e10vk
Table of Contents



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

OR

[  ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period____________ to ____________

Commission file number 1-82

PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
New York
  13-1808503
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
One North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
  85004-4414
(Address of principal executive offices)
  (Zip Code)
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (602) 366-8100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
  Name of each exchange
Title of each class   on which registered
     
Common Shares, $6.25 par value per share
Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares,
  New York Stock Exchange
$1.00 par value per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x  No     .

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [x]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  x  No     .

The aggregate market value of Common Shares of the issuer held by nonaffiliates at June 30, 2003, was approximately $3,411,878,210.

Number of Common Shares outstanding at February 23, 2004: 92,747,818 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

     
Document   Location in 10-K
Proxy Statement for 2004 Annual Meeting   Part III




 

 i 

PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
         
Table of Contents   Page
 
       
 
    1  
    2  
    2  
    2  
    4  
    5  
    5  
    6  
    7  
    9  
    9  
    10  
    11  
    11  
    11  
    12  
    12  
    12  
    14  
    14  
    14  
    15  
    16  
    17  
    17  
    19  
    19  
    26  
    26  
    26  
    27  
    28  
    29  
    29  
    29  
    31  
    36  
    36  
 
       
 
       
 
       
    37  
    37  
    39  
    39  
    41  
    49  
    64  
    66  
    68  
    84  
    84  
    84  
    85  
    38  
    86  
    86  
    87  
    88  
    89  
    90  
    91  
    92  
    132  
    133  
    N/A  
    38  
 
       
 
       
 
       
    135  
    135  
    135  
    135  
    135  
    135  
    138  
    139  
 EX-10.8
 EX-10.9
 EX-10.12
 EX-11
 EX-12.1
 EX-12.2
 EX-21
 EX-23
 EX-24
 EX-31
 EX-32

 


Table of Contents

 1 

PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K

PART I

 

Items 1. and 2. Business and Properties

      Phelps Dodge Corporation (the Company, which also may be referred to as Phelps Dodge, PD, we, us or our) is the world’s second largest producer of copper, among the world’s largest carbon black and magnet wire producers, and is the world’s largest producer of continuous-cast copper rod. On October 16, 1999, we acquired Cyprus Amax Minerals Company (Cyprus Amax or Cyprus). As a result of that acquisition, we also became one of the world’s largest producers/processors of molybdenum and molybdenum products.

      The Company consists of two major divisions: (i) Phelps Dodge Mining Company (PDMC) and (ii) Phelps Dodge Industries (PDI).

      (i)   PDMC includes our worldwide, vertically integrated copper operations from mining through rod production, marketing and sales; molybdenum operations from mining through conversion, marketing and sales; other mining operations and investments; and worldwide mineral exploration, technology and development programs. PDMC comprises 11 reportable segments — Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre and Tyrone (located in the United States), Candelaria/Ojos del Salado, Cerro Verde and El Abra (located in South America), Manufacturing and Sales, Primary Molybdenum and Other Mining.

      In 2003, PDMC produced 1,059,300 tons of copper for our account from worldwide mining operations, and an additional 246,300 tons of copper for the accounts of our minority-interest, joint-venture partners. Gold, silver, molybdenum, rhenium and sulfuric acid are by-products of our copper and molybdenum operations. Production of copper for our own account from our U.S. operations constituted approximately 53 percent of the copper mined in the United States in 2003. Much of our U.S. cathode copper production, together with additional copper purchased from others, is used to produce continuous-cast copper rod, the basic feed for the electrical wire and cable industry. Our South American mining operations produce a variety of metals and minerals, including copper, gold and silver. We explore for metals and minerals throughout the world.

      In 2003, PDMC produced 52 million pounds of molybdenum for our account from mining operations. High-purity, chemical-grade molybdenum concentrate is produced at our Henderson mine in Colorado. Most of the concentrate produced at Henderson is roasted at our Fort Madison, Iowa, roasters, and is further processed at the facility’s chemical plant into value-added molybdenum chemical products. In addition, some of the concentrate is processed into salable molysulfide for use primarily in the lubricant industry.

      Molybdenum concentrate is also produced as a by-product at two of our U.S. copper operations. This concentrate is generally roasted at one of our three roasting operations to produce technical grade molybdic oxide for sale into the metallurgical markets (i.e., steel industries).

      We also have research and development and process technology facilities primarily at our Process Technology Center in Safford, Arizona; and a research and development facility for engineered molybdenum products at our Climax Technology Center near Sahuarita, Arizona.

      (ii)   PDI is our manufacturing division comprising two reportable segments — Specialty Chemicals and Wire and Cable. PDI produces engineered products principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and specialty chemicals sectors.

      We produce specialty chemicals at operations in North America, Europe, South America and Asia through Columbian Chemicals Company, one of the world’s largest producers of carbon black. Carbon black is a reinforcing agent in natural and synthetic rubber that increases the service life of tires, hoses, belts and other products for the rubber industry. We also produce specialty carbon black for other industrial applications such as pigments for printing, coatings, plastics and other non-rubber applications.

      Our Wire and Cable segment has operations in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. This segment produces magnet wire, copper and aluminum energy cables, telecommunications cables, specialty conductors and other products for sale principally to original equipment manufacturers for use in electrical motors, generators, transformers, medical applications and public utilities.

      In 2001, we initiated Quest for Zero, our comprehensive, lean-production program designed to, among other things, improve operating income. PDMC chartered business improvement teams to drive performance improvement projects and best practices. The elimination of variance and waste, and control of all critical processes are key factors in this process. Quest for Zero was designed to foster the rapid transfer of best practices to all business units.

      The Company’s Quest for Zero stretch goal was to achieve annual operating income improvements of $400 million by the end of 2003 when compared with the results that were then expected for 2001. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we achieved $91 million in improvements bringing the current annualized run rate to approximately $365 million, which is approximately 91 percent of the stretch goal.

      Note 23 to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein includes financial data for each of the last three years relating to our business segments, including data by geographic area.

      Phelps Dodge was incorporated as a business corporation under the laws of the state of New York in 1885. Our world headquarters is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a leased property. We employed approximately 13,000 people worldwide on December 31, 2003.

      Throughout this document, unless otherwise stated, all references to tons are to short tons, and references to ounces are to troy ounces.

Available Information. Phelps Dodge files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains a Web site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information that issuers (including Phelps Dodge) file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s Web site is http://www.sec.gov.

      Phelps Dodge’s Web site is http://www.phelpsdodge.com. Phelps Dodge makes available free of charge through its Internet site, via a link to the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov, its annual reports


Table of Contents

2

on Form 10K; quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; current reports on Form 8-K; Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed on behalf of directors and executive officers; and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

      Phelps Dodge makes available free of charge on http://www.phelpsdodge.com its most recent annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the current fiscal year, its most recent proxy statement and its most recent summary annual report to shareholders, although in some cases these documents are not available on our site as soon as they are available on the SEC’s site. You will need to have on your computer the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view some of these documents, which are in PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, a link to Adobe’s Internet site, from which you can download the software, is provided. The information on Phelps Dodge’s Web site is not incorporated by reference into this report.

PHELPS DODGE MINING COMPANY

      Our copper mines comprise five reportable segments in the United States (Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre and Tyrone) and three reportable segments in South America (Candelaria/Ojos del Salado, Cerro Verde and El Abra). These segments include open-pit mining, sulfide ore concentrating, leaching, solution extraction and electrowinning. In addition, they produce gold and silver, and the Bagdad and Sierrita mines also produce molybdenum as by-products.

      Our Manufacturing and Sales segment consists of conversion facilities, including our smelters, refineries and rod mills, as well as sales and marketing. The Manufacturing and Sales segment sells copper to others primarily as rod, cathode or concentrate, and as rod to our Wire and Cable segment. In addition, at times it smelts and refines copper and produces copper rod for customers on a toll basis. Toll arrangements require the tolling customer to deliver appropriate copper-bearing material to our facilities, which we then process into a product that is returned to the customer. The customer pays PDMC for processing its material into the specified products.

      Our Primary Molybdenum segment consists of the Henderson and Climax mines and related conversion facilities. This segment is an integrated producer of molybdenum, with mining, roasting and processing facilities producing high-purity, molybdenum-based chemical and metallurgical products. In addition, at times it roasts and/or processes material on a toll basis. Toll arrangements require the tolling customer to deliver appropriate molybdenum-bearing material to our facilities, which we then process into a product that is returned to the customer. The customer pays PDMC for processing its material into the specified products.

      Our Other Mining segment includes our worldwide mineral exploration and development programs, a process technology center that directs its activities at improving existing processes and developing new cost-competitive technologies, and other ancillary operations.

      Our five reportable U.S. Mines segments, the Manufacturing and Sales segment and Other Mining segment are discussed herein together, where appropriate, as U.S. Mining Operations.

      Our U.S. Mining Operations and our South American Mines are discussed herein together, where appropriate, as our Worldwide Copper Mining Operations.

Properties, Facilities and Production

      Following is a map indicating the approximate location of PDMC’s U.S. copper and molybdenum mines:

 

United States Mines

(UNITED STATES MINES)

 
 

U.S. Mines

      We produce electrowon copper cathode at solution extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) operations near Tyrone and Silver City, New Mexico (Tyrone (partially curtailed) and Chino (partially curtailed) mines, respectively) and Morenci, Miami (curtailed since 2002), Bagdad (partially curtailed since 2002) and Green Valley, Arizona (Sierrita, curtailed in the 2003 fourth quarter). We produce copper concentrate from open-pit mines and concentrators located at Bagdad (partially curtailed) and Green Valley, Arizona (partially curtailed since 2002) (Bagdad and Sierrita mines, respectively) and Silver City, New Mexico (Chino mine).

      We are the world’s leading producer of copper using the SX/EW process. In 2003, we produced a total of 569,600 tons of cathode copper at our SX/EW facilities in the United States, compared with 578,700 tons in 2002 and 585,300 tons in 2001. SX/EW is a cost-effective process for extracting copper from certain types of ores. SX/EW is a major factor in our continuing efforts to maintain internationally competitive costs. Our total annual capacity of electrowon copper cathode production currently is 410,000 tons at Morenci, 105,000 tons at Miami, 75,000 tons at Chino, 84,000 tons at Tyrone, 25,000 tons at Sierrita (although we currently are evaluating alternatives as the lease for land on which the facility is located has expired) and 15,000 tons at Bagdad. Additionally, Bagdad has 17,500 tons of concentrate leach capacity.

      The Morenci complex in southeastern Arizona comprises an open-pit mine, a concentrator, four solution extraction facilities and three electrowinning tankhouses. We operate Morenci and own an 85 percent undivided interest; the remaining 15 percent interest is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Arizona, Inc. (Sumitomo), a jointly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Corporation. Each partner takes in kind its share of Morenci produc-


Table of Contents

3

tion. Morenci is the largest copper producing operation in North America.

      In 2001, the Company completed its $220 million mine-for-leach project at Morenci. As a result, the Morenci concentrator was placed on care-and-maintenance status. The crushing facility at the Metcalf concentrator continues to process approximately 85,000 tons of ore daily for the expanded leach operation. The new mine-for-leach facilities increased Morenci’s annual electrowon cathode production capacity to 410,000 tons. Under certain favorable economic circumstances, Morenci may produce concentrates from primary sulfide ores.

      In 1999, the Metcalf concentrator was permanently closed as a result of rebalancing PDMC operations. After the 1999 acquisition of Cyprus Amax and the Company’s decision to convert Morenci to mine-for-leach processing, it became clear that the Metcalf concentrator would not likely operate in the future. This resulted in a pre-tax impairment of $88 million recorded in 1999.

      We are presently a party to litigation that could adversely impact the allocation of available water supplies for the Morenci operation and our other properties in Arizona. (Refer to Item 3, Legal Proceedings, for information concerning the status of these proceedings.)

      Our wholly owned Bagdad mine in northwestern Arizona primarily mines copper sulfide ore. It produces copper and molybdenum concentrates and minor amounts of silver. The operation consists of an open-pit mine, sulfide ore concentrator producing copper and molybdenum concentrates, and a leaching system with an SX/EW operation producing copper cathode. In January 2002, as a result of the then-current economic environment, Bagdad’s mill throughput was curtailed temporarily to approximately one-half capacity. At the time of this curtailment, we estimated that approximately 70,500 tons of annual copper production and 7 million pounds of annual by-product molybdenum production would be reduced. In 2003 and 2002, copper production at Bagdad exceeded our estimates due to improved production from our SX/EW operation, higher ore grades from normal mine planning improvements, and improvements in copper recovery and improved milling efficiency resulting from our Quest for Zero program. As a result, 2003 and 2002 annual copper production was only reduced by approximately 27,400 tons and 44,600 tons, respectively, when compared with 2001. Throughput at Bagdad also exceeded half capacity at various times during 2002, primarily driven by smelter and sulfuric acid supply requirements. In January 2003, Bagdad’s mill throughput increased to approximately 80 percent of capacity. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper and molydenum over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, Bagdad began increasing production in January 2004 with an expectation that it will be producing at full capacity in the 2004 second quarter.

      In February 2002, we announced that Bagdad would construct a $40 million copper concentrate leaching demonstration plant designed to recover commercial-grade copper cathode from chalcopyrite concentrates. The plant was commissioned in the 2003 first quarter and achieved full production in the 2003 second quarter. During nine months of operation (April to December 2003), the plant processed 44,200 tons of concentrate and produced approximately 24.4 million pounds of copper cathode. At full capacity, the plant can produce 35 million pounds of copper cathode from concentrate annually. This technology could assist in our long-term cost reduction strategy.

      We own the Sierrita mine near Green Valley, Arizona. The facility consists of an open-pit mine, sulfide ore concentrator producing copper and molybdenum concentrates, two molybdenum roasters and a rhenium processing facility. Sierrita also uses an oxide and low-grade sulfide ore stockpile leaching system with an SX/EW operation to produce copper cathode. The Sierrita operation leases property adjacent to its mine upon which its electrowinning tankhouse is located. The current lease agreement expired in 2003. Future alternatives, including extension of the lease, are being considered. As a result, Sierrita’s electrowon copper cathode production has been curtailed since the 2003 fourth quarter.

      Sierrita’s on-site roasters process molybdenum concentrates produced at Sierrita and Bagdad as well as purchased concentrates or concentrates tolled for third parties. The resulting metallurgical grade molybdic oxide and related products are either packaged for shipment to customers worldwide or transported to other Phelps Dodge facilities for further processing.

      At year-end 2001, as a result of the then-current economic environment, mill throughput at the Sierrita mine was reduced temporarily to approximately one-half of its capacity. Our estimates at the time were that these actions would eliminate approximately 49,600 tons of annual copper production and 7 million pounds of by-product molybdenum. In 2003 and 2002, copper production at Sierrita exceeded our estimates due to improved production from higher ore grades from normal mine planning improvements, improvements in copper recovery and improved milling efficiency resulting from Quest for Zero actions, and smelter and acid supply requirements. As a result, 2003 and 2002 annual copper production was only reduced by approximately 35,400 tons and 44,200 tons, respectively, when compared with 2001. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper and molybdenum over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, Sierrita began increasing production in January 2004 with an expectation that it will be producing at full capacity in the 2004 fourth quarter.

      Our wholly owned operations at Miami, Arizona, consist of an open-pit copper mine, an SX/EW operation producing copper cathode, a smelter, an acid plant, an electrolytic refinery and a copper rod plant. In January 2002, as a result of the then-current economic environment, the Miami mine and refinery were closed temporarily. Our estimate at the time was that this curtailment action would eliminate approximately 49,600 tons of annual copper production. In 2003 and 2002, Miami’s copper production was improved by higher than expected output from residual leach stockpiles, various other improvements resulting from Quest for Zero actions, and the use of smelter weak acid in leaching operations. As a result, 2003 and 2002 annual copper production was only reduced by approximately 32,000 tons and 30,400 tons, respectively, when compared with 2001. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, the Miami smelter should resume operating at full capacity by the 2004 third quarter.


Table of Contents

4

      We operate an open-pit copper mine, concentrator and SX/EW facility near Silver City, New Mexico, and a smelter in Hurley, New Mexico, that are owned by Chino Mines Company (Chino), a general partnership in which we held a two-thirds interest through December 18, 2003. Heisei Minerals Corporation (Heisei), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation, owned the remaining one-third interest in Chino. On December 19, 2003, we purchased Heisei’s interest in Chino. Prior to December 19, 2003, each partner purchased its proportionate share of Chino’s copper production each month. Beginning in late 1998 and through the first half of 1999, production was curtailed resulting in a reduction of approximately 35,000 tons of annual copper production. In March 2001, the concentrator was temporarily shut down, and in January 2002, the Chino mine and smelter were closed temporarily. Our estimates at the time were that these actions would eliminate approximately 144,400 tons of annual copper production. We anticipated that residual leaching operations at Chino would become uneconomic by mid-year 2002. However, copper recoveries from leach stockpiles have been better than anticipated and leaching operations are now expected to remain economic for several more years, even with the mine curtailed. As a result, 2002 annual copper production was only reduced by approximately 97,400 tons. We restarted mining for leach material on a limited basis at Chino in April 2003. In September 2003, we resumed a full mine-for-leach operation. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, Chino’s milling operations will commence in the 2004 third quarter at one-half capacity.

      On December 19, 2003, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company acquired Heisei’s one-third general partnership interest in Chino. In connection with this transaction, Heisei paid on behalf of Chino approximately $64 million in cash to a trust to fund closure, closeout and reclamation obligations of Chino. That amount represents a one-third share of an estimate by the state of New Mexico of the amount of financial assurance Chino must provide in connection with its current permits. In addition, Heisei paid $50 million to the Company’s subsidiary to cover other Heisei obligations. Due to our business expectations and plans, which result in significant differences in the operating life of Chino as compared with Heisei, we recognized an extraordinary gain of approximately $68.3 million upon completing the transaction.

      Phelps Dodge operates its wholly owned Tyrone open-pit mine and SX/EW plant near Tyrone, New Mexico. Tyrone has been a mine-for-leach operation since 1992. We partially curtailed production at Tyrone in September 2003.

      Cobre Mining Company Inc. (Cobre), acquired in 1998, is located in southwestern New Mexico adjacent to our Chino operations. The primary assets of Cobre include an open-pit copper mine, two mills, and the surrounding 12,000 acres of land, including mineral rights. Subsequently, production was indefinitely suspended, reducing copper production by approximately 35,000 tons per year. The entire Cobre operation remained on care-and-maintenance status as of December 31, 2003. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, Cobre is expected to resume open-pit mining and milling operations by the 2004 third quarter. In December 2002, the Company recognized an impairment charge to write down Cobre’s assets by $115.5 million (before and after taxes). We took this action after revising mine plans and assessing recoverability.

      The recommencement of our curtailed mines, in conjunction with the one-third share of Chino acquired in December 2003, will increase our 2004 production by approximately 240 million pounds, and approximately 370 million pounds in 2005 when we achieve full run rates. This will bring production in 2004 and 2005 to approximately 2.35 billion pounds and 2.5 billion pounds, respectively. As a result of increased production at Sierrita and Bagdad, our molybdenum by-product production is expected to increase by approximately 3 million pounds to a total of 33 million pounds in 2004. A $15 million increase in capital expenditures is projected to result from the production ramp-up.

      Even though we remain optimistic about the copper upturn, we will remain disciplined about our production profile. We will continue to configure our operations so that we can quickly respond to both positive and negative market swings.

South American Mines

      We produce electrowon copper cathode at SX/EW operations near Arequipa, Peru, and near Calama, Chile. We produce copper concentrate from open-pit mines and concentrators located near Copiapó, Chile. We also plan to produce copper concentrate in 2004 from two underground mines and a concentrator located near Copiapó, Chile (curtailed since 1998).

      Following is a map indicating the approximate location of PDMC’s South American mines:

 

South American Mines

(SOUTH AMERICAN MINES)

 
 

      We operate the Candelaria mine located near Copiapó in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The operation consists of an open-pit copper mine, concentrator, port and associated facilities. We own an 80 percent partnership interest in Candelaria, a Chilean contractual mining company, through Phelps Dodge Candelaria, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation own the remaining 20 percent interest.

      Phelps Dodge owns a 51 percent partnership interest in Sociedad Contractual Minera El Abra (El Abra), a Chilean contractual mining company. El Abra holds mining concessions over more than 33,000 acres of land near Calama in the copper-rich Second Region of northern Chile. The remaining 49 percent is owned by the state-owned copper enterprise Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO). The El Abra operation consists of a mine-for-leach,


Table of Contents

5

open-pit mining operation that uses three stages of crushing prior to leaching, an on/off leach pad, and an SX/EW operation to produce copper cathode. In 2001, El Abra completed a project to leach uncrushed, run-of-mine (ROM) material. The ROM project allows El Abra to maintain tankhouse design capacity. ROM production began in January 2002, with full production from the project achieved in the second half of 2002.

      We own approximately 82 percent of the common stock of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (Cerro Verde). Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A., a long-established Peruvian mining concern, owns approximately 9 percent and the employees of Cerro Verde and other shareholders own approximately 9 percent. The Cerro Verde operation, located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Arequipa, Peru, consists of two open pits, Cerro Verde and Santa Rosa, a heap-leach operation and an SX/EW operation to produce copper cathode. The ore is processed through primary, secondary and tertiary crushers and placed on a leach pad after agglomeration.

      Until the fourth quarter of 1998, we produced copper concentrate from two underground mines and a concentrator located near Copiapó, Chile, through our wholly owned Chilean subsidiary, Compañía Contractual Minera Ojos del Salado (Ojos del Salado). We suspended operations indefinitely at Ojos del Salado in October 1998, resulting in a reduction of more than 22,000 tons of annual copper production. The Ojos del Salado operations remained on care-and-maintenance status through December 31, 2003. Based upon the rapid increase in copper prices, our view of market fundamentals for copper over the next several years, and our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, Ojos del Salado is expected to resume underground mining and milling operations by the second quarter of 2004.

      In 2003, we produced a total of 346,100 tons of cathode copper at our SX/EW facilities in South America, compared with 343,500 tons in 2002 and 324,700 tons in 2001. Our total annual design capacity of electrowon copper cathode production is 248,000 tons at El Abra and 96,000 tons at Cerro Verde.

Manufacturing and Sales Segment

      We own and operate copper smelters in Miami, Arizona, and, through Chino Mines Company (in which we held a two-thirds partnership interest through December 18, 2003, and a 100 percent interest effective December 19, 2003), the Chino smelter in Hurley, New Mexico. In January 2002, the Chino smelter was temporarily closed. We smelt virtually all of our share of our U.S. copper concentrate production and, depending on market circumstances and internal production requirements, some concentrate production from Candelaria. In addition, we may purchase concentrate to keep our smelters operating at efficient levels.

      In September 1999, we suspended operations at our Hidalgo smelter in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, due to a general lack of concentrate availability in the United States and depressed copper market fundamentals. This suspension was coincident with the closure of the Metcalf concentrator as previously discussed. As a result of the successful acquisition of Cyprus Amax and the decision to convert Morenci to a mine-for-leach operation, we concluded that Hidalgo would probably not be operated in its historic configuration in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, a pre-tax write-down of the Hidalgo assets of $201.5 million was taken in 1999. However, it was anticipated at the time that Hidalgo may have a future use for sulfuric acid production for the Company’s leach operations. As a result of the Company’s ability to use acid more efficiently and an updated assessment of PDMC’s long-term acid production and consumption balance, the Company determined that Hidalgo probably will not be reconfigured to produce acid as originally anticipated and that the net book value of Hidalgo assets probably would not be recovered. In December 2002, the Company recognized an impairment charge to write down Hidalgo’s assets by an additional $12.9 million (before and after taxes). Hidalgo’s power facilities will continue to generate electricity when needed, and the facility will continue to be a backup alternative as a reliable producer of acid if conditions warrant. The remaining Hidalgo assets were written down to their estimated fair value. The Company also recognized a $7.0 million (before and after taxes) charge for the estimated remaining costs of its closure obligation at Hidalgo.

      We refine our share of anode copper production from our smelters at our refineries in El Paso, Texas, and Miami, Arizona. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, the El Paso refinery operated significantly below capacity due to the late 1999 third quarter closing of the Hidalgo smelter. The closure of the Hidalgo smelter resulted not only in a curtailment of operations at our El Paso refinery, but also a reduction of approximately 200 refinery jobs. Our Miami refinery has an annual production capacity of about 200,000 tons of copper cathode, and the El Paso refinery has an annual production capacity of about 450,000 tons of copper cathode. The total combined capacity of about 650,000 tons of electrolytic copper per year is sufficient to refine all the anode copper we produce for our account at our operating smelters, as well as anodes from other customers that we refine on a toll basis. As a result of production curtailments announced in the fourth quarter of 2001, the Miami refinery was temporarily closed. Our El Paso refinery also produces copper sulfate, nickel sulfate, copper telluride, and autoclaved slimes material containing gold, silver, selenium, platinum and palladium.

      We are the world’s largest producer of continuous-cast copper rod, the basic feed for the electrical wire and cable industry. Most of our refined copper, and additional purchased copper, is converted into rod at our continuous-cast copper rod facilities in El Paso, Texas; Norwich, Connecticut; Miami, Arizona; and Chicago, Illinois. Our four plants have a collective annual capacity to convert more than 1.1 million tons of refined copper into rod and other refined copper products.

Primary Molybdenum Segment

      See the United States Mines map on page 2 for the location of our molybdenum mines.

      Phelps Dodge owns the underground Henderson molybdenum mine near Empire, Colorado. The operation consists of an underground block-caving mine where molybdenite ore is mined and transported to a conventional sulfide concentrator. The concentrator is capable of operating at a rate of 32,000 tons of ore per day, producing molybdenum disulfide concentrate containing up to 58 percent molybdenum. Most of the concentrate is shipped to our Fort Madison roasting and chemical processing facility in Iowa where a number of different high-purity products are made for final sale to


Table of Contents

6

customers. A portion of Henderson’s production is further refined and sold to customers as molysulfide.

      In May 2000, as a result of an oversupply of molybdenum and continued low prices in the world market, Phelps Dodge announced a plan to curtail molybdenum production by approximately 20 percent and reduce its Henderson workforce by approximately 130 workers. In 2003, the previously announced production curtailment essentially remained in place.

      Phelps Dodge also owns the Climax molybdenum mine near Leadville, Colorado. The operation consists of both an underground and open-pit mine, and a 16,000-ton-per-day concentrator. The Climax molybdenum mine had been placed on care-and-maintenance in 1995 by the predecessor owner. At year-end 2003, as well as at the acquisition, we expected to bring Climax into production concurrent with the exhaustion of the Henderson molybdenum mine reserves for continued long-term primary molybdenum supply for the chemicals business. The property comprises more than 14,000 acres.

      Phelps Dodge processes molybdenum concentrates at its conversion plants in the United States and Europe into such products as technical grade molybdic oxide, ferromolybdenum, pure molybdic oxide, ammonium molybdates and molysulfide. The Company operates molybdenum roasters at Green Valley, Arizona; Fort Madison, Iowa; and Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

      The Fort Madison, Iowa, facilities consist of two molybdenum roasters, a sulfuric acid plant, a metallurgical (technical oxide) packaging facility, and a chemical conversion plant, which includes a wet chemicals plant and sublimation equipment. In the chemical plant, molybdic oxide is further refined into various high-purity molybdenum chemicals for a wide range of uses by chemical and catalyst manufacturers. In addition to metallurgical oxide products, the Fort Madison facilities produce ammonium dimolybdate, pure molybdic oxide, ammonium heptamolybdate, ammonium octamolybdate, sodium molybdate, sublimed pure molybdic oxide and molysulfide.

      The Rotterdam conversion plant consists of a molybdenum roaster, sulfuric acid plant, a metallurgical packaging facility and a chemical conversion plant. The plant produces metallurgical products primarily for third parties. Ammonium dimolybdate and pure molybdic oxide are produced in a wet chemical plant.

      We also produce ferromolybdenum and molysulfide for worldwide customers at our conversion plant located in Stowmarket, United Kingdom. The plant is operated both as an internal and external customer tolling facility.

Worldwide Copper Production by Source, Other Metal Production and Sales Data, and Manufacturing and Sales Production

      The following tables show our worldwide copper production by source for the years 1999 through 2003; aggregate production and sales data for copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and sulfuric acid from these sources for the same years; annual average copper and molybdenum prices; and production from our smelters and refineries. Major changes in operations during the five-year period included:

 
curtailment of Chino operations beginning in the 1998 fourth quarter, followed by temporary shut-down of the concentrator in March 2001 and temporary closure of the mine and smelter in January 2002, a partial restart of mining for leach material in April 2003 with a full restart of mining for leach materials in September 2003;
 
 
partial curtailment at Tyrone in September 2003;
 
 
completion of the run-of-mine leach project at El Abra with production commencing January 2002;
 
 
temporary closure of the Miami mine and refinery in January 2002;
 
 
curtailment of mill throughput at Sierrita and Bagdad to approximately one-half capacity in January 2002, followed by an increase in Bagdad’s mill throughput to approximately 80 percent in January 2003;
 
 
conversion of Morenci operations to mine-for-leach during 1999 and 2000, with completion in the 2001 first quarter;
 
 
partial curtailment of Henderson operations beginning in the 2000 second quarter;
 
 
acquisition of Cyprus Amax on October 16, 1999 (the primary assets acquired included the Bagdad, Sierrita, Miami, El Abra and Cerro Verde copper mines; the Henderson and Climax molybdenum mines; a copper smelter, refinery and two rod plants; three molybdenum roasting operations and four molybdenum conversion facilities);
 
 
permanent closure of Morenci’s Metcalf concentrator at the end of 1999;
 
 
temporary closure of the Hidalgo smelter facilities in September 1999; and
 
 
acquisition of Cobre in February 1998 followed by suspension of operations in March 1999.


Table of Contents

 7 

Phelps Dodge Copper Production Data, by Source (a)

 
(thousand tons)
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Material mined (b)
                                       
Morenci
    237,338       248,505       281,474       274,871       297,872  
Bagdad
    48,935       42,912       63,680       69,101       16,233  
Sierrita
    35,525       23,066       60,869       75,319       15,875  
Miami
                32,702       46,446       13,787  
Chino
    12,299       220       59,277       61,519       44,562  
Cobre
                            4,558  
Tyrone
    16,319       45,515       73,990       113,937       113,422  
Candelaria
    108,442       109,211       126,509       128,464       139,886  
Cerro Verde
    72,965       75,982       68,685       61,400       11,459  
El Abra
    87,682       76,831       82,737       67,786       10,029  
 
                                       
Total material mined
    619,505       622,242       849,923       898,843       667,683  
Less minority participants’ shares (c):
                                       
Morenci
    35,601       37,276       42,220       41,231       44,681  
Chino (m)
    3,785       73       19,758       20,506       14,854  
Candelaria
    21,688       21,842       25,302       25,693       27,977  
El Abra
    42,964       37,647       40,541       33,215       4,914  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    515,467       525,404       722,102       778,198       575,257  
 
                                       
 
Mill ore processed
                                       
Morenci
                4,301       26,698       38,283  
Bagdad
    26,103       19,783       31,667       29,846       6,211  
Sierrita
    26,654       21,439       38,133       38,319       8,046  
Chino
                3,109       13,889       16,056  
Cobre
                            654  
Candelaria
    26,407       28,507       27,365       26,165       22,405  
 
                                       
Total mill ore processed
    79,164       69,729       104,575       134,917       91,655  
Less minority participants’ shares (c):
                                       
Morenci
                645       4,004       5,742  
Chino (m)
                1,036       4,630       5,352  
Candelaria
    5,281       5,701       5,473       5,233       4,481  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    73,883       64,028       97,421       121,050       76,080  
 
                                       
 
Leach ore placed in stockpiles
                                       
Morenci
    228,940       241,955       258,202       236,696       250,680  
Bagdad
          328       696              
Sierrita
    375       170       14,347       18,386       4,307  
Miami
                10,208       11,032       2,379  
Chino
    11,066       198       31,009       12,875       12,400  
Tyrone
    10,722       34,835       27,513       51,446       55,693  
Cerro Verde
    21,014       24,096       23,436       17,833       2,642  
El Abra
    80,604       71,224       75,875       62,042       8,678  
 
                                       
Total leach ore placed in stockpiles
    352,721       372,806       441,286       410,310       336,779  
Less minority participants’ shares (c):
                                       
Morenci
    34,341       36,293       38,729       35,503       37,602  
Chino (m)
    3,376       66       10,336       4,292       4,133  
El Abra
    39,496       34,900       37,179       30,401       4,252  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    275,508       301,547       355,042       340,114       290,792  
 
                                       
 
See footnote explanations on page 10.


Table of Contents

8

Phelps Dodge Copper Production Data, by Source (a)

 
(thousand tons)
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Grade of ore mined — percent copper
                                       
Morenci — mill
                0.78       0.71       0.68  
Morenci — leach
    0.28       0.28       0.30       0.26       0.26  
Bagdad — mill
    0.43       0.43       0.43       0.43       0.43  
Bagdad — leach
          0.29       0.28              
Sierrita — mill
    0.29       0.32       0.29       0.29       0.29  
Sierrita — leach
    0.26       0.21       0.22       0.20       0.20  
Miami — leach
                0.41       0.71       0.52  
Chino — mill
                0.79       0.83       0.59  
Chino — leach
    0.80       0.29       0.48       0.22       0.25  
Cobre — mill
                            1.00  
Tyrone — leach
    0.34       0.35       0.29       0.26       0.28  
Candelaria — mill
    0.97       0.84       0.96       0.93       1.22  
Cerro Verde — leach
    0.60       0.55       0.53       0.59       0.78  
El Abra — leach
    0.49       0.50       0.60       0.56       0.79  
Average copper grade — mill
    0.56       0.56       0.54       0.59       0.75  
Average copper grade — leach
    0.37       0.35       0.38       0.33       0.28  
 
Copper Production
                                       
Morenci:
                                       
Concentrate
                23.5       132.3       195.2  
Electrowon
    421.2       412.7       368.1       284.7       284.7  
Bagdad:
                                       
Concentrate
    82.5       68.4       118.1       111.5       22.3  
Electrowon
    24.5       15.6       10.5       11.8       2.9  
Sierrita:
                                       
Concentrate
    66.3       60.0       94.6       95.9       19.7  
Electrowon
    9.3       16.2       26.3       26.5       5.8  
Miami:
                                       
Electrowon
    17.8       10.5       44.1       59.3       13.2  
Bisbee:
                                       
Precipitate
          0.1       0.2       0.1       0.1  
Chino:
                                       
Concentrate and precipitate
                18.3       87.0       74.3  
Electrowon
    39.9       53.8       59.9       48.6       55.8  
Cobre:
                                       
Concentrate
                            6.6  
Tyrone:
                                       
Electrowon
    56.9       69.9       76.4       79.3       80.1  
Candelaria:
                                       
Concentrate
    234.5       219.5       243.2       224.7       250.1  
Cerro Verde:
                                       
Electrowon
    96.3       95.3       84.9       78.7       16.2  
El Abra:
                                       
Electrowon
    249.8       248.2       239.8       217.4       52.8  
Manufacturing and Sales (d)
    6.6       5.4       3.0       1.2       1.5  
 
                                       
Total copper production
    1,305.6       1,275.6       1,410.9       1,459.0       1,081.3  
Less minority participants’ shares (c):
                                       
Morenci
    63.3       61.9       58.8       62.5       72.0  
Chino (m)
    12.5       17.9       26.1       45.2       43.3  
Candelaria
    46.9       43.9       48.6       45.0       50.0  
El Abra
    122.4       121.7       117.5       106.5       25.9  
Manufacturing and Sales (d)
    1.2       1.4       (0.2 )     (0.5 )      
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    1,059.3       1,028.8       1,160.1       1,200.3       890.1  
 
                                       
 
See footnote explanations on page 10.


