Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) has appointed Kathleen Quirk as its new CEO, marking a significant leadership change as the company gears up to increase copper production to meet growing global demand.
Quirk, who joined Freeport in 1989 and previously served as CFO since 2003, is the only female CEO of a major mining company. She inherits several challenges, including a persistent labor shortage, lower ore grades at aging mines, and higher costs amid recent inflationary pressures. Despite these issues, Quirk is optimistic about the future, focusing on internal growth projects and technological innovations.
Over the past decade, Freeport has concentrated on cutting costs, reducing debt, and resolving legal disputes, particularly in Indonesia. Now, with a stronger financial position, the company is ready ...