2nd Apr 2020 09:38
(Alliance News) - Chilean copper miner Antofagasta PLC on Thursday said Covid-19 has had a limited impact on mining operations so far.
This is despite around half of its workforce not being in work to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. So far, no cases have been found within operations, but four employees and contractors contracted the virus while away from work.
However, the Los Pelambres expansion has had almost all of its workforce cut and will be on care & maintenance until it is appropriate to restart.
Chief Executive Ivan Arriagada said: "Mining is considered a critical business in Chile and although we are currently operating with a reduced workforce on-site in line with our preventative health measures, this has had a limited impact on production. We are also working together with our communities to ensure their safety and have established a USD6 million community fund to help fight this virus.
"We have set up a task force which meets daily to constantly review our actions and are working with our communities and in line with government guidelines to deliver a coordinated approach."
Shares were 0.1% lower on Thursday morning in London at 743.00 pence each.
By George Collard; [email protected]
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