Table of Contents

9

Phelps Dodge Copper Sales Data, by Source (a)

 
(thousand tons)
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Copper sales — net Phelps Dodge share from own mines (e):
                                       
Morenci
    357.9       350.8       333.0       354.4       415.5  
Bagdad
    111.0       92.3       132.9       123.3       25.2  
Sierrita
    79.3       83.8       125.1       122.4       25.6  
Miami
    20.0       15.2       46.6       59.2       13.2  
Bisbee
          0.1       0.3       0.1       0.1  
Chino
    27.4       35.8       52.1       90.4       89.3  
Cobre
                            6.6  
Tyrone
    56.9       69.9       76.4       79.2       81.7  
Candelaria
    187.4       174.6       190.1       181.5       187.4  
Cerro Verde
    95.6       94.9       84.7       78.8       16.5  
El Abra
    128.4       129.6       126.7       109.5       29.3  
Manufacturing and Sales (d)
    5.4       4.1       2.9       1.8       1.5  
 
                                       
Total copper sales — net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    1,069.3       1,051.1       1,170.8       1,200.6       891.9  
 
                                       
Purchased copper:
                                       
Morenci
                            0.1  
Candelaria
    22.1       35.8       37.0       5.0        
El Abra
    7.3       56.5       5.8              
Manufacturing and Sales (d)
    345.1       350.7       418.4       490.0       289.6  
 
                                       
Total purchased copper
    374.5       443.0       461.2       495.0       289.7  
 
                                       
Total sales
    1,443.8       1,494.1       1,632.0       1,695.6       1,181.6  
 
                                       

Phelps Dodge Other Metal Production and Sales (a)

 
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Gold (thousand ounces)
                                       
Total production
    129       132       140       151       173  
Less minority participants’ shares (c)
    26       24       31       33       37  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    103       108       109       118       136  
 
                                       
Sales (e)
    108       136       77       120       138  
 
                                       
 
Silver (thousand ounces)
                                       
Total production
    2,754       2,582       3,773       4,985       4,284  
Less minority participants’ shares (c)
    265       225       490       657       877  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    2,489       2,357       3,283       4,328       3,407  
 
                                       
Sales (e)
    2,292       3,317       2,504       4,813       3,415  
 
                                       
 
Molybdenum (thousand pounds)
                                       
Primary Molybdenum:
                                       
Henderson
    22,247       20,517       18,603       19,727       1,718  
By-product
    29,747       24,448       36,912       31,751       6,585  
 
                                       
Total production
    51,994       44,965       55,515       51,478       8,303  
Less minority participant’s shares (c):
                                       
Chino
                50       419       241  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    51,994       44,965       55,465       51,059       8,062  
 
                                       
Sales — Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines (e)
    54,158       46,665       55,105       57,988       11,391  
Purchased molybdenum
    8,199       7,393       1,609             26  
 
                                       
Total sales
    62,357       54,058       56,714       57,988       11,417  
 
                                       
 
Sulfuric acid (thousand tons)
                                       
Total production from copper smelters (f)
    647.6       748.6       1,236.7       1,231.8       1,172.1  
Less minority participant’s shares (c)
          1.6       190.2       186.3       212.5  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    647.6       747.0       1,046.5       1,045.5       959.6  
 
                                       
Sales from copper smelters (f)
    45.5       14.5       15.9       35.0       625.5  
 
                                       
 
See footnote explanations on page 10.


Table of Contents

10

Prices

 
(per pound)
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
COMEX — copper price (g)
  $ 0.81       0.72       0.73       0.84       0.72  
LME — copper price (h)
  $ 0.81       0.71       0.72       0.82       0.71  
Metals Week - molybdenum Dealer Oxide mean price (i)
  $ 5.32       3.77       2.36       2.56       2.65  
 

Phelps Dodge Manufacturing and Sales Production (a)

 
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Smelters (j)
                                       
Total copper (thousand tons)
    200.8       243.8       463.5       439.8       267.4  
Less minority participants’ shares (c)
          0.5       36.7       49.5       57.0  
 
                                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    200.8       243.3       426.8       390.3       210.4  
 
                                       
 
Refineries (k)
                                       
Copper (thousand tons)
    284.6       319.6       502.6       471.2       422.6  
Gold (thousand ounces) (n)
          79.0       86.6       52.6       72.9  
Silver (thousand ounces) (n)
          1,786.0       3,719.1       3,838.9       3,681.5  
 
Rod (l)
                                       
Total copper (thousand tons)
    825.8       850.6       879.8       1,153.9       805.1  
 
 
Footnotes to tables on pages 7 through 10:
(a)  
Includes Cyprus Amax production and sales from the time it was acquired on October 16, 1999.
(b)  
Includes material mined for leaching operations.
(c)  
Interests in mining joint ventures in which we own more than 50 percent are reported using the proportional consolidation method.
Cerro Verde, in which we own 82 percent of its common stock, is reported using the full consolidation method.
(d)  
Includes smelter production from custom receipts and fluxes as well as tolling gains or losses.
(e)  
Excludes sales of purchased copper, molybdenum, silver and gold.
(f)  
Sulfuric acid production results from smelter air quality control operations; sales do not include internal usage.
(g)  
New York Commodity Exchange annual average spot price per pound — cathodes.
(h)  
London Metal Exchange annual average spot price per pound — cathodes.
(i)  
Annual Metals Week molybdenum Dealer Oxide mean price per pound — as quoted in Platts Metals Week.
(j)  
Includes production from purchased concentrates and copper smelted for others on a toll basis.
(k)  
Includes production from purchased material and copper refined for others on a toll basis.
(l)  
Includes rod, wire, oxygen-free billets/cakes, scrap and other shapes.
(m)  
Reflects a one-third partnership interest from January 1, 2003 to December 18, 2003.
(n)  
El Paso closed its precious metals processing facility in the fourth quarter of 2002.


Table of Contents

 11 

Other Mining Segment

      This segment includes our worldwide mineral exploration and development programs, a process technology center that directs its activities at improving existing processes and developing new cost-competitive technologies, and other ancillary operations.

     Exploration

      Our exploration group’s primary objectives are to increase PDMC’s reserve base through discoveries and joint ventures and, where appropriate, to diversify into other metals, minerals and geographic areas. Exploration is focused on finding large-scale copper, and copper/gold deposits in the four principal copper-producing regions of the world: southwest U.S. /Mexico, South American Cordillera, Central Africa, and Australia, as well as in other highly prospective areas. This group operates in more than 12 countries and maintains offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Mexico, Peru and the United States.

      In 2003, Phelps Dodge expended $25.8 million on worldwide exploration, compared with $20.0 million in 2002 and $36.8 million in 2001. Approximately 29 percent of the 2003 expenditures occurred in the United States with 25 percent being spent at our U.S. mine sites. This compares with 33 percent in 2002 (24 percent at U.S. mine sites) and 14 percent in 2001 (13 percent at U.S. mine sites). The balance of our exploration expenditures was spent principally in Australasia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Canada, Peru and Central Africa, including 6 percent at our South American mine sites.

      During 2003, exploration efforts continued at our existing copper operations. Work continued on an underground decline at Candelaria to provide exploration drilling access to a high-grade underground zone of mineralization at depth adjacent to the Candelaria open pit. At our Morenci mine, the first phase drilling of two district targets intersected promising mineralized intercepts.

      Environmental permitting continues at our Safford project in eastern Arizona to enable development of the Dos Pobres and San Juan deposits. The Final Environmental Impact Study for the Safford project was published by the Bureau of Land Management in December 2003. The two deposits contain an estimated total of 533 million tons of leachable reserves with an ore grade of 0.37 percent copper.

      Phelps Dodge Australasia, Inc., a subsidiary of Phelps Dodge Corporation, sold its Australian exploration property portfolio to Red Metal Limited, a newly formed junior mining exploration company that listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in October 2003. As consideration, Phelps Dodge Australasia acquired a 15 percent shareholding in Red Metal Limited and rights to acquire interests in properties explored.

      In August 2003, the Ambatovy nickel/cobalt deposit in central Madagascar was optioned to Dynatec Corporation in consideration for a cash payment of $0.5 million and completion of a feasibility study that will earn it a 53 percent interest in the project. Previous studies estimated mineralized material of 210 million tons at an estimated grade of 1.1 percent nickel and 0.1 percent cobalt.

      In August 2002, Phelps Dodge announced it had replaced BHP Billiton as option holder under an existing agreement among BHP Billiton, Tenke Mining Corp. and others to acquire a controlling interest and operatorship in the Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) copper/cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On January 16, 2004, Phelps Dodge Exploration Corporation entered into a joint venture with Tenke Holdings Limited with respect to the exploration, development and, if warranted, commercial production associated with the TFM copper/cobalt mineral deposit. Phelps Dodge has a 70 percent interest in the joint venture, which has a 55 percent ownership in TFM.

      In December 2001, we recorded a charge of $3.9 million to write off the net book value of the Piedras Verdes project in Sonora, Mexico, as it no longer met our development criteria. In March 2002, Phelps Dodge reached an agreement with Frontera Copper Corporation to sell its interest in the Piedras Verdes project in Mexico. In accordance with the agreement, Phelps Dodge received $0.5 million in cash plus other consideration, which are subject to a number of conditions, not to exceed $16 million.

      In October 2001, Phelps Dodge sold its 50 percent interest in Mineração Serra do Sossego to Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) for $42.5 million in cash. Sossego is a copper-gold deposit in the Carajas region of Brazil.

     Process Technology

      The objective of PDMC’s process technology center (PTC) in Safford, Arizona, is to enhance and strengthen Phelps Dodge’s competitive position in the world copper market. PTC was established in 1996 to provide metallurgical process development capabilities, process optimization services, metallurgical testing and advanced material characterization services to meet the needs of PDMC and its operations. PTC is ISO-9001 certified. The activities at PTC are directed at continuous improvement of existing processes and the development of new cost-competitive technologies, and are an integral part of our Quest for Zero program. PTC employs approximately 78 engineers, scientists and technical support staff. The facilities include:

 
a large-diameter column leach facility for testing run-of-mine material, which is capable of processing up to approximately 600 tons of ore annually;
 
 
a continuous SX/EW test facility capable of producing 1.5 tons of cathode copper per day;
 
 
a small-diameter column leach facility with a capacity of 250 individual tests per year for crushed material;
 
 
a metallurgical laboratory for the development of biological leaching processes and enhancements and other biological applications; and
 
 
a state-of-the-art material characterization laboratory with advanced mineralogy, analytical chemistry and metallography capabilities.

      The principal areas of activity include hydrometallurgy, mineral processing (grinding and flotation), material characterization and technical information services. Some of the most important projects and milestones in 2003 were:

 
The commissioning of a new concentrate pressure leaching demonstration plant at the Bagdad mine. The facility is the first of its kind in the world to use high-temperature pressure leaching to process chalcopyrite concentrates. The technology is proprietary and is covered under a Technology Development Agreement between Phelps Dodge and Placer Dome Inc. The plant was de-


Table of Contents

12

   
signed to produce 35 million pounds of copper cathode annually. The plant was commissioned in the first quarter of 2003 and achieved full production in the second quarter of 2003. During nine months of operation (April to December 2003), the plant processed 44,200 tons of concentrate and produced approximately 24.4 million pounds of copper cathode. Average extraction of copper from concentrate was 98.5 percent, slightly more than design recovery. Plant availability averaged 85 percent during the nine-month period of operation.
 
 
The continued development of a new medium-temperature pressure leaching process for copper concentrate treatment at the Hazen Research facility in Golden, Colorado. This process is designed to minimize acid production and has potential application for the processing of concentrates where sulfuric acid cannot be beneficially used in stockpile or heap leaching operations.
 
 
The continued development of a direct electrowinning technology for use in conjunction with the pressure leaching technology described above.
 
 
The continued advancement of proprietary technology for heap and stockpile leaching of low-grade chalcopyrite ores.
 
 
The investigation of alternative technologies to reduce the cost of copper electrowinning.
 
 
The investigation of alternative sulfuric acid production techniques.
 
 
The successful installation and commissioning of a third QemSCAN scanning electron microscope in the second quarter of 2003.

      Total expenditures for PTC in 2003 were approximately $18 million, compared with $13 million in 2002 and $11 million in 2001. PDMC intends to advance all of these research and development projects aggressively in 2004; however, there is no assurance that any of these technologies will be commercialized.

     Other

      Additionally, this segment includes our Tohono copper operation in south central Arizona, which includes an SX/EW facility capable of producing copper cathode. The facility is located on lands leased from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Although mining of ore ceased in July 1997, production of copper continued from existing leach stockpiles until February 1999 when the facility was placed on care-and-maintenance status. The property has mineralized material for which, at higher copper prices, various alternatives could be considered.

Other Mining Investments

      We own a 14.0 percent interest in Southern Peru Copper Corporation (SPCC), which operates two open-pit copper mines, two concentrators, an SX/EW operation, a smelter and a refinery in Peru. SPCC’s other principal shareholders are a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V., with a 54.2 percent interest, and Cerro Trading Company, Inc., with a 14.2 percent interest. A total of 17.6 percent interest is publicly held. SPCC’s results are not included in our earnings because we account for our investment in SPCC on the cost basis. Based on the composition of SPCC’s board of directors, Grupo Mexico has majority control, and the two principal minority shareholders cannot override Grupo Mexico’s decisions. On January 29, 2004, the two directors of SPCC that we nominated resigned from SPCC’s board of directors. During 2003, we received dividend payments of $6.3 million from SPCC, compared with $4.0 million in 2002 and 2001.

      In May 1997, we acquired an indirect 40 percent voting interest, representing a 26.67 percent economic interest, in a Peruvian zinc mining company, Compañía San Ignacio de Morococha S.A. (SIMSA) and its San Vicente mine. SIMSA’s other shareholder with voting shares was the Jesus Arias family. We accounted for our investment in SIMSA on the equity basis. During the fourth quarter of 2001, the investment was written down by $9.1 million due to the impact of low zinc prices on the operation’s ability to generate cash flows to cover operational and debt costs and our belief that we could not recover our investment. In November 2002, we sold our interest in SIMSA to the Arias family for $0.2 million.

Ore Reserves

      Ore reserves are those estimated quantities of proven and probable material that may be economically mined and processed for extraction of their constituent values. Estimates of our ore reserves are based upon engineering evaluations of assay values derived from sampling of drill holes and other openings. In our opinion, the sites for such samplings are spaced sufficiently close and the geologic characteristics of the deposits are sufficiently well defined to render the estimates reliable. The ore reserve estimates include assessments of the resource, mine and metallurgy as well as consideration of economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.

      Phelps Dodge uses several additional factors to determine mine design limits that it believes maximize the value of future cash flows including time-valued concepts to recognize, for example, any elapsed time between mining of overburden and the mining of ore. Our mine designs recognize capital and other expenditures required to extract the ore reserves over the life of the mine. Cutoff grade strategies are implemented to maximize time-valued cash flows. Phelps Dodge believes its ore reserve estimation methodology is prudent and consistent with appropriate industry standards.

      Proven and probable ore reserves at December 31, 2003, and 2002, for each of our operating, curtailed and development properties are summarized on the following page.


Table of Contents

13

 
                                                                 
    Total Reserves Estimated at December 31, 2003 (1)
                            Leachable Reserves   Phelps
    Millable Reserves   Crushed Leach   Run-of-Mine (ROM)   Dodge
    Million   %   %   Million   %   Million   %   Interest
    Tons   Copper   Moly   Tons   Copper   Tons   Copper   (%)
Operating and Curtailed Operations
                                                               
Morenci (2)
    178.7       0.46             575.3       0.54       2,044.6       0.18       85.0  
Bagdad (3)
    797.9       0.36       0.02                   14.8       0.28       100.0  
Sierrita (4)
    1,199.9       0.26       0.03                   35.8       0.18       100.0  
Miami (5)
                                  126.3       0.37       100.0  
Chino (6)
    182.1       0.61       0.02                   239.0       0.42       100.0  
Cobre (5)
    57.6       0.55                         77.8       0.26       100.0  
Tyrone
                                  252.2       0.31       100.0  
Candelaria (7)
    332.2       0.76                                     80.0  
Ojos del Salado (5) (7)
    18.7       1.32                                     100.0  
Cerro Verde (8)
                      156.8       0.69       104.0       0.32       82.0  
El Abra
                      267.8       0.53       269.5       0.29       51.0  
Primary Molybdenum:
                                                               
Climax (5) (9)
    156.4             0.19                               100.0  
Henderson
    165.8             0.21                               100.0  
 
Undeveloped Copper Reserves — require substantial capital investments to bring into production
Cerro Verde
    464.0       0.61       0.02                               82.0  
Safford
                      447.2       0.40       86.1       0.20       100.0  
 
                                                                 
    Total Reserves Estimated at December 31, 2002 (1)
                            Leachable Reserves   Phelps
    Millable Reserves   Crushed Leach   Run-of-Mine (ROM)   Dodge
    Million   %   %   Million   %   Million   %   Interest
    Tons   Copper   Moly   Tons   Copper   Tons   Copper   (%)
Operating and Curtailed Operations
                                                               
Morenci
    181.5       0.47             587.7       0.57       2,303.0       0.19       85.0  
Bagdad
    873.6       0.36       0.02                   17.2       0.29       100.0  
Sierrita
    1,040.9       0.27       0.03                   26.7       0.19       100.0  
Miami
                                  126.9       0.37       100.0  
Chino
    187.0       0.62       0.02                   263.8       0.42       66.7  
Cobre
    57.6       0.55                         77.8       0.26       100.0  
Tyrone
                                  224.5       0.32       100.0  
Candelaria
    387.0       0.70                                     80.0  
Ojos del Salado
    18.7       1.32                                     100.0  
Cerro Verde
                      198.8       0.66       133.5       0.30       82.0  
El Abra
                      309.3       0.54       281.2       0.27       51.0  
Primary Molybdenum:
                                                               
Climax
    145.2             0.23                               100.0  
Henderson
    170.7             0.21                               100.0  
 
Undeveloped Copper Reserves — require substantial capital investments to bring into production
Cerro Verde
    464.0       0.61       0.02                               82.0  
Safford
                      447.2       0.40       86.1       0.20       100.0  
 
 
(1)  
Total reserves estimated (i) are 100% basis, (ii) include only in-situ tonnages, and (iii) do not include stockpiled ores.
(2)  
Morenci ore reserves decreased from 2002 primarily as a result of 2003 production.
(3)  
Bagdad ore reserves decreased due to new mine design.
(4)  
Sierrita ore reserves increased due to a new pit design and a change in cutoff grade strategy.
(5)  
Cobre, Climax, Miami and Ojos del Salado properties have been on care-and-maintenance status with no mining taking place. The Company has announced that Cobre and Ojos del Salado will resume mining in 2004.
(6)  
Heisei’s one-third interest in Chino was purchased by Phelps Dodge on December 19, 2003.
(7)  
The Candelaria and Ojos del Salado deposits also contain, respectively, 0.006 ounces and 0.008 ounces of gold per ton.
Candelaria reserve decreased due to 2003 production.
(8)  
Cerro Verde leach reserves decreased due to 2003 production as well as remodeling of the Cerro Negro deposit.
(9)  
Climax ore tonnages were modified to include only those reserves in the redesigned open pit; the underground material previously characterized as ore reserves was reclassified as mineralized material.


Table of Contents

14

Average Drill-Hole Spacing at Ore Reserve Properties

      The following table sets forth the average drill-hole spacing for proven and probable ore reserves by process types:

 
                                 
    As of December 31, 2003
    Proven   Probable
    (average spacing feet)   (average spacing feet)
Property   Mill   Leach   Mill   Leach
Morenci
    283       283       400       400  
Bagdad
    190       81       441       323  
Sierrita
    229       141       348       245  
Miami
    N/A       200       N/A       300  
Chino
    141       200       200       283  
Cobre
    150       200       200       300  
Tyrone
    N/A       283       N/A       283  
Candelaria
    115       N/A       230       N/A  
Ojos del Salado
    82       N/A       164       N/A  
Cerro Verde
    196       121       444       303  
El Abra
    N/A       197       N/A       328  
Climax
    200       N/A       200       N/A  
Henderson
    65       N/A       290       N/A  
Safford
    N/A       200       N/A       400  
 

Metallurgical Recovery

      The following table sets forth the average expected metallurgical recovery by process type:

 
                         
    As of December 31, 2003
    Copper   Molybdenum
Property   Mill % (a)   Leach % (b)   Mill % (c)
Morenci
    79.5       58.5       N/A  
Bagdad
    87.3       38.0       67.7  
Sierrita
    83.7       52.7       78.4  
Miami
    N/A       65.1       N/A  
Chino
    78.0       68.3       17.4  
Cobre
    85.5       69.1       N/A  
Tyrone
    N/A       64.5       N/A  
Candelaria
    92.0       N/A       N/A  
Ojos del Salado
    90.1       N/A       N/A  
Cerro Verde
    84.8       71.4       59.4  
El Abra
    N/A       62.1       N/A  
Climax
    N/A       N/A       85.1  
Henderson
    N/A       N/A       85.7  
Safford
    N/A       70.0       N/A  
 
 
(a)  
Mill recoveries include expected mill and smelter recoveries and an allowance for concentrate transportation losses.
(b)  
Leach recoveries are the expected total recoveries over multiple leach cycles.
(c)  
Molybdenum recoveries include mill recoveries and roaster deductions.

Mill and Leach Stockpiles

      Stockpiled copper-bearing material that has been removed from the mine, and for which we have reasonable certainty of processing, is summarized below:

 
                                 
(in million tons)   2003
            Contained        
    Stockpile   Copper   Recovery   Recoverable
    Material   (%)*   (%)   Copper
Mill stockpiles:
                               
100% basis
    63       0.45       83.6       0.2  
Phelps Dodge share
                            0.2  
 
Leach stockpiles:
                               
100% basis
    7,974       0.27       7.3       1.6  
Phelps Dodge share
                            1.4  
 
 
*  
Copper grade when placed.
 
                                 
(in million tons)   2002
            Contained        
    Stockpile   Copper   Recovery   Recoverable
    Material   (%)*   (%)   Copper
Mill stockpiles:
                               
100% basis
    45       0.46       91.9       0.2  
Phelps Dodge share
                            0.2  
 
Leach stockpiles:
                               
100% basis
    7,745       0.27       6.9       1.4  
Phelps Dodge share
                            1.2  
 
 
*  
Copper grade when placed.
Note: We did not have stockpiled molybdenum-bearing material that had been removed from the mine at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

      We employ reasonable estimation methods to determine copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles.

     Mill Stockpiles

      Mill stockpiles contain low-grade ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for processing to recover the contained copper by milling, concentrating, smelting and refining. The quantity of material delivered to the stockpiles is based on surveyed volumes of mined material and daily production records. Sampling and assaying of blast-hole cuttings determine the estimated amount of copper contained in the material delivered to the mill stockpiles.

      Expected copper recovery rates are determined by metallurgical testing. The recoverable copper in mill stockpiles can be extracted into copper concentrate almost immediately upon processing. Estimates of copper contained in mill stockpiles are reduced as material is removed and fed to the mill.


Table of Contents

15

     Leach Stockpiles

      Leach stockpiles contain low-grade ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for processing to recover the contained copper through a leaching process. Leach stockpiles are exposed to acidic solutions that dissolve contained copper and deliver the copper in solution to the extraction processing facilities. The quantity of material is based on surveyed volumes of mined material and daily production records. Sampling and assaying of blast-hole cuttings determine the estimated amount of copper contained in material delivered to the leach stockpiles.

      Expected copper recovery rates are determined using small-scale laboratory tests, medium-scale column testing (which simulates the production-scale process), historical trends and other factors, including mineralogy of the ore and rock type.

      Ultimate recovery of copper contained in leach stockpiles can vary from a very low percentage to more than 90 percent depending on several variables, including type of processing, mineralogy and particle size of the rock. Although as much as 70 percent of the copper ultimately recoverable may be extracted during the first year of processing, recovery of the remaining copper may take several years.

      The estimated recoverable copper contained in stockpiles at each mine was as follows:

 
(in million tons)
                 
    December 31,
    2003   2002
Mill stockpiles:
               
Candelaria
    0.2       0.2  
 
               
Leach stockpiles:
               
Morenci
    0.4       0.4  
Bagdad
    0.1       0.1  
Sierrita
    0.1       0.1  
Miami
    0.1       0.1  
Chino
    0.6       0.4  
Tyrone
    0.1       0.1  
Cerro Verde
    0.1       0.1  
El Abra
    0.1       0.1  
 
               
 
    1.6       1.4  
 
               
Total
    1.8       1.6  
Phelps Dodge share
    1.6       1.4  
 

      Note: The mill stockpiles are expected to be processed late in the Candelaria mine’s life as milling capacity is available. The leach stockpiles are expected to be processed over the lives of the respective mines. We began capitalization of costs for mill and leach stockpiles when we had reasonable certainty that the material would be processed. The capitalized costs are evaluated periodically to ensure carrying amounts are stated at the lower of cost or market. (Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional financial information regarding mill and leach stockpiles.)

      Our estimated share of aggregate copper and molybdenum ore reserves as of December 31 was as follows:

 
                                         
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999
Milling reserves (billion tons)
    3.5       3.4       3.6       4.3       4.2  
Leaching reserves (billion tons)
    4.0       4.3       5.2       3.8       4.1  
Commercially recoverable copper (million tons):
                                       
Ore reserves
    19.5       19.6       22.1       23.1       23.7  
Stockpiles and in-process inventories
    1.6       1.4       0.9       1.0       0.7  
 
                                       
Total
    21.1       21.0       23.0       24.1       24.4  
 
Commercially recoverable molybdenum (billion of pounds)
    2.0       2.1       2.1       2.2       2.2  
 

      Ore reserves reported to us by SPCC, in which we hold a 14.0 percent interest, as of December 31, 2003, for its Peruvian properties were approximately 1.9 billion tons of millable reserves at a grade of 0.68 percent copper and approximately 2.0 billion tons of leachable reserves at an average grade of 0.19 percent copper. These ore reserves are the combined totals for both the Cuajone and Toquepala properties. SPCC is controlled by its majority shareholder, Grupo Mexico. We have relied on SPCC and have not conducted an independent review of its ore reserves.

Copper and Molybdenum Prices

      The volatility of copper and molybdenum prices is reflected in the following table, which gives the high, low and average COMEX price of high-grade copper and the Platts Metals Week mean price of molybdenum oxide for each of the last 15 years:

 
                                                 
    Cents per pound   Dollars per pound
    of Copper   of Molybdenum Dealer Oxide
    COMEX   Platts Metals Week
Year   High   Low   Average   High   Low   Mean
1989
    160       99       125       3.89       2.44       3.40  
1990
    138       96       119       3.30       2.52       2.85  
1991
    120       96       105       2.78       2.08       2.38  
1992
    116       93       103       2.44       1.82       2.21  
1993
    107       72       85       2.80       1.82       2.32  
1994
    140       78       107       17.00       2.68       4.51  
1995
    146       121       135       17.50       3.90       8.08  
1996
    131       86       106       5.50       2.90       3.79  
1997
    123       76       104       4.90       3.52       4.31  
1998
    86       64       75       4.60       2.00       3.41  
1999
    85       61       72       2.90       2.48       2.65  
2000
    93       74       84       2.98       2.15       2.56  
2001
    87       60       73       2.65       2.15       2.36  
2002
    78       65       72       8.30       2.40       3.77  
2003
    104       71       81       7.80       3.15       5.32  
 

      Phelps Dodge’s reported ore reserves are economic at the most-recent three-year historical average COMEX copper price of 75 cents per pound and the most-recent three-year historical average molybdenum price of $3.82 per pound (Metals Week mean Dealer Oxide).


Table of Contents

16

      Phelps Dodge develops its business plans using a time horizon that is reflective of the historical, moving average for the full price cycle. We currently use a long-term average COMEX price of 90 cents per pound of copper and an average molybdenum price of $3.40 per pound (Metals Week mean Dealer Oxide), along with near-term price forecasts reflective of the current price environment to develop mine plans and production schedules.

      The per pound COMEX copper price during the past 10 years, 15 years and 20 years averaged 91 cents, 96 cents and 91 cents, respectively. The per pound Metals Week mean Dealer Oxide molybdenum price over the same periods averaged $4.08, $3.59 and $3.51, respectively.

Mineralized Material

      We hold various properties containing mineralized material that we believe could be brought into production should market conditions warrant. Permitting and significant capital expenditures would likely be required before operations could commence at these properties. The deposits are estimated to contain the following mineralized material as of December 31, 2003:

 
                                                         
            Milling Material   Leaching Material        
Property/Deposit   Location   Millions of Tons   % Copper   Millions of Tons   % Copper   % Nickel   Phelps Dodge Interest (%)
Ambatovy (1)
  Madagascar                 210             1.10       100.0  
Ajo
  Arizona     205       0.50                         100.0  
Candelaria Norte (2)
  Chile     12       2.15                         80.0  
Cerro Verde (3)
  Peru     600       0.52       150       0.30             82.0  
Cochise/Bisbee
  Arizona                 276       0.47             100.0  
El Abra
  Chile     650       0.53       100       0.31             51.0  
Lumwana (4)
  Zambia     220       0.83                         49.0  
Lone Star (Safford)
  Arizona                 1,600       0.38             100.0  
Morenci
  Arizona                 567       0.25             85.0  
Niagara (Tyrone)
  New Mexico                 500       0.29             100.0  
Safford
  Arizona     330       0.65                         100.0  
Sanchez (Safford)
  Arizona                 230       0.29             100.0  
Tohono
  Arizona     276       0.70       404       0.63             100.0  
 
 
            Milling Material                            
Property/Deposit   Location   Millions of Tons   % Molybdenum                           Phelps Dodge Interest (%)
Climax (5)
  Colorado     87       0.25                               100.0  
 
 
(1)  
Ambatovy deposit also contains 0.10% cobalt. During 2003, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Dynatec Corporation whereby it will earn a 53% interest in the project if it carries 100% of project expenses through to a feasibility study.
(2)  
Candelaria Norte is a potential underground mine that would utilize the existing process facilities and infrastructure. The stated tonnage also contains 0.015 ounces of gold per ton.
(3)  
Cerro Verde’s mineralized material reflects additional drilling and analysis on the deposit.
(4)  
We have entered into a letter of intent agreement with Equinox Resources Ltd. to sell our remaining 49%.
(5)  
Climax underground material previously characterized as ore reserves were reclassified to mineralized material in 2003 pending future detailed planning.
   
Note: Mineralized material has been delineated by appropriately spaced drilling and/or underground sampling to support the reported tonnage and average grade of metal(s). Such a deposit does not qualify as an ore reserve until legal and economic feasibility is concluded based upon a comprehensive evaluation of implied unit costs, grade, recoveries and other material factors.


Table of Contents

17

Sales and Competition

U.S. Mining Operations

      The majority of our copper produced or purchased at our U.S. Mining Operations is cast into rod. Rod sales to outside wire and cable manufacturers constituted approximately 65 percent of PDMC’s U.S. sales in 2003, 70 percent in 2002 and 65 percent in 2001. The remainder of our U.S. copper sales are primarily in the form of copper cathode or copper concentrate. Sales of rod and cathode are made directly to wire and cable fabricators and brass mills under contracts principally of a one-year duration. Our rod also is used by our Wire and Cable segment. We generally sell our copper rod and cathode produced at our U.S. Mining Operations at a premium over New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) prices.

South American Mines

      The production from our South American Mines is sold as copper concentrate or as copper cathode. Our Candelaria mine sells its production in the form of copper concentrates primarily to copper smelters located in Japan and the rest of Asia under long-term, multi-year contracts or on a spot or long-term basis through merchants. In addition, a portion of Candelaria’s production is shipped to North America for further processing at our U.S. smelting operations. El Abra produces copper cathodes that are sold primarily under annual or multi-year contracts to Asian or European rod or brass mill customers or to merchants. Cerro Verde produces copper cathodes; the majority of which are shipped to our U.S. rod mills for processing. The remainder of Cerro Verde’s production is sold under annual contracts to South American customers or to merchants on a spot basis. The copper cathode sold by our international operations generally is sold at a premium over London Metal Exchange (LME) prices. We also sell copper concentrate based on COMEX or LME prices.

Worldwide Copper Mining Operations

      Most of the refined copper we sell is incorporated into electrical wire and cable products worldwide for use in the construction, electric utility, communications and transportation industries. It also is used in industrial machinery and equipment, consumer products and a variety of other electrical and electronic applications.

      When we sell copper as rod, cathode and concentrate, we compete, directly or indirectly, with many other sellers, including at least two other U.S. primary producers, as well as numerous foreign producers, metal merchants, custom refiners and scrap dealers. Some major producers outside the United States have cost advantages resulting from richer ore grades, lower labor costs and in some cases, a lack of strict regulatory requirements. We believe our ongoing programs to contain costs, improve productivity and employ new technologies will significantly narrow these cost advantages and place us in a more competitive position with respect to a number of our international competitors.

      Other materials that compete with copper include aluminum, plastics, stainless steel and fiber optics. Our principal methods of competing include pricing, product properties, product quality, customer service and dependability of supply.

      From time to time, we engage in hedging programs designed to enable us to realize current average prices for metal delivered or committed to be delivered. We also have entered into price protection arrangements from time to time, depending on market circumstances, to ensure a minimum price for a portion of expected future sales.

Primary Molybdenum Segment

      Molybdic oxide is used primarily in the steel industry for corrosion resistance, strengthening and heat resistance. Molybdenum chemicals are used in a number of diverse applications such as lubricants, additives for water treatment, feedstock for the production of pure molybdenum metal and catalysts used for petroleum refining. A substantial portion of Phelps Dodge’s expected 2004 molybdenum production is committed for sale throughout the world pursuant to annual or quarterly agreements based primarily on prevailing market prices one month prior to the time of sale.

      The metallurgical market for molybdenum is characterized by cyclical and volatile prices, little product differentiation and strong competition. The chemical market is more diverse and contains more specialty products and segments. In both markets, prices are influenced by production costs of domestic and foreign competitors, worldwide economic conditions, world supply/demand balances, inventory levels, the U.S. dollar exchange rate and other factors. Molybdenum prices also are affected by the demand for end-use products in, for example, the construction, transportation and durable goods markets. A substantial portion of world molybdenum is produced as a by-product of copper mining, which is relatively insensitive to molybdenum price levels. By-product production is estimated to account for between 50 to 60 percent of global production.

Prices, Supply and Consumption

Worldwide Copper Mining Operations

      Copper is an internationally traded commodity, and its prices are effectively determined by the three major metals exchanges — COMEX, LME and Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). The prices on these exchanges generally reflect the worldwide balance of copper supply and demand, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by speculative actions and by currency exchange rates.

      Copper is a critical component of the world’s infrastructure. The demand for copper ultimately reflects the rate of underlying world economic growth, particularly the growth in industrial production, construction and durable goods. Copper’s end-use markets reflect its fundamental role in the world economy. Estimated percentages of copper consumption by end-use markets comprise (i) construction — 37 percent, (ii) electrical applications — 26 percent, (iii) industrial machinery — 15 percent, (iv) transportation — 11 percent, and (v) consumer products — 11 percent. Since 1990, refined copper consumption grew by an estimated annual compound rate of 2.9 percent to 15.5 million tons according to published data by the World Bureau of Metals Statistics (WBMS) and Phelps Dodge’s estimate for 2003. This rate of increase was slightly higher than the growth of world industrial production, which grew at an estimated compound annual rate of 2.3 percent over the same period. Asian copper consumption, led by China, was particularly strong, increasing by 6.3 percent per year from 1990 through 2003. Asia now represents approximately 46 percent of world refined copper consumption compared with 24 percent for Europe and 22 percent for the Americas. The strong


Table of Contents

18

demand for copper in Asia has been driven by the increasing standard of living in this region as well as production of value-added products for export to the developed world.

      From 1990 through 2003, refined copper production has grown at an average annual rate of 2.7 percent according to WBMS (based on published data through 2002) and Phelps Dodge’s estimates for 2002 and 2003. This growth was influenced by a number of factors. First, limited investment in new mine production in the latter half of the 1980s coupled with growing demand for copper during that period resulted in market deficits and declining copper inventories that in turn encouraged new investment. Second, an improved investment climate in Latin America, particularly Chile, encouraged investment in this region. In 2003, Latin America represented 46 percent of world mine production, a significant increase from 25 percent in 1990. Third, SX/EW technology made some previously uneconomic resources viable investments.

