loss attributable to common stock from continuing operations or less than $0.01 per share) for the first nine months of 2016 and $(100) million ($(48) million to net loss attributable to common stock from continuing operations or $(0.05) per share) for the first nine months of 2015. For further discussion, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Derivative Instruments," on page XI, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
c. Net income (loss) from discontinued operations includes charges for (i) allocated interest expense totaling $12 million in third-quarter 2016, $6 million in third-quarter 2015, $33 million for the first nine months of 2016 and $20 million for the first nine months of 2015 associated with the portion of the FCX term loan that is required to be repaid as a result of the sale of FCX's interest in Tenke and (ii) income tax (benefit) provision totaling $(2) million in third-quarter 2016, $(11) million in third-quarter 2015, $(25) million for the first nine months of 2016 and $20 million for the first nine months of 2015. In accordance with accounting guidelines, the first nine months of 2016 are also net of an estimated loss on disposal, which will be adjusted through closing of the transaction (refer to the supplemental schedule, “Adjusted Net Income (Loss),” on page IX, which is available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com”). | |||||||||||||||||||||
d. Includes net gains (charges) totaling $39 million ($0.03 per share) in third-quarter 2016, $(3.7) billion ($(3.43) per share) in third-quarter 2015, $(4.4) billion ($(3.43) per share) for the first nine months of 2016 and $(8.1) billion ($(7.71) per share) for the first nine months of 2015, which are described in the supplemental schedule, “Adjusted Net Income (Loss),” on page IX, which is available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.” | |||||||||||||||||||||
e. FCX defers recognizing profits on intercompany sales until final sales to third parties occur. For a summary of net impacts from changes in these deferrals, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Deferred Profits," on page XI, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
f. Includes net working capital (uses) sources and changes in other tax payments of $(3) million in third-quarter 2016, $507 million in third-quarter 2015, $463 million for the first nine months of 2016 and $342 million for the first nine months of 2015. | |||||||||||||||||||||
DEBT REDUCTION INITIATIVES
FCX is taking actions to restore its balance sheet strength through a combination of asset sale transactions, cash flow from operations and capital market transactions. During 2016, FCX has announced $6.6 billion in asset sale transactions and has received aggregate cash consideration of $1.4 billion. The remaining $5.2 billion in gross proceeds is expected to be received in fourth-quarter 2016 associated with the pending Tenke and oil and gas transactions. In September 2016, FCX agreed to sell its Deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) properties for cash consideration of $2.0 billion and up to $150 million of contingent payments, and in October 2016, FCX agreed to sell its onshore California oil and gas properties for cash consideration of $592 million and up to $150 million of contingent consideration. Following provides a summary of FCX’s completed and pending asset sales (in billions):
| Cash | ||||||||
Completed Transactions: | Consideration | a | ||||||
| Morenci (13 percent interest) | $ | 1.00 | ||||||
| Timok exploration project in Serbia | 0.13 | b | ||||||
| Oil and gas transactions | 0.19 | |||||||
| Other land sales | 0.06 | |||||||
| 1.38 | ||||||||
Pending Transactions: | ||||||||
| Tenke | 2.65 | b | ||||||
| Deepwater GOM | 2.00 | b,c | ||||||
| Onshore California | 0.59 | b | ||||||
| 5.24 | ||||||||
| Total, excluding potential transactions and contingent consideration | 6.62 | |||||||
| Potential Freeport Cobalt/Kinsanfu transactionsd | 0.15 | |||||||
| Contingent considerationb | 0.53 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 7.30 | ||||||
a. Reflects aggregate cash consideration, before purchase price adjustments. | ||||||||
b. Excludes contingent consideration of (i) up to $107 million associated with the Timok transaction, which is payable to FCX in stages based upon achievement of defined development milestones, (ii) up to $120 million for the Tenke transaction, consisting of $60 million if the average copper price exceeds $3.50 per pound and $60 million if the average cobalt price exceeds $20 per pound, both for the 24-month period ending December 31, 2019, (iii) up to $150 million for the Deepwater GOM transaction payable to FCX as the buyer realizes future cash flows in connection with FCX's third-party production handling agreement for the Marlin platform, and (iv) up to $150 million for the onshore California transaction, consisting of $50 million per year for 2018, 2019 and 2020, if the price of Brent crude oil averages $70 per barrel or higher in that calendar year. | ||||||||
c. In connection with the Deepwater GOM transaction, FCX Oil & Gas LLC (FM O&G) entered into an agreement to amend the terms of the Plains Offshore Operations Inc. preferred stock to provide FM O&G the right to call these securities for $582 million. FM O&G expects to exercise this option at the time the Deepwater GOM sale closes. | ||||||||
d. FCX has agreed to negotiate exclusively with China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. (CMOC) until December 31, 2016, to enter into a definitive agreement to sell its interests in Freeport Cobalt for $100 million and the Kinsanfu exploration project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for $50 million in separate transactions. | ||||||||
In July 2016, FCX commenced a registered at-the-market (ATM) offering of up to $1.5 billion of common stock. Through October 24, 2016, FCX has sold 33.5 million shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of $415 million ($12.39 per share average price).
