World Copper Output Hit by Coronavirus Disruptions

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The restrictions caused by coronavirus outbreak have led to halt in operations among copper producers across South American region. Also, it has resulted in slowdown of various construction projects.

Following the declaration of state of emergency by the Peruvian administration, MMG has announced temporary reduction in copper production at its Las Bambas mine. Also, Anglo American has announced temporary slowdown in mine construction activities in Peru and Chile. The company has announced scaling down of operations at its Los Bronces copper mine in Chile.

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The construction activities at Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 (QB2) copper project in Chile has been temporarily suspended, says Teck Resources press release. State-owned copper miner Codelco in Chile too has announced drastic cut in operations. Another company to announce production cut was Freeport-McMoRan, which declared suspension of operations at its Cerro Verde mine in Peru for a period of 15 days.

Some parts of the expansion project at Los Pelambres mine has been put under care and maintenance by Antofagasta Plc. Glencore has ordered a review of its business at Mopani copper mine in Zambia. The unionized workers at the BHP-operated Escondida mine in Chile have demanded halt to operations until satisfactory implementation of health and safety measures.