      Copper demand and price tend to follow economic cycles and, therefore, copper price has historically experienced significant fluctuations. Considering the period from 1990 to 2003, the LME price of copper averaged 94 cents per pound and ranged from a high annual average price of $1.33 per pound in 1995 to a low annual average price of 71 cents per pound in 2002. The COMEX price of copper averaged 94 cents per pound from 1990 through 2003, but has ranged from a high annual average price of $1.35 per pound in 1995 to a low annual average price of 72 cents per pound in 2002.

      In 2003, the average COMEX price of 81.1 cents per pound was almost 10 cents higher than the 2002 average price. The higher price levels were driven by moderate consumption rates combined with flat production growth and a depreciating U.S. dollar. A U.S. economic recovery in the second half of the year with continued strong growth rates in Asia led by China boosted consumption levels in 2003.

      Global demand for copper in 2003 is estimated to have grown by 3.5 percent led by Asia and specifically China, which grew at 18 percent. China’s double digit consumption rate continues to be based on domestic economic growth and a burgeoning export market. Speculative activity, in anticipation of a U.S. recovery that reached record amounts in October 2003, led to a large price increase in the 2003 fourth quarter.

      On the production side, a number of disruptions due to accidents and strikes offset restarts from some major producers. Global refined production is estimated to have declined slightly (0.3 percent) in 2003. The rise in consumption combined with production disruptions led to an approximate 495,000 metric ton reduction in global exchange inventories, which were just over 800,000 metric tons at year-end 2003. This also led to an estimated deficit for the global copper market of approximately 360,000 metric tons for the year.

      In 2002, the average COMEX copper price of 71.7 cents per pound was 1 cent less than the 2001 average price. Continued low prices resulted from weak global economic conditions and a resulting modest production surplus. More than 175,000 metric tons of excess metal in the market was delivered into LME and COMEX warehouses, bringing the combined inventories to historically high levels of more than 1.2 million metric tons. Demand for copper remained sluggish in 2002, increasing a modest 1.8 percent from 2001 levels as copper consumption in many regions, particularly the United States, Europe and Japan, remained weak as the result of depressed global economic conditions. Expectations of improvement in global manufacturing diminished as technology, telecommunications and electronics sectors stagnated. Chinese copper demand, however, continued to outpace the rest of the world as government infrastructure projects, an expanding industrial complex and increasing domestic prosperity led to the third year of double digit growth in copper consumption.

      In 2001, the COMEX copper price averaged 72.6 cents per pound, 11 cents less than the previous year average price. The decrease in price was the result of a surplus market as modest growth in refined production outpaced weak global demand for metal. The market imbalance resulted in approximately 627,000 metric tons of excess copper being delivered into western world exchange inventories, increasing warehouse stocks to more than 1 million metric tons. The significant rise in inventory caused the price to fall below the 70-cent level where it remained for nearly all of the second half of 2001. Weakness in the U.S. and Japanese economies reduced world demand for copper, particularly in the electronics and technology sectors where metal off-take had been expanding. Output from manufacturing industries in the large copper consuming regions of the world was slowed by the economic downturn, especially those heavily dependent on export markets in the United States, Europe and Japan. The lone bright spot in the copper market was China, whose economy continued to expand supported by increases in consumer demand, government-funded infrastructure projects and its acceptance into the World Trade Organization.

Primary Molybdenum Segment

      Molybdenum demand is heavily dependent on the worldwide steel industry, which uses the metal as a hardening agent. More than 80 percent of molybdenum is used for this application. The rest is used in specialty chemical applications such as refinery catalysts, water treatment and lubricants.

      Molybdenum experienced a price improvement during 2003 for the second straight year. A production increase occurred in the copper by-product sector as production started to increase as metal prices improved throughout the year. Production at western primary mines was essentially unchanged from 2002 levels. Production levels in China decreased throughout the year based on reports that production was negatively impacted in several molybdenum producing regions due to inclement weather, safety concerns and production related issues. Tight supply of western quality materials continued throughout the year. The overall market remained in deficit during 2003 due to demand outpacing supply.

      Annual Metals Week Dealer Oxide mean prices averaged $5.32 per pound in 2003, compared with $3.77 per pound in 2002 and $2.36 per pound in 2001. The production curtailments, tightness of supply and improved demand caused molybdenum prices to improve from their previous low levels. Phelps Dodge received an average realized price of $5.79 per pound in 2003, compared with $4.57 per pound in 2002 and $3.64 per pound in 2001, reflecting a broad mix of upgraded molybdenum products as well as technical grade molybdic oxide.

      For 2004, Phelps Dodge expects both supply and demand to increase. Supply increases are expected in the by-product copper production sector and demand increases are expected in the stainless steel, specialty steel and specialty chemical sectors. The


Table of Contents

19

overall supply-demand outlook for 2004 is for a near balanced market, compared with a deficit in 2003.

Costs

Worldwide Copper Mining Operations

      “Implied unit cost of copper production” measures the “all-in” cost of each pound of copper produced by PDMC. As the title indicates, this measure is the cost implied by the market price of copper (i.e., LME average spot) for a given period versus PDMC’s operating income (loss) excluding special items for the same period.

      There is no established common standard for calculating unit production costs in the copper industry. PDMC’s implied unit production costs indicator (which is based on readily accessible, publicly disclosed data) acts as a proxy to enable investors to follow and interpret cost trends over historical periods.

      PDMC calculates its implied full unit cost of copper production by dividing its operating income (loss) excluding special items by the total pounds of copper sold from its own mines for its own account. This results in an all-in operating margin (i.e., inclusive of cost of products sold; depreciation, depletion, amortization and copper mines closure accretion/accrual; selling and general administrative expense; and exploration and research expense for the segment’s operations) that is compared with the market price of copper to render an implied cost of copper production. Cash implied unit cost of copper production excludes PDMC’s segment depreciation, depletion, amortization and copper mines closure accretion/accrual.

      In 2003, the full and cash implied unit cost of copper production of 68 cents and 52 cents per pound, respectively, remained flat compared with costs in 2002.

      In 2002, the full and cash implied unit cost of copper production each decreased 7 cents per pound compared with 2001. In 2002, approximately 3 cents of the cost improvement was due to lower energy costs, and the remainder was primarily due to operational improvements associated with the Company’s Quest for Zero program.

      Energy, including electricity, diesel fuel and natural gas, represents a significant portion of the production costs for our operations. During the first quarter of 2001, our Arizona and New Mexico operations were affected adversely by significantly higher costs for all three.

      In response, the Company implemented a power cost stabilization plan in March 2001 that consisted of an additional negotiated firm power contract; the construction of a power co-generation plant in New Mexico; short-term, alternating production curtailments at the Company’s Tyrone, Sierrita, Bagdad and Henderson operations; and a partial production curtailment at Chino.

      Additionally, to mitigate the Company’s exposure to increases in diesel fuel and natural gas prices, we implemented several price protection programs in late 2000 and early 2001 designed to protect the Company against a significant upward movement in energy prices. The Company’s diesel fuel price protection program consisted of a combination of purchased out-of-the-money (OTM) diesel fuel call options and fixed-price diesel fuel swaps for our North and South American operations. The OTM call options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a specific commodity at a predetermined dollar cost, or “strike price.” OTM call options are options with a “strike price” above the prevailing market price for that commodity when purchased.

      The OTM diesel fuel call options mitigated a portion of our exposure to volatile markets by capping the cost of the commodity if prices were to rise above the strike price. If the price of diesel fuel is lower than the strike price, the Company has the flexibility to purchase diesel fuel at prices lower than the strike price and the options expire with no value. The swaps allow us to establish a fixed price for a specific commodity product for delivery during a specific future period.

      Our natural gas price protection program consisted of purchasing OTM call options or OTM collars for our North American operations. OTM call options cap the commodity purchase cost at the strike price while allowing the Company the ability to purchase natural gas at a lower cost when market prices were lower than the strike price. The purchase of collars (the simultaneous purchase of an OTM call option and the sale of an OTM put option) allows us to establish both a price ceiling and a price floor for natural gas costs.

      As a result of the above-mentioned plans and programs, in 2003, 2002 and 2001, Phelps Dodge was able to reduce and partially mitigate the impacts of volatile electricity markets and rising diesel fuel and natural gas prices.

Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters

U.S. Mining Operations

Significant Federal Environmental Programs

      Our operations in the United States are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to improving or maintaining environmental quality. Our global operations are also subject to many environmental protection laws in the jurisdictions where we operate. We pursue environmental performance at all of our operations with the same diligence that we pursue financial, health and safety performance. We are committed to pollution prevention and responsible environmental stewardship worldwide.

      Environmental regulatory programs create potential liability for our domestic operations, which may result in requirements to perform environmental investigations or corrective actions under federal and state laws, in addition to federal and state Superfund requirements (refer to the discussion of Superfund requirements in OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS). Major environmental programs and developments of particular interest are summarized in the paragraphs that follow.

      Most air emissions from our domestic operations are subject to regulation under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) and related state laws. These laws impose permitting, performance standards, emission limits, and monitoring and reporting requirements on sources of regulated air pollutants.

      Several of our domestic operations have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining, major source operating permits under Title V of the CAA and related state laws. Facilities with smelters, rod mills, molybdenum roasters and power plants are the primary examples of our operations that are subject to this program. These permits typically do not impose new substantive requirements, but rather incorporate in one permit all existing requirements. However, they can


Table of Contents

20

increase compliance costs by imposing new monitoring requirements, such as more frequent emission testing, to demonstrate compliance with existing requirements. The process of developing these comprehensive permits also can bring to light new or previously unknown agency interpretations of existing regulations, which also may increase compliance costs.

      At least one of our smelters will be subject to one or more Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards under the CAA. These standards do not have immediate compliance dates; instead they allow two or three years after promulgation to provide the opportunity to come into compliance or to reduce emissions to avoid regulation before the compliance date. For example, the copper smelter MACT standard was issued in 2002, and the compliance date for that standard is June 2005. Other potentially applicable MACT standards are still in development. Therefore, we still are in the process of determining applicability and compliance strategies.

      Most discarded materials from our domestic operations are subject to regulation as solid waste under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related state laws. These laws impose design, operating, closure and post-closure care requirements on facilities used to store, treat or dispose of solid waste.

      Mineral extraction (mining) and beneficiation (the concentration of economic minerals) occurs at our mining operations. The solid wastes uniquely associated with these activities are exempt from hazardous waste regulation. Mineral processing (the alteration of a mineral from one mineralogic state to another) occurs at our smelter, refinery and molybdenum roasting operations. Except for a list of 20 exempt processing wastes (three of which include wastes from copper mineral processing operations), all mineral processing wastes generated at our U.S. Mining Operations are subject to hazardous waste regulation if they exhibit a hazardous waste characteristic or if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically designates them as a listed hazardous waste. In 1998, EPA finalized its supplemental Land Disposal Restriction Phase IV (LDR) rules that imposed regulation on certain hazardous mineral processing wastes. This final LDR rule also subjects certain mineral processing wastes that exhibit a hazardous waste characteristic to stringent treatment standards if the materials are disposed on land. A portion of the LDR rule was judicially vacated on appeal in 2000. While EPA’s final LDR rule likely will require us to continue to make expenditures to manage hazardous mineral processing wastes, it is not possible to determine the full impact on us of the new LDR requirements until the requirements are fully adopted and implemented.

      The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act was expanded in 1997 to cover mining operations. This law, which has applied to other Phelps Dodge businesses for more than a decade, requires companies to report to EPA the amount of certain materials managed in or released from their operations each year. Annually, we report the volume of naturally occurring minerals and other substances that we managed during the previous year once the usable metals were extracted. These materials are very high in volume and how they are managed is covered by existing regulations and permit requirements.

      The federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program requires a permit for the point source discharge of pollutants to surface waters that qualify as waters of the United States. Although most states, including Arizona and Colorado, have received authorization to implement this program in lieu of EPA, New Mexico has not received such authorization and therefore the NPDES permit program in New Mexico continues to be implemented primarily by EPA. The NPDES permit program also regulates the discharge of storm water runoff from active and inactive mines and construction activities. EPA and authorized states have issued general permits that cover discharges from active and inactive mines. We likely will continue to have to make expenditures to comply with the NPDES permit program, especially as the program continues to expand as applied to storm water discharges.

Significant Arizona Environmental and Reclamation Programs

      The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has adopted regulations for its aquifer protection permit (APP) program that replaced the previous Arizona groundwater quality protection permit regulations. Several of our properties continue to operate pursuant to the transition provisions for existing facilities under the APP regulations. The APP regulations require permits for certain facilities, activities and structures for mining, concentrating and smelting. The APP requires compliance with aquifer water quality standards at an applicable point of compliance well or location. The APP also may require mitigation and discharge reduction or elimination of some discharges. Existing facilities operating under the APP transition provisions are not required to modify operations until requested by the state of Arizona, or unless a major modification at the facility alters the existing discharge characteristics. We have received an APP for our Morenci operations, for portions of our Bagdad and Miami mines, for the sewage treatment facility at Ajo, and for a closed tailing pile in Clarkdale, Arizona. We have also conducted groundwater studies and submitted APP applications for several of our other properties and facilities, including the Bagdad, Sierrita and Miami mines, our Safford development property and Ajo, Copper Queen and United Verde branches. We will continue to submit all required APP applications for our remaining properties and facilities, as well as for any new properties or facilities. We do not know what the APP requirements are going to be for all existing and new facilities and, therefore, it is not possible for us to estimate costs associated with those requirements. We are likely to continue to have to make expenditures to comply with the APP program.

      An application for an APP requires a description of a closure strategy to meet applicable groundwater protection requirements following cessation of operations and a cost estimate to implement the closure strategy. An APP may specify closure requirements, which may include post-closure monitoring and maintenance requirements. A more detailed closure plan must be submitted within 90 days after a permittee notifies ADEQ of its intent to cease operations. A permit applicant must demonstrate its financial capability to meet the costs required under the APP, including closure costs.

      Portions of the Company’s Arizona mining operations that operated after January 1, 1986, also are subject to the Arizona Mined Land Reclamation Act (AMLRA). AMLRA requires reclamation to achieve stability and safety consistent with post-mining land use objectives specified in a reclamation plan. Reclamation plans require approval by the State Mine Inspector and must include a cost estimate to perform the reclamation measures specified in the plan.


Table of Contents

21

Financial assurance must be provided under AMLRA covering the estimated cost of performing the reclamation plan.

      Both under APP regulations and AMLRA, a publicly traded company may satisfy the financial assurance requirements by showing that its unsecured debt rating is investment grade and that it meets certain requirements regarding assets in relation to the estimated closure and post-closure cost and reclamation cost estimates. An investment-grade bond rating is one of the financial strength tests under the Arizona Act. Phelps Dodge’s senior unsecured debt currently carries an investment-grade rating, albeit at the lowest level in the category. Additionally, the Company currently meets another financial strength test in Arizona that is not ratings dependent.

      At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued closure costs of approximately $43 million for our Arizona operations. The amount of financial assurance currently demonstrated for closure and reclamation activities is approximately $105 million. If the Company’s bond rating falls below investment-grade, the Arizona mining operations would be required to supply financial assurance in another form.

      Cyprus Tohono Corporation (Cyprus Tohono), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cyprus Amax, leases lands on the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation (the Nation). The leased lands include the site of a mining operation, currently on care-and-maintenance status, comprising an open pit, underground mine workings, leach and non-leach rock stockpiles, tailing and evaporation ponds, SX/EW operations, and ancillary facilities. Many of these facilities are covered by Mine Plans of Operations (MPOs) that were issued by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The leases and MPOs impose certain environmental compliance, closure and reclamation requirements upon Cyprus Tohono. The closure and reclamation requirements under the leases require action to be taken upon termination of the leases, which currently expire between 2012 and 2017, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the leases. Preliminary studies indicate that closure and reclamation requirements, excluding any potential Superfund environmental response costs, are estimated to cost $5.0 million.

      The Nation, along with several federal agencies, have notified Cyprus Tohono of groundwater quality concerns and concerns with other environmental impacts of historical mining operations. In 2003, Cyprus Tohono expanded its groundwater monitoring well network, and samples from a few of the new wells show values above primary and secondary drinking water standards. Tests of a neighboring Native American village’s water supply well indicate elevated concentrations of sulfate. Cyprus Tohono has installed new water wells and provided an alternative water supply to the village.

      EPA has completed a Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation (PA/SI) of the Tohono mine under the federal Superfund program and has concluded that the site is eligible for listing on the National Priorities List. We are unable to project the remedial action measures, if any, that may be required as a result of the PA/SI; however, based upon our best estimates of remedial actions that Cyprus Tohono may undertake, the Company reserved $11.1 million for Cyprus Tohono for this Superfund matter. Cyprus Tohono has submitted to EPA a proposal for closure of several of the facilities of concern identified in the PA/SI. Cyprus Tohono is subject to financial assurance for mine reclamation. It has proposed interim financial assurance in the amount of $5.1 million, of which $5.0 million would be in the form of a Company performance guarantee. Both the Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have conditionally accepted this proposal.

      The Company’s historic United Verde mine has obtained an APP for closure of a tailing pond located near Clarkdale, Arizona, and is awaiting approval of an APP for existing mine water discharge containment facilities at the mine near Jerome, Arizona. The tailing pond has not received tailing discharges since the early 1950s, but has received discharges of municipal sewage effluent from the town of Clarkdale since the late 1970s. Closure work under the APP for the tailing pond has been partially completed, but the remaining work has not been completed pending the issuance of a storm water discharge permit under the Clean Water Act for construction of a related development project. Construction of improvements under the proposed APP for the mine are expected to begin following issuance of the APP. Implementation of the plan under the proposed APP is required under the terms of a Consent Decree settling alleged Clean Water Act violations and entered by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona on November 23, 2003. A voluntary remediation project also is under way under supervision of ADEQ at the nearby historic Iron King mine to treat potential discharges of acidic water from an adit. Additional work may be required at historical mine workings in the district that are owned by the Company to satisfy requirements under storm water discharge permits. At the United Verde mine, APP costs are estimated to be $13.5 million; at the Clarkdale tailing, APP costs are estimated to be $12.1 million; and at the Iron King mine, voluntary remediation costs are estimated to be $2.1 million. These amounts, totaling $27.7 million, are included in environmental reserves.

Significant New Mexico Environmental and Reclamation Programs

     Background

      The Company’s New Mexico operations, Chino Mines Company (Chino), Phelps Dodge Tyrone, Inc. (Tyrone), Cobre Mining Company (Cobre), and Phelps Dodge Hidalgo, Inc. (Hidalgo) each are subject to regulation under the New Mexico Water Quality Act and the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) regulations adopted under that Act. Each of these operations holds one or more discharge permits issued by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) under WQCC regulations. The discharge permits specify operational and monitoring requirements to protect groundwater quality. Under the discharge permits for Chino, Tyrone, Cobre and Hidalgo, NMED has required each of these operations to submit closure plans for approval. The closure plans must describe the measures to be taken to prevent groundwater quality standards from being exceeded following closure of the discharging facilities and to abate any groundwater or surface water contamination. Each discharge permit is issued for a period of no more than five years and the permit is reviewed each time that it is renewed. Under certain circumstances, NMED may require submission and approval of abatement plans to address the exceedance of applicable water quality standards.

      In addition, Chino, Tyrone and Cobre are subject to regulation under the New Mexico Mining Act (the Mining Act), which was enacted in 1993, and the Mining Act Rules, which were adopted by the New Mexico Mining Commission (the Mining Commission) in their original


Table of Contents

22

form in 1994. Chino, Tyrone and Cobre hold permits issued by the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department under the Mining Act. Under the Mining Act, Chino, Tyrone and Cobre are required to submit and obtain approval of closeout plans describing the reclamation to be performed following closure of the mines. The reclamation must be designed to achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem or a post-mining land use, unless MMD approves a waiver of this requirement because achieving this requirement is technically or economically infeasible or would be environmentally unsound. Regardless of whether a waiver is issued, however, reclamation must be performed to achieve all applicable air, water quality, and other environmental standards.

      Financial assurance is required to ensure that funding will be available to perform both the closure plans and the closeout plans. The amount of the financial assurance is based upon a cost estimate to complete the closure and/or closeout plan. The cost estimate is based upon the assumption that the operator will default at the point in time when closure and reclamation will be most expensive and that the state will use the financial assurance to hire and oversee a third-party contractor to perform the closure and/or closeout plan. The cost estimates are subject to approval by NMED and MMD. When an operation is subject to both a closure plan and a closeout plan, the plans typically overlap. In that case, the financial assurance typically is provided jointly to NMED and to MMD. Both NMED and MMD calculate the required amount of financial assurance based upon a “net present value” (NPV) method when the closure plan and/or closeout plan require performance over a long period of time. Use of the NPV method requires NMED and/or MMD approval of appropriate discount and escalation rates.

      The Company’s cost estimates to perform the work itself generally are substantially lower than the cost estimates used for financial assurance due to the Company’s historical cost advantages, savings from the use of the Company’s own personnel and equipment as opposed to third-party contractor costs, opportunities to prepare the site for more efficient reclamation and the omission of agency oversight costs.

      The process of obtaining approved closure plans and closeout plans has been long and difficult, particularly for the operations subject to both WQCC regulations and the Mining Act. The plans must be site-specific. Detailed scientific studies have been required for each site. The sites are very large and complex, involving many different types of facilities such as open pits, mine stockpiles, tailing impoundments and smelter facilities. Many of the regulatory requirements, as well as closure and reclamation technologies, are relatively new and have been evolving while the plans have been developed, including recent rule changes. Some of the closure and reclamation measures are unproven over long periods of time at these or similar sites; so this performance is not easily predicted. NMED and MMD have separate procedures for review of closure and closeout plans, including consideration of waiver requests, approval of plans, issuance of permits and approval of financial assurance. These procedures include public notice, comment, and hearing requirements, opportunities for appeals, and reviews of NMED and MMD actions by WQCC and the Mining Commission.

     Chino Mines Company

      Chino submitted its first proposed site-wide combined closure/closeout plan (CCP) at the end of 1997, the original deadline for approval of closeout plans under the Mining Act, and obtained an extension for closeout plan approval until December 31, 1999. The closure and closeout plans were combined into one plan due to the overlapping requirements of WQCC regulations and the Mining Act. In 1999, NMED required Chino to provide interim financial assurance, pending approval of the closure plan, and Chino complied by providing a surety bond for approximately $56 million. Also in 1999, the Mining Commission extended the closeout plan approval deadline until December 31, 2001.

      Chino submitted a comprehensive CCP incorporating the results of the scientific studies performed by Chino in March 2001. That CCP requested a waiver of requirements to reclaim the open pit and steep stockpile slopes and included a cost estimate for approximately $100 million, which included the estimated cost of 30 years of water treatment. In July 2001, NMED published a draft site-wide closure permit and set a public hearing for August 2001. NMED’s draft closure permit required that all stockpiles be regraded, required thicker soil covers than proposed by Chino, required 100 years of water treatment and more stringent water treatment requirements, and proposed additional permit conditions not proposed by Chino. A two-week public hearing was held in August 2001 concerning NMED’s draft closure permit. Following that hearing, Chino, NMED and MMD conducted negotiations concerning a possible compromise on the CCP. Agreement was reached on a compromise closure permit in December 2001. In December 2001, the Mining Commission again extended the closeout plan approval deadline until October 1, 2002.

      Another public hearing was held in February 2002 on the compromise closure permit supported by both Chino and NMED. The estimated cost of the compromise CCP was approximately $391 million over 100 years on an undiscounted and unescalated basis. The conditions of the compromise permit required additional studies and submission of a revised closure plan reflecting the outcome of those studies prior to expiration of the five-year period of the closure permit.

      As of October 1, 2002, NMED had not finalized its decision on the compromise permit, and, consequently, MMD was unable to approve the closeout plan. MMD then issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Chino for failing to meet the October 1, 2002, deadline. The NOV did not impose any penalties, but ordered Chino to obtain approval by a new deadline and reserved the right to assess penalties for noncompliance. Chino appealed the NOV to the Mining Commission, which held a public hearing on the NOV in December 2002. The Mining Commission upheld the NOV, but modified the deadline for closeout plan approval until seven months after NMED issued Chino’s closure permit, subject to extension by MMD for good cause.

      On February 24, 2003, NMED issued Chino’s closure permit, consistent with the compromise permit. Under the closure permit, the amount of financial assurance was established at approximately $191 million on an NPV basis. In May 2003, Chino and Phelps Dodge reached an agreement with NMED and MMD on a framework for financial assurance providing for a cash trust fund, collateral and a third-party guarantee from Phelps Dodge. In June 2003, MMD filed a petition with the Mining Commission to amend the Mining Act Rules


Table of Contents

23

to allow a trust fund to be used as financial assurance. In July 2003, the Company announced that a Phelps Dodge subsidiary would acquire Heisei’s one-third partnership interest in Chino. As part of the terms of that acquisition, Heisei agreed to provide cash funding for one-third of the financial assurance amount.

      To reflect the agreement with Heisei, in September 2003 the financial assurance agreement was modified to provide for one-third of the financial assurance in the form of a trust fund and the remainder in the form of a third-party guarantee by Phelps Dodge. The September 2003 agreement also included a schedule for accelerated reclamation at Chino. MMD extended the deadline for Chino to obtain approval of its closeout plan pending the conclusion of the Mining Commission hearings on the proposed rule changes and to allow time to hold a public hearing on the closeout plan and financial assurance. The Mining Commission finalized the rule changes at a public hearing on November 17, 2003.

      In October 2003, WQCC dismissed an appeal of Chino’s closure permit filed by a third party. WQCC’s action has since been appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

      MMD held a public hearing on Chino’s closeout plan and financial assurance proposal on December 13, 2003. Following consideration of the public comments and finalization of the permit and financial assurance documentation, MMD approved the closeout plan and financial assurance on December 18, 2003, meeting the December 19, 2003, deadline for closeout plan approval set by MMD and satisfying the requirements of the NOV.

      The closeout plan approved by MMD incorporates the requirements of the NMED closure permit and includes a waiver from the requirement to achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem or post-mining land use for the open pit and a portion of the mine stockpiles, consistent with the terms of the NMED closure permit. It also incorporates a schedule for reclamation of inactive portions of the Chino operations and for reclamation following closure of active operations. Based upon minor adjustments to reflect additional requirements, the approved third-party cost estimate is approximately $395 million, and the approved financial assurance requirement is approximately $192 million on an NPV basis. Heisei provided funding of approximately $64 million on behalf of Chino for the Chino trust fund. Phelps Dodge issued a third-party guarantee for approximately $128 million for the balance of the financial assurance. Following NMED’s and MMD’s acceptance of the financial assurance, NMED released Chino’s $56 million interim surety bond as of December 31, 2003.

      The Company estimates its cost to perform the requirements of the approved Chino closure permit and closeout plan to be approximately $287 million (undiscounted and unescalated) over the 100-year period of the CCP. That estimate is approximately one-third lower than the estimated cost used as the basis for the financial assurance amount due to the factors discussed above and reflects our internal cost estimate. Our cost estimate used to determine the fair value of our reclamation accrual was approximately $389 million (undiscounted, unescalated and on a third-party cost basis), as required by SFAS No. 143, and excludes approximately $6 million of environmental costs from the financial assurance cost estimate, which are recognized in environmental reserves (they are not within the scope of SFAS No. 143). At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued approximately $39 million (100 percent basis) and $8 million (two-thirds basis), respectively, for reclamation at Chino.

      In December 1994, Chino entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with NMED. The AOC requires Chino to perform a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) quality investigation of environmental impacts and potential risks to human health and the environment associated with portions of the Chino property affected by historical mining operations. The remedial investigations began in 1995 and are still under way, although substantial portions of the remedial investigations are near completion. While some remediation is expected to be required, no feasibility studies have yet been completed, and NMED has not yet issued a record of decision regarding any remediation that may be required under the AOC. The Company’s estimated cost is $23.6 million. In addition to work under the AOC, Chino is continuing ongoing projects to control blowing dust at an estimated cost of $4.8 million and to excavate and remove copper-bearing sediments from an area known as “Lake One” for copper recovery in existing leach stockpiles at the mine. The Company’s estimated cost for Lake One is $4.7 million. The Company’s aggregate reserve for liability under the Chino AOC and for the interim work on the tailing ponds and Lake One is $33.1 million.

     Phelps Dodge Tyrone, Inc.

      Tyrone submitted its first proposed site-wide combined CCP at the end of 1997, the original deadline for approval of closeout plans under the Mining Act, and obtained an extension for closeout plan approval until December 31, 1999. The closure and closeout plans were combined into one plan due to the overlapping requirements of WQCC regulations and the Mining Act. In 1999, NMED required Tyrone to provide interim financial assurance, pending approval of the closure plan, and Tyrone complied by providing a surety bond for approximately $58 million. Also in 1999, the Mining Commission extended the closeout plan approval deadline until December 31, 2001.

      Tyrone submitted a comprehensive CCP in May 2001 incorporating the results of the scientific studies performed by Tyrone. That CCP requested a waiver of requirements to reclaim the open pit and steep stockpile slopes and included a cost estimate for approximately $121 million, which included the estimated cost of 30 years of water treatment. In late 2001, the Mining Commission again extended the closeout plan approval deadline until October 1, 2002.

      In April 2002, NMED published a draft site-wide closure permit and set a public hearing for May 2002. NMED’s draft closure permit required that all stockpiles be regraded, required thicker soil covers than proposed by Tyrone, required 100 years of water treatment and more stringent water treatment requirements, and proposed additional permit conditions opposed by Tyrone. NMED estimated the cost of its proposed permit at approximately $440 million on an unescalated and undiscounted basis over a 100-year closure period. Tyrone submitted a revised plan in response to NMED’s draft permit, including concepts for regrading and covering the mine stockpiles modeled after the Chino compromise permit and proposing upgraded water treatment technology. Tyrone estimated the cost of its proposal at approximately $328 million on the same basis. A two-week public hearing was held in May 2002.


Table of Contents

24

      As of October 1, 2002, NMED had not reached a decision on Tyrone’s permit, and, consequently, MMD was unable to approve the closeout plan. MMD then issued an NOV to Tyrone for failing to meet the October 1, 2002 deadline. The NOV did not impose any penalties, but ordered Tyrone to obtain closeout plan approval by a new deadline and reserved the right to impose penalties for noncompliance. Tyrone appealed the NOV to the Mining Commission, which held a public hearing on the NOV in December 2002. The Mining Commission upheld the NOV, but modified the deadline for closeout plan approval until twelve months after NMED issued Tyrone’s closure permit, subject to extension by MMD for good cause.

      NMED’s Hearing Officer issued a decision concerning the contested permit conditions on March 7, 2003. The Hearing Officer adopted many of Tyrone’s proposed changes to NMED’s draft permit, but sided with the NMED staff on requirements for regrading and covers. NMED issued Tyrone’s closure permit on April 8, 2003, in accordance with the Hearing Officer’s decision. The estimated third-party cost under the closure permit is approximately $433 million. Tyrone appealed the closure permit to WQCC, which held a public hearing to take evidence concluding on November 13, 2003. WQCC has scheduled closing arguments and deliberation on the appeal at a meeting beginning on April 13, 2004.

      Based upon the closure permit issued by NMED, the amount of financial assurance for Tyrone on an NPV basis is approximately $267 million. In May 2003, Tyrone and Phelps Dodge reached an agreement with NMED and MMD on a framework for financial assurance providing for a cash trust fund, collateral and a third-party guarantee from Phelps Dodge. The agreement also requires Chino, Tyrone and Cobre to expend a combined minimum of $30 million on accelerated reclamation over 10 years. In September 2003, the financial assurance agreement was modified to include additional details. Tyrone agreed to establish a trust fund in the initial amount of $17 million, and to contribute $500,000 per quarter over a five-year period to increase the cash funding to a total of $27 million. Tyrone also agreed to provide collateral to NMED and MMD so that at least 30 percent of the financial assurance is in the form of a trust fund or collateral. Once the trust fund and collateral are in place, NMED will release the $58 million interim surety bond. NMED and MMD agreed that the balance, or 70 percent of the financial assurance, may be provided in the form of a third-party guarantee issued by Phelps Dodge. The September 2003 agreement also included a schedule for accelerated reclamation at Tyrone. Financial assurance under this agreement is subject to completion of the permitting process, including consideration of public comments.

      On October 15, 2003, Tyrone and NMED finalized a settlement agreement establishing a detailed schedule for reclamation of the inactive tailing impoundments at Tyrone over an eight-year period. As reclamation is completed on portions of the facilities, the closure cost estimate and, accordingly, the required amount of financial assurance, may be reduced.

      The deadline for Tyrone to obtain MMD’s approval of its closeout plan is April 8, 2004, subject to extension by MMD for good cause. Tyrone is working with MMD on permit conditions for approval of the closeout plan and with both MMD and NMED on financial assurance consistent with the September 2003 agreement. MMD must hold a public hearing and consider public comments before it approves the closeout plan and financial assurance. Approval of a closeout plan consistent with the NMED closure permit also will require approval of a waiver of the requirement to achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem or post-mining land use for the open pit and a portion of the mine stockpiles where regrading and cover are not proposed.

      Management’s internal cost estimate for performance of reclamation at Tyrone is approximately $257 million (undiscounted and unescalated) over the 100-year period of the CCP. That estimate is approximately one-third lower than the estimated cost used as the basis for the financial assurance amount due to the factors discussed above and reflects our internal cost estimate. Our cost estimate used to determine the fair value of our reclamation accrual was approximately $427 million (undiscounted, unescalated and on a third-party cost basis), as required by SFAS No. 143, and excludes approximately $6 million of environmental costs from the financial assurance cost estimate, which are recognized in environmental reserves (they are not within the scope of SFAS No. 143). At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued approximately $81 million and $27 million, respectively, for reclamation at Tyrone.

     Cobre Mining Company

      At the time of our acquisition of Cobre in 1998, Cobre had submitted proposed closure and closeout plans and had posted a surety bond for approximately $2 million with both MMD and NMED. Cobre submitted a comprehensive proposed CCP in May 2001 incorporating the results of the scientific studies completed by Cobre to both NMED and MMD.

      As of October 1, 2002, NMED had not issued a closure permit to Cobre, and, consequently, MMD was unable to approve the proposed closeout plan. MMD then issued an NOV to Cobre for failing to meet the October 1, 2002 deadline. The NOV did not impose any penalties, but ordered Cobre to obtain closeout plan approval by a new deadline. Cobre appealed the NOV to the Mining Commission, which held a public hearing on the NOV in December 2002. The Mining Commission upheld the NOV, but modified the deadline for closeout plan approval until nine months after NMED issues Cobre’s closure discharge plan, subject to extension by MMD for good cause. Cobre is currently awaiting a draft closure permit from NMED.

      In May 2003, Cobre and Phelps Dodge reached an agreement with NMED and MMD on a framework for financial assurance providing for a cash trust fund, collateral and a third-party guarantee from Phelps Dodge. The agreement also requires Chino, Tyrone and Cobre to expend a combined minimum of $30 million on accelerated reclamation over 10 years. In September 2003, the financial assurance agreement was modified to include additional details. Cobre agreed to establish a trust fund in the initial amount of $1 million, and to contribute $100,000 per quarter over a five-year period to increase the cash funding to a total of $3 million. Cobre also agreed to provide collateral to NMED and MMD so that at least 30 percent of the financial assurance is in the form of a trust fund or collateral. NMED and MMD agreed that the balance, or 70 percent of the financial assurance, may be provided in the form of a third-party guarantee issued by Phelps Dodge. The September 2003 agreement also included a schedule for accelerated reclamation at Cobre. Financial assurance under this agreement is subject to completion of the permitting process, including consideration of public comments.


Table of Contents

25

      Based upon the proposed CCP for Cobre submitted in 2001, the current cost estimate for reclamation at Cobre is approximately $9 million. Our cost estimate used to determine the fair value of our reclamation accrual was approximately $41 million (undiscounted, unescalated and on a third-party cost basis), as required by SFAS No. 143. Both of these estimates will be updated when NMED issues the closure permit. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued closure costs of approximately $7 million and $2 million, respectively, at Cobre.

     Phelps Dodge Hidalgo, Inc.

