Escondida copper production decreases amid falling ore grade
2019-12-27 09:29:36 [Print]
Falling ore grades have continued to affect production at Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, the BHP-controlled operation said Thursday.
The mining company said it produced 870,970 mt of copper from January through September, down by 8.4% YOY. Production of copper in concentrates fell 8.8% to 689,210 mt while production of copper cathode fell 6.7% to 181,760 mt, the company added.
The company stated the fall reflected an expected drop in ore grades at the open pit operation, which is located in northern Chile's Atacama Desert.
BHP operates and owns 57% of the mine. Rio Tinto owns 30% while two Japanese consortia own the balance of shares.
The mining company said it produced 870,970 mt of copper from January through September, down by 8.4% YOY. Production of copper in concentrates fell 8.8% to 689,210 mt while production of copper cathode fell 6.7% to 181,760 mt, the company added.
The company stated the fall reflected an expected drop in ore grades at the open pit operation, which is located in northern Chile's Atacama Desert.
BHP operates and owns 57% of the mine. Rio Tinto owns 30% while two Japanese consortia own the balance of shares.
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