(Kitco News) - Chile-focused copper miner Antofagasta (LSE: ANTO) informed today that following the announcement on 7 June concerning a leak in the concentrate pipeline at Los Pelambres, the restrictions to access have now been partially eased.
The company said that as a result, repairs to the pipeline have commenced, however some access restrictions remain that will prolong the time required to complete the scheduled work.
The company added that engagement with the authorities and communities continues, with the aim of removing these remaining road access restrictions.
Given the outstanding repair work and the testing required for a safe restart, which includes working with the relevant local regulator, Antofagasta said it is expected that the operation of the pipeline will be resumed by the end of June.
Importantly, the company pointed out that as of the date of this release, full year copper production for the Group is expected to be at the bottom end of the original 660 – 690,000 tonnes guidance range. A further update on the impact of the leak will be provided in the company’s 2Q Production Report on 20 July.
Antofagasta's four operations in Chile are Los Pelambres, Centinela, Antucoya and Zaldívar. The world-class Los Pelambres and Centinela mining districts have sustainable long-life copper mining operations, with large mineral resources, and produce significant volumes of gold, silver and molybdenum as by-products. All of the company's mines are open pit operations.
|
| Rio Tinto delivers first ore at Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in the Pilbara |
