| Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
| Dec. 31, 2019 | Apr. 23, 2020 | Feb. 26, 2020 | |
| Cover [Abstract] | |||
| Document Type | 10-K/A | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Document Annual Report | true | ||
| Document Transition Report | false | ||
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2019 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2019 | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
| Entity File Number | 1-14066 | ||
| Entity Registrant Name | SOUTHERN COPPER CORP/ | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001001838 | ||
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3849074 | ||
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1440 East Missouri Avenue 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 | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock | ||
| Trading Symbol | SCCO | ||
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
| Entity Small Business | false | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
| Entity Shell Company | false | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 2,649 | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 773,058,869 |
