[miningmx.com] –ANGLO American has confirmed that it has started to ramp up production at the four operations effected by the massive earthquake which struck Chile on Saturday.
Due to the interruption of power supply, production was affected at four of Anglo American’s copper operations in Chile – the Los Bronces, El Soldado and Mantoverde mines and the Chagres copper smelter.
“Power was partially restored to the operations during Saturday night and following detailed inspections production began to ramp up on Sunday,” the resources giant said in an update to the market.
The affected mine operations produced 341 300 tonnes of copper in 2009, as part of Anglo American’s total copper output of 669 800 tonnes for the year.
Chagres smelter production in 2009 was 137 700 tonnes of anodes.
Anglo American’s Mantos Blancos mine and the jointly owned Collahuasi mine were unaffected by the earthquake.
In addition, three Scaw Metals facilities located in Chile have also been affected with limited damage at two sites.
The group said a detailed evaluation was underway at its Concepcion site, which was more severely damaged.
These operations are part of Anglo American’s Other Mining and Industrial Business Unit.
An
glo American said it continues to review the situation and is working with its teams on the ground to return to full and safe production as soon as it is able to do so and will provide more information on the situation as it becomes available.
“Our teams on the ground are focussed on ensuring the safety of our colleagues as our number one priority,” said Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll.
“Preliminary information indicates that no Anglo American employees and contractors were injured in the earthquake. We are targeting an efficient resumption of full production as the situation allows. Anglo American is also reviewing how best to support the government and people of Chile at this time of need,” Carroll said.
At 15:46 shares in Anglo American were trading 1.50 rand firmer at R278 on the JSE.