FCX continues to aggressively manage production, exploration and administrative costs and capital spending. With the successful completion of the Cerro Verde expansion and anticipated access to higher grade ore from the Grasberg mine in future quarters, FCX expects to generate substantial cash flows for debt reduction.
FCX remains focused on retaining a high-quality portfolio of long-lived copper assets positioned to generate value as market conditions improve. In addition to debt reduction plans, FCX is pursuing opportunities to create additional value through mine designs that would increase copper reserves, reduce costs and provide opportunities to enhance net present values, and continues to advance studies for future development of its copper resources, the timing of which will be dependent on market conditions.
SUMMARY OPERATING DATA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)a | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 1,217 | 1,003 | 3,447 | 2,895 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, excluding purchases | 1,231 | 1,001 | 3,465 | 2,925 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 2.18 | $ | 2.38 | $ | 2.16 | $ | 2.54 | |||||||||||||||
| Site production and delivery costs per poundb | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.74 | $ | 1.44 | $ | 1.84 | |||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs per poundb | $ | 1.14 | $ | 1.52 | $ | 1.28 | $ | 1.56 | |||||||||||||||
| Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 308 | 281 | 658 | 907 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, excluding purchases | 317 | 294 | 674 | 909 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per ounce | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,117 | $ | 1,292 | $ | 1,149 | |||||||||||||||
| Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 19 | 23 | 58 | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sales, excluding purchases | 16 | 23 | 52 | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 9.14 | $ | 7.91 | $ | 8.36 | $ | 9.21 | |||||||||||||||
| Oil Equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales volumes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMBOE | 12.0 | 13.8 | 36.6 | 39.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Thousand BOE (MBOE) per day | 131 | 150 | 133 | 144 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash operating margin per BOEc | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized revenues | $ | 34.99 | $ | 43.00 | d | $ | 30.50 | $ | 45.57 | d | |||||||||||||
| Cash production costs | (15.00 | ) | (18.85 | ) | (15.28 | ) | (19.42 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash operating margin | $ | 19.99 | $ | 24.15 | $ | 15.22 | $ | 26.15 | |||||||||||||||
a. Includes production and sales volumes from Tenke, which is reported as discontinued operations. Copper sales from Tenke totaled 118 million pounds in third-quarter 2016, 113 million pounds in third-quarter 2015, 365 million pounds for the first nine months of 2016 and 350 million pounds for the first nine months of 2015. Average realized copper prices (excluding Tenke) were $2.19 per pound in third-quarter 2016, $2.39 per pound in third-quarter 2015, $2.17 per pound for the first nine months of 2016 and $2.54 per pound for the first nine months of 2015. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
b. Reflects per pound weighted-average production and delivery costs and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for all copper mines, before net noncash and other costs. Excluding Tenke, mining unit net cash costs averaged $1.14 per pound in third-quarter 2016, $1.57 per pound in third-quarter 2015, $1.28 per pound for the first nine months of 2016 and $1.61 per pound for the first nine months of 2015. For reconciliations of per pound unit costs by operating division to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||||
c. Cash operating margin for oil and gas operations reflects realized revenues less cash production costs. Cash production costs exclude accretion and other costs. For reconciliations of realized revenues and cash production costs per BOE to revenues and production and delivery costs reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, “fcx.com.” | |||||||||||||||||||||||
d. Includes realized cash gains on crude oil derivative contracts of $7.44 per BOE in third-quarter 2015 and $7.72 per BOE for the first nine months of 2015. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Sales Volumes
Third-quarter 2016 consolidated copper sales (including Tenke) of 1.23 billion pounds were approximately six percent lower than the July 2016 estimate of 1.3 billion pounds principally reflecting lower mining rates at the Grasberg mine operated by PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI), which affected the timing of access to higher grade ore. Third-quarter 2016 consolidated copper sales were higher than third-quarter 2015 sales of 1.0 billion pounds, primarily reflecting higher volumes from Cerro Verde and PT-FI.