      Hidalgo obtained approval of a closure plan under a discharge permit issued by NMED in 2000. In accordance with the permit, Hidalgo provided financial assurance to NMED in the form of surety bonds for approximately $11 million. Since obtaining approval of the closure plan, Hidalgo has completed the closure of a former wastewater evaporation pond by construction of a soil cap approved by NMED. The discharge permit under which the closure plan was approved also requires corrective action for contaminated groundwater near the smelter’s closed former wastewater evaporation pond. Impacted groundwater is pumped from a series of wells, treated in a neutralization facility, and discharged to a series of lined impoundments or to an irrigation system. The discharge permit requires a comprehensive groundwater study to characterize groundwater at the site. The discharge permit requires updates of the closure plan, and NMED could require future enhancement of the system based upon the results of the ongoing study when the permit expires in 2005 or, in certain circumstances, earlier. Hidalgo is not subject to the Mining Act and, consequently, does not require a closeout plan. Our cost estimate used to determine the fair value of our reclamation accrual was approximately $7 million (undiscounted, unescalated and on a third-party cost basis), as required by SFAS No. 143. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued closure costs of approximately $4 million and $7 million, respectively, at Hidalgo.

Significant Colorado Reclamation Program

      Our Climax and Henderson mines in Colorado are subject to permitting requirements under the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act, which requires approval of reclamation plans and provisions for financial assurance. These mines have had approved mined-land reclamation plans for several years and have provided the required financial assurance to the state of Colorado in the amount of $52.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively, for Climax and Henderson. As a result of adjustments to the approved cost estimates for various reasons, the amount of financial assurance requirements can increase or decrease over time. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had accrued closure costs of approximately $18 million and $19 million, respectively, for our Colorado operations.

Avian Mortalities and Natural Resources Damage Claims

      Since the fall of 2000, we have been sharing information and discussing various approaches with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in conjunction with FWS investigations of avian mortalities at some of the Company’s mining operations, including Tyrone and Morenci. As a result of the FWS investigations, federal authorities have raised issues related to the avian mortalities under two federal laws, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the natural resource damages provision of CERCLA. As part of the discussions regarding the MBTA, the FWS has requested that the mining operations undertake various measures to reduce the potential for future avian mortalities, including measures to eliminate or reduce avian access to ponds that contain acidic water. The FWS interprets the MBTA as strictly prohibiting the unauthorized taking of any migratory bird, and there are no licensing or permitting provisions under the MBTA that would authorize the taking of migratory birds as a result of industrial operations, such as mining. The Tyrone mine has entered into a settlement agreement with NMED to complete reclamation of its inactive tailing ponds, which should address many of the avian concerns related to Tyrone. The Morenci mine also is developing plans for additional measures to address the FWS’s concerns.

      The Company received a letter, dated August 21, 2003, from the U.S. Department of Interior as trustee for certain natural resources, and on behalf of trustees from the states of New Mexico and Arizona, asserting claims for natural resource damages relating to the avian mortalities and other matters. The notice cited CERCLA and the Clean Water Act and identified alleged releases of hazardous substances at the Chino, Tyrone and Continental (Cobre Mining Company) Mines in New Mexico and the Morenci Mine in Arizona. In addition to allegations of natural resource damages relating to avian mortalities, the letter alleges injuries to other natural resources, including other wildlife, surface water and ground water. The letter was accompanied by a Preassessment Screen report. The letter expresses the trustees interest in engaging in a cooperative assessment regarding the claims in which the Company would participate in the assessment of alleged injuries and potential damages with the objective of settling the claims. The Company has entered into tolling agreements with the trustees to toll the statute of limitations pending discussions with the trustees regarding a cooperative settlement process.

Other Mining

      Some portions of our mining operations located on public lands are subject to mine plans of operation approved by the federal BLM. BLM’s regulations include financial assurance requirements for reclamation plans required as part of the approved plans of operation. As a result of recent changes to BLM’s regulations, including more stringent financial assurance requirements, increases in existing financial assurance amounts held by BLM could be required. Currently, financial assurance for the Company’s operations held by BLM totals $3.4 million.

      The Company is investigating available options to provide additional financial assurance and, in some instances, to replace existing financial assurance. The cost of surety bonds, the traditional source of financial assurance, has increased significantly over the past few years, and many surety companies are now requiring an increased level of collateral supporting the bonds such that they no longer are economically prudent. Some surety companies that issued surety bonds to the Company are seeking to exit the market for reclamation bonds. The terms and conditions presently available from one of our principal surety bond providers for reclamation and other types of long-lived surety bonds have made this type of financial assurance economically impractical in certain instances. We are working with the impacted state and federal agencies to put in place acceptable alternative forms of financial assurance in a timely fashion.


Table of Contents

26

      Portions of Title 30, Chapter 2, of the United States Code govern access to federal lands for exploration and mining purposes (the General Mining Law). In 2002, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the General Mining Law. Similar legislation has been introduced in Congress during the 1990s. None of these bills has been enacted into law. Concepts in the legislation over the years have included the payment of royalties on minerals extracted from federal lands, payment of fair market value for patenting federal lands and reversion of patented lands used for non-mining purposes to the federal government. Several of these same concepts and others likely will continue to be pursued legislatively in the future.

      We also are subject to federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to plant and mine safety and health conditions. These laws include the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Present and proposed regulations govern worker exposure to a number of substances and conditions present in work environments. These include dust, mist, fumes, heat and noise. We are making and will continue to make expenditures to comply with health and safety laws and regulations.

      We estimate that our share of capital expenditures for programs to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations that affect our mining operations will total approximately $35 million in 2004 and approximately $38 million in 2005; approximately $28 million was spent on such programs in 2003. We also anticipate making significant capital and other expenditures beyond 2005 for continued compliance with such laws and regulations. In light of the frequent changes in the laws and regulations and the uncertainty inherent in this area, we are unable to reasonably estimate the total amount of such expenditures over the longer term, but it may be material. (Refer to the discussion of OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.)

      We do not expect that additional capital and operating costs associated with achieving compliance with the many environmental, health and safety laws and regulations will have a material adverse affect on our competitive position relative to other U.S. copper producers. These domestic copper producers are subject to comparable requirements. However, because copper is an internationally traded commodity, these costs could significantly affect us in our efforts to compete globally with those foreign producers not subject to such stringent requirements.

Ownership of Property

U.S. Mining Operations

      In the United States, most of the land occupied by our copper mines, concentrators, SX/EW facilities, smelters, refineries, rod mills, and molybdenum roasters or processing facilities generally is owned by, or is located on unpatented mining claims owned by, the Company. Certain portions of our Henderson, Miami, Bagdad, Sierrita, Tyrone, Chino and Cobre operations, and our Process Technology Center, are located on government-owned land and are operated under a Mine Plan of Operations. The Sierrita operation leases property adjacent to its mine upon which its electrowinning tankhouse facility is located. The current lease agreement expired in the fourth quarter of 2003 and future alternatives, including extension of the lease, are being considered. Cyprus Tohono Corporation holds leases for land, water and business purposes on land owned by the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation. Various federal and state permits or leases on government land are held for purposes incidental to mine operations.

South American Mining

      At the Candelaria, Ojos del Salado, El Abra and Cerro Verde operations in South America, mine properties and facilities are controlled through mining concessions under the general mining laws of the relevant country. The concessions are owned or controlled by the operating companies in which the Company or its subsidiaries have an ownership interest.

PHELPS DODGE INDUSTRIES

      PDI is our manufacturing division comprising two business segments that produce engineered products principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and specialty chemicals sectors. Its operations are characterized by products with significant market share, internationally competitive cost and quality, and specialized engineering capabilities. The two segments are Specialty Chemicals and Wire and Cable.

Specialty Chemicals Segment

      Columbian Chemicals Company and its subsidiaries (Columbian Chemicals or Columbian), our Specialty Chemicals segment headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, is an international producer and marketer of carbon blacks. At Columbian Chemicals, we produce a full range of rubber and industrial carbon blacks in 12 plants worldwide, with approximately 35 percent of our production in North America and the remaining 65 percent at facilities in Europe, Asia and South America. Our El Dorado, Arkansas, plant is temporarily idled. Our rubber carbon blacks improve the tread wear and durability of tires, and extend the service life of many rubber products, such as belts and hoses. Our industrial carbon blacks are used in such diverse applications as pigmentation of coatings, inks and plastics; ultraviolet stabilization of plastics; and as conductive insulation for wire and cable. We also maintain sales offices worldwide and use a network of distributors where appropriate.

      Extensive research and development is performed at our technology centers located at Marietta, Georgia, and Avonmouth, United Kingdom. These technology centers are responsible for studies specific to both industrial and rubber applications of carbon black. Carbon black product and process development at these technology centers are supported by development work at Columbian’s plants worldwide.

      Beginning in December 2001, Columbian Chemicals curtailed 54,000 metric tons of annual North American carbon black production at its El Dorado, Arkansas, plant due to significant over-capacity in the U.S. market caused by the economic recession. The facility is expected to reopen when economic conditions improve.

      In the second quarter of 2000, we acquired the remaining 40 percent share in the carbon black manufacturing business of Columbian Tiszai Carbon Ltd. in Hungary for $19.0 million, bringing our total interest to 100 percent.

      In the first quarter of 2000, we acquired an additional 18 percent ownership in Columbian Carbon Japan, a sales and distribution


Table of Contents

27

company serving the Japanese market, bringing our total ownership interest to 68 percent.

      In January 1999, we acquired an 85 percent interest in the Korean carbon black manufacturing business of Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd., for $76.1 million. This business includes a 110,000 metric-ton-per-year manufacturing plant.

Competition and Markets

      The principal competitive factors in the various markets in which our Specialty Chemicals segment competes are product quality, customer service, price, dependability of supply, delivery lead time, breadth of product line, and technical service and innovation.

      Columbian Chemicals is among the world’s largest producers of carbon black. Approximately 90 percent of the carbon black it produces is used in rubber applications, a substantial portion of which is used in the tire industry. Major tire manufacturers worldwide account for a significant portion of our carbon black sales. In addition, we have maintained a strong competitive position in both the mechanical rubber goods market and the industrial carbon black market based on our commitment to quality, service and technical innovation. Despite ongoing attempts to substitute carbon black with silica, reclaimed rubber or other materials, none has been able to match the cost and performance of carbon black in its principal applications. The closest successful substitute is a silane-treated silica that has made some in-roads in the tire market due to its increased wet traction characteristics for specific applications.

      Including Columbian Chemicals, there are a total of five major carbon black producers in the United States, three in Canada, three in western Europe and three in South America. There also are many producers in Asia. The carbon black industry is highly competitive, particularly in the rubber black market.

Raw Materials and Energy Supplies

      Carbon black is produced primarily from heavy residual oil, a by-product of the crude oil refining process. At Columbian Chemicals, we purchase substantially all of our feedstock at market prices that fluctuate with world oil prices. Our residual oil feedstock and other raw materials for our specialty chemicals business are purchased from various suppliers. The cost of this feedstock is a significant factor in the cost of carbon black. To achieve satisfactory financial results during periods of high and/or increasing oil prices, we must be able to pass through these high and/or increasing prices to our customers. Hence, we have put in place a number of “formula based contracts” that allow our selling prices to increase/decrease with feedstock costs. We do not believe that the loss of any one supplier would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or on the results of our operations.

      Our specialty chemical operations generally use purchased or internally generated electricity and natural gas as their principal sources of energy.

Ownership of Property

      Columbian Chemicals owns all property other than the leased land at its U.K., German and Korean facilities. This leased land is not material to our overall operations.

Wire and Cable Segment

      The Wire and Cable segment, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, consists of three worldwide product line businesses comprising magnet wire, energy and telecommunications cables, and specialty conductors.

      Magnet wire, the insulated conductor used in most electrical motors, is manufactured in the United States at plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and El Paso, Texas. We also manufacture magnet wire at wholly owned subsidiaries in Mureck, Austria, and Monterrey, Mexico. In 2003, we began construction of a new magnet wire production facility in China. The facility, which will be in Suzhou, is expected to begin production during the second quarter of 2004. It will serve the fast-growing demand for magnet wire in China.

      In the 2003 fourth quarter, based upon the continuing reduced market conditions in North America for magnet wire, we determined that our Laurinburg, North Carolina, plant would not re-open and its value was written down by $0.5 million to reflect appraised value. At the end of 2002, this facility was temporarily closed with production being shifted to the El Paso, Texas, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, facilities, and its value was written down by $15.3 million. In 2000, our Hopkinsville, Kentucky, plant was closed; its value was written down by $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2001. The productive assets of our Hopkinsville, Kentucky, plant were moved to other facilities in the United States and Mexico. In the fourth quarter of 2003, its value was written down further by $0.4 million to reflect its appraised value. In 2000, a special, pre-tax charge of $5.8 million was recognized for our wire and cable operations in Austria as a result of the long-term impact of continuing extremely competitive pricing conditions in Europe.

      Phelps Dodge International Corporation manufactures energy and telecommunication cables for international markets and manufactures products in factories located in 10 countries. We provide management, marketing assistance, technical support, and engineering and purchasing services to these companies. Three of our international wire and cable companies have continuous-cast copper rod facilities, and three of our international wire and cable companies have continuous-cast aluminum rod facilities. We have majority interests in companies with production facilities in seven countries — Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, Thailand, Venezuela and Zambia. We also have minority interests in companies located in Hong Kong and Thailand, accounted for on the equity basis, and in a company located in India, accounted for on the cost basis. We operate distribution centers in nine countries in addition to the United States — Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Belgium and South Africa.

      In December 1997, we acquired a 60 percent interest in the Brazilian copper and aluminum wire and cable manufacturing business of Alcoa Aluminio, S.A. (Aluminio) for $72 million. In 2001, Aluminio exercised an optional exit mechanism whereby the Company acquired Aluminio’s remaining 40 percent interest for $44.8 million.

      During the second quarter of 2000, we ceased production at two wire and cable plants in Venezuela due to low forecast plant utilization levels as a result of significantly reduced infrastructure spending in the Latin America region. These plant closures resulted in a special, pre-tax loss of $26.1 million. We also ceased production at our majority-owned telephone cable operation in El Salvador in the fourth quarter of 2000 due to low plant utilization levels as a result of


Table of Contents

28

heightened global competition for telecommunication cable. The plant closure resulted in a special, pre-tax loss of $5.5 million. A charge of $7.2 million to miscellaneous income and expense was recognized to reflect the impairment of our 40 percent equity interest in a wire and cable operation in the Philippines. The impairment was based upon an analysis of future cash flows of the operation, continuing economic uncertainty in the Philippines and the erosion of our strategic and operating influence.

      We manufacture and market highly engineered conductors of copper and copper alloy wire electroplated with silver, tin or nickel for sophisticated, specialty product niches in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, computer and consumer electronics markets. Those products are manufactured in plants located in Inman, South Carolina; Trenton, Georgia; and Elizabeth, New Jersey. As part of the manufacturing rationalization program initiated in 1999, leased plants in Fairfield and Montville, New Jersey, were closed in 2000, and the West Caldwell, New Jersey, plant was temporarily closed in 2002 and its value was written down by $1.6 million. In the 2003 fourth quarter, based upon the continuing reduced market conditions in North America for high performance conductors, we determined that our West Caldwell plant would not re-open and its value was written down by $0.8 million to reflect appraised value. Their productive capacities were transferred to the remaining facilities.

      In the 2002 third quarter, actions were taken to improve efficiencies and consolidate certain wire and cable operations. In addition to the above-mentioned closures of our Laurinburg and West Caldwell facilities, we streamlined operational and production support at other high performance conductors facilities in order to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies, and restructured and consolidated certain administrative functions. The restructuring plan included the reduction of approximately 300 positions and charges associated with employee severance and relocation ($3.9 million) and pension and other postretirement obligations ($2.8 million).

      In the 2003 fourth quarter, we performed an annual impairment test on goodwill at our magnet wire and high performance conductors facilities through a comparison of carrying values to respective fair values (using an estimate of discounted cash flows) and determined that a $0.9 million charge was required to write-off Magnet Wire’s entire goodwill.

Competition and Markets

      Phelps Dodge is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of magnet wire. Our plants draw, roll and insulate copper and aluminum wire that is sold as magnet wire and bare conductors to original equipment manufacturers for use in electric motors, generators, transformers, televisions, automobiles and a variety of small electrical appliances. Magnet wire also is sold to electrical equipment repair shops and smaller original equipment manufacturers through a network of distributors. We principally compete with two international and two U.S. magnet wire producers.

      Our international energy and telecommunication cable companies primarily sell products to contractors, distributors, and public and private utilities. Our products are used in lighting, power distribution, telecommunications and other electrical applications. Our competitors range from worldwide wire and cable manufacturers to small local producers.

      Our specialty conductors are sold primarily to intermediaries (insulators, assemblers, subcontractors and distributors). Approximately 40 percent of these products ultimately are sold to commercial and military aerospace companies for use in airframes, avionics, space electronics, radar systems and ground control electronics. Specialty conductors also are used in appliances, instrumentation, computers, telecommunications, military electronics, medical equipment and other products. We have two primary U.S. competitors and compete with three importers in the specialty conductor market; however, in those few markets where we compete for high volume products, we face competition from several U.S. fabricators.

Raw Materials and Energy Supplies

      The principal raw materials used by our magnet wire manufacturing operations are copper, aluminum and various chemicals and resins used in the manufacture of electrical insulating materials. Most of the copper purchased for our magnet wire operations is from our PDMC division.

      The principal raw materials used by our international energy and telecommunication cable companies are copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper-clad steel and various electrical insulating materials.

      The specialty conductor product line usually is plated with silver, nickel or tin. With the exception of copper needed in specialty conductors, a majority of the materials used by these companies is purchased from others. We do not believe that the loss of any one supplier would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or on the results of our operations.

      Most of our wire and cable operations generally use purchased electricity and natural gas as their principal sources of energy. Our magnet wire company’s principal manufacturing equipment uses natural gas; however, it is also equipped to burn alternative fuels.

Ownership of Property

      We own most of the plants and land on which our wire and cable operations are located. The exceptions are the leased land and buildings of our magnet wire facilities in Austria and closed specialty conductor facility in Montville, New Jersey. This land is not material to our overall operations.

Environmental Matters

      Federal and state environmental laws and regulations affect many aspects of our domestic industrial operations. We estimate that capital expenditures for programs to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations within our PDI division will total approximately $22 million in 2004 and approximately $12 million in 2005; approximately $5 million was spent on such programs in 2003. We anticipate making significant capital and other expenditures beyond 2005 for continued compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

      It is expected that most, and perhaps all, of our domestic carbon black plants and magnet wire plants are or will become subject to one or more MACT standards under the federal CAA. These standards do not have immediate compliance dates; instead they allow two or three years after promulgation to provide the opportunity to come into compliance or to reduce emissions to avoid regulation before the compliance date. For example, the carbon black MACT


Table of Contents

29

standard was issued in 2002, with a compliance date of July 2005; and the MACT standard for magnet wire plants was issued in 2003 with a compliance date of 2007. Other potentially applicable MACT standards are still in development. We are in the process of determining applicability and compliance strategies.

      The European Union (EU) has commenced work on the development of Best Available Technology (BAT) for the carbon black industry. The current BAT Reference Document (BREF Note) proposes to control sulfur dioxide emissions by limiting the annual sulfur content in feedstocks to 0.5 percent. This limit, if adopted, could negatively impact the carbon black industry, including Columbian. Columbian, through the carbon black industry trade association, is actively involved in this process. It is expected that any final action will be taken in 2005.

      Because of the frequent changes in environmental laws and regulations and the uncertainty these changes create for us, we are unable to estimate reasonably the total amount of such expenditures over the longer term, but it may be material to our results of operations. (Refer to the discussion of OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.)

LABOR MATTERS

      Employees at PDMC’s Arizona operations, El Paso refinery and rod mill, Tyrone, Hidalgo smelter, the Norwich and Chicago rod mills, the Henderson mine in Colorado, the Fort Madison, Iowa, molybdenum processing facility, and some employees at Chino are not represented by any unions.

      Our El Abra mine in Chile has two labor agreements covering approximately 391 and 91 employees that expire on October 31, 2004, and November 5, 2004, respectively. Candelaria has two labor agreements covering approximately 665 employees that expire in April 2006. Cerro Verde has one labor agreement covering approximately 429 employees that expires December 31, 2008. Our Chino mine in Hurley, New Mexico, has two agreements covering approximately 447 employees that expired on November 18, 2002; negotiations are ongoing in regard to this agreement. Our molybdenum operation in Rotterdam has an agreement covering approximately 45 employees that expires on March 31, 2004. Our molybdenum operation in Stowmarket has an agreement covering approximately 38 employees that expires on May 31, 2004. Our Braithwaite plant near New Orleans, Louisiana, is a discontinued operation on care-and-maintenance status. We had an agreement there covering four employees that expired on January 31, 2004.

      In addition, we currently have labor agreements covering most of our U.S. and international manufacturing division plants. Our specialty chemicals plant in Trecate, Italy, had one agreement covering 89 employees that expired on December 31, 2003; negotiations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2004 in regard to this agreement. Trecate also has an agreement covering nine managers that expires on December 31, 2005. Our specialty chemicals plant in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, has an agreement covering 65 employees that expires on November 15, 2006. Our specialty chemicals facilities in Cubatao and Sao Paulo, Brazil, have agreements covering 215 and 26 employees, respectively, that expire on October 31, 2004. Our specialty chemicals plant in Bristol, United Kingdom, has an agreement covering 104 employees that expired on May 8, 2003. There are three trade unions involved in the labor agreement. One of the trade unions agreed to a two-year agreement that expires on May 31, 2005; negotiations are ongoing with the remaining trade unions. Our specialty chemicals plant in Hannover, Germany, has an agreement covering 74 employees that expires on August 31, 2004. Our specialty chemicals plant in Yosu, South Korea, has a wage agreement covering 48 employees that expires February 28, 2004; negotiations are expected to begin in mid-2004. Our specialty chemicals plant in Santander, Spain, has an agreement covering 49 employees that expires on December 31, 2005. Our specialty chemicals plant in Marshall, West Virginia, has two agreements covering 60 employees that expire on June 13, 2005. Our specialty chemicals North Bend plant in Franklin, Louisiana, has an agreement covering 113 employees that expires on February 28, 2006.

      Our wire plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has an agreement covering 45 employees that expired on July 31, 2000; negotiations are ongoing in regard to that agreement. Our plant in Zambia has an agreement covering approximately 89 employees that expires in July 2005. Our magnet wire plant in Monterrey, Mexico, has an agreement covering approximately 154 employees that expires in March 2004. Our magnet wire plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has an agreement covering approximately 210 employees that expires in May 2005. Our magnet wire plant in Austria has an agreement covering approximately 70 employees that expires in October 2004. Our wire and cable facilities in Brazil have agreements covering approximately 265 and 24 employees that expire in September and November 2004, respectively. Our wire and cable facilities in Venezuela have agreements covering approximately 75 and 80 employees that expire in October 2006 and January 2007, respectively. Our wire and cable plant in Chile has an agreement covering approximately 170 employees that expires in May 2007.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

      We conduct research and development programs relating to technology for exploration for minerals, mining and recovery of metals from ores, concentrates and solutions, smelting and refining of copper, metal processing and product development. We also conduct research and development programs related to our carbon products through Columbian Chemicals, and our wire insulating processes and materials and conductor materials and processes through our Wire and Cable segment. Expenditures for all of these research and development programs, together with contributions to industry and government-supported programs, totaled $30.2 million in 2003, compared with $26.0 million in 2002 and $27.1 million in 2001.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

      Phelps Dodge is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern emissions of air pollutants; discharges of water pollutants; and generation, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, hazardous wastes and other toxic materials. The Company is also subject to potential liabilities arising under CERCLA or similar state laws that impose responsibility on persons who arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances, and on current and previous owners and operators of a facility for the cleanup of hazardous substances released from the facility into the environment. In addition, the Company is subject to potential liabilities under the Resource Conservation and Recovery


Table of Contents

30

Act (RCRA) and analogous state laws that require responsible parties to remediate releases of hazardous or solid waste constituents into the environment associated with past or present activities.

      Phelps Dodge or its subsidiaries have been advised by EPA, the U.S. Forest Service and several state agencies that they may be liable under CERCLA or similar state laws and regulations for costs of responding to environmental and natural resource conditions at a number of sites that have been or are being investigated by EPA, the U.S. Forest Service or states to determine whether releases of hazardous substances have occurred and, if so, to develop and implement remedial actions to address environmental and natural resource concerns.

      Phelps Dodge has provided reserves for potential environmental obligations that management considers probable and for which reasonable estimates can be made. For closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities with closure obligations, an environmental liability is considered probable and is accrued when a closure determination is made and approved by management. Environmental liabilities attributed to CERCLA or analogous state programs are considered probable when a claim is asserted, or is probable of assertion, and we have been associated with the site. Other environmental remediation liabilities are considered probable based upon specific facts and circumstances. Liability estimates are based on an evaluation of, among other factors, currently available facts, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, Phelps Dodge’s experience in remediation, other companies’ remediation experience, Phelps Dodge’s status as a potentially responsible party (PRP), and the ability of other PRPs to pay their allocated portions. Accordingly, total environmental reserves of $317.2 million and $305.9 million were recorded as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The long-term portion of these reserves is included in other liabilities and deferred credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and amounted to $271.3 million and $261.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      The site currently considered to be the most significant is the Pinal Creek site near Miami, Arizona.

Pinal Creek Site

      The Pinal Creek site was listed under the ADEQ Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund program in 1989 for contamination in the shallow alluvial aquifers within the Pinal Creek drainage near Miami, Arizona. Since that time, environmental remediation has been performed by the members of the Pinal Creek Group (PCG), comprising Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) and two other companies. In 1998, the District Court approved a Consent Decree between the PCG members and the state of Arizona resolving all matters related to an enforcement action contemplated by the state of Arizona against the PCG members with respect to the groundwater matter. The Consent Decree committed Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other PCG members to complete the remediation work outlined in the Consent Decree. That work continues at this time pursuant to the Consent Decree and consistent with the National Contingency Plan prepared by EPA under CERCLA.

      Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other members of the PCG are pursuing contribution litigation against three other parties involved with the site. At least two of the three defendants now have admitted direct liability as responsible parties. The first phase of the case has been assigned a trial date in August 2004. Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. also asserted claims against certain past insurance carriers. As of November 2002, all of the carriers have settled or had their liability adjudicated. One carrier has appealed the judgment against it.

      In addition, a dispute between one dissenting PCG member and Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other PCG member was filed in Superior Court in 2002. The litigation seeks a declaratory judgment on the dissenting member’s contract liability under the PCG agreement. Trial for this matter is scheduled for mid-2004.

      While significant recoveries may be achieved in the contribution litigation, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the amount and, therefore, has not taken potential recoveries into consideration in the recorded reserve.

      Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc.’s share of the planned remediation work has a cost range for reasonably expected outcomes estimated to be from $110 million to $216 million. Approximately $113 million remained in the Company’s Pinal Creek remediation reserve at December 31, 2003.

      The sites that had the largest adjustments to their reserves were the Yonkers and American Zinc and Chemical sites.

Yonkers Site

      In 1984, the Company sold a cable manufacturing facility located in Yonkers, New York. In 2000, the owner of the property entered into a consent order with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) under which the owner committed to complete a remedial investigation and feasibility study. In December 2001, the Company entered into an Interim Agreement with the owner of the property regarding the owner’s claim for indemnification from the Company for certain environmental liabilities at the facility. The owner submitted its feasibility study to NYSDEC in December 2003. The feasibility study recommends excavation of PCB-contaminated soil, either removal of PCB and lead contamination from, or demolition of PCB- and lead-contaminated buildings, and monitored natural recovery of PCB-contaminated sediments in the Hudson River. Based on the feasibility study, and taking into consideration the reasonably possible allocation percentages that could apply to the Company and the property owner, the Company’s remedial costs may range from $20 million to $37 million, with a most likely point in the range of $20 million.

American Zinc and Chemical Site

      In June 1999, Cyprus Amax, now a subsidiary of Phelps Dodge, received an information request from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regarding the former American Zinc and Chemical (AZC) site in Langeloth, Pennsylvania. The AZC site consists primarily of a former zinc smelter facility operated until 1947 by the former American Zinc and Chemical Company and includes some or all of a contiguous, currently operating molybdenum refinery formerly owned by the Climax Molybdenum Company, which is indirectly owned by Cyprus Amax. The American Zinc and Chemical Company, which was dissolved in 1951, also was a subsidiary of a corporate predecessor to Cyprus Amax.

      In discussions with Cyprus Amax in 2001 and early 2002, PADEP informally indicated that it expects Cyprus Amax to investigate and remediate negative environmental conditions at the AZC site, which


Table of Contents

31

predominate at and about the former zinc smelter facility. The Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, indicated preliminary evaluations of the nature and extent of conditions at the site may range in cost from $18 million to $52 million. The Company reserved $20 million for possible remediation work at this site. Recently, an engineering evaluation and reasonable-cost analysis was performed to estimate the cost and feasibility of implementing the most likely remedial action that PADEP would accept based on effectiveness and implementability. To check the validity of the analysis, estimated site remedial costs were compared with costs from other environmental sites that have implemented similar remedial actions. In addition, a reasonable-cost analysis was performed on other possible remedial alternatives so a range of costs could be established for consideration. This analysis indicated that remediation of the site may range from $9 million to $43 million, with a most likely point in the range of $9 million. The most likely remedial action would include an additional site investigation study, implementation of storm water controls, constructing an engineered cap over 60 acres of slag and process waste, and long-term monitoring and operation and maintenance of the site. While the Company has reduced its reserve to $9 million for possible remediation work at the site, Cyprus Amax continues to believe and will continue to indicate to PADEP that the Company is not liable for the actions of its former subsidiary, American Zinc and Chemical Company, under existing federal and state environmental laws. To date, PADEP has not responded to Cyprus Amax’s assertion that it is not liable.

Other

      In 2003, the Company recognized charges of $28.4 million for environmental remediation. The two sites with significant changes were the Yonkers site (an increase of $16.7 million) and the AZC site (a decrease of $10.4 million). The remainder of environmental remediation charges was primarily at closed sites, none of which increased or decreased individually more than approximately $7 million.

      At December 31, 2003, the cost range for reasonably possible outcomes for all reservable environmental remediation sites other than Pinal Creek, Yonkers and AZC was estimated to be from $133 million to $329 million, of which $175 million has been reserved. Work on these sites is expected to be substantially completed in the next several years, subject to inherent delays involved in the remediation process.

      Phelps Dodge believes certain insurance policies partially cover the foregoing environmental liabilities; however, some of the insurance carriers have denied coverage. We presently are negotiating with the carriers over some of these disputes. Further, Phelps Dodge believes it has other potential claims for recovery from other third parties, including the United States Government and other PRPs. Neither insurance recoveries nor other claims or offsets are recognized unless such offsets are considered probable of realization. In 2003 and 2002, the Company recognized proceeds from settlements reached with several insurance companies on historic environmental liability claims of $0.5 million and $34.3 million, net of fees and expenses, respectively.

      Phelps Dodge has a number of sites that are not the subject of an environmental reserve because it is not probable that a successful claim will be made against the Company for those sites, but for which there is a reasonably possible likelihood of an environmental remediation liability. At December 31, 2003, the cost range for reasonably possible outcomes for all such sites was estimated to be from $3 million to $17 million. The liabilities arising from potential environmental obligations that have not been reserved at this time may be material to the results of any single quarter or year in the future. Management, however, believes the liability arising from potential environmental obligations is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity or financial position as such obligations could be satisfied over a period of years.

      Our operations are subject to many environmental laws and regulations in jurisdictions both in the United States and in other countries in which we do business. For further discussion of these laws and regulations, refer to PDMC - Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters and PDI - Environmental Matters. The estimates given in those discussions of the capital expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations in 2004 and 2005, and the expenditures in 2003, are separate from the reserves and estimates described above.

      The Environmental, Health and Safety Committee of the Board of Directors comprises five non-employee directors. The Committee met five times in 2003 to review, among other things, the Company’s policies with respect to environmental, health and safety matters, and the adequacy of management’s programs for implementing those policies. The Committee reports on such reviews and makes recommendations with respect to those policies to the board of directors and to management.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

      I.   We are a member of several trade associations that, from time to time, initiate legal proceedings challenging administrative regulations or court decisions that the membership considers to be improper and potentially adverse to their business interests. These legal proceedings are conducted in the name of the trade associations, and the members of the trade association are not parties, named or otherwise.

      II.  Arizona water regulations, water rights adjudications and other related water cases.

           A. General Background

                Arizona surface water law is based on the doctrine of prior appropriation (first in time, first in right). Surface water rights in Arizona are usufructuary rights, and as such the water right holder is granted only the right to use public waters for a statutorily defined beneficial use, at a designated location. Groundwater in Arizona is governed by the doctrine of reasonable use. Arizona has initiated two water rights adjudications in order to quantify and prioritize all of the surface water rights and water right claims to two of the state’s river systems and sources. Groundwater is not subject to the adjudication; however, wells may be adjudicated to the extent that they are found to produce or impact appropriable surface water. The two adjudication cases that could potentially impact Phelps Dodge’s surface water rights and claims (including some wells) are entitled “In Re The General Adjudication of All Rights to Use Water in the Little Colorado Water System and Source, Superior Court Case No. 6417 (Superior Court of Arizona, Apache County; petition filed on or about February 17, 1978),” and “In Re The General Adjudication of All Rights to Use Water in the Gila River System and Source, Superior Court, Case


Table of Contents

32

Nos. W-1 (Salt), W-2 (Verde), W-3 (Upper Gila); W-4 (San Pedro); Consolidated (Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County; petition filed on February 17, 1978).” The major parties in addition to Phelps Dodge in the Gila River Adjudication are: Gila Valley Irrigation District, the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District, the state of Arizona, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Gila River Indian Community, and the United States on behalf of those Tribes, on its own behalf and on the behalf of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Ft. McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Community, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Payson Community of Yavapai Apache Indians. The major parties in addition to Phelps Dodge in the Little Colorado Adjudication are: the state of Arizona, the Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service Company, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Indian Tribe, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and the United States on behalf of those Indian Tribes, on its own behalf and on behalf of the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

      Phelps Dodge has four active operations in the state of Arizona: Morenci, Miami, Sierrita and Bagdad. Each operation requires water for mining and all related support facilities. With the exception of Bagdad, each operation is located in a watershed within an ongoing surface water adjudication. Each operation has sufficient water claims to cover its operational demands. In many instances, the water supply may come from a variety of possible sources. The potential impact of the surface water adjudications on each active operation is discussed below.

                B. Operations

                      Morenci  The Morenci operation is located in eastern Arizona. Morenci water is supplied by a combination of sources, including decreed surface water rights in the San Francisco River, Chase Creek and Eagle Creek drainages, groundwater from the Upper Eagle Creek wellfield, and Central Arizona Project (CAP) water leased from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and delivered to Morenci via exchange through the Black River Pump Station. Phelps Dodge has filed Statements of Claimants in the adjudication for each of its water sources for Morenci except the CAP water.

                Phelps Dodge’s decreed water rights are subject to the Gila River Adjudication and potentially could be impacted. Although the purpose of the adjudication is to determine only surface water rights, wells such as those in the Eagle Creek wellfield may be subject to the Gila River Adjudication, but only to the extent those wells may be determined to capture or impact appropriable surface water. The CAP water provided via exchange is not subject to any state adjudication process. The CAP lease became effective as of January 1, 1999, and has a 50-year term.

                Miami  The Miami operation obtains water from a number of sources in the Salt River watershed. Statements of Claimants have been filed in connection with these water sources, each of which is subject to the adjudication and could be potentially impacted. Miami currently holds a CAP subcontract, although CAP water is not currently used at the operation. CAP water is not subject to adjudication; however, an exchange agreement will need to be negotiated in order to deliver this water to Miami.

                Sierrita  The Sierrita operation is located in the Santa Cruz River watershed. The water for the operation is groundwater. The wells that supply the water may be subject to the Gila River Adjudication only to the extent that such wells are determined to be pumping or impacting appropriable surface water. Phelps Dodge has filed Statements of Claimants in the adjudication for these water sources in case any are later determined to produce or impact appropriable surface water. In 1980, the Arizona legislature enacted the Arizona Groundwater Code (Code). The Code established Active Management Areas (AMA’s) in several groundwater basins, including the Santa Cruz Groundwater Basin. The groundwater at this operation is subject to regulation under the Tucson AMA.

