6th Apr 2020 10:02
(Alliance News) - Chilean copper miner Antofagasta PLC on Monday said it has suspended its operations at the Los Pelambres expansion project for an estimated maximum period of 120 days.
The company explained that it is not possible to continue working "normally" as a result of the health emergency caused by the coronavirus. This decision makes it possible to strengthen general hygiene and social isolation measures, thus protecting the health of both workers and communities, Antofagasta explained.
"This is a temporary suspension that has been taken as it is not possible to continue with the construction of the project as originally planned and is only for the duration of the emergency, as we hope to resume work as soon as possible," explained Francisco Walther, vice president of Projects at Antofagasta Minerals SA.
"We want to maintain a contractual relationship with most of the contractor companies with which we are working today, but we must accept that, given the current conditions, many cannot do the work for which they are contracted," added Walther.
Antofagasta said the terms that will apply to contractor companies during this suspension period will be agreed in the coming days. However, each case will be reviewed individually, the company noted, seeking to maintain, whenever possible, each workers' minimum monthly income equal to CLP500,000, about GBP469.85, and avoiding the termination of their employment.
Antofagasta shares were trading 1.3% lower in London on Monday at 747.40 pence each.
By Evelina Grecenko; [email protected]
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