Third-quarter 2016 consolidated gold sales of 317 thousand ounces were lower than the July 2016 estimate of 410 thousand ounces primarily reflecting lower mining rates which reflected timing of access to higher grade ore at PT-FI, but were higher than third-quarter 2015 sales of 294 thousand ounces.
Third-quarter 2016 consolidated molybdenum sales of 16 million pounds were lower than the July 2016 estimate of 20 million pounds and third-quarter 2015 sales of 23 million pounds, primarily reflecting weak demand.
Third-quarter 2016 sales from oil and gas operations of 12.0 MMBOE, including 9.1 million barrels (MMBbls) of crude oil, 13.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas and 0.6 MMBbls of natural gas liquids (NGLs), were higher than the July 2016 estimate of 11.4 MMBOE, primarily reflecting higher than anticipated oil sales volumes from GOM, but were lower than third-quarter 2015 sales of 13.8 MMBOE, primarily reflecting the July 2016 sale of Haynesville.
Sales volumes for the year 2016 are expected to approximate 4.8 billion pounds of copper (including 485 million pounds for Tenke), 1.26 million ounces of gold and 73 million pounds of molybdenum, including 1.3 billion pounds of copper (including 120 million pounds for Tenke), 590 thousand ounces of gold and 21 million pounds of molybdenum for fourth-quarter 2016. Projected sales volumes are dependent on a number of factors, including operational performance, shipping schedules and the timing of completing the pending Tenke transaction.
Consolidated Unit Costs
Mining Unit Net Cash Costs. Consolidated average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for FCX's copper mines (including Tenke) of $1.14 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2016 were lower than unit net cash costs of $1.52 per pound in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting higher copper sales volumes and the impact of ongoing cost reduction initiatives.
Assuming average prices of $1,250 per ounce of gold and $7 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter 2016 and achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for copper mines (including Tenke) are expected to average $0.99 per pound of copper in fourth-quarter 2016 and $1.20 per pound for the year 2016. The impact of price changes for fourth-quarter 2016 on consolidated unit net cash costs would approximate $0.0075 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $0.004 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum. Quarterly unit net cash costs vary with fluctuations in sales volumes and realized prices primarily for gold and molybdenum.
Oil and Gas Cash Production Costs per BOE. Cash production costs for oil and gas operations of $15.00 per BOE in third-quarter 2016 were lower than cash production costs of $18.85 per BOE in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting ongoing cost reduction efforts in California.
MINING OPERATIONS
North America Copper Mines. FCX operates seven open-pit copper mines in North America - Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona, and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico. In addition to copper, molybdenum concentrate and silver are also produced by certain of FCX's North America copper mines.
All of the North America mining operations are wholly owned, except for Morenci. FCX records its 72 percent undivided joint venture interest in Morenci using the proportionate consolidation method.
Operating and Development Activities. FCX has significant undeveloped reserves and resources in North America and a portfolio of long-term development projects. In the near term, FCX is deferring development of new projects as a result of current market conditions. Future investments will be undertaken based on the results of economic and technical feasibility studies, and market conditions.
During 2015, FCX revised plans for its North America copper mines to incorporate reductions in mining rates to reduce operating and capital costs. In addition, FCX curtailed operations at the Miami and Tyrone mines and is operating its Sierrita mine at reduced rates. The revised plans at each of the operations incorporate the impacts of lower energy, acid and other consumables, reduced labor costs and a significant reduction in capital spending plans. These operating plans will continue to be reviewed and additional adjustments will be made as market conditions warrant.
