SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORP/
10-Q, 1999-05-14
METAL MINING
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                      1999
                                  First Quarter
                                    FORM 10-Q


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


For Quarter Ended March 31, 1999            Commission file number 1-14066
                  --------------                                   -------



                        SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                          13-3849074
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S Employer
  incorporation or organization)                          Identification No.)


     180 Maiden Lane, New York, N.Y.                                10038
 (Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code                212-510-2000



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 ____


As of April 30, 1999 there were outstanding  13,964,862  shares of Southern Peru
Copper  Corporation  common  stock,  par value $0.01 per share.  There were also
outstanding 65,900,833 shares of Southern Peru Copper Corporation Class A common
stock, par value $0.01 per share.



<PAGE>




                        SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES


                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


                                                                        Page No.

      Part I.  Financial Information:

      Item 1.  Financial Statements (unaudited)                            

                  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings             
                    Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998              2

                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
                    March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998                    3

                  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                    Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998              4

                  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     5-7

      Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
               Financial Condition and Results of
               Operations                                                 8-12

      Report of Independent Accountants                                    13


      Part II.  Other Information:

      Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                           14

      Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders         14

      Item 6(a)   Exhibits on Form 10-Q                                    15

      Exhibit 11        Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share


      Signatures                                                           16

      Exhibit I - Independent Accountants' Awareness Letter                





                                      -1-
<PAGE>

                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries

<TABLE>
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                   (unaudited)

<CAPTION>
                                                            3 Months Ended
                                                               March 31,
                                                          1999         1998
                                                          (in thousands, except 
                                                           per share amounts)
Net sales:
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>
 Stockholders and affiliates                           $       -     $   5,984
 Others                                                  123,942       146,411
                                                        --------     ---------
      Total net sales                                    123,942       152,395
                                                        --------     ---------

Operating costs and expenses:
 Cost of sales                                            89,269       105,679
 Administrative and other expenses                        10,099        14,562
 Depreciation and depletion                               17,386        13,691
 Exploration expense                                         760         1,192
                                                        --------     ---------
  Total operating costs and expenses                     117,514       135,124
                                                        --------     ---------

  Operating income                                         6,428        17,271

Interest income                                            2,917         4,948
Other income                                               1,484         1,617
Interest expense                                          (5,052)       (4,407)
                                                        --------     ---------

Earnings before taxes on income and minority
  interest of labor shares                                 5,777        19,429

Taxes on income                                            1,733         6,316

Minority interest of labor shares in income of
  Peruvian Branch                                              2           193
                                                        --------     ---------

Net earnings                                            $  4,042     $  12,920
                                                        ========     =========

Per common share amounts:
 Net earnings - basic and diluted                         $0.05          $0.16
 Dividends paid                                           $0.03          $0.20
 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic    79,857         79,943
                                                Diluted  79,883         79,943
                                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>




                                      -2-
<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries
<TABLE>

                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                   (unaudited)

                                                                                 March 31,  December 31,
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1999       1998

                                                                                      (in thousands)
   ASSETS
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>
   Current assets:                                     
     Cash and cash equivalents                                                  $  160,788    $  175,948
     Marketable securities                                                          24,470        22,152
     Accounts receivable, net                                                       51,459        64,561
     Inventories                                                                    87,580        88,951
     Other assets                                                                   59,320        58,450
                                                                                 ---------     ---------
       Total current assets                                                        383,617       410,062

   Net property                                                                  1,117,466     1,088,557
   Other assets                                                                     28,573        27,218
                                                                                ---------      ---------
         Total Assets                                                           $1,529,656    $1,525,837
                                                                                ==========    ==========

   LIABILITIES
   Current liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term debt                                          $   13,683    $   13,683
     Accounts payable                                                               41,575        48,497
     Accrued liabilities                                                            37,251        34,836
                                                                                ----------    ----------
       Total current liabilities                                                    92,509        97,016
                                                                                  --------    ----------

   Long-term debt                                                                  222,525       220,525
   Deferred credits                                                                 16,371        15,722
   Deferred income taxes                                                            61,268        56,700
   Other liabilities                                                                10,643        10,951
                                                                                ----------    ----------
       Total non-current liabilities                                               310,807       303,898
                                                                                ----------    ----------

