| Cover | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 1-14066 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SOUTHERN COPPER CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001001838 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3849074 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1440 E. Missouri Ave. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 160 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Phoenix |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85014 |
| City Area Code | 602 |
| Local Phone Number | 264-1375 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SCCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
