[miningmx.com] — MINING giant Anglo American said its operations lost less than 1 500 tonnes of copper during the stoppage of its Chilean operations after Saturday’s earthquake.
Production was halted at the group’s operations due to power failures when the earthquake occurred.
Affected copper mining operations – Los Bronces, El Soldado and Mantoverde – were able to resume full and safe production during Sunday when power was returned to all operations.
And the group said it is expected that the Chagres smelter will resume full production by Wednesday following the resumption of full power supply.
“Lost copper production during the stoppage was limited to less than 1 500 tonnes. Minor damage was reported at Anglo American’s copper mining operations,” the group said in a statement.
But at its Scaw Metals’ plant near Concepcion, considerable damage has been caused preventing the resumption of operations until further notice.
Power and other infrastructure in the Concepcion area is also affected.
Scaw’s site near Santiago has been less impacted, while a third site in the north of Chile near Antofagasta is unaffected.
Both affected plants will reopen once complete safety, operational inspections and remedial work is concluded.
Production will be increased at other Scaw facilities globally accordingly.
Scaw’s operations are part of Anglo American’s Other Mining and Industrial Business Unit.
“I am pleased to confirm that none of our employees and contractors working at the time of the earthquake was injured,” said Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll.
“Anglo American teams on the ground are in contact with local authorities and the central government to express our willingness to support affected communities. We are committed to the reconstruction of areas impacted by this tragedy by ensuring that we can partner with in government in providing relief,” Carroll added.
Shares in Anglo American closed 3.32% or R9.45 firmer at R293.94 on the JSE on Wednesday.