   Minority interest of labor shares in the Peruvian
     Branch                                                                         16,102        16,331
                                                                                ----------    ----------

   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Common stock (a)                                                                261,363       261,363
   Retained earnings                                                               848,875       847,229
                                                                                ----------    ----------
         Total Stockholders' Equity                                             1,110,238      1,108,592
                                                                                ----------    ----------

         Total Liabilities, Minority Interest and Stockholders' Equity          $1,529,656    $1,525,837  
                                                                                ==========    ==========
                                                                                

   (a) Common shares: Authorized                                                    34,099        34,099
                      Outstanding                                                   13,962        13,950
       Class A common shares Authorized and Outstanding                             65,901        65,901

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

</TABLE>


                                      -3-
<PAGE>


                        Southern Peru Copper Corporation
                                and Subsidiaries
<TABLE>

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (unaudited)


 <CAPTION>
                                                                             3 Months Ended
                                                                                  March 31,
                                                                            1999             1998
                                                                               (in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>      
  Net earnings                                                           $  4,042        $  12,920
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided            
     from operating activities:
      Depreciation and depletion                                           17,386           13,691
      Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes                         5,256            2,446
      Minority interest of labor shares                                         2              193
      Net loss on sale of investments and property                              -              268
      Cash provided from (used for) operating assets and 
         liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                                                  12,582            8,717
      Inventories                                                           1,371           (4,501)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                             (6,101)          14,399
      Other operating assets and liabilities                                2,446          (16,124)
      Foreign currency transaction loss                                     1,516                -
                                                                          -------        ---------

Net cash provided from operating activities                                38,500           32,009
                                                                          -------        ---------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures                                                    (50,314)         (76,408)
  Purchases of held-to maturity investments                               (24,470)          (1,800)
  Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments                               22,152           88,679
  Sale of property                                                            362              822
                                                                        ---------        ---------
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities                    (52,270)          11,293
                                                                        ---------        ---------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from borrowings                                                  2,000                -
  Escrow (deposits) withdrawals on long-term loans                            (27)           1,615
  Dividends paid to common stockholders                                    (2,396)         (15,983)
  Distributions to minority interest                                          (47)            (396)
  Treasury stock transactions                                                   -           (3,001)
  Purchases of labor shares                                                  (183)            (912)
                                                                        ---------        ---------
Net cash used for financing activities                                       (653)         (18,677)
                                                                        ---------        ---------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                      (737)             193
                                                                       ----------        ---------
Increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           (15,160)          24,818
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period                         175,948          126,491
                                                                        ---------        ---------

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period                             $ 160,788        $ 151,309
                                                                        =========        =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                        SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION
                                and Subsidiaries

              NOTES to CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

A.   In the  opinion  of  the  Company,  the  accompanying  unaudited  condensed
     consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments  (consisting only
     of normal recurring  adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company's
     financial  position as of March 31, 1999 and the results of operations  and
     cash flows for the three  months  ended  March 31,  1999 and 1998.  Certain
     reclassifications  have been made in the financial  statements from amounts
     previously reported.  This financial data has been subjected to a review by
     PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP, the  Company's  independent  accountants.  The
     results  of  operations  for the three  month  period  are not  necessarily
     indicative  of  the  results  to  be  expected  for  the  full  year.   The
     accompanying  condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in
     conjunction  with the consolidated  financial  statements and notes thereto
     included in the Company's 1998 annual report on Form 10-K.


B.   Inventories were as follows:                   
     (in millions)
                                                        March 31,  December 31,
                                                          1999         1998
     Metals at lower of average cost or market:                                 
          Finished goods                                  $1.0         $1.5
          Work-in-process                                 37.3         37.9
     Supplies at average cost, net of reserves            49.3         49.5
                                                          ----         ----
     Total inventories                                  $ 87.6       $ 88.9
                                                        ======       ======


C.   At March 31, 1999,  the Company has recorded sales of 6.7 million pounds of
     copper, at a provisional price of $0.60 per pound.  These sales are subject
     to final pricing based on the average monthly LME copper price in the month
     of settlement which will occur in the second quarter of 1999.


