Future of Copper Production Thrown Into Doubt by Worker Cuts
- Chile mines skimp on maintenance, earthwork to focus on output
- Using skeleton crews for too long will hurt production profile
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Skeleton crews are running Chile’s massive copper mines at full tilt, skimping on maintenance and earthworks. It’s a short-term fix that carries risks for future output.
When the pandemic hit and mines around the world shut, those in Chile figured out a way to keep churning out copper for Chinese factories. They kept non-essential staff at home and introduced longer schedules for streamlined crews of 60-70% of normal levels. The latest data show it’s working, with output up even as Chile becomes a virus hot spot.