(Kitco News) - Nexa Resources (NYSE: NEXA) informed yesterday that production at the Atacocha San Gerardo open pit zinc mine in Peru is temporarily suspended.
“The San Juan de Milpo community has illegally blocked access to the mine due to protest activities, and while there has been no material impact on Atacocha's production to date, mine production has been suspended and activities are limited to critical operations with a minimum workforce to ensure proper maintenance,” the company said in a statement.
Nexa added it remains committed to the social development of its host communities and continues to pursue an active dialogue with the local community and authorities for a peaceful resolution of this situation.
The company noted that its 2022 production guidance is not expected to be materially affected and remains unchanged. On a weekly basis, Atacocha produces approximately 0.2kt, accounting for less than 3% of Nexa's zinc production.
Nexa is an integrated zinc producer with over 60 years of experience developing and operating mining and smelting assets in Latin America.
Nexa currently owns and operates five long-life underground mines - three located in the Central Andes of Peru and two located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil - and is starting the Aripuanã Project as its sixth underground mine in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Nexa also currently owns and operates three smelters, two located in Brazil and one in Peru.