D.   Financial Instruments:

     The Company uses  derivative  instruments  to manage its exposure to market
     risk from changes in commodity  prices.  Derivative  instruments  which are
     designated  as  hedges,  must be  deemed  effective  at  reducing  the risk
     associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge
     at the inception of the contract.

     Copper: Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions,  the Company
     may purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price  declines
     below the  option  strike  price on a  portion  of its  anticipated  future
     production.  Put options purchased by the Company establish a minimum sales
     price for the production covered by such put options and permit the Company
     to participate in price increases  above the option price.  The cost of the
     options is  amortized on a  straight-line  basis during the period in which
     the options are exercisable.  Depending upon market  conditions the Company
     may either sell options it holds or exercise the options at maturity. Gains
     or  losses  from  the  sale or  exercise  of  options,  net of  unamortized
     acquisition  costs,  are  recognized in the period in which the  underlying
     production  is sold  and are  reported  as a  component  of the  underlying
     transaction.




                                      -5-
<PAGE>

     Earnings  include  pre-tax  gains from option  sales and  exercises of $7.2
     million in the first quarter of 1998.  At March 31, 1999,  the Company held
     no copper put options.

     Fuel swaps:  The Company may enter into fuel swap  agreements  to limit the
     effect of  changes  in fuel  prices on its  production  costs.  A fuel swap
     establishes  a  fixed  price  for  the  quantity  of  fuel  covered  by the
     agreement.  The  difference  between the  published  price for fuel and the
     price  established  in the  contract  for the month  covered by the swap is
     recognized  as a  component  of cost of  sales.  As of March  31,  1999 and
     December 31, 1998, the Company had the following fuel swap agreements:

                                                            Weighted
                                                             Average
                                                            Contract
                                          Quantity            Price
     Fuel Type              Period        (barrels)       (per barrel)
     ---------              ------        ---------       ------------
     March 31, 1999
     --------------
     Residual Oil         4/99-12/99      1,240,500          $10.07
     Diesel Fuel          4/99-12/99        360,000          $15.94

     December 31, 1998
     Residual Oil         1/99-9/99       1,095,000           $9.84
     Diesel Fuel          1/99-9/99         432,000          $15.80

    Due to  increases  in fuel  prices  the  value of the  Company's  fuel  swap
    positions at March 31, 1999 has  increased.  As a result,  in the event of a
    hypothetical  10 percent  decrease  from  March 31,  1999 fuel  prices,  the
    Company would still incur lower production  costs of approximately  $100,000
    over the life of the contracts  then it would have incurred had the exposure
    not been hedged.

    In the first quarter of 1999, the Company's production costs would have been
    $0.8 million lower if this exposure had not been hedged.


E.   Commitments and Contingencies:

     Litigation


     In April 1996,  the  Company  was served with a complaint  filed in Peru by
     approximately  800 former  employees  seeking the delivery of a substantial
     number of labor shares of its Peruvian  Branch plus  dividends.  In October
     1997,  the Superior  Court of Lima nullified a decision of a court of first
     instance,  which  had been  adverse  to the  Company.  The  Superior  Court
     remanded the case for a new trial. Plaintiffs filed an extraordinary appeal
     before  the  Peruvian   Supreme   Court.   The  Supreme   Court  may  grant
     discretionary  review in limited cases. In March 1999, the Company received
     official  notification  that  the  Supreme  Court  had  denied  plaintiff's
     extraordinary appeal and affirmed the decision of the Supreme Court of Lima
     which remanded the case for a new trial.  There is also pending against the
     Company a similar lawsuit filed by 127 additional former employees.  In the
     third  quarter  of  1997,  the  court  of first  instance  dismissed  their
     complaint. Upon appeal filed by the plaintiffs, the Superior Court of Lima,
     in the third  quarter of 1998,  nullified  the lower  court's  decision  on
     technical  grounds  and  remanded  the case to the lower  court for further
     proceedings.




                                      -6-
<PAGE>




     It is the opinion of management  that the outcome of the legal  proceedings
     mentioned,  as well as other  miscellaneous  litigation and proceedings now
     pending, will not materially adversely affect the financial position of the
     Company and its  consolidated  subsidiaries.  However,  it is possible that
     litigation  matters  could have a material  effect on  quarterly  or annual
     operating results, when they are resolved in future periods.