                Bagdad  The Bagdad operation is located in the Bill Williams River watershed. The water supply includes claims to both surface water and groundwater. There is not an active adjudication proceeding in this watershed; however, the legal precedent set in the active adjudications regarding the determination of whether water pumped from wells is treated as surface water or groundwater may impact the use of water from some wells.

                C. Other Arizona Mining Properties

                      The potential impact of the ongoing adjudication on other mining properties is discussed below.

                      Safford  Water for the planned future operation at Safford may come from a combination of sources. Wells that supply groundwater may be used and those wells will be subject to the adjudication only to the extent that such wells are determined to be pumping or impacting appropriable surface water. CAP water may also be considered for use at the operation some time in the future. CAP water is not subject to adjudication; however, an exchange agreement will need to be negotiated in order to deliver the water. The implementation of such an exchange will require approval of the Globe Equity Court as well as environmental reviews and related agency approvals.

                      Ajo  The potential water supply for Ajo is groundwater. The wells that supply the water may be subject to the Gila River Adjudication to the extent that such wells are determined to be pumping or impacting appropriable surface water. Phelps Dodge has filed a Statement of Claimant in the adjudication for these water sources in case any are later determined to produce or impact appropriable surface water.

                      Bisbee  The potential water supply for Bisbee is groundwater. The wells that supply the water may be subject to the Gila River Adjudication to the extent that such wells are determined to be pumping or impacting appropriable surface water. Phelps Dodge has filed a Statement of Claimant in the adjudication for these water sources in case any are later determined to produce or impact appropriable surface water.

                D. Water Settlements

                     1. Gila River Indian Community Water Settlement

      On May 4, 1998, Phelps Dodge executed a settlement agreement with the Gila River Indian Community (the Community) that resolves the issues between Phelps Dodge and the Community pertinent to the Gila River Adjudication. Since that time, comprehensive settlement negotiations with users all along the Gila River have been initiated. Phelps Dodge’s settlement with the Community is now included in the comprehensive settlement. This settlement is subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior and the passage of federal legislation.


Table of Contents

33

           2. San Carlos Apache Tribe

      In 1997, issues of dispute arose between Phelps Dodge and the San Carlos Apache Tribe (the Tribe) regarding Phelps Dodge’s use and occupancy of the Black River Pump Station, which delivers water to the Morenci operation. In May 1997, Phelps Dodge reached an agreement with the Tribe, and subsequently federal legislation (Pub. L. No. 105-18, 5003, 111 stat. 158, 181-87) was adopted. The legislation prescribes arrangements intended to ensure a future supply of water for the Morenci mining complex in exchange for certain payments by Phelps Dodge. The legislation does not address any potential claims by the Tribe relating to Phelps Dodge’s historical occupancy and operation of Phelps Dodge facilities on the Tribe’s Reservation, but does require that any such claims be brought, if at all, exclusively in federal district court. As of this writing, no such claims have been filed.

      The 1997 legislation required that the Company and the Tribe enter a lease for the delivery of CAP water through the Black River Pump Station to Morenci on or before December 31, 1998. In the event a lease was not signed, the legislation expressly provided that the legislation would become the lease. On January 24, 2002, a lease between the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Phelps Dodge and the United States was executed (effective as of January 1, 1999) in accordance with that legislation. On the same date, and in accordance with the legislation, an Exchange Agreement between the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the United States and the Salt River Project Water User’s Association was executed and subsequently approved by Phelps Dodge. Since that date, CAP water has been delivered to Morenci. Phelps Dodge has not reached a settlement with the Tribe on general water issues and Phelps Dodge water claims within the Gila River Adjudication are still subject to litigation with the Tribe and other parties.

           3. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

                The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association, the principal Salt River Valley Cities, the state of Arizona and others have negotiated a settlement among themselves for the Verde and Salt River system. The settlement has been approved by Congress, the President and the Arizona Superior Court. Under the settlement, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community waived all water claims it has against all other water claimants (including Phelps Dodge) in Arizona.

           4. Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Community

                      The Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Community, Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association, the principal Salt River Valley Cities, the state of Arizona and others have negotiated a settlement as among themselves for the Verde River system. This settlement has been approved by Congress, the President and the Arizona Superior Court. Under this settlement, the Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Community waived all water claims it has against all other water claimants (including Phelps Dodge) in Arizona.

      E. Other Related Cases

           The following proceedings involving water rights adjudications are pending in the U.S. District Court of Arizona:

           1. On June 29, 1988, the Gila River Indian Community filed a complaint-in-intervention in United States v. Gila Valley Irrigation District, et al., and Globe Equity No. 59 (D. Ariz.). The underlying action was initiated by the United States in 1925 to determine conflicting claims to water rights in certain portions of the Gila River watershed. Although Phelps Dodge was named and served as a defendant in that action, Phelps Dodge was dismissed without prejudice as a defendant in March 1935. In June 1935, the Court entered a decree setting forth the water rights of numerous parties, but not Phelps Dodge’s. The Court retained, and still has, jurisdiction of the case. The complaint-in-intervention does not name Phelps Dodge as a defendant; however, it does name the Gila Valley Irrigation District as a defendant. Therefore, the complaint-in-intervention could affect the approximately 3,000 acre-feet of water that Phelps Dodge has the right to divert annually from Eagle Creek, Chase Creek or the San Francisco River pursuant to Phelps Dodge’s decreed rights and an agreement between Phelps Dodge and the Gila Valley Irrigation District.

                During 1998, Phelps Dodge purchased farmlands with associated water rights that are the subject of this litigation. As a result, Phelps Dodge has been named and served as a party in this case. The lands and associated water rights are not currently used in connection with any Phelps Dodge mining operation.

                Phelps Dodge’s Miami operation (formerly named Cyprus Miami Mining Corporation) was named and served as a defendant in this action in 1989. These proceedings may affect water rights associated with former Cyprus Miami lands in the Gila River watershed.

           2. Prior to January 1, 1983, various Indian tribes filed several suits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona claiming prior and paramount rights to use waters, which at present are being used by many water users, including Phelps Dodge, and claiming damages for prior use in derogation of their allegedly paramount rights. These federal proceedings have been stayed pending state court adjudication.

           3. Cyprus Sierrita Corporation’s predecessor in interest was a defendant in United States, et al. v. City of Tucson, et al., No. CIV 75-39 (D. Ariz.). This is a consolidation of several actions seeking a declaration of the rights of the United States, the Papago Indian Tribe (now known as the Tohono O’odham Nation), and individual allottees of the Tohono O’odham Nation, to surface water and groundwater in the Santa Cruz River watershed; damages from the defendants’ use of surface water and groundwater from the watershed in derogation of those rights; and injunctive relief. Congress in 1982 enacted the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act, which was intended to resolve the water right claims of the Tohono O’odham Nation and its member allottees relating to the San Xavier Reservation and the Schuk Toak District of the Sells Papago Reservation. The allottees contested the validity of the Act and contended that the Court could not dismiss the litigation without their consent. This prompted additional litigation, and eventually culminated in settlement negotiations. The Court suspended most aspects of the litigation to enable the parties to negotiate a settlement with the allottees. The Court’s recent attention has been devoted to the composition of appropriate classes of allottees and identification of class representatives, so that any settlement that is reached would bind the allottees. It is anticipated that a settlement and authorizing legislation would conclude all litigation on behalf of the Tohono O’odham Nation, its allottee members, and the United States as Trustee for the nation and its allottee members, relating to water rights. As of this writing, however, a settlement has not been reached. The outcome of this dispute could


Table of Contents

34

impact water right claims associated with the acquired Cyprus operations at Sierrita, and miscellaneous former Cyprus land holdings in the Santa Cruz River watershed.

III.    The Company entered into a Consent Decree in December 2000 with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CDEP) regarding purported violations of state air emissions limitations associated with the Phelps Dodge Norwich rod mill in Norwich, Connecticut. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, the Company agreed to pay a penalty of $0.5 million, fund a supplemental environmental project to be administered by CDEP, test the rod mill’s newly installed state-of-the-art air pollution control equipment, and perform a study on environmental impacts near the rod mill and whether they may require remediation. CDEP has accepted the completion of the first three requirements identified above. The Company submitted the required environmental study to CDEP on July 2, 2002.

IV.     On October 1, 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Cyprus Amax’s (now the Company’s) Sierrita operations in southeastern Arizona. The NOV alleged certain emission standards and permitting violations associated with the molybdenum roasting facility at Sierrita. On September 6, 2000, EPA also issued an NOV to Phelps Dodge Sierrita for alleged violations of Prevention of Significant Deterioration permitting requirements, and New Source Performance Standards under the federal Clean Air Act. No action has been filed at this time, and the Company has asserted defenses to the NOVs in its response to EPA. EPA and the Company have entered into a series of agreements tolling the running of the statute of limitations on certain of the alleged violations while the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement of the issues raised in the NOVs.

V.        The Pinal Creek site was listed under the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund program in 1989 for contamination in the shallow alluvial aquifers within the Pinal Creek drainage near Miami, Arizona. Since that time, environmental remediation has been performed by members of the Pinal Creek Group (PCG), comprising Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) and two other companies. In 1998, the District Court approved a Consent Decree between the PCG members and the state of Arizona resolving all matters related to an enforcement action contemplated by the state of Arizona against the PCG members with respect to the groundwater matter. The Consent Decree committed Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other PCG members to complete the remediation work outlined in the Consent Decree. That work continues at this time pursuant to the Consent Decree and consistent with the National Contingency Plan prepared by EPA under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

           Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other members of the PCG are pursuing contribution litigation against three other parties involved with the site. At least two of the three defendants now have admitted direct liability as responsible parties. The first phase of the case has been assigned a trial date in August 2004. Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. also asserted claims against certain past insurance carriers. As of November 2002, all of the carriers have settled or had their liability adjudicated. One carrier has appealed the judgment against it.

           In addition, a dispute between one dissenting PCG member and Phelps Dodge Miami, Inc. and the other PCG member was filed in Superior Court in 2002. The litigation seeks a declaratory judgment on the dissenting member’s contract liability under the PCG agreement. Trial for this matter is scheduled for mid-2004.

           Approximately $113 million remained in the Company’s Pinal Creek remediation reserve at December 31, 2003. While significant recoveries may be achieved in the contribution litigation, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the amount and, therefore, has not taken potential recoveries into consideration in the recorded reserve.

VI.      The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cyprus Amax Minerals Company (Cyprus), is the plaintiff in an action entitled Cyprus Amax Minerals Company v. Asarco Incorporated, 99 Civ. 11198 (LMM), which was filed on November 9, 1999, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action arises out of the merger agreement between Cyprus and Asarco dated as of July 15, 1999 (the merger agreement). The complaint alleges, among other things, that Asarco breached the merger agreement and a subsequent agreement by soliciting an alternative takeover proposal for Asarco from another company. Cyprus seeks, among other things, compensatory damages of not less than $90 million. Asarco filed an answer to the complaint on November 30, 1999. On April 10, 2001, Asarco filed an amended answer and counterclaims against Cyprus and the Company for recovery of a $30 million termination fee paid to the Company in October 1999 and for other unspecified damages related to the bidding process for Asarco.

           Discovery in this action concluded in July 2003. On September 12, 2003, in accordance with an Order of the Court, Cyprus served Asarco with a First Amended Complaint that, among other things, incorporates additional factual allegations based on information learned during discovery and asserts new causes of action against Asarco. On September 26, 2003, Asarco served Cyprus with an answer to the First Amended Complaint that, among other things, omits all of the counterclaims previously asserted by Asarco against Cyprus and the Company. On October 10, 2003, the parties entered into a Stipulation in which Asarco formally dismissed with prejudice all counterclaims previously asserted against Cyprus and the Company, and on October 17, 2003, that Stipulation was so ordered by the Court. Asarco moved for summary judgment with respect to the First Amended Complaint on November 10, 2003, and that motion is currently pending. The Court has not yet set a date for the trial of this action.

VII.   On May 30, 2001, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) notified the Company of alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at the United Verde Mine. A Consent Decree was entered in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona on November 20, 2003, resolving these allegations. The Consent Decree specifies the terms for settlement of the Clean Water Act claims, under which the Company will undertake certain improvement and reclamation projects. The Company also paid a civil penalty of $220,142.

VIII.  On October 18, 2002, the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department issued NOVs under the New Mexico Mining Act Rules (NMMAR) to Chino Mines Company (Chino), Phelps Dodge Tyrone, Inc. (Tyrone) and Cobre Mining Company (Cobre). The NOVs allege that Chino, Tyrone and Cobre failed to obtain approval of closeout plans as required by NMMAR by October 1, 2002. A closeout plan


Table of Contents

35

under NMMAR consists of a plan for reclamation of a mining operation following cessation of operations and financial assurance sufficient for MMD to complete the closeout plan if the operator defaults. The NOVs would have established schedules requiring that the alleged violations be abated by April 20, 2003, for Chino, June 30, 2003, for Cobre and September 30, 2003, for Tyrone. The NOVs did not assess civil penalties, but reserved the right to assess penalties in the future in accordance with the penalty assessment procedures in NMMAR. The NOVs further stated that if the alleged violations were not abated by the dates set in the NOVs, MMD would issue “cessation orders” in accordance with NMMAR requiring that mining operations cease until the alleged violation is abated. On November 1, 2002, Chino, Tyrone and Cobre each filed Petitions for Review (Petitions) of the NOVs with the New Mexico Mining Commission (Commission). The Petitions contended that closeout plan approval was not possible by October 1, 2002, because of delays by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) in issuing discharge permits for closure and issuing determinations that the closeout plans for Chino, Tyrone and Cobre are expected to achieve compliance with environmental standards, including compliance with water quality standards. The Petitions requested that the NOVs be vacated or, in the alternative, that different dates be set for abatement of the alleged violations which allow a reasonable period of time after NMED issues its discharge permits to obtain approval of the closeout plans. The Commission held a public hearing on December 13-14, 2002, on the Petitions. The Commission upheld the NOVs but modified the period for abatement for each mine to run from the dates when NMED issues the discharge permits for closure for the mines. Under the modified NOVs, Chino, Cobre and Tyrone will have seven, nine and 12 months, respectively, after NMED issues their closure permits to obtain approval of their closeout plans.

           NMED issued Chino’s closure permit on February 24, 2003. Since the closure permit was issued, Chino has engaged in discussions to resolve the amount and form of financial assurance required by NMED and MMD and the details of the closeout plan approval by MMD. To allow additional time to finalize applicable documentation and to hold a public hearing as required under the Mining Act, MMD issued orders extending the deadline for Chino’s closeout plan approval to December 19, 2003. MMD approved Chino’s closeout plan on December 18, 2003. Chino’s closure permit has been appealed by third parties to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). Chino filed a motion to dismiss the appeal due to the failure to follow required procedures, which was granted by the WQCC. The WQCC’s decision has been appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

           NMED issued Tyrone’s closure permit on April 8, 2003, and Tyrone’s deadline for closeout plan approval is April 8, 2004. As a result of agreements on financial assurance announced in May and October 2003, a framework for financial assurance for Tyrone has been established. This arrangement is subject to public comment. Tyrone and one other party have appealed certain portions of the closure permit and a hearing before the WQCC on those appeals was completed on November 13, 2003. A decision by the WQCC is not expected until mid-April 2004. Tyrone is working with MMD to meet the deadline for its closeout plan approval.

           Cobre has not yet received its NMED closure permit. Its deadline for closeout plan approval will be nine months from the date the NMED permit is issued.

IX.      Since approximately 1990, Phelps Dodge or its subsidiaries have been named as a defendant in a number of product liability or premises lawsuits brought by electricians and other skilled tradesmen or contractors claiming injury from exposure to asbestos found in limited lines of electrical wire products produced or marketed many years ago, or from asbestos at certain Phelps Dodge properties. Phelps Dodge presently believes its liability, if any, in these matters will not have a material adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, upon its business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or cash flow. There can be no assurance, however, that future developments will not alter this conclusion.

X.       On September 30, 2002, Columbian Chemicals Company, a subsidiary of the Company, received an administrative complaint from EPA for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its El Dorado, Arkansas, carbon black plant. Columbian Chemicals Company and EPA are conducting settlement discussions in an effort to resolve the matter informally.

XI.       On November 7, 2002, the United Kingdom Environment Agency (Agency) issued an enforcement notice to Columbian Chemicals Company’s Sevalco plant in the United Kingdom. This notice followed Sevalco’s disclosure to the Agency in October 2002 that Sevalco had discovered irregularities in its effluent discharge reports, and requires the plant to implement procedures to ensure that discharges satisfy permit limits and are properly reported. Columbian Chemicals Company is cooperating with the Agency while the Agency continues its investigation of this matter.

XII.      In November 2002, Columbian Chemicals Company was contacted by U.S. and European antitrust authorities regarding a joint investigation they initiated into alleged price fixing in the carbon black industry. European antitrust authorities reviewed documents at three of Columbian Chemicals’ facilities in Europe, and U.S. authorities contacted Columbian Chemicals’ headquarters in Marietta, Georgia.

XIII.    The Company and Columbian Chemicals Company, together with several other companies, were named as defendants in an action entitled Technical Industries, Inc. v. Cabot Corporation, et al., filed on January 30, 2003, in the U.S. District Court in Boston, Massachusetts, and 14 other actions filed in four U.S. district courts, on behalf of a purported class of all individuals or entities who purchased carbon black directly from the defendants since January 1999. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, consolidated all of these actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under the caption In re Carbon Black Antitrust Litigation. The consolidated complaint filed in these actions by the plaintiffs has dropped the Company as a defendant. The consolidated complaint, which alleges that the defendants fixed the prices of carbon black and engaged in other unlawful activities in violation of the U.S. antitrust laws, seeks treble damages in an unspecified amount and attorneys’ fees. The Company and Columbian Chemicals Company, together with several other companies, have also been named as defendants in an action entitled Level Construction, Inc. v. Cabot Corporation, et al., filed in Superior Court of the state of California for the County of San Francisco and eight other actions filed in California Superior Courts on behalf of a purported class of indirect purchasers of carbon black in the state of California from as early as November 1998 to the present. The complaints allege similar claims by indirect purchasers under California state law and seek treble damages in an


Table of Contents

36

unspecified amount and attorneys’ fees. These complaints have been consolidated in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Francisco under the caption Carbon Black Cases. The consolidated complaint filed in three actions by the plaintiffs has dropped the Company as a defendant. Similar class actions have been filed in state courts in North Carolina, Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, South Dakota and Tennessee on behalf of indirect purchases of carbon black in those and six other states alleging violations of state antitrust and deceptive trade practices laws. Columbian has also received a demand for relief on behalf of indirect purchasers in Massachusetts, but no lawsuit has been filed. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend the lawsuits vigorously.

XIV.   In November 2002, EPA issued a unilateral administrative order (UAO) under CERCLA to the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Western Nuclear, Inc., and two other companies, Kerr McGee Corporation and Fremont Lumber Company (collectively, the PRPs) requiring the companies to perform certain remedial design (RD) and remedial action (RA) work at the White King/Lucky Lass Uranium Mines site near Lakeview, Oregon. The PRPs do not believe the UAO was lawfully issued because EPA failed to recognize the joint responsibility of the U.S. government under applicable laws and to perform non-discretionary duties to ensure federal government responsibility for remediating the site prior to issuance of the UAO. The PRPs notified the EPA of their intent to sue and obtain, among other things, a judicial determination of the illegality of the UAO.

           The PRPs voluntarily commenced and undertook the RD work (but not RA work) required by the UAO, and advised the EPA of their position and progress. From January 2003 through July 2003, the PRPs and EPA exchanged letters expressing their respective positions concerning the validity of the UAO. On July 31, 2003, the EPA rejected the PRPs’ position, notifying them that penalties are accruing for the alleged violations of the UAO and that the purported penalties through the end of July 2003 total approximately $5.2 million.

           On September 19, 2003, the PRPs served a complaint on the Acting Administrator of the EPA, which seeks to have the federal district court of Oregon declare the UAO unlawful for failure to comply with the requirement under CERCLA to ensure federal government participation in remedying the site. Fremont Lumber Company, et al. v. Horinko, No. 03-CV-1073-AS (D. Ore). On December 15, 2003, EPA answered the complaint and denied the PRPs’ allegations of non-compliance with CERCLA. On January 12, 2004, EPA filed a complaint against the PRPs seeking to enforce the PRPs’ compliance with the UAO and to recover administrative penalties and response costs incurred at the site. The PRPs and EPA have commenced discussions in an effort to settle all outstanding issues.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of 2003 to a vote of security holders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

 

Executive Officers of Phelps Dodge Corporation

      The executive officers of Phelps Dodge Corporation are elected to serve at the pleasure of its board of directors. As of March 1, 2004, the executive officers of Phelps Dodge Corporation were as follows:

 
                     
Name   Age at
3/1/04
  Position   Officer of the
Corporation
Since
 
J. Steven Whisler
    49     Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer     1987  
 
Timothy R. Snider
    53     President and Chief Operating Officer; President, Phelps Dodge Mining Company     1997  
 
Ramiro G. Peru
    48     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer     1995  
 
Arthur R. Miele
    62     Senior Vice President, Marketing; President, Phelps Dodge Sales Company     1987  
 
Kalidas V. Madhavpeddi
    48     Senior Vice President, Business Development; President, Phelps Dodge Wire and Cable Group     1999  
 
S. David Colton
    48     Senior Vice President,
General Counsel
    1998  
 
David L. Pulatie
    62     Senior Vice President,
Human Resources
    1999  
 
James P. Berresse
    43     President and Chief Executive Officer, Columbian Chemicals Company        
 

      Except as stated below, all of the above have been officers of Phelps Dodge Corporation for the past five years.

      Mr. Snider was elected President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2003. Prior to that time, Mr. Snider was Senior Vice President of the Corporation, a position he held since 1998.

      Mr. Colton was elected Senior Vice President in November 1999. He was elected Vice President and General Counsel in April 1998. Prior to that time, Mr. Colton was Vice President and Counsel for Phelps Dodge Exploration, a position he held since 1995.

      Mr. Madhavpeddi was elected Senior Vice President, Business Development in November 2000. He was elected Vice President, Business Development in November 1999 and President, Phelps Dodge Wire and Cable Group in May 2002. Prior to that time, Mr. Madhavpeddi was Vice President, Business Development of Phelps Dodge Mining Company, a position he held since 1995.

      Mr. Pulatie was elected Senior Vice President, Human Resources in March 1999. Mr. Pulatie joined Phelps Dodge in March 1999 after a 34-year career with Motorola Inc.

      Mr. Berresse was appointed to the Corporation’s Senior Management Team in November 2003. He was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbian Chemicals Company in April 2002. He was elected Executive Vice President, Columbian Chemicals Company, in October 2001. Prior to that time, Mr. Berresse was Senior Vice President, Finance and Business Development, and Chief Financial Officer, Columbian Chemicals Company, positions he held since August 1998.


Table of Contents

37

PART II

 
 

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

      The information called for in Item 5 appears on pages 84 through 85 and page 114 of this report.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

      The following financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with the information set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto appearing in this Annual Report.

 
($ in millions except per share and per pound amounts)
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,
    2003 (a)   2002 (b)   2001 (c)   2000 (d)   1999 (e)
Statement of Operations Data
                                       
Sales and other operating revenues
  $ 4,142.7       3,722.0       4,002.4       4,525.1       3,114.4  
Operating income (loss)
    197.6       (209.3 )     (28.8 )     268.2       (361.6 )
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
    18.1       (315.2 )     (329.5 )     56.3       (278.3 )
Net income (loss)
    94.8       (338.1 )     (331.5 )     56.3       (281.8 )
Basic earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
    0.06       (3.86 )     (4.19 )     0.72       (4.51 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
    0.06       (3.86 )     (4.19 )     0.72       (4.51 )
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
    0.92       (4.13 )     (4.22 )     0.72       (4.57 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
    0.91       (4.13 )     (4.22 )     0.72       (4.57 )
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
                                       
Current assets
  $ 1,790.0       1,428.2       1,531.2       1,542.7       1,735.7  
Total assets
    7,272.9       7,029.0       7,584.3       7,841.2       8,212.1  
Total debt
    1,959.0       2,110.6       2,871.6       2,687.7       2,755.0  
Long-term debt
    1,703.9       1,948.4       2,538.3       1,963.0       2,172.5  
Shareholders’ equity
    3,063.8       2,813.6       2,730.1       3,184.4       3,328.9  
Cash dividends declared per common share
                0.75       2.00       2.00  
 
Other Data
                                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 470.5       348.0       302.7       511.2       204.5  
Capital expenditures and investments
    102.4       133.2       311.0       422.3       240.4  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (87.7 )     (140.3 )     (266.8 )     (274.2 )     6.0  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (48.8 )     (244.8 )     101.0       (221.2 )     (198.0 )
 
Division Results
                                       
Phelps Dodge Mining Company operating income (loss)
  $ 265.2       (65.0 )     (83.6 )     276.0       (346.6 )
Phelps Dodge Industries operating income
    68.5       30.6       74.0       70.3       49.7  
Corporate and Other operating loss
    (136.1 )     (174.9 )     (19.2 )     (78.1 )     (64.7 )
 
                                       
 
  $ 197.6       (209.3 )     (28.8 )     268.2       (361.6 )
 
                                       
 
Copper
                                       
Copper production (own production — thousand tons)
    1,059.3       1,028.8       1,160.1       1,200.3       890.1  
Copper sales (own production — thousand tons)
    1,069.3       1,051.1       1,170.8       1,200.6       891.9  
COMEX copper price (per pound) (f)
  $ 0.81       0.72       0.73       0.84       0.72  
LME copper price (per pound) (g)
  $ 0.81       0.71       0.72       0.82       0.71  
Implied full unit cost of copper production (per pound) (h)
  $ 0.68       0.68       0.75       0.71       0.69  
Commercially recoverable copper (million tons)
                                       
Ore reserves
    19.5       19.6       22.1       23.1       23.7  
Stockpiles and in-process inventories
    1.6       1.4       0.9       1.0       0.7  
 
                                       
 
    21.1       21.0       23.0       24.1       24.4  
 


Table of Contents

38

 
   
All references to per share earnings or loss are based on diluted earnings (loss) per share.
(a)  
Reported amounts include after-tax, special gains of $68.3 million, or 76 cents per common share, recognized for our acquisition of Heisei’s one-third interest in Chino Mines Company; $8.4 million, or 9 cents per common share, for cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS No. 143; $6.4 million, or 7 cents per common share, for the sale of a wire and cable cost investment; $2.4 million, or 3 cents per common share, for the termination of a foreign postretirement benefit plan; $1.0 million, or 1 cent per common share, for the tax benefit relating to the net operating loss carryback prior to 2002; and $0.5 million, or 1 cent per common share, for environmental insurance recoveries. These were partially offset by special provisions of $27.0 million, or 30 cents per common share, for environmental provisions; $8.0 million, or 9 cents per common share, for a probable Texas franchise tax matter; $2.9 million, or 3 cents per common share, for historic Cyprus Amax Minerals Company legal matters; $1.7 million, or 2 cents per common share, for asset impairment charges at our Wire and Cable segment; and $0.9 million, or 1 cent per common share, for goodwill impairment at our Wire and Cable segment.
(b)  
Reported amounts included after-tax, special charges of $146.5 million, or $1.74 per common share, for asset impairment charges at Cobre of $115.5 million, Hidalgo of $12.9 million and Ajo of $18.1 million; $53.0 million, or 63 cents per common share, for settlement of lawsuits related to Cyprus Amax Minerals Company; $45.0 million, or 54 cents per common share, for a binding arbitration award for Plateau Mining Corporation (a subsidiary of Cyprus Amax Minerals Company); $26.6 million, or 32 cents per common share, for early debt extinguishment costs; $23.0 million, or 27 cents per common share, for restructuring activities; $22.9 million, or 27 cents per common share, for cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142; $14.0 million, or 17 cents per common share, for environmental provisions; $7.0 million, or 8 cents per common share, for estimated remaining closure cost obligation at Hidalgo; and $1.2 million, or 1 cent per common share, for the write-off of two cost basis investments and $1.0 million, or 1 cent per common share, for the settlement of legal matters. These were partially offset by $29.1 million, or 35 cents per common share, for environmental insurance recoveries; $22.6 million, or 27 cents per common share, for the sale of non-core parcel of real estate in New Mexico; $13.0 million, or 15 cents per common share, for the release of deferred taxes for Plateau Mining Corporation; and $66.6 million, or 79 cents per common share, for the tax benefit relating to the net operating loss carryback prior to 2002.
(c)  
Reported amounts included after-tax, special gains of $61.8 million, or 79 cents per common share, for environmental insurance recoveries; $39.9 million, or 51 cents per common share, for the gain on the sale of Sossego; and $9.0 million, or 11 cents per common share, for an insurance settlement associated with legal matters. These were partially offset by special provisions of $57.9 million, or 74 cents per share, to increase the deferred tax valuation allowance; $31.1 million, or 40 cents per common share, reflecting provisions for environmental costs; $29.8 million, or 38 cents per common share, for restructuring activities; $12.9 million, or 16 cents per common share, for investment impairments; $2.0 million, or 3 cents per common share, for the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS Nos. 133 and 138; and $3.4 million, or 4 cents per common share, for other items, net.
(d)  
Reported amounts included after-tax, special provisions of $56.4 million, or 72 cents per common share, for restructuring activities; offset by an income tax refund and related interest of $10.1 million, or 13 cents per common share; and an insurance settlement refund of $3.0 million, or 4 cents per common share.
(e)  
Reported amounts included after-tax, special provisions of $222.5 million, or $3.61 per common share, for asset impairments; $17.8 million, or 29 cents per common share, reflecting provisions for environmental costs; $65.7 million, or $1.07 per common share, for costs associated with restructuring activities; and $3.5 million, or 6 cents per common share, for the cumulative effect of an accounting change. These were partially offset by a special gain of $30.0 million, or 49 cents per common share, for an adjustment of prior year’s taxes. PD acquired Cyprus Amax Minerals Company on October 16, 1999.
(f)  
New York Commodity Exchange annual average spot price per pound — cathodes.
(g)  
London Metal Exchange annual average spot price per pound — cathodes.
(h)  
Based on PDMC’s “all-in operating margin per pound of copper sold” (i.e., PDMC operating income (loss) excluding special items, divided by pounds of copper sold from PDMC mines for its own account, plus or minus the LME copper price).

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

The information called for in Item 7 appears on pages 39 through 85 of this report.
 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information called for in Item 7A appears on pages 39 through 41 and 71 through 74 of this report.
 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information called for in Item 8 appears on pages 86 through 134 of this report.
 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.
 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in a timely manner.

      An evaluation of the effectiveness of this system of disclosure controls and procedures was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that the current system of controls and procedures is effective.

      The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 


Table of Contents

39

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

 

 

      The following provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of Phelps Dodge Corporation (the Company, which also may be referred to as Phelps Dodge, PD, we, us or our). It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Our business consists of two major divisions, Phelps Dodge Mining Company (PDMC) and Phelps Dodge Industries (PDI).

      The United States securities laws provide a “safe harbor” for certain forward-looking statements. This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the expected commencement dates of operations, projected quantities of commercially recoverable copper and molybdenum from ore reserves and stockpiles, projected quantities of future production, capital costs, production rates, cash flow and other operating and financial data are based on expectations that the Company believes are reasonable, but we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct.

      Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others: risks and uncertainties relating to general U.S. and international economic and political conditions; the cyclical and volatile price of copper and other commodities; political and economic risks associated with foreign operations; unanticipated ground and water conditions; geological problems; metallurgical and other processing problems; availability of materials and equipment; delays in the receipt of or failure to receive necessary government permits; appeals of agency decisions or other litigation; volatility in the price or availability of oil (the main feedstock for our carbon black operations), diesel fuel, electricity and natural gas; currency fluctuations; changes in laws or regulations or the interpretation and enforcement thereof (including changes in treaties or laws governing international trade or tariffs); the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions; force majeure events; lower than expected ore grades; the failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations; unanticipated difficulties consolidating acquired operations and obtaining expected synergies; labor relations; accidents; delays in anticipated start-up dates; environmental risks; the ability to obtain anticipated cost savings and efficiencies; the ability to obtain satisfactory insurance coverages; the ability to obtain surety bonds or other financial assurance for reclamation obligations; and the results of financing efforts and financial market conditions.

      These and other risk factors are discussed in more detail herein. Many such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview of Phelps Dodge Corporation’s Businesses and Management’s Assessment of Key Factors and Indicators that Could Impact Our Business, Operating Results and Cash Flows

      Phelps Dodge is the world’s second-largest producer of copper, a world leader in the production of molybdenum, the largest producer of molybdenum-based chemicals and continuous-cast copper rod, and among the leading producers of magnet wire and carbon black. PDMC is our international business division comprising our vertically integrated copper operations from mining through rod production, primary molybdenum operations through conversion, marketing and sales, and worldwide exploration. Our copper mines comprise Morenci, Bagdad, Sierrita, Miami, Chino, Cobre and Tyrone in the United States and Candelaria, Cerro Verde, El Abra and Ojos del Salado in South America. The Primary Molybdenum segment includes our Henderson and Climax molybdenum mines.

      PDI is our manufacturing division comprising two business segments that produce engineered products principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and specialty chemicals sectors. PDI broadens our company and provides alternative streams of earnings and cash flows. Its operations are characterized by products with significant market share, internationally competitive costs and quality, and specialized engineering capabilities. Columbian Chemicals Company, our Specialty Chemicals segment, is one of the world’s largest producers of engineered carbon blacks, with facilities in North America, Europe, South America and Asia. Phelps Dodge Wire and Cable, our Wire and Cable segment, consists of three worldwide product-line businesses comprising magnet wire, energy and telecommunications cables, and specialty conductors.

      From an overall Phelps Dodge perspective, some of the most significant risks associated with our businesses, or factors that could impact our businesses, operating results and cash flows, are the volatility of copper and molybdenum prices, increased energy costs, unit cost structure, environmental and regulatory compliance, and mine closure regulations. Additionally, our ability to replenish our copper and molybdenum ore reserves, which are depleted as we mine, is important to our long-term viability.

Markets. Copper is a fundamental material used in residential and commercial construction, electrical and electronics equipment, transportation, industrial machinery and consumer durable goods. Copper is an internationally traded commodity and it is traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME), the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). The prices on these exchanges generally reflect the worldwide balance of copper demand and supply and various U.S. and international macroeconomic and political conditions. The copper market is volatile and cyclical. During the past 15 years, prices per pound have ranged from a high of $1.60 to a low of 60 cents. Any material change in the price we receive for copper has a significant effect on our results. Based upon our share of the expected 2004 annual production of approximately 2.35 billion pounds of copper, each 1 cent per pound change in our average annual realized copper price (or our average annual unit cost of production) causes a variation in annual operating income before taxes of approximately $23 million. Consequently, a sustained and uninterrupted period of unusually low copper prices has a dramatic impact on our profits and cash flow.


Table of Contents

40

      During most of the 1990s, copper enjoyed annual demand growth of 3 percent and a corresponding expansion in production. This was followed by a period of global contraction that began in the early part of 2000 and continued until mid-2003. The contraction was partially offset by double-digit growth rates in Chinese industrial production and copper consumption.

      In 2003, positive economic indicators in the United States had a major impact on the prospects for a global recovery. Growth in China allowed some East Asian nations to enjoy export-led economic recoveries. China overtook the United States as the No. 1 consumer of refined copper in the world. World exchange inventories fell from their mid-2002 peak of more than 1.5 million metric tons to almost half, or approximately 800 thousand metric tons. Increasing demand and disruptions at major copper-producing mines produced a tight market. This market, combined with record speculative positions, a weakening U.S. dollar and low U.S. interest rates, resulted in copper prices averaging 81 cents per pound in 2003, almost 10 cents above the average for 2002. Prices climbed to more than $1.04 per pound at the end of the year.

