Heavy rains and flooding across Chile have slowed mining activity in the copper-rich north of the country, the government said Monday, with the northern region of Antofagasta the worst affected.
"Mines operations in areas affected by the weather conditions are operating partially. All the mining companies in the region have activated contingency plans," the ministry said.
Mines in the Antofagasta region, which include Codelco's Chuquicamata, Ministro Hales and Radomiro Tomic mines, Freeport McMoRan's El Abra operation and the BHP Billiton-controlled Escondida pit, produced a total of 3.1 million mt of copper in 2015, representing 54% of Chile's total output.
Production at the Escondida mine has been halted since February 9 when workers began a strike over pay.
Major mines in central Chile, including Codelco's Andina and El Teniente divisions and Anglo American's Los Bronces, are operating normally although some roads and other transport infrastructure have been closed.
The railroad that carries concentrates from Andina to the Port of Ventanas has been suspended while preventative measures have been taken the open pit at El Teniente.
