Kathleen Quirk Inducted into American Mining Hall of Fame

December 10, 2025 - Joined by colleagues from around Freeport’s North America operations and mining leaders from around the country, President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Quirk was inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame.
“Thank you so much, everyone, for being here tonight,” Quirk said in her remarks to the more than 800 people in attendance. “It means so much to me personally and to the Freeport organization to be together with you and the industry to celebrate this fun evening.”
Quirk went on to talk about the important work being performed by the Freeport team to supply the copper that helps power the nation’s economy and her optimistic outlook for the company’s future.
“We have a real opportunity now, when we think about how much the world needs what we do. We have an opportunity to produce more, to grow our business, to grow the opportunity for our communities.”
Each year, the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation recognizes individuals and companies that have made meaningful contributions to the mining industry. This year, Quirk and the other honorees were recognized at the foundation’s 43rd Annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet in Tucson.

Quirk joined Freeport in 1989 and has held responsibility over a broad range of corporate functions, including Tax, Investor Relations, Corporate Development and Treasury before being named Chief Financial Officer in 2003. She was named President of Freeport in 2021 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2023. Quirk assumed CEO responsibilities in 2024.

She was the 2024 recipient of The Copper Club’s prestigious Ankh Award, which has been awarded annually since 1962 to professionals who have made extraordinary contributions to the copper industry. Also last year, the Mining Journal named Quirk among the mining industry’s most influential leaders, as she secured the fourth spot on the publication’s Top 50 Most Influential 2024 list.

Quirk joins Richard Adkerson, Chairman of the Board, and a long list of past company leaders who have been inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame.

Photos: Kathleen Quirk joins Richard Adkerson as a member of the American Mining Hall of Fame.