F.   Impact of New Accounting Standard:

     In June 1998, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133
     "Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities."  This
     statement  which is  effective  for fiscal years  beginning  after June 15,
     1999,   establishes  accounting  and  reporting  standards  for  derivative
     instruments and hedging activities.  The Company is currently assessing the
     impact of this statement.





                                      -7-
<PAGE>

                                  Part I Item 2

                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company reported net earnings of $4.0 million,  or 5 cents per common share,
for the first  quarter  ended March 31, 1999 compared with net earnings of $12.9
million,  or 16 cents per common share,  for the first  quarter of 1998.  The
decrease in earnings in 1999 is  primarily a result of lower metal  prices.  The
average  price for copper on the London  Metal  Exchange  (LME) was 64 cents per
pound  for the first  quarter  of 1999  compared  with 77 cents per pound in the
first quarter of 1998.  Prices for SPCC's principal  by-products were also lower
in the 1999  period.  Molybdenum  averaged  $2.70 per pound and silver  averaged
$5.28 per ounce  compared to $3.96 per pound and $6.24 per ounce,  respectively,
during the first quarter of 1998.

The decrease in first quarter 1999  earnings was  partially  offset by estimated
pre-tax  savings of $5.8 million  realized from the Company's cost reduction and
production  enhancement  programs.  For the entire year 1999, the cost reduction
and production  enhancement programs are expected to improve pre-tax earnings by
$30.0 million.  The Company's  first quarter 1998 results  include $10.0 million
pre-tax charge ($6.0 million  after-tax) for severance costs associated with the
Company's cost reduction program.

Copper  mine  production  increased  16% to 177.6  million  pounds  in the first
quarter of 1999, compared with 153.1 million pounds in the first quarter of last
year.  This increase of 24.5 million  pounds,  included 17.4 million pounds from
the Cuajone mine,  6.7 million  pounds from the  Toquepala  mine and 0.4 million
pounds from the solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) facility. The increase
in  production  at the Cuajone mine is a result of the recently  completed  mill
expansion.  Although  production  increased  during the quarter,  Cuajone's mill
throughput  was  adversely  affected  by heavy  rains that  caused ore  handling
problems and difficult working conditions. Production increased at the Toquepala
mine despite the adverse weather  conditions due to the addition of two new ball
mills and higher ore grades.

The Company's $1.2 billion expansion and modernization program is progressing on
schedule. Construction of the Cuajone mine expansion is complete. Although start
up has been  hampered by  excessive  rain,  the  project  should  reach  planned
production  rates in the second quarter 1999. The Cuajone  expansion is expected
to increase SPCC's annual copper  production by 130 million pounds.  Engineering
and planning for the Ilo smelter  modernization  are also moving forward and are
on schedule.

In March 1999, the Company  concluded a $100 million 15-year loan agreement with
Mitsui and Co., Ltd. This facility provides  additional  committed financing for
SPCC's  modernization and expansion  program.  The Company also has available an
undrawn $600 million  committed bank credit  facility and cash and available for
sale securities of $185 million at March 31, 1999.

Inflation and Devaluation of Peruvian Sol: A portion of the Company's  operating
costs is  denominated in Peruvian  soles.  Since the revenues of the Company are
primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, when inflation in Peru is not offset by a
corresponding  devaluation  of the  sol,  the  financial  position,  results  of
operations  and cash flows of the Company could be adversely  affected.  For the
three months ended March 31,1999 the inflation and  devaluation  rates were 0.9%
and 5.7%, respectively.




                                      -8-
<PAGE>


Net Sales:  Net sales in the first  quarter of 1999  decreased  $28.5 million to
$123.9 million from the comparable period in 1998. The decrease in net sales was
principally the result of lower metal prices in the 1999 period.

At March 31,  1999,  the Company  has  recorded  sales of 6.7 million  pounds of
copper,  at a provisional  price of $0.60 per pound.  These sales are subject to
final  pricing  based on the average  monthly  LME copper  price in the month of
settlement which will occur in the second quarter of 1999.