Operating Data. Following is a summary of consolidated operating data for the North America copper mines for the third quarters and first nine months of 2016 and 2015:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 455 | 499 | 1,411 | 1,420 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 458 | 483 | 1,425 | 1,441 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 2.19 | $ | 2.42 | $ | 2.18 | $ | 2.59 | |||||||||||||
| Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Productiona | 9 | 9 | 25 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs per pound of copperb | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments | $ | 1.44 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 1.41 | $ | 1.76 | |||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (0.17 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Treatment charges | 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.11 | 0.12 | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs | $ | 1.37 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 1.40 | $ | 1.73 | |||||||||||||
a. Refer to summary operating data on page 4 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at the North America copper mines. | |||||||||||||||||||||
b. For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
North America's consolidated copper sales volumes of 458 million pounds in third-quarter 2016 were less than third-quarter 2015 sales of 483 million pounds, primarily attributable to the May 2016 sale of a portion of FCX's interest in Morenci. North America copper sales are estimated to approximate 1.8 billion pounds for the year 2016, compared with 2.0 billion pounds in 2015.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines of $1.37 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2016 were lower than the unit net cash costs of $1.68 per pound in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting cost reduction initiatives.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines are expected to approximate $1.41 per pound of copper for the year 2016, based on achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average molybdenum price of $7 per pound for fourth-quarter 2016. North America's average unit net cash costs would change by approximately $0.005 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum.
South America Mining. FCX operates two copper mines in South America - Cerro Verde in Peru (in which FCX owns a 53.56 percent interest) and El Abra in Chile (in which FCX owns a 51 percent interest). These operations are consolidated in FCX's financial statements. In addition to copper, the Cerro Verde mine produces molybdenum concentrate and silver.
Operating and Development Activities. The Cerro Verde expansion project commenced operations in September 2015 and achieved capacity operating rates during first-quarter 2016. Cerro Verde's expanded operations benefit from its large-scale, long-lived reserves and cost efficiencies. The project expanded the concentrator facilities from 120,000 metric tons of ore per day to 360,000 metric tons of ore per day and is on track to provide incremental annual production of approximately 600 million pounds of copper and 15 million pounds of molybdenum.
During 2015, FCX revised plans for its South America copper mines, principally to reflect adjustments to the mine plan at El Abra to reduce mining and stacking rates by approximately 50 percent to achieve lower operating and labor costs, defer capital expenditures and extend the life of the existing operations.
FCX continues to evaluate a potential large-scale milling operation at El Abra to process additional sulfide material and to achieve higher recoveries. Exploration results in recent years at El Abra indicate a significant sulfide resource, which could potentially support a major mill project. Future investments will depend on technical studies, economic factors and global copper market conditions.
Operating Data. Following is a summary of consolidated operating data for the South America mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of 2016 and 2015:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 317 | 204 | 986 | 585 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 323 | 207 | 973 | 585 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 2.19 | $ | 2.37 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||||||||
| Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Productiona | 5 | 1 | 14 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs per pound of copperb | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.23 | $ | 1.68 | |||||||||||||
| By-product credits | (0.12 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Treatment charges | 0.24 | 0.18 | 0.24 | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||||
| Royalty on metals | 0.01 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs | $ | 1.40 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 1.37 | $ | 1.80 | |||||||||||||
a. Refer to summary operating data on page 4 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at Cerro Verde. | |||||||||||||||||||||
b. For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
South America's consolidated copper sales volumes of 323 million pounds in third-quarter 2016 were significantly higher than third-quarter 2015 sales of 207 million pounds, reflecting Cerro Verde's expanded operations. Sales from South America mining are expected to approximate 1.3 billion pounds of copper for the year 2016, compared with 871 million pounds of copper in 2015.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining of $1.40 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2016 were lower than unit net cash costs of $1.68 per pound in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting higher copper sales volumes and efficiencies associated with the Cerro Verde expansion and higher by-product credits. Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining are expected to approximate $1.42 per pound of copper for the year 2016, based on current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming average prices of $7 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter 2016.
Indonesia Mining. Through its 90.64 percent owned and consolidated subsidiary PT-FI, FCX's assets include one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits at the Grasberg minerals district in Papua, Indonesia. PT-FI operates a proportionately consolidated joint venture, which produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver.
Regulatory Matters. PT-FI continues to engage with Indonesian government officials regarding its long-term operating rights under its Contract of Work (COW), and its rights to export concentrate without restriction.