      Phelps Dodge expects expanding growth in copper demand, led by the United States and China, and limited growth in supply because of publicly reported shortfalls, will be supportive of copper prices in 2004.

      Molybdenum also is characterized by volatile, cyclical prices. Prices are influenced by worldwide economic conditions, world supply/demand balances, inventory levels, currency exchange rates, production costs of U.S. and foreign competitors, and other factors. Molybdenum demand depends heavily on the global steel industry, which uses the metal as a hardening agent. More than 80 percent of molybdenum is used in this application. The remainder is used in specialty chemical applications such as catalysts, water treatment agents and lubrication. A substantial portion of world molybdenum production is a by-product of copper mining, which is relatively insensitive to molybdenum prices. During the past 15 years, Metals Week Dealer Oxide prices per pound have ranged from a high of $17.50 to a low of $1.82.

      Molybdenum experienced a price improvement during 2003 for the second straight year. The average Metals Week Dealer Oxide price increased 41 percent from 2002’s mean price of $3.77 per pound to $5.32 in 2003. Production levels increased in 2003 as a result of improving metal prices. Most of this production increase came from by-product mines. Demand increased in 2003 and outpaced production increases, resulting in a deficit market balance estimated between 5,000 metric tons and 8,000 metric tons for the year.

      For 2004, Phelps Dodge expects both supply and demand to increase. We anticipate that supply increases will come from by-product production. Demand increases are expected in the stainless steel, specialty steel and specialty chemical sectors. The overall supply-demand outlook for 2004 is for a balanced market.

      Wire and cable products serve a variety of different markets, including energy, construction, consumer and industrial products, aerospace, medical devices, transportation, natural resources and telecommunications. Products include magnet wire, energy and telecommunications cables, and specialty conductors. These products advance technology and support infrastructure development in growing regions of the world.

      During 2003, wire and cable sales suffered for much of the year because of lowered demand attributable to global economic uncertainty. Excess industry capacity kept prices at disappointing levels.

      Toward the end of the year, however, demand began to increase in South America, Central America and Africa as these regions resumed investments in infrastructure. Revenue increased in North America because of higher copper prices and higher aluminum sales. Markets for these products appear to be improving in early 2004. However, overall demand in our served markets has not yet resulted in a significant improvement in our sales volumes or operating margins.

      Wire and cable products are expected to enjoy increased sales and profitability as the U.S. and world economies recover. Phelps Dodge continues to focus on improving the profitability of this business.

      Carbon black is a key raw material used in the manufacture of tires, rubber and plastics products, inks, paints and coatings, and a variety of other applications. Carbon black demand is primarily driven by the needs of the tire industry, which consumes nearly 70 percent of world production. In 2003, world demand for carbon black exceeded 7.3 million metric tons.

      During the past decade, global demand for carbon black has grown at slightly more than 3 percent per year, and this growth rate is projected to continue. Increased worldwide vehicle demand and growth in demand for larger tire sizes and high performance tires have been contributing factors to this sustained growth rate for carbon black.

      Market dynamics continued to have an adverse effect on the performance of Phelps Dodge’s carbon black subsidiary, Columbian Chemicals Company, in 2003. Sluggish economic conditions, excess carbon black capacity, and high energy and raw material prices affected prices and margins. The improving U.S. economy and the reduction of some of the excess carbon black manufacturing capacity in Europe and North America will be positive factors in the outlook for 2004. However, significant competitive pressures are expected to continue to affect margin improvement.

Energy Costs. Energy, including electricity, diesel fuel and natural gas, represents a significant portion of the production costs for our operations. The principal sources of energy for our mining operations are purchased petroleum products, natural gas and electricity. The principal sources of energy in our wire and cable and specialty chemicals operations are purchased electricity and natural gas. In addition, the price of residual oil feedstock is a significant factor in the cost of our specialty chemicals products because the carbon black we produce is made primarily from heavy residual oil. In response to volatile energy markets in 2000 and 2001, we implemented a power cost stabilization plan that has reduced the electricity-related costs at our U.S. mining operations. Additionally, we entered into price protection programs for our diesel fuel and natural gas purchases to protect us against significant upward movements in energy prices while maintaining the flexibility to participate in any favorable price movements. However, because energy is a significant portion of our pro-


Table of Contents

41

duction costs, we could be negatively impacted by future energy availability issues or increases in energy prices.

Unit Cost Structure. Our unit cost structure for copper production is higher than those of some major producers, whose principal mines are located outside the United States, due to lower ore grades, higher labor costs and, in some cases, stricter regulatory requirements. Our competitive cost position receives much attention from senior management and in 2001 we implemented a company-wide, comprehensive lean-production program, called Quest for Zero, that we believe has narrowed these cost disadvantages with respect to a number of our international competitors. We achieved $330 million of operating improvements during 2003, with an annualized run-rate of approximately $365 million. We recently experienced a leveling off of the rate of improvement due to increased challenges that come with multi-year improvement projects as we have begun to tackle more difficult initiatives, incur unforeseen costs, and make decisions to emphasize growth-oriented projects. Should we be unable to maintain this level of annualized improvements, our earnings may be affected.

Environmental and Mine Closure Regulatory Compliance. Our operations in the United States are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to improving or maintaining environmental quality. Our global operations also are subject to many environmental protection laws. Environmental laws often require parties to pay for remedial action or to pay damages regardless of fault. Environmental laws also often impose liability with respect to divested or terminated operations, even if the operations were terminated or divested many years ago. The federal Clean Air Act has had a significant impact, particularly on our smelters and power plants. The amended federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations governing mined-land reclamation for mining on federal lands will likely increase our regulatory obligations and compliance costs over time with respect to mine closure reclamation. We are subject to state laws and regulations that establish requirements for mined-land reclamation and financial assurance. We also have potential liability for certain sites we currently operate or formerly operated and for certain third-party sites under the federal superfund law and similar state laws.

      Our mining operations and exploration activities, both inside and outside the United States, are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection and remediation of the environment, protection of endangered and protected species, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. Mining is also subject to risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production. Compliance with these laws and regulations imposes substantial costs on us and subjects us to significant potential liabilities.

Ore Reserves. We use several strategies to replenish and grow our copper and molybdenum ore reserves. Our first consideration is to invest in mining and exploration properties near our existing operations. These additions allow us to develop adjacent properties with relatively small, incremental investments in operations.

      Our technology innovations not only improve productivity, but also open new growth opportunities for us. When we develop and apply new technologies, for example our success with solution extraction/electrowinning beginning in the early 1980s, we create the ability to process ore types we previously considered uneconomic.

      Another strategy has been to focus our exploration programs to seek new mining opportunities in Latin America, Asia, Australia and other regions. In several cases, we pursue these opportunities with joint-venture partners. By working with others, we plan to maximize the potential benefits of our exploration expenditures and spread costs and risks among several parties.

      Acquisitions also may contribute to our growth strategy. If acquisition opportunities present themselves, we will consider them, but we will pursue them only if they pass our rigorous screens for adding economic value to the Company.

Other Considerations. The mining business is subject to many risks and factors that could impact our business, operating results and cash flows. Phelps Dodge actively manages the factors that are controllable such as implementing the Quest for Zero program to improve our unit cost structure, implementing a power cost stabilization plan that has reduced the electricity-related costs at our U.S. Mining Operations, and establishing price protection programs for our diesel fuel and natural gas price that have protected us against significant upward movements in energy prices while maintaining the flexibility to participate in any favorable price movements. As discussed above, there are various factors outside of our control such as the volatility of copper and molybdenum prices, increasing market energy costs and changes to environmental, closure and other regulatory laws that could significantly impact our business.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

      Phelps Dodge’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon its Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation and amortization calculations; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; estimates of recoverable copper in mill and leach stockpiles; asset impairments (including estimates of future cash flows); postemployment, postretirement and other employee benefit liabilities; bad debts; restructuring reserves; realization of deferred tax assets; reserves for contingencies and litigation; and fair value of financial instruments. Phelps Dodge bases its estimates on the Company’s historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

      Phelps Dodge believes the following significant assumptions and estimates affect its more critical practices and accounting policies used in the preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

42

      Phelps Dodge, at least annually, estimates its ore reserves at active properties and properties currently on care-and-maintenance status. There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond the control of the Company. Ore reserve estimates are based upon engineering evaluations of assay values derived from samplings of drill holes and other openings. Additionally, declines in the market price of a particular metal may render certain reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to mine. Further, availability of permits, changes in operating and capital costs, and other factors could materially and adversely affect our ore reserve estimates. Phelps Dodge uses its ore reserve estimates in determining the unit basis for units-of-production depreciation and amortization rates, as well as in evaluating mine asset impairments. Changes in ore reserve estimates could significantly affect these items. For example, a 10 percent increase in ore reserves at each mine would decrease total depreciation expense by approximately $20 million in 2004; a 10 percent decrease in ore reserves at each mine would increase total depreciation expense by approximately $24 million in 2004.

      Phelps Dodge’s reported ore reserves are economic at the most-recent three-year historical average COMEX copper price of 75 cents per pound and the most-recent three-year historical average molybdenum price of $3.82 per pound (Metals Week Dealer Oxide mean price).

      Phelps Dodge evaluates its long-term assets (to be held and used) for impairment when events or changes in economic circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Goodwill and our identifiable intangible assets are evaluated at least annually for impairment. Our evaluations are based on business plans that are developed using a time horizon that is reflective of the historical, moving average for the full price cycle. We currently use a long-term average COMEX price of 90 cents per pound of copper and an average molybdenum price of $3.40 per pound (Metals Week Dealer Oxide mean price), along with near-term price forecasts reflective of the current price environment to develop mine plans and production schedules. We use an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or asset grouping over the remaining life to measure whether the assets are recoverable and measure any impairment by reference to fair value. Fair value is generally estimated using the Company’s expectation of discounted net cash flows.

      The per pound COMEX copper price during the past 10 years, 15 years and 20 years averaged 91 cents, 96 cents and 91 cents, respectively. The per pound Metals Week Dealer Oxide mean molybdenum price over the same periods averaged $4.08, $3.59 and $3.51, respectively. Should estimates of future copper and molybdenum prices decrease impairments may result.

      Phelps Dodge maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the assessed inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of Phelps Dodge’s customers were to deteriorate unexpectedly, impacting their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Phelps Dodge routinely reviews the financial condition of its customers and makes assessments of collectibility. The total of these allowances for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2003 and 2002, was $10.1 million and $14.1 million, respectively. Additionally, no single customer accounts for 10 percent or more of our annual revenue.

      Phelps Dodge capitalizes applicable costs for copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles that are expected to be processed in the future. The mill and leach stockpiles are evaluated periodically to ensure that they are stated at the lower of cost or market. Because the determination of copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles by physical count is impracticable, we employ reasonable estimation methods.

      The quantity of material delivered to mill stockpiles is based on surveyed volumes of mined material and daily production records. Sampling and assaying of blast-hole cuttings determine the estimated amount of copper contained in the material delivered to the mill stockpiles. Expected copper recovery rates are determined by metallurgical testing. The recoverable copper in mill stockpiles can be extracted into copper concentrate almost immediately upon processing. Estimates of copper contained in mill stockpiles are reduced as material is removed and fed to the mill. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the estimated amount of recoverable copper contained in mill stockpiles was 0.2 million tons (PD’s share) and had a carrying value of $40.6 million and $31.9 million, respectively.

      The quantity of material in leach stockpiles is based on surveyed volumes of mined material and daily production records. Sampling and assaying of blast-hole cuttings determine the estimated amount of copper contained in material delivered to the leach stockpiles. Expected copper recovery rates are determined using small-scale laboratory tests, medium-scale column testing (which simulates the production-scale process), historical trends and other factors, including mineralogy of the ore and rock type. Estimated amounts of copper contained in the leach stockpiles are reduced as stockpiles are leached, the leach solution is fed to the electrowinning process, and copper cathodes are produced. Ultimate recovery of copper contained in leach stockpiles can vary from a very low percentage to over 90 percent depending on several variables, including type of processing, mineralogy and particle size of the rock. Although as much as 70 percent of the copper ultimately recoverable may be extracted during the first year of processing, recovery of the remaining copper may take several years. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the estimated amount of recoverable copper contained in leach stockpiles was 1.4 million tons (PD share) and 1.2 million tons (PD share), respectively, and had a carrying value of $71.0 million and $81.3 million, respectively.

      In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we recognize income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. For each jurisdiction, we estimate the actual amount of taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

      A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be


Table of Contents

43

realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, we consider estimated future taxable income as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction. If we determine that we will not realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets, we will increase our valuation allowance with a charge to income tax expense. Conversely, if we determine that we will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.

      The valuation allowance relating to our deferred tax assets totaled $461.3 million and $508.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2003 and 2002, including $56.5 million and $82.2 million related to foreign jurisdictions. If recent favorable copper prices continue for an extended period, it is likely that we will determine that we will be able to realize certain deferred tax assets in excess of the net amount currently recorded. Accordingly, a reduction of our valuation allowance for those deferred tax assets that we expect to recover will result in a credit to income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

      Phelps Dodge has trusteed, non-contributory pension plans covering substantially all its U.S. employees and some employees of international subsidiaries. The applicable plan design determines the manner in which the benefits are calculated for any particular group of employees.

      Under current financial accounting standards, any significant year-to-year movement in the rate of interest on long-term, high-quality corporate bonds necessitates a change in the discount rate used to calculate the actuarial present value of our accumulated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The discount rate was 6.25 percent at December 31, 2003, compared with 6.75 percent at December 31, 2002, and 7.25 percent at December 31, 2001. For our U.S. pension plans, the discount rate assumption is designed to reflect yields on high-quality, fixed-income investments for a given duration. We utilized a nationally recognized, third-party actuary to construct a bond portfolio comprising non-callable bonds from the S&P bond listing rated AA- or higher. The portfolio was constructed such that cash flow generated by the portfolio matched projected future cash flow from the pension plan. The model portfolio constructed used 33 bonds resulting in a discount rate of approximately 6.25 percent for our pension plans. Changes in this assumption are reflected in our benefit obligation and, therefore, in our liabilities and income or expense we record. Changes in the discount rate affects several components of pension expense/income, one of which is the amount of the cumulative gain or loss that will be recognized. Because gains or losses are only recognized when they fall outside of a calculated corridor, the effect of changes in the discount rate on pension expense may not be linear. For example, the first 25-basis-point increase in our assumed discount rate assumption as of the beginning of 2004 would decrease our pension expense by approximately $1 million per year during the next three years. Each of the next six 25-basis-point increases would decrease our pension expense by approximately $0.5 million per year. Any additional 25-basis-point increase would decrease our pension expense by approximately $2 million per year during the next three years. Each 25-basis-point decrease in our assumed discount rate assumption would increase our pension expense by approximately $2 million per year during the next three years. The change would not affect the minimum required contribution.

      Our pension plans were valued between December 1, 2001, and January 1, 2002, and between December 1, 2002, and January 1, 2003. Obligations were projected to and assets were valued as of the end of 2002 and 2003. The majority of plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and cash or cash equivalents. A small portion of the plan assets is invested in pooled real estate and other private investment funds.

      The Phelps Dodge Corporation Defined Benefit Master Trust (Master Trust), which holds plan assets for the Phelps Dodge Retirement Plan and U.S. pension plans for bargained employees, constituted 95 percent of total plan assets as of year-end 2003. These plans accounted for approximately 90 percent of benefit obligations. The investment portfolio for this trust as of year-end 2003 had an asset mix that included 57 percent equities (36 percent U.S. equities, 13 percent international equities and 8 percent emerging market equities), 33 percent fixed income (17 percent U.S. fixed income, 5 percent international fixed income, 3 percent emerging market fixed income, 5 percent U.S. high yield, and 3 percent treasury inflation-protected securities), 7 percent real estate and real estate investment trusts, and 3 percent other.

      Our policy for determining asset-mix targets for the Master Trust includes the periodic development of asset/liability studies by a nationally recognized, third-party investment consultant (to determine our expected long-term rate of return and expected risk for various investment portfolios). Management considers these studies in the formal establishment of asset-mix targets that are presented to the Finance Committee of the board of directors.

      Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is updated at least annually, taking into consideration our asset allocation, historical returns on the types of assets held in the Master Trust, and the current economic environment. Based on these factors, we expect our pension assets will earn an average of 8.5 percent per annum over the 20 years beginning December 1, 2003, with a standard deviation of 10.7 percent. The 8.5 percent estimation was based on a passive return on a compound basis of 8.0 percent and a premium for active management of 0.5 percent. On an arithmetic average basis, the passive return would have been 8.5 percent with a premium for active management of 0.5 percent. The expected return as of December 1, 2002, was 8.75 percent with a standard deviation of 10.6 percent.

      For estimation purposes, we assume our long-term asset mix generally will be consistent with the current mix. Changes in our asset mix could impact the amount of recorded pension income or expense, the funded status of the plan and the need for future cash contributions. A lower-than-expected return on assets also would decrease plan assets and decrease the amount of recorded pension income (or increase recorded pension expense) in future years. When calculating the expected return on plan assets, the Company uses a market-related value of assets that spreads asset gains and losses over five years. As a result, changes in the fair value of assets prior to January 1, 2004, will be reflected in the results of operations by January 1, 2009. A 25-basis-point increase/decrease in our expected long-term rate of return assumption as of the beginning of 2004 would decrease/increase our pension expense by approxi-


Table of Contents

44

mately $2 million per year during the next three years. In addition, a 25-basis-point decrease in the long-term rate of return assumption would increase the minimum required contribution to our pension plan by approximately $1 million per year during the same three-year period. The minimum 2004 cash contribution for the Phelps Dodge Retirement Plan and U.S. pension plans for bargained employees is approximately $4 million. The Company expects to contribute approximately $87 million in the 2004 third quarter based on its current assessment of the economic environment. However, a final determination will be made prior to the required contribution date.

      Phelps Dodge has postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans covering most of its U.S. employees and, in some cases, employees of international subsidiaries. Postretirement benefits vary among plans and many plans require contributions from employees. We account for these benefits on an accrual basis. Our funding policy provides that payments shall be at least equal to our cash basis obligation, plus additional amounts that may be approved by us from time to time.

      A 1 percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1.4 million and increase our postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $18.4 million; a 1 percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would decrease net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1.3 million and decrease our postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $16.7 million. The long-term expected rate of return on plan assets for our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans and the discount rate were determined on the same basis as our pension plan. Based on our asset allocation, historical returns on the types of assets held in the trust, and the current economic environment, we expect our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit assets will earn an average of 6.5 percent per annum over the long-term beginning December 1, 2003. The cash flow generated by the constructed bond portfolio comprising non-callable bonds from the S&P bond listing rated AA- or higher that was matched to projected future cash flow from the postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans resulted in a discount rate of approximately 6.25 percent. Changes in this assumption are reflected in our benefit obligation and, therefore, in our liabilities and income or expense we record. For example, the first 25-basis-point increase and each of the next six 25-basis-point increases in our assumed discount rate assumption as of the beginning of 2004 would decrease our periodic benefit cost by approximately $0.1 million per year during the next three years. Any additional 25-basis-point increase would decrease our periodic benefit cost by approximately $1 million per year during the next three years. Each 25-basis-point decrease in our assumed discount rate assumption would increase our periodic benefit cost by approximately $1 million per year during the next three years.

      Phelps Dodge develops natural resources and creates products that contribute to an enhanced standard of living for people throughout the world. Our mining, exploration, production and historic operating activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment which require, from time to time, significant expenditures. These environmental expenditures for closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities are expensed or capitalized depending upon their future economic benefits. The general guidance provided by U.S. GAAP requires that liabilities for contingencies should be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred before the date of the balance sheet and that the amount can be reasonably estimated. Please refer to page 94 for a more extensive discussion on our accounting policy for environmental expenditures.

      Significant management judgment and estimates are required to comply with this guidance. Accordingly, each month senior management reviews with the Company’s environmental remediation management, as well as with its financial and legal management, changes in facts and circumstances associated with its environmental obligations. The judgments and estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology, and current laws and regulations, and they take into consideration reasonably possible outcomes. The estimates can change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extent of site contamination, required remediation methods, and other actions by or against governmental agencies or private parties.

      At December 31, 2003, environmental reserves totaled $317.2 million. The cost range for reasonably possible outcomes for all environmental remediation sites for which a liability was recognized was estimated to be from $269 million to $620 million. In addition, Phelps Dodge has a number of sites that are not the subject of an environmental remediation liability because it is not probable that a successful claim will be made, but for which there is a reasonably possible likelihood of an environmental remediation liability. At December 31, 2003, the cost range for all such sites was estimated to be from $3 million to $17 million.

      Reclamation is an ongoing activity that occurs throughout the life of a mine. Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” We recognize asset retirement obligations (AROs) when incurred, with the initial measurement at fair value. In addition, asset retirement costs (ARCs) are capitalized as part of the related asset’s carrying value. AROs are accreted to full value over time through charges to income, and ARCs are depreciated over the assets’ respective useful lives. Reclamation costs for future disturbances will be recognized as an ARO and as a related ARC in the period incurred. Please refer to page 94 for a more extensive discussion on our accounting policy for reclamation and mine closure costs.

      Generally, reclamation and closure activities are specified by regulation or in permits issued by the relevant governing authority. Significant management judgment and estimates are required in estimating the extent and timing of expenditures based on life-of-mine planning. Accordingly, each quarter senior management reviews with the Company’s environmental and remediation management, as well as its financial and legal management, changes in facts and circumstances associated with its mine closure obligations. The judgments and estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology and current laws and regulations, and they take into consideration reasonably possible outcomes.

      At December 31, 2003, AROs totaled $225.3 million, compared with estimated total reclamation and closure cost, including anticipated future disturbances, of approximately $1.2 billion (unescalated, undiscounted and on a third-party cost basis), leaving approximately $1.0 billion to be accreted over the remaining reclamation period. The


Table of Contents

45

estimates can change substantially due to changes in laws and regulations, cost estimates, technology and life-of-mine plans. For example, the fair value cost estimate for our Chino Mines Company has increased from an initial estimate (third-party cost basis) of approximately $100 million in early 2001 to approximately $395 million resulting from negotiations with the relevant governing authorities. Please refer to pages 123 through 127 for additional discussion on our New Mexico closure and reclamation programs.

      Liabilities for contingencies and litigation are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the costs reasonably can be estimated. Gains for contingencies and litigation are recorded when realized.

      Refer to Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 1, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Financial Results

      Consolidated financial results were as follows:

 
                         
($ in millions except per share data)            
    2003   2002   2001
Sales and other operating revenues
  $ 4,142.7       3,722.0       4,002.4  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 197.6       (209.3 )     (28.8 )
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 18.1       (315.2 )     (329.5 )
Extraordinary gain on acquisition of partner’s interest in Chino
    68.3              
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
    8.4       (22.9 )     (2.0 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 94.8       (338.1 )     (331.5 )
 
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 0.06       (3.86 )     (4.19 )
Extraordinary gain on acquisition of partner’s interest in Chino
    0.77              
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
    0.09       (0.27 )     (0.03 )
 
                       
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.92       (4.13 )     (4.22 )
 
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting changes
  $ 0.06       (3.86 )     (4.19 )
Extraordinary gain on acquisition of partner’s interest in Chino
    0.76              
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
    0.09       (0.27 )     (0.03 )
 
                       
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.91       (4.13 )     (4.22 )
 
                       
 

      In 2003, the Company had consolidated earnings of $94.8 million, or 91 cents per common share, including a special, net gain of $46.7 million, or 52 cents per common share, after taxes. (All references to per share earnings or losses are based on diluted earnings per share.) In 2002, consolidated losses were $338.1 million, or $4.13 per common share, including a special, net charge of $208.9 million, or $2.48 per common share. The $432.9 million increase in consolidated earnings in 2003, compared with 2002, was primarily due to higher LME copper prices (approximately $214 million), a higher cumulative effect of accounting changes ($31.3 million) mostly due to goodwill impairment losses upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 in 2002, an extraordinary gain on the acquisition of our partner’s one-third share in Chino Mines Company ($68.3 million), a favorable change in pre-tax, special items and provisions ($206.0 million), lower interest expense ($41.2 million), and early debt extinguishment costs in 2002 ($31.3 million); partially offset by a higher tax provision ($163.2 million), resulting primarily from the absence of the effect of 2002 tax legislation that permitted a five-year carryback of our 2001 and 2002 net operating losses.

      In 2001, consolidated losses were $331.5 million, or $4.22 per common share, including a special, net charge of $26.4 million, or 34 cents per common share. The $6.6 million increase in consolidated loss in 2002, compared with 2001, was primarily the result of asset impairment charges and provisions ($153.5 million), historic Cyprus Amax Minerals Company (Cyprus Amax) lawsuit settlement or awards expense ($101.2 million), lower average copper prices (approximately $19 million), early debt extinguishment costs in 2002 ($31.3 million), the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 142 ($22.9 million), a decrease in profits at our Wire and Cable segment due primarily to the temporary closure of two facilities and restructuring charges ($23.6 million) and lower net environmental insurance recoveries/provisions ($10.4 million); partially offset by a lower implied unit cost of copper production, as defined on page 52 (approximately $145 million including higher molybdenum earnings of $20 million), the absence of the establishment of El Abra’s valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in 2001 ($57.9 million), lower interest expense ($40.5 million), higher tax benefits primarily resulting from new tax legislation ($188.0 million), and the 2002 sale of non-core real estate ($22.6 million).

Special Items and Provisions

      Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis there is disclosure and discussion of what management believes to be special items. We view special items as unpredictable and atypical of our operations in the period. We believe consistent identification, disclosure and discussion of such items, both favorable and unfavorable, provide additional information to assess the quality of our performance and our earnings or losses. This supplemental information is not a substitute for any U.S. GAAP measure and should be evaluated within the context of our U.S. GAAP results. Any supplemental information references to earnings, losses or results excluding special items or before special items is a non-GAAP measure that may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes the consolidated special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings (losses) excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special items, net of taxes
  $ 46.7       (208.9 )     (26.4 )
Earnings (losses) excluding special items (after taxes)
  $ 48.1       (129.2 )     (305.1 )
 


Table of Contents

46

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes the special items and provisions for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 
                         
($ in millions except per share data)    
    2003
                    $/Share
    Pre-tax   After-tax   After-tax
Special items and provisions, net:
                       
PDMC (see Business Division disclosure)
  $ (5.5 )     (5.2 )     (0.06 )
 
                       
PDI (see Business Division disclosure)
    1.7       0.9       0.01  
 
                       
Corporate and Other —
                       
Environmental provisions, net
    (23.8 )     (22.7 )     (0.25 )
Environmental insurance recoveries, net
    0.5       0.5       0.01  
Historic Cyprus Amax legal matter
    (2.9 )     (2.9 )     (0.03 )
Probable Texas franchise tax matter
    (8.0 )     (8.0 )     (0.09 )
 
                       
 
    (34.2 )     (33.1 )     (0.36 )
 
                       
 
    (38.0 )     (37.4 )     (0.41 )
Miscellaneous income (expense), net:
                       
Gain on sale of cost investment
    6.4       6.4       0.07  
 
                       
Benefit (provision) for taxes on income:
                       
Tax benefit for additional 2001 net operating loss carryback
          1.0       0.01  
 
                       
Extraordinary gain on acquisition of partner’s one-third interest in Chino Mines Company
    68.3       68.3       0.76  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    9.7       8.4       0.09  
 
                       
 
  $ 46.4       46.7       0.52  
 
                       
 

      A net charge for environmental provisions of $28.4 million ($27.0 million after-tax) was recognized for closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities. (Refer to Note 21, Contingencies, for further discussion of environmental matters.)

      In the 2003 fourth quarter, we determined that due to continuing reduced market conditions in North America for magnet wire and high performance conductors, the Laurinburg, North Carolina, and West Caldwell, New Jersey, facilities, both temporarily closed in the 2002 fourth quarter, would not be re-opened. This action resulted in further impairment charges related to these assets of $1.3 million. The amount of the additional asset impairment was determined through an assessment of fair value based on independent appraisals of the existing assets at these two plants. No additional severance related charges were required. Additionally, a further write-down of $0.4 million was recognized to reduce the carrying value of the assets of our Hopkinsville facility closed in 2000. This adjustment reflected our current view of the fair value of these assets. We also performed an impairment test on goodwill at our magnet wire and high performance conductors facilities through a comparison of the carrying value to the respective fair value (using an estimate of discounted cash flows) and determined that a $0.9 million charge was required to write-off magnet wire’s entire goodwill. Also during the quarter, we recorded a $0.2 million gain (before and after taxes) for the reassessment of termination benefits associated with the September 2002 restructuring program.

      A gain of $3.2 million ($2.4 million after-tax) was recognized from the termination of a foreign postretirement benefit plan associated with our Specialty Chemicals segment.

      Net insurance recoveries of $0.5 million (before and after taxes) were received from settlements reached with several insurance companies on historic environmental liability claims.

      In the 2003 fourth quarter, a charge of $8.0 million (before and after taxes) was recognized for a probable Texas franchise tax matter. (Refer to Note 21, Contingencies, for further discussion.)

      A charge of $2.9 million (before and after taxes) was recognized for historic Cyprus Amax legal matters. The Company acquired Cyprus Amax in October 1999.

      A $6.4 million gain (before and after taxes) was recognized for the sale of a wire and cable cost investment.

      In the 2003 fourth quarter, we determined that an additional $1.0 million was required for net operating loss carryback for 2001 resulting from 2002 U.S. tax legislation. (Refer to Note 6, Income Taxes, for further discussion.)

      An extraordinary gain of $68.3 million (before and after taxes) was recognized for our acquisition of Heisei Minerals Corporation’s (Heisei) one-third share in Chino Mines Company, located in New Mexico. (Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions and Divestitures, for further discussion.)

      A $9.7 million gain ($8.4 million after-tax) was recorded for the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS No. 143. (Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, under New Accounting Standards for further discussion.)

      The following table summarizes the special items and provisions for the year ended December 31, 2002:

 
                         
($ in millions except per share data)    
    2002
                    $/Share
    Pre-tax   After-tax   After-tax
Special items and provisions, net:
                       
PDMC (see Business Division disclosure)
  $ (116.9 )     (119.5 )     (1.42 )
 
                       
PDI (see Business Division disclosure)
    (22.0 )     (21.4 )     (0.25 )
 
                       
Corporate and Other —
                       
Environmental provisions, net
    (12.7 )     (12.7 )     (0.15 )
Environmental insurance recoveries, net
    17.4       14.8       0.18  
Historic Cyprus Amax lawsuit settlements
    (54.7 )     (53.0 )     (0.63 )
Historic Cyprus Amax arbitration award
    (46.5 )     (45.0 )     (0.54 )
Legal loss contingency
    (1.0 )     (1.0 )     (0.01 )
 
                       
 
    (97.5 )     (96.9 )     (1.15 )
 
                       
 
    (236.4 )     (237.8 )     (2.82 )
 
                       
Early debt extinguishment costs
    (31.3 )     (26.6 )     (0.32 )
 
                       
Miscellaneous income and expense, net:
                       
Cost investment write-downs
    (1.2 )     (1.2 )     (0.01 )
 
                       
Benefit (provision) for taxes on income:
                       
Release of taxes provided with regard to Plateau Mining
          13.0       0.15  
Tax benefit for 2001 net operating loss carryback
          66.6       0.79  
 
                       
 
          79.6       0.94  
 
                       
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (33.0 )     (22.9 )     (0.27 )
 
                       
 
  $ (301.9 )     (208.9 )     (2.48 )
 
                       
 

      In December 2002, PDMC recorded special, pre-tax charges for asset impairments and closure provisions of $153.5 million (before and after taxes) at Cobre, Hidalgo and Ajo. The Company recognized


Table of Contents

47

an impairment charge to write down Cobre’s assets by $115.5 million (before and after taxes). We took this action after revising mine plans and assessing recoverability. The revised mine plans and associated cash flows used a copper price lower than the prior-year assumption, reflecting moving average historical copper prices representing full economic and pricing cycles. The amount of Cobre’s impairment was determined through an assessment of the discounted cash flows of the remaining ore reserves. The Hidalgo impairment included a $12.9 million write-down (before and after taxes) of assets. As a result of the Company’s ability to use acid more efficiently and an updated assessment of PDMC’s long-term acid production and consumption balance, the Company determined that Hidalgo will probably not be reconfigured to produce acid as originally anticipated and that the net book value of Hidalgo assets would probably not be recovered. Hidalgo’s power facilities will continue to generate electricity when needed, and the facility will continue to be a backup alternative as a reliable producer of acid if conditions warrant. The remaining Hidalgo assets were written down to their estimated fair value. The Company also recognized a $7.0 million charge (before and after taxes) for the estimated remaining costs of its closure obligation at Hidalgo. Phelps Dodge has reclassified material previously characterized as reserves at Ajo to mineralized material and, as a result, recognized an impairment charge to write down Ajo’s assets by $18.1 million (before and after taxes). This action resulted from updating mine plans at this prospective development property. The amount of Ajo’s impairment was determined through an assessment of the fair value of its assets.

      On September 10, 2002, we announced the temporary closure of two U.S. wire and cable plants and other actions to improve efficiencies and consolidate certain wire and cable operations. These temporary closures and internal changes reduced our costs and aligned our business with current market conditions. The actions included: (i) the temporary closure of the Laurinburg, North Carolina, magnet wire plant at the end of 2002, with production being shifted to the El Paso, Texas, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, facilities; (ii) the temporary closure of the West Caldwell, New Jersey, high performance conductors facility pending recovery of markets served by this location, with production of certain products relocated to our Inman, South Carolina, facility; (iii) operational and production support at other high performance conductors facilities being streamlined in order to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies; and (iv) the restructuring and consolidation of certain administrative functions. These actions resulted in special, pre-tax charges of $23.0 million ($22.2 million after-tax) in the 2002 third quarter and $0.6 million ($0.8 million after-tax) in the 2002 fourth quarter. Of these amounts, $16.9 million (before and after taxes) was recognized as asset impairments and $6.7 million ($6.1 million after-tax) was recognized for severance-related and relocation expenses associated with the restructuring and temporary closures. The amount of the asset impairment was determined through an assessment of fair market value, which was based on independent appraisals, of the existing assets at the wire and cable plants. We also performed an impairment test on the goodwill at our wire and cable plants through a comparison of the carrying value to the respective fair value (using an estimate of discounted cash flows) and determined that an additional impairment loss was not required. The restructuring plan included the reduction of approximately 300 positions and charges associated with employee severance and relocation ($3.9 million) and pension and other postretirement obligations ($2.8 million).

      A net charge for environmental provisions of $14.0 million (before and after taxes) was recognized in 2002 for closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities. (Refer to Note 21, Contingencies, for further discussion of environmental matters.)

      The net effect of the reassessment of prior restructuring programs was zero (before and after taxes) for 2002. PDMC recorded a $5.1 million gain (before and after taxes) for the reassessment of the October 2001 restructuring programs and a $6.4 million charge (before and after taxes) for additional pension-related benefits for employees at our Chino, Miami, Sierrita and Bagdad operations since these operations will remain curtailed beyond one year from their January 2002 curtailment. PDI recorded a $1.3 million gain (before and after taxes) for the reassessment of prior restructuring programs associated with its Specialty Chemicals segment ($0.5 million before and after taxes) and its Wire and Cable segment ($0.8 million before and after taxes).

      A gain of $22.6 million (before and after taxes) was recognized for the sale of the Dawson Ranch property in New Mexico in 2002. (Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions and Divestitures, for further discussion.)

      Net 2002 insurance recoveries of $34.3 million ($29.1 million after-tax) were received from settlements reached with several insurance companies on historic environmental liability claims.

      A $54.7 million pre-tax charge ($53.0 million after-tax) was recognized in 2002 for settlement of lawsuits related to Cyprus Amax. This included an $11.2 million pre-tax charge ($9.5 million after-tax) for the settlement of a lawsuit related to Amax Oil & Gas, and a $43.5 million charge (before and after taxes) for the settlement of a lawsuit with RAG American Coal Company (RAG). In addition, there was a $46.5 million charge ($45.0 million after-tax) associated with an award made in a binding arbitration proceeding filed against Cyprus Amax by Plateau Mining Corporation (a former subsidiary of Cyprus Amax).