Prices:  Sales prices for the Company's  metals are  established  principally by
reference to prices quoted on the LME, the New York Commodity  Exchange  (COMEX)
or  published  in Platt's  Metals Week for dealer  oxide  prices for  molybdenum
products.
                                  Three Months Ended
                                       March 31,
Price/Volume Data                 1999         1998
                                  ----         ----

Average Metal Prices:
Copper (per pound-LME)            $0.64        $0.77
Molybdenum (per pound)            $2.70        $3.96
Silver (per ounce-COMEX)          $5.28        $6.24

Sales Volume (in thousands):
Copper (pounds)                 168,700      170,000
Molybdenum (pounds) (1)           2,324        2,850
Silver (ounces)                     633          754

(1)  The Company's  molybdenum  production is sold in concentrate  form.  Volume
     represents pounds of molybdenum contained in concentrates.


Financial Instruments:

The Company uses  derivative  instruments  to manage its exposure to market risk
from changes in commodity prices. Derivative instruments which are designated as
hedges,  must be deemed  effective  at  reducing  the risk  associated  with the
exposure  being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the
contract.

Copper:  Depending on market fundamentals and other conditions,  the Company may
purchase put options to reduce or eliminate the risk of price declines below the
option  strike  price on a portion of its  anticipated  future  production.  Put
options  purchased  by the  Company  establish  a  minimum  sales  price for the
production  covered by such put options and permit the Company to participate in
price increases above the option price.  The cost of the options is amortized on
a  straight-line  basis during the period in which the options are  exercisable.
Depending upon market conditions the Company may either sell options it holds or
exercise the options at  maturity.  Gains or losses from the sale or exercise of
options,  net of unamortized  acquisition costs, are recognized in the period in
which the  underlying  production is sold and are reported as a component of the
underlying transaction.

Earnings  include  pre-tax gains from option sales and exercises of $7.2 million
in the first quarter of 1998. At March 31, 1999,  the Company held no copper put
options.



                                      -9-
<PAGE>



Fuel swaps:  The Company may enter into fuel swap agreements to limit the effect
of changes in fuel prices on its  production  costs.  A fuel swap  establishes a
fixed price for the quantity of fuel covered by the  agreement.  The  difference
between the published  price for fuel and the price  established in the contract
for the month covered by the swap is recognized as a component of cost of sales.
As of March 31, 1999 and  December  31,  1998,  the Company has entered into the
following fuel swap agreements:

                                                                 Weighted
                                                                  Average
                                                                 Contract
                                                  Quantity        Price
     Fuel Type                  Period            (barrels)    (per barrel)
     ---------                  ------            ---------    ------------
     March 31, 1999
     --------------
     Residual Oil             4/99-12/99          1,240,500       $10.07
     Diesel Fuel              4/99-12/99            360,000       $15.94

     December 31, 1998
     Residual Oil             1/99-9/99           1,095,000        $9.84
     Diesel Fuel              1/99-9/99             432,000       $15.80

Due to increases in fuel prices the value of the Company's  fuel swap  positions
at March 31, 1999 has increased.  As a result, in the event of a hypothetical 10
percent decrease from March 31, 1999 fuel prices,  the Company would still incur
lower production costs of approximately  $100,000 over the life of the contracts
then it would have incurred had the exposure not been hedged.

In the first  quarter of 1999,  the Company's  production  costs would have been
$0.8 million lower if this exposure had not been hedged.

Operating  Costs and Expenses:  Operating costs and expenses were $117.5 million
in the first quarter of 1999  compared with $135.1  million in the first quarter
of 1998.  The decrease in operating  costs and  expenses is  principally  due to
lower  production  costs  as a  result  of  the  cost-reduction  and  production
enhancement  programs  instituted by the Company in April 1998,  and a charge of
$10 million in the first quarter of 1998 for severance costs associated with the
cost reduction program.

Non-Operating  Items:  Interest  income was $2.9 million in the first quarter of
1999, compared with $4.9 million for the respective period in 1998. The decrease
principally  reflects lower invested balances as Company funds were used for the
expansion and modernization program.

Taxes on Income:  Taxes on income for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were
$1.7  million,  compared  with $6.3 million for the first  quarter of 1998.  The
decrease in the first quarter 1999 is due to lower  earnings as a consequence of
lower metal prices.