PT-FI and the Indonesian government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2014, in which subject to concluding an agreement to extend PT-FI's operations beyond 2021 on acceptable terms, PT-FI agreed to construct new smelter capacity in Indonesia and to divest an additional 20.64 percent interest in PT-FI at fair market value. PT-FI also agreed to pay higher royalties and to pay export duties until certain smelter development milestones were met.
In October 2015, the Indonesian government provided a letter of assurance to PT-FI indicating that it would revise regulations allowing it to approve the extension of operations beyond 2021, and provide the same rights and the same level of legal and fiscal certainty provided under its current COW.
In August 2016, PT-FI's export permit was renewed through January 11, 2017. Current regulations published by the Indonesian government prohibit exports of copper concentrate and anode slimes after January 12, 2017. Indonesian government officials have indicated an intent to revise this regulation to protect employment and government revenues. PT-FI is actively engaged with Indonesian government officials on this matter.
Operating and Development Activities. PT-FI is currently mining the final phase of the Grasberg open pit, which contains very high copper and gold ore grades. PT-FI expects to mine high-grade ore over the next several quarters prior to transitioning to the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in the first half of 2018.
PT-FI has several projects in progress in the Grasberg minerals district related to the development of its large-scale, long-lived, high-grade underground ore bodies. In aggregate, these underground ore bodies are expected to produce large-scale quantities of copper and gold following the transition from the Grasberg open pit. From 2017 to 2020, estimated aggregate capital spending on these projects is currently expected to average $1.0 billion per year ($0.8 billion per year net to PT-FI). Considering the long-term nature and size of these projects, actual costs could vary from these estimates. In response to market conditions and Indonesian regulatory uncertainty, the timing of these expenditures continues to be reviewed.
Operating Data. Following is a summary of consolidated operating data for the Indonesia mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of 2016 and 2015:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 321 | 192 | 694 | 551 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 332 | 198 | 702 | 549 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 2.20 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 2.45 | |||||||||||||
| Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 301 | 272 | 637 | 887 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 307 | 285 | 653 | 891 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per ounce | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,117 | $ | 1,292 | $ | 1,149 | |||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs per pound of coppera | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments | $ | 1.37 | $ | 2.16 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 2.39 | |||||||||||||
| Gold and silver credits | (1.29 | ) | (1.59 | ) | (1.28 | ) | (1.93 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Treatment charges | 0.27 | 0.31 | 0.29 | 0.31 | |||||||||||||||||
| Export duties | 0.10 | 0.17 | 0.09 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||
| Royalty on metals | 0.12 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs | $ | 0.57 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 0.92 | $ | 1.09 | |||||||||||||
a. For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
Indonesia's consolidated copper sales totaled 332 million pounds in third-quarter 2016 and were higher than third-quarter 2015 sales of 198 million pounds, primarily reflecting higher copper ore grades. Indonesia's third-quarter 2016 gold sales of 307 thousand ounces were higher than third-quarter 2015 sales of 285 thousand ounces. Third-quarter 2016 sales volumes were below previous estimates because of lower mining rates that affected the timing of access to higher grade ore and a deferral of production into future periods resulting from labor productivity issues and a 10-day work stoppage beginning in late September.
At the Grasberg mine, the sequencing of mining areas with varying ore grades causes fluctuations in quarterly and annual production of copper and gold. Consolidated sales volumes from Indonesia mining operations are expected to approximate 1.2 billion pounds of copper and 1.24 million ounces of gold for the year 2016, compared with 744 million pounds of copper and 1.2 million ounces of gold for the year 2015. Ore grades are expected to further improve in 2017 because of increased access to higher grade sections of the Grasberg open pit.
A significant portion of PT-FI's costs are fixed and unit costs vary depending on volumes and other factors. Indonesia's unit net cash costs (including gold and silver credits) of $0.57 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2016 were lower than unit net cash costs of $1.18 per pound in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting higher sales volumes, partly offset by lower by-product credits.
Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, and assuming an average gold price of $1,250 per ounce for fourth-quarter 2016, unit net cash costs (net of gold and silver credits) for Indonesia mining are expected to approximate $0.19 per pound of copper for fourth-quarter 2016 and $0.62 per pound for the year 2016. Indonesia mining's unit net cash costs for the year 2016 would change by approximately $0.03 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold for fourth-quarter 2016. Because of the fixed nature of a large portion of Indonesia mining's costs, unit costs vary from quarter to quarter depending on copper and gold volumes. Anticipated higher ore grades from the Grasberg mine are expected to result in lower unit net cash costs in fourth-quarter 2016 and for the year 2017.
