Abstract

A large earthquake is a devastating natural disaster affecting life and infrastructure. Copper, vital for combating climate change, sees over 40% production from Chile and Peru. An earthquake near these mines induces uncertainty, boosting copper prices. After analyzing copper returns after large-magnitude earthquakes (2005–2020) in Chile and Peru, event studies revealed positive abnormal returns. These are intensified by media coverage of the earthquake and available stock, which has a short-lived impact on other metals. This outlook will help investors to hedge and cope with such earthquakes. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.