Cash Flows - Operating  Activities:  Net cash provided from operating activities
was $38.5 million in the first  quarter of 1999,  compared with $32.0 million in
the comparable 1998 period.  The increase was primarily the result of changes in
operating assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows - Investing Activities:  Investing activities in the first quarter of
1999 was a use of cash of $52.3 million, compared with a source of cash of $11.3
million for the first quarter of 1998. The first quarter of 1998 included higher
proceeds from held-to-maturity investments. The decrease in capital expenditures
from the prior year first quarter is principally related to the expansion of the
Cuajone mine which was substantially completed in 1998.




                                      -10-
<PAGE>

Cash Flows - Financing Activities:  Financing activities in the first quarter of
1999 included long-term borrowing of $2.0 million and dividend  distributions of
$2.4 million.

The first quarter of 1998 included a dividend  distribution of $16.0 million. In
addition, $3.9 million was used to purchase labor shares and treasury stock.

Liquidity and Capital  Resources:  At March 31, 1999,  the  Company's  debt as a
percentage  of  total   capitalization   (total  debt,  minority  interests  and
stockholders'  equity) was 17.3% compared to 17.2% at December 31, 1998. Debt at
March  31,  1999 was  $236.2  million,  compared  to  $234.2 at the end of 1998.
Additional  indebtedness  permitted  under terms of the most  restrictive of the
Company's credit agreements totaled $874.0 million at March 31, 1999.

In March 1999, the Company concluded a $100 million loan agreement with Mitsui &
Co., Ltd. The agreement provides for a two year drawdown period  (1999-2000),  a
three  year  grace  period  on  principal  payments  (2001-2003)  and a ten year
repayment  period  (2004-2013).  The interest  rate is LIBOR plus 1.25%,  with a
commitment  fee of 0.5% on the  undrawn  portion.  As of March  31,  1999,  $2.0
million of this facility has been drawn.

The Company expects that it will meet its cash  requirements for 1999 and beyond
from internally  generated  funds,  cash on hand, from borrowings under existing
credit facilities and from additional external financing.

In the first  quarter of 1999,  the Company paid a dividend to  shareholders  of
$2.4 million or $0.03 per share,  compared with $16.0 million or $0.20 per share
in the same period of 1998. On April 29, 1999, the Company  declared a quarterly
dividend of $0.025 per share payable June 2, 1999 to  stockholders  of record at
the close of business on May 19, 1999.

Certain  financing  agreements  contain  covenants  which  limit the  payment of
dividends to stockholders.  Under the most restrictive covenant, the Company may
pay dividends to stockholders  equal to 50% of the net income of the Company for
any  fiscal  quarter  as  long  as  such  dividends  are  paid by June 30 of the
following year.

Year 2000:  The Company has  implemented  a three phase  program to identify and
resolve Year 2000 (Y2K) issues  related to the integrity and  reliability of its
computerized  information  systems as well as computer  systems  embedded in its
production  processes.  Phase one of the  Company's  program  which  involved an
assessment of Y2K compliance of the Company's  computerized  information systems
and embedded  computer  systems has been completed.  In phase two of the program
the Company is modifying or replacing all non-compliant systems. The Company has
identified  three  systems that are not Y2K  compliant.  These systems are being
replaced and are expected to be  operational by the third quarter of 1999. As of
March 31, 1999,  approximately  95% of the  Company's  computerized  information
systems have been tested and are Y2K compliant with the remainder expected to be
tested and be Y2K compliant by the third quarter of 1999. The Company  continues
to test these systems where appropriate.



                                      -11-
<PAGE>

Under the third phase of the program the Company has sent  detailed  information
requests  to  its  principal  customers,  suppliers  and  service  providers  to
determine the status of their Y2K compliance.  As of March 31, 1999, the Company
received  confirmations  from approximately 60% indicating that they are or will
be Y2K compliant.  The Company expects to have further communications with those
who have not  responded or have  indicated  further work was required to achieve
Y2K  compliance.  The third phase of the program is expected to be  completed in
the third quarter of 1999.

