Biggest Copper Nation Says Production Decline Is Just a Blip
- Chilean output is set to grow 2-3% this year, official says
- Mining undersecretary is ‘very optimistic’ about wage talks
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Chile, the top copper-producing nation, expects to be able to navigate both the pandemic and a slew of wage talks to increase output of the metal this year.
Production from a country that accounts for a quarter of the world’s mined copper will increase 2-3% from 2020 levels, Mining Undersecretary Edgar Blanco said. Giant mines run by companies including Codelco, BHP Group and Antofagasta Plc have the protocols in place to continue operating through a surge in Covid-19 cases in Chile and tighter restrictions, while upcoming collective bargaining processes should proceed without any major disruptions, he said.