      Other 2002 items included:

   
a net $1.0 million charge (before and after taxes) for the settlement of legal matters;
 
   
a $1.2 million charge (before and after taxes) for the write-off of two cost basis investments;
 
   
a $31.3 million charge ($26.6 million after-tax) for early debt extinguishment costs (refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of the change in accounting for early debt extinguishments, and Note 14, Debt and Other Financing, for further discussion); and
 
   
a $33.0 million charge ($22.9 million after-tax) for the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, under New Accounting Standards for further discussion).

      In 2002, the tax benefit included the release of deferred taxes previously provided with regard to Plateau Mining Corporation ($13.0 million) and a tax benefit of $66.6 million for net operating loss carryback prior to 2002 resulting from 2002 U.S. tax legislation. (Refer to Note 6, Income Taxes, for further discussion.)


Table of Contents

48

      (Refer to Note 3, Special Items and Provisions, for further discussion.)

      The following table summarizes the special items and provisions for the year ended December 31, 2001:

 
                         
($ in millions except per share data)    
    2001
                    $/Share
    Pre-tax   After-tax   After-tax
Special items and provisions, net:
                       
PDMC (see Business Division disclosure)
  $ (2.1 )     (2.1 )     (0.03 )
 
                       
PDI (see Business Division disclosure)
    (4.7 )     (4.7 )     (0.06 )
 
                       
Corporate and Other —
                       
Environmental provisions, net
    (16.2 )     (16.2 )     (0.21 )
Environmental insurance recoveries, net
    61.8       61.8       0.79  
Insurance settlement for legal loss contingency
    9.0       9.0       0.11  
Restructuring programs
    (1.3 )     (1.3 )     (0.01 )
Other
    (5.9 )     (5.9 )     (0.07 )
 
                       
 
    47.4       47.4       0.61  
 
                       
 
    40.6       40.6       0.52  
 
                       
Miscellaneous income and expense, net:
                       
Impairment loss on investments
    (12.9 )     (12.9 )     (0.16 )
Interest on prior years’ tax refunds
    4.3       4.3       0.05  
Other
    1.5       1.5       0.02  
 
                       
 
    (7.1 )     (7.1 )     (0.09 )
 
                       
Benefit (provision) for taxes on income:
                       
El Abra deferred tax asset valuation allowance
          (57.9 )     (0.74 )
 
                       
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (2.0 )     (2.0 )     (0.03 )
 
                       
 
  $ 31.5       (26.4 )     (0.34 )
 
                       
 

      In the fourth quarter of 2001, Phelps Dodge announced a series of actions to address the then-current economic environment, including changes in copper operations that led us to curtail approximately 220,000 metric tons of copper production annually (including our partner’s share) and to curtail 54,000 metric tons of North American carbon black production annually in 2002. These actions resulted in the layoff of approximately 1,600 employees mostly in January 2002. The Chino and Miami mines were temporarily closed, the Bagdad and Sierrita mines were operated at approximately one-half capacity, the Chino smelter and the Miami refinery were temporarily closed (approximately 1,500 positions), and Columbian Chemicals Company temporarily closed its El Dorado, Arkansas, facility (approximately 100 positions).

      In the second quarter of 2001, we announced a restructuring of our professional, administrative and operational support functions, as well as various other operational improvement initiatives, which led to a reduction of approximately 500 positions.

      The restructuring plans for 2001 included charges of $15.0 million for employee severance and relocation costs, $8.7 million for mothballing/take-or-pay contracts, $0.6 million for asset disposal and dismantling charges, and $6.3 million for pension and other postretirement obligations. In addition, we recognized a net gain of $0.8 million associated with 2000 employee severance costs.

      A net charge for environmental provisions of $31.1 million (before and after taxes) was recognized in 2001 for closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities. (Refer to Note 21, Contingencies, for further discussion of environmental matters.)

      A gain of $39.9 million (before and after taxes) was recognized in 2001 from the sale of our 50 percent interest in the Sossego project. (Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions and Divestitures, for further discussion.)

      A $3.3 million charge (before and after taxes) was taken in 2001 to write down the closed Hopkinsville, Kentucky, magnet wire facility to its net realizable value due to detrimental market conditions.

      Net insurance recoveries of $61.8 million (before and after taxes) were received from settlements reached with several insurance companies on historic environmental liability claims. In addition, there was a $5.9 million charge (before and after taxes) related to other net special items recognized in 2001.

      A $9.0 million gain (before and after taxes) was recognized from the settlement reached with one of our insurance carriers associated with potential future legal matters.

      Special charges in miscellaneous income and expense in 2001 included a $12.9 million charge (before and after taxes) to recognize the impairment of our investment in Compañia San Ignacio de Morococha S.A. (SIMSA) ($9.1 million), a Peruvian zinc mine, and Equatorial Mining ($3.8 million) in Australia. Additionally, a $5.8 million gain (before and after taxes) was recognized for other net special items, which was primarily $4.3 million (before and after taxes) of interest income on prior years’ tax refunds.

      A $2.0 million charge (before and after taxes) was recorded in 2001 for the cumulative effect of accounting change arising from the implementation of SFAS Nos. 133 and 138. (Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, under New Accounting Standards for further discussion.)

      In 2001, a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $57.9 million was established for our 51 percent interest in the El Abra copper mine in Chile. (Refer to Note 6, Income Taxes, for further discussion.)

      (Refer to Note 3, Special Items and Provisions, for further discussion.)

Quest for Zero Operational Improvement Program

      Phelps Dodge announced in October 2001 that it was commencing Quest for Zero (QFZ), a comprehensive, lean-production program, designed to, among other things, improve operating income by a targeted $250 million annually. QFZ encompasses both the October 2001 program and the $150 million cost improvement program announced in May 2001. The Company’s stretch goal was to achieve these combined annual operating income improvements of $400 million by the end of 2003 when compared with the results that were then expected for 2001.

      In order to achieve the full $400 million target, PDMC chartered business improvement teams to drive performance improvement projects and best practices. The elimination of variance and waste, and control of all critical processes are key factors in this process. QFZ was also designed to foster the rapid transfer of best practices to all business units. On a quarterly basis, we document improvement successes, failures and potential projects yet to be implemented. New project ideas are generated at internal conferences where statistical analysis tools are utilized on current performance


Table of Contents

49

data to identify improvement opportunities. Improvement projects are prioritized and implemented accordingly. Key elements of QFZ going forward included six-sigma quality programs, technology innovations, global procurement strategies and improved operating practices.

      During 2003, we achieved $330 million in improvements, bringing total improvements since the program was announced in 2001 to $596 million. This excludes improvements in the reduction of working capital. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we achieved $91 million in improvements bringing the current annualized run rate to approximately $365 million, which is approximately 91 percent of the $400 million stretch goal.

      Following is a reconciliation of improvement dollars:

 
                 
            Inception
    2003   Through 2003
U.S. Mining Operations*
  $ 206       384  
South American Mines**
    67       113  
Primary Molybdenum
    14       26  
 
               
Total PDMC
    287       523  
 
               
Specialty Chemicals
    20       29  
Wire and Cable
    23       37  
 
               
Total PDI
    43       66  
 
               
Corporate
          7  
 
               
Total Quest for Zero
  $ 330       596  
 
               
 
 
*  
U.S. Mining Operations combines the following segments: Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre, Tyrone, Manufacturing and Sales, and Other Mining.
**  
South American Mines combines the following segments: Candelaria, Cerro Verde and El Abra.

      These improvements resulted from a combination of administrative and operating staff reductions and mining operation refinements and improvements, including reduced mining rates at Tyrone, increased residual leach production at Morenci, incremental expansion at Cerro Verde, improved mine planning and sequencing at Sierrita, and a reduction in acid usage and improvements in leach recovery.

      As we begin to tackle more difficult initiatives under our QFZ program, we are experiencing challenges typical of multi-year improvement projects. These challenges result not only from an increasing scarcity of “low-hanging fruit,” but also from pressures on our cost structure arising from both anticipated and unforeseen sources. Such cost pressures include higher energy, pension and medical costs; higher administrative costs; higher professional fees; and higher costs associated with our decision to emphasize growth-oriented projects. Despite such pressures, we remain committed to our long-term, stretch goal of an implied unit production cost of copper of 60 cents per pound.

      The success of the business improvement teams we formed to execute our QFZ program has led us to reorganize our North American mining operations into what we call North America One Mine. This organizational plan has been designed to enable us to shift QFZ to a process-focused approach, i.e., emphasis will be on driving optimization through common site processes and sharing of best practices.

      As a result of our conversion to a process-focused approach, an increase in spending for growth and technology, and considering that QFZ operating improvements were measured against an increasingly distant 2001 base, management decided early in 2004 that it would no longer continue its rigorous QFZ tracking system. Instead of separately identifying and measuring QFZ operating income improvements, management will evaluate and measure QFZ in terms of achievement toward its long-term, stretch goal of 60 cents per pound implied unit cost of copper production (with a near-term goal of 65 cents per pound). In the end, implied unit cost is the most meaningful indicator of our success.

Business Divisions

      Results for 2003, 2002 and 2001 can be meaningfully compared by separate reference to our reporting divisions, PDMC and PDI. PDMC is a business division that includes our worldwide copper operations from mining through rod production, marketing and sales; molybdenum operations from mining through manufacturing, marketing and sales; other mining operations and investments; and worldwide mineral exploration and development programs. PDI, our manufacturing division, produces engineered products principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and specialty chemical sectors. PDI includes our Specialty Chemicals segment and our Wire and Cable segment. Significant events and transactions have occurred within each segment which, as indicated in the separate discussions presented below, are material to an understanding of the particular year’s results and to a comparison with results of the other periods. (Refer to Note 23, Business Segment Data, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further segment information.)

RESULTS OF PHELPS DODGE MINING COMPANY

      PDMC is our international business division that comprises our vertically integrated copper operations from mining through rod production, primary molybdenum operations through conversion, marketing and sales, and worldwide exploration. PDMC comprises 11 reportable segments.

      Our copper mines comprise five reportable segments in the United States (Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre, and Tyrone) and three reportable segments in South America (Candelaria/Ojos del Salado, Cerro Verde and El Abra). These segments include open-pit mining, sulfide ore concentrating and electrowinning. In addition, they produce gold and silver, and the Bagdad and Sierrita mines also produce molybdenum as by-products.

      The Manufacturing and Sales segment consists of conversion facilities including our smelters, refineries and rod mills, as well as sales and marketing. The Manufacturing and Sales segment sells copper to others primarily as rod, cathode or concentrate, and as rod to our Wire and Cable segment. In addition, at times it smelts and refines copper and produces copper rod for customers on a toll basis. Toll arrangements require the tolling customer to deliver appropriate copper-bearing material to our facilities, which we then process into a product that is returned to the customer. The customer pays PDMC for processing its material into the specified products.

      The Primary Molybdenum segment consists of the Henderson and Climax mines and related conversion facilities. This segment is an integrated producer of molybdenum, with mining, roasting and proc-


Table of Contents

50

essing facilities producing high-purity, molybdenum-based chemical and metallurgical products. In addition, at times it roasts and/or processes material on a toll basis. Toll arrangements require the tolling customer to deliver appropriate molybdenum-bearing material to our facilities, which we then process into a product that is returned to the customer. The customer pays PDMC for processing its material into the specified products.

      Other Mining includes our worldwide mineral exploration and development programs, a process technology center that directs its activities at improving existing processes and developing new cost-competitive technologies, and other ancillary operations.

      Major operating and financial results of PDMC for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001 are illustrated in the following table:

 
                         
($ in millions except per pound amounts)            
    2003   2002   2001
Sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers
  $ 2,828.6       2,485.8       2,649.5  
Operating income (loss) before special items and provisions
  $ 270.7       51.9       (81.5 )
Operating income (loss)
  $ 265.2       (65.0 )     (83.6 )
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                       
Total production
    1,305.6       1,275.6       1,410.9  
Less minority participants’ shares (A)
    246.3       246.8       250.8  
 
                       
Net Phelps Dodge share
    1,059.3       1,028.8       1,160.1  
 
                       
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                       
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    1,069.3       1,051.1       1,170.8  
Purchased copper
    374.5       443.0       461.2  
 
                       
Total copper sales
    1,443.8       1,494.1       1,632.0  
 
                       
LME average spot copper price per pound — cathodes
  $ 0.807       0.707       0.716  
COMEX average spot copper price per pound — cathodes
  $ 0.811       0.717       0.726  
Implied full unit cost of copper production per pound
  $ 0.680       0.682       0.751  
Implied cash unit cost of copper production per pound
  $ 0.521       0.516       0.599  
Molybdenum production (million pounds)
    52.0       45.0       55.5  
Molybdenum sales (million pounds):
                       
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    54.2       46.7       55.1  
Purchased molybdenum
    8.2       7.4       1.6  
 
                       
Total molybdenum sales
    62.4       54.1       56.7  
 
                       
Metals Week:
                       
Annual molybdenum Dealer Oxide mean price per pound
  $ 5.32       3.77       2.36  
 
 
(A)  
Minority participant interests include (i) a 15 percent undivided interest in Morenci, Arizona, copper mining complex held by Sumitomo Metal Mining Arizona, Inc., (ii) a one-third partnership interest in Chino Mines Company in New Mexico held by Heisei Minerals Corporation through December 18, 2003, (iii) a 20 percent partnership interest in Candelaria in Chile held by SMMA Candelaria, Inc., a jointly owned indirect subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Corporation, and (iv) a 49 percent partnership interest in the El Abra copper mining operation in Chile held by Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO).
                         
(thousand tons)            
    2003   2002   2001
Excluded copper production:
                       
Morenci — for Sumitomo
    63.3       61.9       58.8  
Chino — for Heisei
    13.7       19.3       25.9  
Candelaria — for Sumitomo
    46.9       43.9       48.6  
El Abra — for CODELCO
    122.4       121.7       117.5  
 
                       
 
    246.3       246.8       250.8  
 
                       
 

Note: Supplemental Data

      “Implied unit cost of copper production” measures the “all-in” cost of each pound of copper produced by PDMC. As the title indicates, this measure is the cost implied by the market price of copper (i.e., LME average spot) for a given period versus PDMC’s operating income (loss) excluding special items for the same period.

      There is no established common standard for calculating unit production costs in the copper industry. PDMC’s implied unit production costs indicator (which is based on readily accessible, publicly disclosed data) acts as a proxy to enable investors to follow and interpret cost trends over historical periods.

      PDMC calculates its implied full unit cost of copper production by dividing its operating income (loss) excluding special items by the total pounds of copper sold from its own mines for its own account (as disclosed in the table above). This results in an all-in operating margin (i.e., inclusive of cost of products sold; depreciation, depletion, amortization and closure accretion/accrual; selling and general administrative expense; and exploration and research expense for the division’s operations) that is compared with the LME market price of copper to render an implied cost of copper production. Cash implied unit cost of copper production is calculated by deducting PDMC’s segment depreciation, depletion, amortization and closure accretion/accrual from the implied full unit cost of copper production. Following is the calculation of implied full unit cost of copper production for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 
                         
($ in millions except per pound amounts)            
    2003   2002   2001
PDMC implied unit cost of copper production
                       
Operating income (loss)
  $ 265.2       (65.0 )     (83.6 )
Special operating items
    (5.5 )     (116.9 )     (2.1 )
 
                       
Operating income (loss) excluding special items
  $ 270.7       51.9       (81.5 )
 
                       
Copper sales from own mines — million pounds
    2,138.6       2,102.2       2,341.7  
Operating margin — per pound copper sold
  $ 0.127       0.025       (0.035 )
LME average spot copper price per pound — cathodes
  $ 0.807       0.707       0.716  
Implied full unit cost of copper production per pound
  $ 0.680       0.682       0.751  
 
 
Note: Our measure of implied unit cost of copper production may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


Table of Contents

51

Total PDMC Division — Sales

      PDMC’s sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers increased $342.8 million, or 14 percent, in 2003 compared with the corresponding 2002 period. The increase reflected higher average copper prices (approximately $267 million), higher average molybdenum prices (approximately $76 million), higher sales volumes of molybdenum (approximately $38 million) and slightly higher precious metals sales (approximately $1 million); partially offset by lower copper sales volumes (approximately $40 million) primarily reflecting decreased purchases and sales of third-party copper.

      In 2002, the decrease of $163.7 million, or 6 percent, in sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers, compared with 2001, was primarily due to lower sales volumes of copper (approximately $184 million), slightly lower average copper prices (approximately $42 million), and lower sales volumes of molybdenum (approximately $10 million); partially offset by higher molybdenum prices (approximately $50 million).

Total PDMC Division — Operating Income (Loss)

      PDMC reported operating income of $265.2 million in 2003 including a special, net pre-tax charge of $5.5 million, compared with an operating loss of $65.0 million in 2002 including $116.9 million of special, net pre-tax charges, and an operating loss of $83.6 million in 2001 including a special, pre-tax charge of $2.1 million.

      The increase in operating income of $330.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared with 2002, primarily resulted from higher average copper prices (approximately $214 million), lower special, pre-tax charges of $111.4 million and a slightly lower implied unit cost of copper production (approximately $4 million). The higher average copper prices reflected improved copper fundamentals and an improved economic environment.

      The $18.6 million decrease in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared with 2001, primarily resulted from a lower implied unit cost of copper production (approximately $145 million including higher molybdenum earnings of approximately $20 million) and 240 million pounds of lower produced copper sales volumes (approximately $8 million). This was partially offset by lower average copper prices (approximately $19 million) and special, pre-tax charges of $116.9 million, compared with special, pre-tax charges of $2.1 million in 2001.

      During the 2002 fourth quarter, PDMC recorded special, pre-tax charges for asset impairments and closure provisions of $153.5 million at Cobre, Hidalgo and Ajo. The Company recognized an impairment charge to write down Cobre’s assets by $115.5 million. Phelps Dodge took this action after revising mine plans and assessing recoverability. The revised mine plans and associated cash flows used a copper price lower than the prior-year assumption, reflecting moving average historical copper prices representing full economic and pricing cycles. The amount of Cobre’s impairment was determined through an assessment of discounted cash flows of the remaining ore reserves.

      The Hidalgo impairment included a $12.9 million write-down of assets. As a result of the Company’s ability to use acid more efficiently and an updated assessment of PDMC’s long-term acid production and consumption balance, the Company determined that Hidalgo would probably not be reconfigured to produce acid as originally anticipated and that the net book value of the Hidalgo assets would probably not be recovered. The power facilities will continue to generate electricity when needed, and the facility will continue to be a backup alternative as a reliable producer of acid if conditions warrant. The remaining Hidalgo assets were written down to their estimated fair value in the 2002 fourth quarter. The Company also recognized a $7.0 million charge for the estimated remaining costs of its closure obligation at Hidalgo.

      In 2002, PDMC reclassified material previously characterized as reserves at Ajo to mineralized material and, as a result, recognized an impairment charge to write down Ajo’s assets by $18.1 million. This action resulted from updating mine plans at this prospective development property. The amount of Ajo’s impairment was determined through an assessment of the fair value of its assets.

      Copper is an internationally traded commodity, and its price is effectively determined by the major metals exchanges — COMEX, LME and SHFE. The prices on these exchanges generally reflect the worldwide balance of copper supply and demand, but also are influenced significantly from time to time by speculative actions and by currency exchange rates.

      The price of copper, our principal product, was a significant factor influencing our results over the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. We principally base our selling price for U.S. sales on the COMEX spot price per pound of copper cathode, which averaged 81.1 cents in 2003, 71.7 cents in 2002 and 72.6 cents in 2001. Internationally, our copper selling prices are generally based on the LME spot price for cathode. The LME spot price per pound of copper averaged 80.7 cents in 2003, 70.7 cents in 2002 and 71.6 cents in 2001. The COMEX and LME prices averaged $1.17 and $1.16 per pound, respectively, for the first 54 days of 2004 and both closed at $1.31 on February 23, 2004.

      At December 31, 2003, we had outstanding provisionally priced sales of 43.3 million pounds. For each 1 cent per pound change in the realized copper price, revenue and pre-tax earnings would vary (plus or minus) approximately $0.4 million for provisionally priced pounds at December 31, 2003.


Table of Contents

52

      Management monitors the implied unit cost of copper production on a regular basis. Following is a schedule of significant components of the implied unit cost of copper production for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 
                         
    2003   2002   2001
Reconciliation of Implied Unit Cost (per lb.)*
                       
Cash implied unit cost of copper production — base operations
  $ 0.469       0.473       0.565  
Exploration, technology and project development
    0.024       0.016       0.020  
Shutdown and curtailment expenses
    0.028       0.027       0.014  
 
                       
Implied cash unit cost of copper production
  $ 0.521       0.516       0.599  
Non-cash (depreciation, depletion, amortization and closure accrual)
    0.159       0.166       0.152  
 
                       
Implied full unit cost of copper production
  $ 0.680       0.682       0.751  
 
                       
 
 
*  
The implied full unit cost of copper production is based on PDMC’s operating margin per pound of copper sold (i.e., PDMC operating income (loss) excluding special items, divided by the total pounds of copper sold from its own mines for its own account, deducted from the LME copper price). Implied cash unit cost of copper production excludes PDMC’s division depreciation, depletion and amortization and closure accretion/accrual from its operating margin in the above calculation. Cash unit cost of copper production-base operations excludes PDMC’s segment exploration, technology and project development, and shutdown and curtailed expenses. Exploration, technology and project development include expenses related to exploration, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies and process technology. Shutdown and curtailment expenses include costs related to idled facilities at operating properties, care-and-maintenance properties and discontinued operations. Note that our measures of implied unit cost of copper may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

      In 2003, the full and cash implied unit cost of copper production remained flat compared with the costs in 2002.

      In 2002, the full and cash implied unit cost of copper production each decreased 7 cents per pound, compared with the corresponding 2001 period. In 2002, approximately 3 cents of the cost improvement was due to lower energy costs, and the remainder was primarily due to operational improvements associated with the Company’s Quest for Zero program.

      Energy, including electricity, diesel fuel and natural gas, represents a significant portion of production costs at our operations and were adversely affecting New Mexico operations. In response, PDMC implemented a power cost stabilization plan that consisted of an additional negotiated firm power contract; the construction of a power co-generation plant in New Mexico; short-term, alternating production curtailments at the Company’s Tyrone, Sierrita, Bagdad and Henderson operations; and a partial production curtailment at Chino.

      Additionally, to mitigate PDMC’s exposure to increases in diesel fuel and natural gas prices, we implemented several price protection programs designed to protect the Company against a significant upward movement in energy prices. The Company’s diesel fuel price protection program consisted of a combination of purchased out-of-the-money (OTM) diesel fuel call options and fixed-price diesel fuel swaps for our North and South American operations. The OTM call options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a specific commodity at a pre-determined dollar cost, or “strike price.” OTM call options are options with a “strike price” above the prevailing market price for that commodity when purchased.

      The OTM diesel fuel call options mitigated a portion of our exposure to volatile markets by capping the cost of the commodity if prices were to rise above the strike price. If the price of diesel fuel is lower than the strike price, the Company has the flexibility to purchase diesel fuel at prices lower than the strike price and the options expire with no value. The swaps allow us to establish a fixed price for a specific commodity product for delivery during a specific future period.

      Our natural gas price protection program consisted of purchasing OTM call options for our North American operations. OTM call options capped the commodity purchase cost at the strike price while allowing the Company the ability to purchase natural gas at a lower cost when market prices were lower than the strike price.

      As a result of the above-mentioned plans and programs, in 2003, 2002 and 2001 Phelps Dodge was able to reduce and partially mitigate the impacts of volatile electricity markets and rising diesel fuel and natural gas prices.

      Any material change in the price we receive for copper, or in PDMC’s implied unit cost of copper production, has a significant effect on our results. Based on expected 2004 annual production of approximately 2.35 billion pounds of copper, each 1 cent per pound change in the average annual copper price, or in average annual implied unit cost of copper production, causes a variation in annual operating income before taxes of approximately $23 million.

      Due to the market risk arising from the volatility of copper prices, our objective is to sell copper cathode and rod produced at our U.S. operations at the COMEX average price in the month of shipment, and copper cathode and concentrate produced at our international operations at the LME average price in the month of settlement with our customers. During 2003, PDMC sold approximately 16 percent, 33 percent and 51 percent of its copper as concentrates, copper cathode and copper rod, respectively.

      Additionally in 2003, operations outside the United States provided 26 percent of PDMC’s sales (including sales through PDMC’s U.S.-based sales company), compared with 27 percent in 2002 and 22 percent in 2001. During 2003, operations outside the United States (including international exploration) contributed 63 percent of the division’s operating income, compared with a reduction of 94 percent of the division’s operating loss for 2002 and 73 percent for 2001.

      From time to time, we may purchase or sell copper price protection contracts for a portion of our expected future sales of our mine production. We do this to limit the effects of potential decreases in copper selling prices. We did not have any outstanding copper price protection contracts on December 31, 2003.

      The 2003 exploration program continued to place emphasis on the search for and delineation of large-scale copper and copper/gold deposits. Phelps Dodge expended $25.8 million on worldwide exploration during 2003, compared with $20.0 million in 2002 and $36.8 million in 2001. Approximately 29 percent of the 2003 expenditures occurred in the United States and 31 percent was spent both at our domestic and international mine sites. The balance of exploration expenditures was spent principally in Central Africa, Chile, Mexico, Europe, Peru, Australasia, Canada and Brazil.


Table of Contents

53

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes PDMC’s special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings (losses) excluding these special items.

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special, pre-tax items:
                       
U.S. Mining Operations*
  $ (5.5 )     (117.9 )     (1.5 )
South American Mines**
                 
Primary Molybdenum
          1.0       (0.6 )
 
                       
 
  $ (5.5 )     (116.9 )     (2.1 )
 
                       
Segment operating income (loss) excluding special items:
                       
U.S. Mining Operations*
  $ 79.5       (21.1 )     (127.7 )
South American Mines**
    182.6       65.4       57.3  
Primary Molybdenum
    8.6       7.6       (11.1 )
 
                       
 
  $ 270.7       51.9       (81.5 )
 
                       
 
 
*  
U.S. Mining Operations combines the following segments: Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre, Tyrone, Manufacturing and Sales, and Other Mining.
**  
South American Mines combines the following segments: Candelaria, Cerro Verde and El Abra.
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Note: Supplemental Data

      Special, pre-tax items and provisions in operating income (loss) were as follows:

 
                         
($ in millions)    
    2003
    U.S.   South   Primary
    Mining   American   Molyb-
    Operations   Mines   denum
Environmental provisions, net
  $ (5.5 )            
 
                       
 
                         
($ in millions)    
    2002
    U.S.   South   Primary
    Mining   American   Molyb-
    Operations   Mines   denum
December 2002 impairments and provisions:
                       
Asset impairment charges
  $ (146.5 )            
Accrued closure costs
    (7.0 )            
Environmental provisions, net
    (2.6 )           1.0  
October 2001 restructuring:
                       
Reassessments of employee activities and take-or-pay contracts
    5.1              
Additional retirement benefits
    (6.4 )            
Environmental insurance recoveries, net
    16.9              
Sale of non-core real estate
    22.6              
 
                       
Special, pre-tax items
  $ (117.9 )           1.0  
 
                       
 
                         
($ in millions)    
    2001
    U.S.   South   Primary
    Mining   American   Molyb-
    Operations   Mines   denum
Environmental provisions, net
  $ (14.9 )            
April 2001 operational improvement plan
    (9.4 )           (0.6 )
October 2001 restructuring:
                       
Original programs
    (17.1 )            
Gain on sale of Sossego
    39.9              
 
                       
Special, pre-tax items
  $ (1.5 )           (0.6 )
 
                       
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


Table of Contents

54

PDMC Results by Reportable Segments

 

The following tables summarize, on a segment basis, production and sales statistics, operating income (loss), and special items and provisions for 2003, 2002 and 2001.

                                                                                 
    U.S. Mines   South American Mines
            Bagdad/   Miami/   Chino/                   Candelaria/   Cerro        
    Morenci   Sierrita   Bisbee   Cobre   Tyrone   Subtotal   Ojos del Salado   Verde   El Abra   Subtotal
 
2003
                                                                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Total production
    421.2       182.6       17.8       39.9       56.9       718.4       234.5       96.3       249.8       580.6  
Less minority participants’ shares
    (63.3 )                 (12.5 )           (75.8 )     (46.9 )           (122.4 )     (169.3 )
 
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
    357.9       182.6       17.8       27.4       56.9       642.6       187.6       96.3       127.4       411.3  
 
                                                                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    357.9       190.3       20.0       27.4       56.9       652.5       187.4       95.6       128.4       411.4  
Purchased copper
                                        22.1             7.3       29.4  
 
                                                                               
Total copper sales
    357.9       190.3       20.0       27.4       56.9       652.5       209.5       95.6       135.7       440.8  
 
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
($ in millions)
                                                                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ 77.4       81.0       (6.0 )     (5.4 )     (17.2 )     129.8       100.5       42.7       39.4       182.6  
Special items and provisions
  $ (1.1 )           (0.5 )     (1.3 )     (0.5 )     (3.4 )                        
 
                                                                               
 
2002
                                                                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Total production
    412.7       160.2       10.6       53.8       69.9       707.2       219.5       95.3       248.2       563.0  
Less minority participants’ shares
    (61.9 )                 (17.9 )           (79.8 )     (43.9 )           (121.7 )     (165.6 )
 
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
    350.8       160.2       10.6       35.9       69.9       627.4       175.6       95.3       126.5       397.4  
 
                                                                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    350.8       176.1       15.3       35.8       69.9       647.9       174.6       94.9       129.6       399.1  
Purchased copper
                                        35.8             56.5       92.3  
 
                                                                               
Total copper sales
    350.8       176.1       15.3       35.8       69.9       647.9       210.4       94.9       186.1       491.4  
 
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
($ in millions)
                                                                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ 24.1       20.2       (15.6 )     (110.4 )     1.6       (80.1 )     47.6       24.8       (7.0 )     65.4  
Special items and provisions
  $ (0.5 )     0.3       (2.3 )     (117.2 )           (119.7 )                        
 
                                                                               
 
2001
                                                                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Total production
    391.6       249.5       44.3       78.2       76.4       840.0       243.2       84.9       239.8       567.9  
Less minority participants’ shares
    (58.8 )                 (26.1 )           (84.9 )     (48.6 )           (117.5 )     (166.1 )
 
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
    332.8       249.5       44.3       52.1       76.4       755.1       194.6       84.9       122.3       401.8  
 
                                                                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                                                                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    333.0       258.0       46.9       52.1       76.4       766.4       190.1       84.7       126.7       401.5  
Purchased copper
                                        37.0             5.8       42.8  
 
                                                                               
Total copper sales
    333.0       258.0       46.9       52.1       76.4       766.4       227.1       84.7       132.5       444.3  
 
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
($ in millions)
                                                                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ (61.9 )     11.5       (5.1 )     (15.5 )     (16.3 )     (87.3 )     50.0       1.8       5.5       57.3  
Special items and provisions
  $ (1.5 )     (6.9 )     (3.6 )     (3.0 )     (1.9 )     (16.9 )                        
 

Refer to segment discussion on pages 57 through 64.

Revenues, operating costs and expenses of PDMC’s segments include allocations that may not be reflective of market conditions.

Additionally, certain costs are not allocated to the reportable segments. (Refer to page 57 for further discussion.)


Table of Contents

55

PDMC Results By Reportable Segments

 
                                 
    Primary   Manufacturing        
    Molybdenum   and Sales   Other Mining   Total PDMC
 
2003
                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                               
Total production
          6.6             1,305.6  
Less minority participants’ shares
          (1.2 )           (246.3 )
 
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
          5.4             1,059.3  
 
                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
          5.4             1,069.3  
Purchased copper
          345.1             374.5  
 
                               
Total copper sales
          350.5             1,443.8  
 
                               
Molybdenum production (thousand pounds):
                               
Primary — Henderson
    22,247                   22,247  
By-product
    29,747                   29,747  
 
                               
Total production
    51,994                   51,994  
 
                               
Molybdenum sales (thousand pounds):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    54,158                   54,158  
Purchased molybdenum
    8,199                   8,199  
 
                               
Total molybdenum sales
    62,357                   62,357  
 
                               
 
                               
($ in millions)
                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ 8.6       31.9       (87.7 )     265.2  
Special items and provisions
  $       (0.1 )     (2.0 )     (5.5 )
 
                               
 
2002
                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                               
Total production
          5.4             1,275.6  
Less minority participants’ shares
          (1.4 )           (246.8 )
 
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
          4.0             1,028.8  
 
                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
          4.1             1,051.1  
Purchased copper
          350.7             443.0  
 
                               
Total copper sales
          354.8             1,494.1  
 
                               
Molybdenum production (thousand pounds):
                               
Primary — Henderson
    20,517                   20,517  
By-product
    24,448                   24,448  
 
                               
Total production
    44,965                   44,965  
 
                               
Molybdenum sales (thousand pounds):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    46,665                   46,665  
Purchased molybdenum
    7,393                   7,393  
 
                               
Total molybdenum sales
    54,058                   54,058  
 
                               
 
                               
($ in millions)
                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ 8.6       5.1       (64.0 )     (65.0 )
Special items and provisions
  $ 1.0       0.2       1.6       (116.9 )
 

Refer to segment discussion on pages 57 through 64.

Revenues, operating costs and expenses of PDMC’s segments include allocations that may not be reflective of market conditions.

Additionally, certain costs are not allocated to the reportable segments. (Refer to page 57 for further discussion.)


Table of Contents

56

PDMC Results By Reportable Segments (continued)

 
                                 
    Primary   Manufacturing        
    Molybdenum   and Sales   Other Mining   Total PDMC
 
2001
                               
Copper production (thousand short tons):
                               
Total production
          3.0             1,410.9  
Less minority participants’ shares
          0.2             (250.8 )
 
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share
          3.2             1,160.1  
 
                               
Copper sales (thousand short tons):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
          2.9             1,170.8  
Purchased copper
          418.4             461.2  
 
                               
Total copper sales
          421.3             1,632.0  
 
                               
Molybdenum production (thousand pounds):
                               
Primary — Henderson
    18,603                   18,603  
By-product
    36,912                   36,912  
 
                               
Total production
    55,515                   55,515  
Less minority participants’ shares
    (50 )                 (50 )
 
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    55,465                   55,465  
 
                               
Molybdenum sales (thousand pounds):
                               
Net Phelps Dodge share from own mines
    55,105                   55,105  
Purchased molybdenum
    1,609                   1,609  
 
                               
Total molybdenum sales
    56,714                   56,714  
 
                               
 
                               
($ in millions)
                               
Operating income (loss)
  $ (11.7 )     14.2       (56.1 )     (83.6 )
Special items and provisions
  $ (0.6 )     (6.9 )     22.3       (2.1 )
 

Refer to segment discussion on pages 57 through 64.

Revenues, operating costs and expenses of PDMC’s segments include allocations that may not be reflective of market conditions.
Additionally, certain costs are not allocated to the reportable segments. (Refer to page 57 for further discussion.)


Table of Contents

57

Sales of Copper (U.S. and South America) and Molybdenum

      The Manufacturing and Sales segment is responsible for selling all copper produced at the U.S. mines. Intersegment revenues of the individual U.S. mines represent an internal allocation based on PDMC’s sales to unaffiliated customers. Therefore, the following discussion and analysis combines the U.S. Mines and Other Mining segments with the Manufacturing and Sales segment. Additionally, the South American Mines sold approximately 44 percent of their copper to the Manufacturing and Sales segment in 2003 and 2002, and approximately 40 percent in 2001. Intersegment sales by the South American Mines are based upon arms-length prices at the time of the sale. Intersegment sales of any individual mine may not be reflective of the actual prices PDMC ultimately receives due to a variety of factors including additional processing, timing of sales to unaffiliated customers, and transportation premiums. These sales are reflected in the Manufacturing and Sales segment.