Among other  things,  the Company's  operations  depend on the  availability  of
utility  services,   principally   electricity,   and  reliable  performance  by
international  transportation services. A substantial disruption in any of these
services due to providers of these  services  failing to achieve Y2K  compliance
would have an adverse impact on the Company's financial results the significance
of which would depend on the length and severity of the disruption.  In response
to a request from the Company,  a detailed plan to ensure Y2K  compliance by the
Company's  principal  electrical  power  supplier was  received.  The Company is
monitoring  the progress of this plan.  The Company will  complete a contingency
plan for each of its principal  operating  services  during the third quarter of
1999. The purpose of the contingency plan is to identify  possible  alternatives
which could be used in the event of a  disruption  in the  delivery of essential
goods or services and to minimize the effect of such a disruption.


As of March 31,  1999,  the  Company  had spent  approximately  $0.9  million in
addition to its normal internal information  technology costs in connection with
its Y2K program.  The Company expects to incur  additional costs of $0.3 million
to complete phases two and three of the program.


The above estimates and conclusions contain  forward-looking  statements and are
based on  management's  best  estimate of future  events.  Actual  results could
differ  materially  depending on the availability of resources and the Company's
ability to identify and correct all Y2K issues.

Impact of New  Accounting  Standard:  In June  1998,  the  Financial  Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133  "Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and
Hedging  Activities."  This  statement  which  is  effective  for  fiscal  years
beginning after June 15, 1999,  establishes  accounting and reporting  standards
for  derivative  instruments  and hedging  activities.  The Company is currently
assessing the impact of this statement.

Cautionary  statement:  Forward-looking  statements  in this report and in other
Company statements include statements  regarding expected  commencement dates of
mining or metal  production  operations,  projected  quantities  of future metal
production,  anticipated  production rates,  operating  efficiencies,  costs and
expenditures as well as projected  demand or supply for the Company's  products.
Actual  results could differ  materially  depending  upon factors  including the
availability  of  materials,   equipment,  required  permits  or  approvals  and
financing, the occurrence of unusual weather or operating conditions, lower than
expected  ore  grades,  the  failure of  equipment  or  processes  to operate in
accordance with specifications,  labor relations, environmental risks as well as
political  and economic  risk  associated  with foreign  operations.  Results of
operations are directly  affected by metal prices on commodity  exchanges  which
can be volatile.




                                      -12-
<PAGE>




PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Southern Peru Copper Corporation:


We have  reviewed the  condensed  consolidated  balance  sheet of Southern  Peru
Copper  Corporation  and  Subsidiaries  as of March 31,  1999 and the  condensed
consolidated  statements  of earnings  and cash flows for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998. These financial  statements are the  responsibility  of
the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants.  A review  of  interim  financial
information consists principally of applying analytical  procedures to financial
data and making  inquiries of persons  responsible  for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards,  the  objective  of which is the
expression of an opinion  regarding the financial  statements  taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material  modifications that should
be made to the condensed consolidated  financial statements,  referred to above,
for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have  previously  audited,  in accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards,  the  consolidated  balance  sheet as of  December  31,  1998 and the
related consolidated  statements of earnings,  cash flows, and changes in common
stockholders'  equity for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our
report dated  January 22, 1999,  we  expressed an  unqualified  opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion, the information set forth in
the accompanying  condensed  consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1998,
is fairly  stated,  in all material  respects,  in relation to the  consolidated
balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



New York, New York
April 16, 1999



                                      -13-
<PAGE>


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

In  April  1996,  the  Company  was  served  with a  complaint  filed in Peru by
approximately 800 former employees seeking the delivery of a substantial  number
of labor shares of its Peruvian  Branch plus  dividends.  In October  1997,  the
Superior Court of Lima nullified a decision of a court of first instance,  which
had been adverse to the Company.  The Superior Court remanded the case for a new
trial.  Plaintiffs  filed an  extraordinary  appeal before the Peruvian  Supreme
Court.  The Supreme Court may grant  discretionary  review in limited cases.  In
March 1999, the Company received  official  notification  that the Supreme Court
had denied  plaintiff's  extraordinary  appeal and  affirmed the decision of the
Superior  Court of Lima which  remanded the case for a new trial.  There is also
pending  against the Company a similar  lawsuit filed by 127  additional  former
employees.  In the third quarter of 1997, the court of first instance  dismissed
their  complaint.  Upon appeal filed by the  plaintiffs,  the Superior  Court of
Lima,  in the third quarter of 1998,  nullified  the lower  court's  decision on
technical  grounds  and  remanded  the  case  to the  lower  court  for  further
proceedings.


