C1 costs are a standard metric used in copper mining as a reference point to denote the basic cash costs of running a mining operation to allow a comparison across the industry. Although producers are not bound to adhere strictly to any convention, the most widely accepted definition is that from consultants Brook Hunt.
Under the Brook Hunt definition, C1 costs are direct costs, which include costs incurred in mining and processing (labour, power, reagents, materials) plus local G&A, freight and realisation and selling costs. Any by-product revenue is credited against costs at this stage.
Costs are reported in US dollars per pound of copper produced.
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