VOL. 09 | ISSUE 1 | Spring 2026
Our
Voices
What do you
see as Freeport’s
biggest advantage
as it plans for
the future?
DAVID GARCIA
Senior Warehouse Technician-Technology Center Tucson
“Freeport has shown that its greatest strength comes from its people, by investing in them and fostering a workplace that manifests success and value within. Preparation for the future doesn’t begin with simply taking action; it begins by setting a foundation of strong values and beliefs. Those core values are what I believe will bring success in the future of Freeport.”
JENNA GOSSEN
Chemist II-Technology Center Tucson
“Freeport’s greatest advantage is its perspective on industry challenges. The company is able to maintain a growth mindset and push innovation, while treating potential setbacks as opportunities for improvement.”
MIKEY HOLLER
Senior Supervisor, Mine Maintenance-Sierrita
“I have had the privilege of interacting with some of our strategic partners, and I would say those partnerships are a big advantage. Whether it be strategic pricing or availability of parts and components, I think those commitments will be factors in our favor in 2026 and beyond.”
EMILY JESSEN
Operational Excellence Facilitator-Safford
“Our greatest advantage is our people — leaders, innovators and miners. We are positioned with a healthy balance of employees with years of mining experience, combined with a generation of digital experts. We can find what works best for our business and share those insights across the organization for each of us to learn from one another. As an organization, we don’t settle for anything less than being the best at what we do, and we take pride in it.”
SAURAV KUSHWAHA
Engineer II-Fort Madison
“Freeport’s biggest advantage as we plan for the future is our people and the culture we’ve built around safety and execution. On a day-to-day basis, I observe teams across operations, maintenance, safety and engineering collaborating with genuine ownership. Issues are promptly addressed. Decisions are made with the appropriate level of rigor, and we consistently uphold our standards. This is a significant differentiator because it’s not just about having good plans; it’s about reliably delivering results the right way.”
CARLOS LOPEZ
Superintendent, Mill Operations-Morenci
“Freeport’s biggest advantage is that it empowers its people to make day-to-day decisions regarding the safety and wellbeing of the workforce. The company offers opportunities for employees to upskill, and in some cases, it also contributes to their college education. By doing this, employees are more willing to remain with the company through retirement. At many Freeport sites, there are also generational miners, which alone is proof that Freeport is a sustainable company.”
JR OLIVAR
Health and Safety Technician II-Safford
“I feel one of Freeport’s biggest advantages is us, the Safford Health and Safety Rescue Team. The rescue team provides 24/7 health and safety support, including emergency medical services, firefighting and rope rescue. We not only take care of the Safford site, but we also provide knowledge and training to other Freeport sites. Freeport does not plan ahead without thinking health and safety first.”
NICHOLAS SHARP
Senior Environmental Technician-Sierrita
“I have worked for a few different departments within Freeport, and I have experience with other companies as well. From my perspective, I would say our biggest advantage is our people. We truly are our brother’s keepers and watch out for each other.”
SILVIA SQUILLACI
Metallurgist II-Fort Madison
“I think that Freeport’s biggest advantage is the company culture, which promotes both physical and psychological safety. With so many ambitious goals on the horizon, it is important that people develop a keen eye for safety while being able to speak openly.”
DHRUV TOMAR
Mill Metallurgist I-Bagdad
“I believe Freeport’s drive toward automation, real-time data and advanced process control helps us operate more efficiently, consistently and safely. Given how competitive the mining industry is, it’s essential for us to lead in automating milling and flotation to maintain our edge and continue improving our performance.”
NATALY VANEGAS VALDERRAMA
Geomechanical Engineer I-Chino
“Freeport’s biggest advantage is its strong commitment to core values and inclusivity. Mining is truly my passion, and through my work in geomechanics, focusing on stockpile stability, I’ve been fortunate to contribute directly to safe and responsible mine operations. Freeport’s emphasis on continuous improvement and developing its people has empowered me to grow in this field, and I believe this culture is a major advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.”
SHYRA VALDEZ
Manager, Health and Safety-Morenci
“I believe Freeport’s biggest advantage as we plan for the future is our people. At Freeport, we have people with great technical expertise, operational knowledge and a strong safety-first culture that guides how we work every day. Even as we navigate ongoing challenges, teams remain focused on safe operations, innovation and practical problem solving to improve performance.”
ADRIAN VALDIVIA
Refinery Supervisor-El Paso
“By having the new permanent cathode technology project implemented in the tank house, this means job security and new career opportunities for all employees. Freeport will also have quicker harvest times, taking advantage of copper prices.”
ALAN VALERIO
Metallurgist I-El Paso
“I think that Freeport’s biggest advantage is definitely the people. I have the opportunity to work with very knowledgeable people from different disciplines, such as other engineers, technicians, operators, etc. I work closely with the operations and maintenance teams to monitor process conditions and support with process improvements projects in which every member of the team has the same mindset of helping each other and working as a team to prevent equipment failure before it happens.”