Lundin limits some mining activity in Chile amid adverse weather
Canadian miner Lundin Mining has advised of severe winter storm conditions impacting Chile's Atacama region, including regional flooding and significant snowfall, which affects its Candelaria and Caserones operations in the region.
Ahead of the forecasted weather event, Lundin Mining took precautionary measures to protect employees and infrastructure at the Candelaria copper and Caserones copper/molybdenum mining complexes.
Mining operations at Candelaria have been affected by heavy rainfall, but the mill continues to operate using existing ore stockpiles. At Caserones, Lundin Mining suspended operations since July 18 owing to heavy snowfall that limits access to most areas and disrupts electricity supply. Backup power generators are, however, supporting critical activities.
Lundin Mining says operations at Caserones will resume as soon as power has been restored and better accessibility has been established.
The company typically incorporates weather disruptions into its yearly guidance at Caserones, therefore, it retains its full-year production guidance and remains on track to meet targets.
Meanwhile, the overall severe weather system affecting northern Chile and the Atacama region has started to weaken, with rainfall expected to continue easing over the next 24 to 48 hours. Lundin Mining says additional weather systems may pass through the region this week, but current forecasts indicate they will be less severe.
