Andina

Peru's Antamina forecasts up to 5% copper production rise in 2018

18:41 | Yanacancha (Ancash region), Jun. 20.

Peru's mining company Antamina expects copper output growth between 3% and 5% in 2018 compared to last year, Mine Operations Superintendent William Espinoza estimated on Wednesday.

The mine produced 439,248 fine metric tons (FMT) of copper in 2017, according to statistics from Energy and Mines Ministry (MEM).

"Copper output comes from operations in phases 6 and 8," Espinoza explained.

Likewise, he noted phase 9 is already underway, although involves earth-moving operations required to reach the mineral.

On the other hand, Espinoza predicts copper production will expand by 5% in 2019, compared to this year.

Antamina's mining operations are conducted more than 4,800 meters above sea level in Ancash region, north of Lima.

National production

In 2017, the Andean nation exported 2.6 million FMT of copper, worth US$13.7 billion, according to MEM.

(END) MDV/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/20/2018