Chile’s Codelco limits operations in response to virus

Chilean state-run mining company Codelco has reduced operations in response to government coronavirus measures.

Codelco will reduce activity in compliance with orders from Chile's government to "maintain operational continuity" for a period of 15 days from today.

Chile's state of disaster came into force today and will apply for 90 days, the health ministry said. The government will restrict social gatherings and limit the movement of people through its borders.

"The mining activity must adhere to the political and sanitary measures adopted by the authorities," Codelco said.

Chile has 238 confirmed cases of the virus, according to the John Hopkins University virus tracker.

Codelco said it will constantly evaluate when production can return to normal.

Codelco is Chile's largest producer of copper, solely owns seven projects the country and has shares in two other mines. Including assets in other companies, it produced 1.71mn t of copper in 2019.

By Corey Aunger

source: Argus Media