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

At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held on April 29, 1999, the
holders of Common Stock,  voting as a class,  were asked to elect two directors,
the holders of Class A Common Stock,  voting as a class,  were asked to elect 13
directors,  and  both  classes,  voting  together,  were  asked to  approve  the
selection of the independent accountants for 1999.

Votes cast in the  election  of  directors  by  holders of Common  Stock were as
follows:

                                              Number of Shares
         Names                             For            Withheld

       Amb. Everett E. Briggs           10,236,637         187,838
       John F. McGillicuddy             10,238,490         185,985

In the  election of directors  by holders of Class A Common  Stock,  each of the
following directors received 65,900,833 votes and no votes were withheld:

       Jaime Claro                              Charles B. Smith
       William Dowd                             Gerald D. Van Voorhis
       Augustus B. Kinsolving                   Michael O. Varner
       Francis R. McAllister                    J. Steven Whisler
       Kevin R. Morano                          David B. Woodbury
       Richard de J. Osborne                    Douglas C. Yearley
       Robert A. Pritzker

Stockholders approved the selection of the independent accountants as follows:

                                   For          Against        Withheld
       Common Stock:             10,370,337      20,122         34,016
       Class A Common Stock:    329,504,165           -              -
                                -----------      ------         ------  
          Total                 339,874,502      20,122         34,016

Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to five votes per share when voting
together with the holders of Common Stock as one class.




                                      -14-
<PAGE>


Item 6(a) - Exhibits on Form 10Q


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit

   11                   Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share






                                      -15-
<PAGE>



Exhibit 11        Statement re Computation of Earnings per Share


This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K item 601(b)(11).

Earnings per Common Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                           3 Months Ended
                                                              March 31,
                                                          1999         1998
                                                          ----         ----

Net earnings applicable to common stock                    $4,042       $12,920
                                                           ======       =======


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding       79,857        79,943
Shares issuable from assumed exercise of Stock Options         26             -
                                                           ------       ------  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding,      79,883        79,943
  as adjusted                                              ======        ======



Diluted earnings per share:

Net earnings applicable to common stock                     $0.05          $.16
                                                            =====          ====

Basic earnings per share:

Net earnings applicable to common stock                     $0.05          $.16
                                                            =====          ====






<PAGE>







                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant  to the  requirement  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                   SOUTHERN PERU COPPER CORPORATION
                                   (Registrant)




Date:   May 10, 1999               /s/ Thomas J. Findley, Jr.
                                   --------------------------
                                       Thomas J. Findley, Jr.
                                       Vice President and
                                       Chief Financial Officer



Date:   May 10, 1999               /s/ Brendan M. O'Grady
                                  ----------------------
                                       Brendan M. O'Grady
                                       Comptroller





                                      -16-
<PAGE>







                                                                 Exhibit I
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, D.C.  20549


We are aware that our report  dated  April 16, 1999 on our review of the interim
financial information of Southern Peru Copper Corporation and Subsidiaries as of
March  31,1999  and for the  three  months  ended  March  31,  1999 and 1998 and
included in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March  31,1999 is  incorporated
by  reference  in the  Company's  Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (File Nos.
333-02736 and  333-40293).  Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the  Securities Act of
1933, this report should not be considered a part of the Registration  Statement
prepared or certified by us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.




PricewaterhouseCoppers LLP


New York, New York
May 10, 1999


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<MULTIPLIER>                                   1000

       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                          160788
<SECURITIES>                                     24470
<RECEIVABLES>                                    51459
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      87580
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                383617
<PP&E>                                         2047404
<DEPRECIATION>                                  929938
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1529656
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            92509
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        261363
<OTHER-SE>                                      848875
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   1529656
<SALES>                                         123942
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                123942
<CGS>                                            89269
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    89269
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<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                5052
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   5777
<INCOME-TAX>                                      1733
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               4044
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
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<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      4042
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.05
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.05
        


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