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
U.S. Mining Operations*
                       
Unaffiliated customers
  $ 2,048.9       1,844.3       2,070.0  
Intersegment elimination
    (309.9 )     (289.8 )     (233.7 )
 
                       
 
    1,739.0       1,554.5       1,836.3  
 
                       
South American Mines**
                       
Unaffiliated customers
    396.1       372.8       353.2  
Intersegment
    309.9       289.8       233.7  
 
                       
 
    706.0       662.6       586.9  
 
                       
Primary Molybdenum
                       
Unaffiliated customers
    383.6       268.7       226.3  
Intersegment
                 
 
                       
 
    383.6       268.7       226.3  
 
                       
Total PDMC
                       
Unaffiliated customers
  $ 2,828.6       2,485.8       2,649.5  
 
                       
 
 
*  
U.S. Mining Operations combines the following segments: Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre, Tyrone, Manufacturing and Sales, and Other Mining.
**  
South American Mines combines the following segments: Candelaria/Ojos del Salado, Cerro Verde and El Abra.

U.S. Mines, Other Mines and Manufacturing and Sales Segments — Sales

      Sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers by U.S. Mines, Other Mining and Manufacturing and Sales increased $204.6 million, or 11 percent, in 2003, compared with 2002. This increase was primarily due to higher average copper prices (approximately $196 million) and higher copper sales volumes (approximately $9 million).

      In 2002, the decrease of $225.7 million, or 11 percent, in sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers compared with 2001 was primarily due to lower sales volumes of copper (approximately $220 million) that primarily resulted from our production curtailments.

South American Mines Segments — Sales

      South American Mines sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers increased $23.3 million, or 6 percent, in 2003, compared with 2002. This increase primarily was due to higher realized copper prices (approximately $71 million); partially offset by lower sales volumes of copper (approximately $48 million). The decrease in sales volumes to unaffiliated customers was more than offset by increased intersegment sales to the Manufacturing and Sales segment.

      In 2002, the increase of $19.6 million, or 6 percent, in sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers, compared with 2001, was primarily due to higher sales volumes of copper (approximately $36 million) and higher precious metal sales (approximately $5 million), partially offset by lower realized copper prices (approximately $22 million).

Primary Molybdenum Segment — Sales

      Primary Molybdenum sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers increased $114.9 million, or 43 percent, in 2003, compared with 2002. This increase primarily was due to higher average molybdenum prices (approximately $76 million) and higher sales volumes of molybdenum (approximately $38 million).

      In 2002, the increase of $42.4 million, or 19 percent, in sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers, compared with 2001, was primarily due to higher average molybdenum prices (approximately $50 million), partially offset by lower sales volumes of molybdenum (approximately $10 million).

Operating Income (Loss) for Copper (U.S. and South America) and Molybdenum

      In addition to the allocation of revenues, management allocates certain operating costs, expenses and capital of PDMC’s segments that may not be reflective of market conditions. We also do not allocate all costs and expenses applicable to a mine or operation from the division or corporate offices. Accordingly, the segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of actual financial performance of each segment as if it was an independent entity.

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
U.S. Mining Operations*
  $ 74.0       (139.0 )     (129.2 )
South American Mines**
    182.6       65.4       57.3  
Primary Molybdenum
    8.6       8.6       (11.7 )
 
                       
Total PDMC
  $ 265.2       (65.0 )     (83.6 )
 
                       
 
 
*  
U.S. Mining Operations combines the following segments: Morenci, Bagdad/Sierrita, Miami/Bisbee, Chino/Cobre, Tyrone, Manufacturing and Sales, and Other Mining.
**  
South American Mines combines the following segments: Candelaria/Ojos del Salado, Cerro Verde and El Abra.


Table of Contents

58

U.S. Mining Operations — Operating Income (Loss)

      U.S. Mining Operations reported operating income of $74.0 million including a special, net pre-tax charge of $5.5 million in 2003, compared with an operating loss of $139.0 million in 2002 including $117.9 million of special, net pre-tax charges, and operating loss of $129.2 million, including a special, pre-tax charge of $1.5 million in 2001. (Refer to the separate discussion of PDMC’s segments below for further discussion.)

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes U.S. Mining Operations’ special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings (losses) excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special, pre-tax items
  $ (5.5 )     (117.9 )     (1.5 )
Segment operating earnings (losses) excluding special items
  $ 79.5       (21.1 )     (127.7 )
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

      In 2003, the special, net pre-tax charge was associated with environmental provisions.

      In 2002, the special, net pre-tax charge was as follows: (i) a $115.5 million charge associated with an asset impairment at Cobre; (ii) a $19.9 million charge associated with an asset impairment at Hidalgo ($12.9 million) and an associated accrual for closure costs ($7.0 million); (iii) an $18.1 million charge associated with an asset impairment at Ajo; (iv) a $2.6 million charge for environmental provisions; (v) a $6.4 million charge for additional pension-related benefits for employees at our Chino, Miami, Sierrita and Bagdad operations because these operations were expected to remain curtailed beyond one year from their January 2002 curtailment; partially offset by (vi) a $5.1 million pre-tax gain for the reassessment of the October 2001 restructuring programs; (vii) a $16.9 million gain, net of fees and expenses, from recoveries associated with insurance settlements on historic environmental claims; and (viii) a $22.6 million gain on the sale of a non-core parcel of real estate in New Mexico.

      As a result of the copper price, copper market and economic environment in 2001, we announced a series of actions in the 2001 fourth quarter that included changes in our copper operations that led to partial curtailment of certain facilities. This ultimately led to the reduction of approximately 220,000 metric tons of copper production annually (including our partner’s share), approximately 14 million pounds of by-product molybdenum annually, and the reduction of approximately 1,500 positions mostly in January 2002. These actions resulted in a special, pre-tax charge of $17.1 million.

      Additionally in 2001, Phelps Dodge announced in the second quarter a restructuring of our professional, administrative and operations support functions, as well as various other operational improvements that resulted in a net charge of $9.4 million. In the fourth quarter, a $14.9 million charge was recognized for environmental provisions for closed facilities and closed portions of operating facilities and a $39.9 million gain from the sale of our 50 percent interest in a copper project in Brazil.

Curtailed Properties, Rationale and Turn-up Capacity as of December 31, 2003

      Based upon the above-mentioned curtailment decisions in the 2001 fourth quarter, the following operations or portions of these operations were temporarily curtailed and remained curtailed or partially curtailed in 2002 and 2003.

 
The Chino mining operation and smelter were temporarily curtailed in January 2002. These actions followed temporary suspension of the concentrator operation in the second quarter of 2001. All of these actions were taken due to continuing depressed copper market conditions and the need to balance smelter feed and sulfuric acid production and consumption.
 
   
As planned, Chino’s SX/EW operations continued producing copper through leaching of existing stockpiles. The production from these stockpiles declined steadily during 2002 and 2003. Mining for leach material on a limited basis was renewed in April 2003. In September 2003, a full mine-for-leach operation was resumed.
 
 
The Miami mine and refinery were temporarily curtailed in January 2002. These actions were taken due to continuing depressed copper market conditions, to balance sulfuric acid consumption, and to balance refinery feed within PDMC. All of these facilities remained temporarily suspended throughout 2002 and 2003. The Miami SX/EW operations continued producing copper in 2002 and 2003.
 
 
The Bagdad concentrator operation was reduced to one-half its capacity in January 2002. The Bagdad mining operation was also reduced to a level that provided adequate ore to the reduced concentrator operation. Bagdad’s SX/EW operations continued normally. In January 2003, the Bagdad concentrator operation was increased from one-half capacity to 80 percent capacity. The Bagdad mining operation also was increased to a level that provided adequate ore for the concentrator operation.
 
   
These temporary curtailments continued through 2002 and 2003. Concentrator throughput was adjusted periodically during the year to balance concentrate requirements at our Miami smelting operation, which continued to produce normally.
 
 
The Sierrita concentrator operation was temporarily reduced to one-half capacity in January 2002. The Sierrita mining operation also was temporarily reduced to a level that provided adequate ore to the reduced concentrator operation. Sierrita’s SX/EW operations continued normally. These curtailments continued through 2002 and 2003.


Table of Contents

59

The following table provides the rationale and other details for temporary curtailments taken in 2001 at our U.S. copper mines that continued through 2002 and 2003:

 
         
  Annual Production Curtailments
(million lbs.)
 
Affected Facility Date of
Announced
Curtailment
Announced
in 2001
Actual/
Reductions
in 2002/2003
Reason for Temporary Reduction
 
Chino, New Mexico
•  Mine (restarted on a limited basis April 2003; resumed full mine-for-leach operations September 2003)
•  Smelter
October 23, 2001 150 prior to the restarting of mine 45/70
•  High worldwide copper inventory
•  Balance smelter feed and sulfuric acid supply
 
Miami, Arizona
•  Mine
•  Refinery
October 23, 2001 100 61/64
•  High worldwide copper inventory
•  Balance sulfuric acid production and consumption
•  Balance anode production and consumption
 
Bagdad, Arizona
•  Mine
•  Concentrator (80%; 50% prior to 2003)
October 23, 2001 140
(plus 7 million lbs. molybdenum)
89/55
(plus 4/2 million lbs. molybdenum)
•  High worldwide copper inventory
•  Molybdenum market conditions, including the overall molybdenum market supply-demand fundamentals, inventory levels and published prices
 
Sierrita, Arizona
•  Mine
•  Concentrator (50%)
October 23, 2001 100
(plus 7 million lbs. molybdenum)
88/71
(plus 8/2 million lbs. molybdenum)
•  High worldwide copper inventory
•  Molybdenum market conditions, including the overall molybdenum market supply-demand fundamentals, inventory levels and published prices
 
Chino, New Mexico
•  Concentrator
March 26, 2001 136 150/150
•  Economic outlook, copper price and power availability
 
Tyrone, New Mexico
•  Mine (partially curtailed production September 2003)
March 26, 2001 Short-term sequential production curtailments Short-term sequential production curtailments
•  Allocation of economic electrical energy across enterprise
 
Bagdad, Arizona
•  Mine
•  Concentrator
March 26, 2001 Short-term sequential production curtailments Short-term sequential production curtailments
•  Allocation of economic electrical energy across enterprise
 
Sierrita, Arizona
•  Mine
•  Concentrator
March 26, 2001 Short-term sequential production curtailments Short-term sequential production curtailments
•  Allocation of economic electrical energy across enterprise
 

      At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 680 million pounds of curtailed annual copper production capacity (100 percent basis), depending on near-term mine plans, that could be brought to market. This curtailed capacity is located at eight of our mine sites, all with existing infrastructures. Approximately 635 million pounds relate to capacity in the United States and 45 million pounds relate to capacity at our international locations.

      The following table summarizes the approximate temporarily curtailed annual production as of December 31, 2003, by property:

 
         
Approximate Curtailed Copper Production Capacity (in million pounds)
 
Property (100% basis)   At December 31, 2003
U.S. Mines:
       
Morenci
    150  
Tyrone
    40  
Sierrita
    40  
Bagdad
    55  
Chino
    190  
Miami
    110  
Cobre
    50  
 
       
Total U.S. Mines
    635  
 
       
South American Mines:
       
Ojos del Salado
    45  
 
       
Total PDMC
    680  
 
       
 

      We have additional sources of copper that could be developed; however, such additional sources would require the development of greenfield projects or major brownfield expansions that would involve much greater capital expenditures and far longer lead-times than would be the case for facilities on care-and-maintenance status. The


Table of Contents

60

capital expenditures required to develop such additional production capacity include the costs of necessary infrastructure and would be substantial. In addition, significant lead-time would be required for permitting and construction.

      The Company bases its decisions to temporarily curtail production on a variety of factors. We may temporarily curtail production in response to external, macro-level factors such as prevailing and projected global copper production and demand, and the magnitude and trend of changes in world copper inventories. We may simply prefer to avoid depleting valuable, finite ore reserves unnecessarily during periods of potentially low margins despite the fact that cash flow and/or earnings may be positive at the time. The lead times involved in temporarily curtailing and restarting open-pit copper mines are such that careful consideration must be given to long-term planning rather than immediate reaction to price fluctuations.

      Our decisions concerning temporary curtailment of certain mining operations also take into account molybdenum market conditions. This includes overall molybdenum market supply-demand fundamentals, inventory levels and published prices.

      We also may adjust production at various properties in response to internal, micro-level factors such as the need to balance smelter feed or an internal shortage of sulfuric acid for our leaching operations. In other cases, facilities may be temporarily curtailed as a result of changes in technology that may make one technology, at a given copper price, more attractive than another technology. Unique regional issues, such as the energy crisis in the southwestern United States in 2000 and 2001, also may result in temporary curtailments.

      Any decision to recommence full operations depends on several factors including prevailing copper prices, management’s assessment of copper market fundamentals and its estimates of future copper price trends and the extent to which any such new production is necessary for the efficient integration of the Company’s other copper-producing operations at that time. Management’s assessment of copper market fundamentals will reflect its judgment about future global economic activity and demand, and its estimates of the likelihood and timing of new projects of competitors being brought back into production. While there is no single copper price threshold that would necessarily trigger the recommencement of full operations, management does not expect to recommence operations until warranted.

      Other steps necessary to recommence operations include such actions as assembling an appropriate labor force, preparation and set-up of idle equipment, restocking consumables and similar activities. We believe each of our temporarily curtailed facilities, excluding Morenci, could be brought into production within a few months to a year depending on the status of applicable environmental permitting. Morenci would not be available until at least 2007 due to mine plan limitations.

Projected Recommencement in 2004 of Curtailed Production

      Based upon the above-mentioned factors regarding recommencement of full operations at our curtailed mines, Phelps Dodge decided in January 2004 to resume production over the first nine months of 2004 at selected properties. This decision has been based on the rapid increase in copper prices, the apparent fundamental change in the market, our internal concentrate and sulfuric acid balance, and molybdenum market fundamentals. The planned production ramp-ups and timing are as follows:

 
Our Sierrita and Bagdad mines in Arizona began increasing production in January 2004 with an expectation that Bagdad will be producing at full capacity in the 2004 second quarter and Sierrita in the 2004 fourth quarter.
 
 
Our Chino mine in New Mexico began increasing production in the 2003 fourth quarter as it resumes full mine-for-leach operation. In addition, the milling operations are expected to commence in the 2004 third quarter at one-half capacity.
 
 
Our Cobre mine in New Mexico has been curtailed since early 1999, and it is expected to resume open-pit mining and milling operations by the 2004 third quarter.
 
 
Our Ojos del Salado mine in Chile, which has been curtailed since 1998, is expected to resume underground mining and milling operations by the 2004 second quarter.
 
 
Our Miami smelter in Arizona should resume operating at full capacity by the 2004 third quarter.

      The recommencement of our curtailed mines, in conjunction with the one-third share of Chino acquired in December 2003, will increase our copper production by approximately 240 million pounds in 2004 and approximately 370 million pounds in 2005, as compared with 2003 production, when we achieve full run rate. This will bring production in 2004 and 2005 to approximately 2.35 billion pounds (2.8 billion pounds on a 100 percent basis) and 2.5 billion pounds (3.0 billion pounds on a 100 percent basis), respectively. As a result of the increased production at Sierrita and Bagdad, our molybdenum by-product production will increase by approximately 3 million pounds to a total of 33 million pounds in 2004. Additionally, capital expenditures will increase by approximately $15 million as a result of the ramp-up in production. Annual copper capacity, excluding Morenci, that will remain curtailed after these recommencements is approximately 250 million pounds (both our share and 100 percent basis).

      Even though we remain very optimistic about the copper upturn, we will remain disciplined about our production profile. We will continue to configure our operations so that we can quickly respond to both positive and negative market swings.

Morenci Segment — Operating Income (Loss)

      The Morenci open-pit mine, located in southeastern Arizona, primarily produces electrowon copper cathodes. We own an 85 percent undivided interest in Morenci and apply the proportional consolidation method of accounting. Our share of copper sales in 2003 totaled 357,900 tons, compared with 350,800 and 333,000 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Phelps Dodge’s share of copper production increased in 2003 to 357,900 tons, compared with 350,800 and 332,800 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      Operating income of $77.4 million for 2003 increased $53.3 million compared with 2002, primarily due to higher average copper prices (approximately $57 million); partially offset by higher cost of copper production (approximately $5 million). Higher cost of copper is primarily due to higher energy costs (approximately $14 million) and an unfavorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $2 million); partially offset by higher flow rates (ap-


Table of Contents

61

proximately $6 million) and lower depreciation expense (approximately $5 million). Operating income of $24.1 million in 2002 increased $86.0 million compared with 2001, primarily due to lower cost of copper production (approximately $87 million); partially offset by lower average copper prices (approximately $6 million).

Bagdad/Sierrita Segment — Operating Income

      Our wholly owned Bagdad and Sierrita open-pit mines, located in northwest Arizona and near Green Valley, Arizona, respectively, mine copper sulfide and oxide ores. They produce copper and molybdenum concentrates. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 190,300 tons, compared with 176,100 and 258,000 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Copper production in 2003 totaled 182,600 tons, compared with 160,200 and 249,500 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      The Sierrita operation leases property adjacent to its mine upon which its electrowinning tankhouse is located. The current lease agreement expired in 2003. Future alternatives, including extension of the lease, are being considered. As a result, Sierrita’s electrowon copper cathode production has been curtailed since the 2003 fourth quarter.

      Operating income of $81.0 million for 2003 increased $60.8 million compared with 2002, primarily due to lower cost of copper production (approximately $29 million) and higher average copper prices (approximately $30 million). The lower cost of copper production primarily was due to higher molybdenum by-product credits resulting from higher prices and volumes (approximately $56 million); partially offset by higher energy costs (approximately $13 million), higher mining and milling costs (approximately $10 million) and an unfavorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $5 million). Operating income of $20.2 million in 2002 increased $8.7 million compared with 2001, primarily due to lower pre-tax special charges of $7.2 million.

      On April 28, 2003, the Company announced its copper concentrate-leaching demonstration plant at Bagdad, Arizona, had been commissioned ahead of schedule. It is now operating at design capacity. We believe the Bagdad plant is the first commercial facility in the world to use high-temperature pressure leaching to treat chalcopyrite concentrates. The new technology should make it more economical to recover copper from chalcopyrite ores in some circumstances, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of the world’s known copper reserves. Our immediate plans are to continue in the present mode of operation until the economic viability of the process is proven. Once we have completed this demonstration, we will be ready for larger scale commercial application where appropriate.

Miami/Bisbee Segment — Operating Loss

      Our wholly owned Miami open-pit mine, located in Miami, Arizona, produces electrowon copper cathode. Since January 2002, the Miami mine and refinery have been closed temporarily due to the economic environment. The small Bisbee precipitation operation is located in Arizona. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 20,000 tons, compared with 15,300 and 46,900 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Copper production in 2003 totaled 17,800 tons, compared with 10,600 and 44,300 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      An operating loss of $6.0 million for 2003 decreased $9.6 million compared with 2002, primarily due to lower cost of copper production (approximately $5 million), higher average copper prices (approximately $3 million), and lower pre-tax special losses of $1.8 million. Lower cost of copper production was attributable to higher production (approximately $2 million) and lower depreciation expense (approximately $4 million); partially offset by higher energy costs (approximately $1 million). The 2002 operating loss of $15.6 million increased $10.5 million compared with 2001, primarily due to higher shutdown costs (approximately $12 million).

Chino/Cobre Segment — Operating Loss

      The Chino open-pit mine, located near Silver City, New Mexico, primarily mines copper sulfide and oxide ores. On December 19, 2003, we completed the acquisition of Heisei’s one-third partnership interest in Chino Mines Company, which is now wholly owned by subsidiaries of Phelps Dodge. Prior to the acquisition, we owned a two-thirds partnership interest in Chino and applied the proportional consolidation method of accounting. Beginning on January 1, 2002, the Chino mine and smelter were closed temporarily; however, mining for leach material was restarted on a limited basis at Chino in April 2003. In September 2003 a full mine-for-leach operation was resumed. Our wholly owned Cobre mine, which is adjacent to the Chino mine, has been curtailed since early 1999. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 27,400 tons, compared with 35,800 and 52,100 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Phelps Dodge’s share of copper production decreased in 2003 to 27,400 tons, compared with 35,900 and 52,100 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      An operating loss of $5.4 million for 2003 decreased $105.0 million compared with 2002, primarily due to lower pre-tax special charges of $115.9 for impairment of Cobre and higher average copper prices (approximately $4 million); partially offset by higher cost of copper production (approximately $12 million) and lower copper sales volumes (approximately $3 million). Higher cost of copper production primarily was due to decreased production from lower leach solution grades and flow rates (approximately $7 million), higher energy costs (approximately $5 million) and higher operating costs (approximately $6 million); partially offset by a favorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $5 million). The 2002 operating loss of $110.4 million increased $94.9 million compared with 2001, primarily due to the net pre-tax charge of $115.5 million associated with the previously mentioned asset impairment at Cobre; partially offset by improved cost of copper production (approximately $22 million).

Tyrone Segment — Operating Income (Loss)

      Our wholly owned Tyrone open-pit mine, located near Tyrone, New Mexico, primarily mines copper oxide ore. It produces electrowon copper cathode. In September 2003, we partially curtailed production at Tyrone. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 56,900 tons, compared with 69,900 and 76,400 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Copper production decreased in 2003 to 56,900 tons, compared with 69,900 and 76,400 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      An operating loss of $17.2 million for 2003 increased $18.8 million compared with 2002, primarily due to higher cost of copper production (approximately $27 million); partially offset by higher average copper prices (approximately $9 million). The higher cost of copper production included an unfavorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $41 million) and lower produc-


Table of Contents

62

tion due to lower grade and recovery (approximately $13 million); partially offset by lower costs associated with mine plan changes and lower production (approximately $17 million), lower closure expense from the adoption of SFAS No. 143 (approximately $8 million) and lower energy costs (approximately $2 million). The 2002 operating income of $1.6 million increased $17.9 million compared with 2001, due to lower cost of copper production (approximately $15 million).

South American Mines — Operating Income

      South American Mines reported operating income in 2003 of $182.6 million, compared with operating income of $65.4 million in 2002 and $57.3 million in 2001.

      See U.S. Mining Operations — Operating Income (Loss) for a discussion of curtailed production, factors influencing the decision to recommence full operations and the principal steps necessary to recommence such operations. (Refer to the separate discussion of PDMC’s segments below for further discussion).

Candelaria/Ojos del Salado Segment — Operating Income

      The Candelaria open-pit mine is located near Copiapó in northern Chile and produces copper concentrates. It also includes the nearby Ojos del Salado underground mine that produces concentrates. We own an 80 percent partnership interest in Candelaria, a Chilean contractual mining company, and we apply the proportional consolidation method of accounting. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 209,500 tons, compared with 210,400 and 227,100 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Phelps Dodge’s share of copper production in 2003 totaled 187,600 tons, compared with 175,600 and 194,600 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      Operating income of $100.5 million for 2003 increased $52.9 million compared with 2002, primarily due to higher average copper prices (approximately $33 million), lower cost of copper production (approximately $18 million) and higher copper sales volumes (approximately $3 million). The decrease in unit cost of copper production was primarily due to higher copper ore grade (approximately $8 million), higher precious metal credits (approximately $6 million), lower downstream charges (approximately $11 million) and a favorable change in work-in-process inventory (approximately $9 million); partially offset by higher operating costs (approximately $14 million) and higher depreciation expense (approximately $1 million). Operating income of $47.6 million in 2002 decreased $2.4 million compared with 2001, primarily due to lower copper sales volumes (approximately $4 million) and higher cost of copper production (approximately $5 million); partially offset by higher net concentrate selling prices (approximately $8 million).

Cerro Verde Segment — Operating Income

      The Cerro Verde open-pit mine, located near Arequipa, Peru, produces electrowon copper cathodes. We own approximately 82 percent of the common stock of Cerro Verde, which we fully consolidate and show the minority interest. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 95,600 tons, compared with 94,900 and 84,700 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Copper production increased in 2003 to 96,300 tons from 95,300 and 84,900 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      Operating income of $42.7 million for 2003 increased $17.9 million from 2002 primarily due to higher average copper prices (approximately $22 million); partially offset by higher cost of copper production (approximately $3 million). Higher cost of copper production primarily was due to higher operating expenses (approximately $5 million) and higher energy costs (approximately $3 million); partially offset by a favorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $2 million) and lower depreciation expense (approximately $3 million). Operating income of $24.8 million in 2002 increased $23.0 million from 2001 primarily due to lower cost of copper production (approximately $21 million).

El Abra Segment — Operating Income (Loss)

      The El Abra open-pit mine is located in northern Chile and produces electrowon copper cathodes. We own a 51 percent partnership interest in El Abra, a Chilean contractual mining company, and we apply the proportional consolidation method of accounting. The remaining 49 percent interest is owned by Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO), a Chilean state-owned company. El Abra completed its $70 million project (including our partner’s share) to leach uncrushed run-of-mine (ROM) material in December 2001, and started ROM production in January 2002. ROM allows El Abra to maintain tank-house design capacity. During 2003, El Abra produced approximately 16 percent of its total production from ROM, compared with 14 percent during 2002. Copper sales in 2003 totaled 135,700 tons, compared with 186,100 and 132,500 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Phelps Dodge’s share of copper production slightly increased in 2003 to 127,400 tons, compared with 126,500 and 122,300 tons in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      Operating income of $39.4 million for 2003 increased $46.4 million from 2002 primarily due to higher average copper prices (approximately $39 million) and lower cost of copper production (approximately $5 million). Lower cost of copper production reflected a favorable change in heap-leach and work-in-process inventories (approximately $10 million), and lower energy costs (approximately $2 million); partially offset by higher depreciation expense (approximately $4 million) and higher operating expenses (approximately $2 million). The 2002 operating loss of $7.0 million increased $12.5 million from 2001, primarily due to higher cost of copper production (approximately $8 million).

      In 2001 and 2002, El Abra’s financial performance was hampered by low copper prices and a high debt service burden resulting in cash shortfalls of approximately $70 million in 2001 and $60 million in 2002. Subordinated loans in 2001 were provided pro-rata (Phelps Dodge: 51 percent, CODELCO: 49 percent, at LIBOR plus 1.0 percent), while the subordinated loans in 2002 were provided by Phelps Dodge only (at LIBOR plus 5.5 percent) and will be paid after the senior loans are paid in full (in May 2007). Payments of scheduled senior long-term debt, on a 100 percent basis, for 2003 totaled approximately $105 million (divided into semi-annual payments due in May and November).

Primary Molybdenum — Operating Income (Loss)

      Primary Molybdenum includes our wholly owned Henderson and Climax molybdenum mines in Colorado and conversion facilities in the United States and Europe. Henderson produces high-purity, chemical-grade molybdenum concentrates that are further processed into value-added molybdenum chemical products. Climax is currently on care-and-maintenance status. We expect to bring Climax into


Table of Contents

63

production concurrent with the exhaustion of the Henderson molybdenum mine reserves for continued long-term primary molybdenum supply for the chemicals business.

      Primary Molybdenum operations reported operating income in 2003 of $8.6 million, compared with operating income of $8.6 million in 2002 including a special, net pre-tax gain of $1.0 million, and an operating loss of $11.7 million in 2001 including $0.6 million of special, net pre-tax charges.

      Excluding special items, 2003 operating income increased $1.0 million compared with 2002, primarily due to higher average molybdenum prices (approximately $76 million) and higher sales volumes (approximately $38 million); partially offset by higher purchased costs of third-party molybdenum as well as by-product molybdenum purchased from certain of our U.S. copper operations (approximately $77 million), higher production costs (approximately $31 million), higher shutdown expenses (approximately $3 million) and higher marketing costs (approximately $2 million). The higher production costs primarily resulted from higher mining costs (approximately $10 million), conversion costs (approximately $11 million), energy costs (approximately $5 million) and higher maintenance costs (approximately $3 million). The 2002 increase in operating income of $20.3 million compared with 2001, primarily was due to higher average molybdenum prices (approximately $50 million) and lower primary molybdenum costs ($12 million); partially offset by higher costs of purchased molybdenum ($32 million) and lower sales volumes of molybdenum (approximately $10 million).

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes Primary Molybdenum’s special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings (losses) excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special, pre-tax items
  $       1.0       (0.6 )
Segment operating earnings (losses) excluding special items
  $ 8.6       7.6       (11.1 )
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

      The following table provides the rationale and other details for temporary curtailments taken in 2000 at our primary molybdenum operations (see U.S. Mining Operations — Operating Income (Loss) for a discussion of by-product molybdenum production curtailments):

 
         
Affected Facility
  Henderson, Colorado Mine
 
Date of Announced Temporary Curtailment
  May 8, 2000
 
Approximate Annual Molybdenum Production Reduction (million lbs.)
  5  
 
Approximate Production Reduction in 2002 (million lbs.)
  3  
 
Reason for Temporary Reduction
  Molybdenum market conditions, including the overall molybdenum market supply-demand fundamentals, inventory levels and published prices.
 

      The molybdenum market is generally characterized by cyclical and volatile prices, little product differentiation and strong competition. The annual Metals Week Dealer Oxide mean price of $5.32 per pound in 2003, compared with $3.77 and $2.36 per pound in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Prices for chemical products are generally less directly based on the previously noted reference prices. Prices are influenced by production costs of domestic and foreign competitors, worldwide economic conditions, world supply/demand balances, inventory levels, the U.S. dollar exchange rate and other factors. Molybdenum prices also are affected by the demand for end-use products in, for example, the construction, transportation and durable goods markets. A substantial portion of world molybdenum production is a by-product of copper mining, which is relatively insensitive to molybdenum price levels. By-product production accounts for between 50 percent and 60 percent of global production.

      Our expected 2004 molybdenum production is approximately 57 million pounds (approximately 24 million pounds from our primary mine and 33 million pounds from by-product mines). Approximately 70 percent of our molybdenum contracts are priced based on the average of the previous 30 days of published prices (i.e., Platts Metals Week, Ryan’s Notes or Metal Bulletin), plus premiums. Accordingly, each $1.00 per pound change in our average annual realized molybdenum price causes a variation in annual operating income before taxes of approximately $40 million (subject to any negotiated limitations in outstanding customer agreements).

Manufacturing and Sales Segment — Operating Income

      Manufacturing and Sales reported operating income of $31.9 million including a special, net pre-tax charge of $0.1 million in 2003, compared with operating income of $5.1 million in 2002 including a special, net pre-tax gain of $0.2 million, and operating income of $14.2 million in 2001 including a special, net pre-tax charge of $6.9 million.

      Excluding special items, 2003 operating income increased $27.1 million compared with 2002, primarily due to changes in intercompany acid credits (approximately $9 million) and downstream charges (approximately $6 million), and lower depreciation and amortization expense (approximately $8 million). Excluding special items, 2002 operating income decreased $16.2 million compared with 2001, primarily due to lower copper concentrate prices.

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes Manufacturing and Sales segment’s special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special, pre-tax items
  $ (0.1 )     0.2       (6.9 )
Segment operating earnings excluding special items
  $ 32.0       4.9       21.1  
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Other Mining Segment — Operating Loss

      Other Mining reported an operating loss of $87.7 million including a special, net pre-tax charge of $2.0 million in 2003, compared with an operating loss of $64.0 million in 2002 including a special, net pre-tax gain of $1.6 million, and an operating loss of $56.1 million in 2001 including a special, net pre-tax gain of $22.3 million.

      Excluding special items, 2003 operating loss increased $20.1 million compared with 2002, primarily due to higher exploration ex-


Table of Contents

64

penses (approximately $6 million), process technology expenses (approximately $5 million), profit sharing costs (approximately $4 million) and the absence of a gain on asset disposals in 2002 (approximately $7 million). Excluding special items, 2002 operating loss decreased by $12.8 million compared with 2001, primarily due to lower exploration expenses (approximately $17 million).

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes Other Mining segment’s special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant losses excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Special, pre-tax items
  $ (2.0 )     1.6       22.3  
Segment operating losses excluding special items
  $ (85.7 )     (65.6 )     (78.4 )
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

PDMC — Other Matters — New Mexico Reclamation

      (Refer to pages 78 through 82 for more extensive discussion of Significant New Mexico Environmental and Reclamation Programs.)

RESULTS OF PHELPS DODGE INDUSTRIES

      PDI, our manufacturing division, produces engineered products principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and specialty chemicals sectors. Its operations are characterized by products with significant market share, internationally competitive cost and quality, and specialized engineering capabilities. The manufacturing division includes our Specialty Chemicals segment and our Wire and Cable segment. Our Specialty Chemicals segment includes Columbian Chemicals Company and its subsidiaries (Columbian Chemicals or Columbian). Our Wire and Cable segment consists of three worldwide product line businesses including magnet wire, energy and telecommunication cables, and specialty conductors.

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Sales and other operating revenues to unaffiliated customers:
                       
Specialty Chemicals
  $ 644.2       548.8       582.0  
Wire and Cable
    669.9       687.4       770.9  
 
                       
 
  $ 1,314.1       1,236.2       1,352.9  
 
                       
Operating income (loss):
                       
Specialty Chemicals
  $ 54.8       48.1       61.8  
Wire and Cable
    13.7       (17.5 )     12.2  
 
                       
 
  $ 68.5       30.6       74.0  
 
                       
 

PDI — Sales

      PDI reported sales to unaffiliated customers of $1,314.1 million in 2003, compared with $1,236.2 million in 2002 and $1,352.9 million in 2001.

      The increase of $77.9 million in 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to higher specialty chemicals sales of $95.4 million resulting from higher average unit selling prices (approximately $53 million) principally in Europe and South America due to general market and higher feedstock-related increases, higher foreign currency translation gains primarily in Europe (approximately $34 million) and higher sales volumes (approximately $9 million); offset by lower wire and cable sales of $17.5 million primarily due to lower sales in North America ($23 million) due to a sluggish manufacturing sector; partially offset by higher sales volumes in international markets (approximately $5 million).

      The decrease of $116.7 million in 2002 compared with 2001 was primarily due to (i) lower specialty chemicals sales volumes in the United States (approximately $38 million) and (ii) lower wire and cable sales resulting primarily from lower sales volumes due to continued economic weakness in the United States (approximately $67 million) and reduced sales in Central and South America due to lower demand (approximately $27 million); partially offset by higher sales volumes in Thailand (approximately $10 million).

PDI — Operating Income

      PDI reported operating income of $68.5 million in 2003 including a special, net pre-tax gain of $1.7 million, compared with operating income of $30.6 million in 2002 including a special, net pre-tax loss of $22.0 million, and $74.0 million in 2001 including a special, net pre-tax loss of $4.7 million. (Refer to the separate discussion of PDI’s Specialty Chemicals and Wire and Cable segments below for further detail).

      In 2003, operations outside the United States provided 62 percent of PDI’s sales, compared with 60 percent in 2002 and 64 percent in 2001. During the year, operations outside the United States contributed 105 percent of PDI’s operating income, compared with 183 percent in 2002 and 67 percent in 2001.

Note: Supplemental Data

      The following table summarizes PDI’s special items for 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the resultant earnings (losses) excluding these special items:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Operating income
  $ 68.5       30.6       74.0  
Special, pre-tax items
    1.7       (22.0 )     (4.7 )
 
                       
Operating income before special items
  $ 66.8       52.6       78.7  
 
                       
 
 
Note: Our non-GAAP measure of special items may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


Table of Contents

65

Note: Supplemental Data

      Special items and provisions in operating income were as follows:

 
                         
($ in millions)            
    2003   2002   2001
Termination of a foreign postretirement benefit plan
  $ 3.2              
Asset impairment
    (1.7 )           (3.3 )
Goodwill impairment
    (0.9 )            
September 2002 restructuring:
                       
Original programs
          (23.6 )      
Reassessment of employee severance
    0.2              
Environmental provisions, net
    0.9       0.3        
October 2001 restructuring:
                       
Original programs
                (1.4 )
Reassessment of employee activities and disposal and dismantling
          0.4        
Reassessment of 2000 closure
          0.5        
June 1999 restructuring:
                       
Reassessment of disposal and dismantling
          0.4        
 
                       
Special, pre-tax items
  $ 1.7       (22.0 )     (4.7 )
 
                       
 

Specialty Chemicals — Operating Income

      Specialty Chemicals reported operating income of $54.8 million including a special, net pre-tax gain of $3.7 million in 2003, compared with operating income of $48.1 million in 2002, including a special, pre-tax gain of $1.1 million, and operating income of $61.8 million in 2001, including a special, pre-tax charge of $1.4 million.