BHP’s copper output reached 400,700 tonnes in the September quarter, with lower ore grades, maintenance and operational interruptions affecting its mines. Annual copper guidance remains at 1.65–1.80 million tonnes. The decline spans Chile and South Australia, while the company reports that Carrapateena’s replacement conveyor has returned to full capacity. Output at Escondida fell 23 per cent and at Spence 15 per cent.
Mining group BHP’s copper output reached 400,700 tonnes of copper in the quarter ended September, down 19 per cent from a year earlier. Lower ore grades, planned maintenance and operational disruptions affected output. The company retained annual copper guidance of 1.65–1.80 million tonnes.[1], [2]
Escondida in Chile reported 252,600 tonnes of copper output on a full-operation basis, down 23 per cent. The copper content of processed ore fell from 0.94 per cent to 0.81 per cent. Maintenance and weather in July and August also affected operations. Mining temporarily stopped after an employee died in an incident on September 23; an investigation remains under way.[1]
At Spence, also in Chile, output fell 15 per cent to 47,400 tonnes. Feed grade declined from 0.65 per cent to 0.53 per cent. Annual guidance remains 1.00–1.10 million tonnes for Escondida and 210,000–230,000 tonnes for Spence.[1]
Copper South Australia output declined 16 per cent to 60,700 tonnes. Replacement equipment following a conveyor failure at Carrapateena was installed and commissioned within seven weeks. Production increased during September and is now running at full capacity, BHP said. At Antamina in Peru, BHP’s attributable copper production increased 18 per cent to 40,000 tonnes.[1]