Indonesia mining's projected sales volumes are dependent on a number of factors, including operational performance, the timing of shipments and approval by the Indonesian government to continue the export of copper concentrate and anode slimes.
Africa Mining. In May 2016, FCX entered into an agreement to sell its interest in TF Holdings Limited (TFHL), through which FCX holds an effective 56 percent interest in the Tenke copper and cobalt mining concessions in the Southeast region of the DRC. In accordance with accounting guidelines, the operating results of Africa mining have been separately reported as discontinued operations in FCX’s consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The transaction is expected to close in fourth-quarter 2016.
Operating Data. Following is a summary of operating data for the Africa mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of 2016 and 2015:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Copper (millions of recoverable pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 124 | 108 | 356 | 339 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 118 | 113 | 365 | 350 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pounda | $ | 2.07 | $ | 2.32 | $ | 2.07 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||||||||
| Cobalt (millions of contained pounds) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 9 | 9 | 28 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales | 9 | 10 | 29 | 26 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average realized price per pound | $ | 7.83 | $ | 8.96 | $ | 7.15 | $ | 9.04 | |||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs per pound of copperb | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.63 | $ | 1.61 | $ | 1.58 | |||||||||||||
| Cobalt creditsc | (0.46 | ) | (0.53 | ) | (0.39 | ) | (0.47 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Royalty on metals | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||||
| Unit net cash costs | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.15 | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.17 | |||||||||||||
a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. | |||||||||||||||||||||
b. For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in net income (loss) from discontinued operations in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com." | |||||||||||||||||||||
c. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Africa mining's copper sales of 118 million pounds in third-quarter 2016 were slightly higher than third-quarter 2015 copper sales of 113 million pounds. Africa mining's sales for 2016 are expected to approximate 485 million pounds of copper and 38 million pounds of cobalt, compared with 467 million pounds of copper and 35 million pounds of cobalt for the year 2015. Africa mining's projected sales for the year 2016 would be impacted by the timing of the completion of the sale of FCX's interest in TFHL.
Africa mining's unit net cash costs (net of cobalt credits) of $1.16 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2016 were slightly higher than unit net cash costs of $1.15 per pound of copper in third-quarter 2015. Unit net cash costs (net of cobalt credits) for Africa mining are expected to approximate $1.26 per pound of copper for 2016, based on current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average cobalt price of $11 per pound for fourth-quarter of 2016.
Molybdenum Mines. FCX has two wholly owned molybdenum mines in North America - the Henderson underground mine and the Climax open-pit mine, both in Colorado. The Henderson and Climax mines produce high-purity, chemical-grade molybdenum concentrate, which is typically further processed into value-added molybdenum chemical products. The majority of molybdenum concentrate produced at the Henderson and Climax mines, as well as from FCX's North and South America copper mines, is processed at FCX's conversion facilities.
Operating and Development Activities. In response to market conditions, the revised plans for the Henderson molybdenum mine incorporate lower operating rates, resulting in an approximate 65 percent reduction in Henderson's annual production volumes. FCX also adjusted production plans at its by-product mines, including reduced production at its Sierrita mine. Additionally, FCX incorporated changes in the commercial pricing structure for its chemicals products to promote continuation of chemical-grade production.
Production from the Molybdenum mines totaled 5 million pounds of molybdenum in third-quarter 2016 and 13 million pounds in third-quarter 2015. Refer to summary operating data on page 4 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at the Molybdenum mines, and from FCX's North and South America copper mines.
Average unit net cash costs for the Molybdenum mines of $10.28 per pound of molybdenum in third-quarter 2016 were higher than average unit net cash costs of $6.93 per pound in third-quarter 2015, primarily reflecting lower volumes. Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, unit net cash costs for the Molybdenum mines are expected to average approximately $8.50 per pound of molybdenum for the year 2016.
For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page XV, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."
Mining Exploration Activities. FCX's mining exploration activities are generally associated with its existing mines focusing on opportunities to expand reserves and resources to support development of additional future production capacity. Exploration results continue to indicate opportunities for significant future potential reserve additions in North and South America. Exploration spending continues to be constrained by market conditions and is expected to approximate $45 million for the year 2016.
