Copper production in Chile declined for a tenth successive month in March according to the government statistics agency INE.
Copper production fell by 1.3pc to 491,720mt amid movement and trade restrictions, along with the summer holidays in the southern hemisphere.
INE, however, states that the copper mines in Chile have fared better in comparison to those in the neighboring countries as mining companies adapted to the pandemic by increasing health restrictions and reducing staff at a site. Still, mines, including BHP’s Escondida, reported a drop in production.
The agency also added that falling ore grades and ongoing maintenance work at few mines reduced Chile’s copper output.
Chile’s copper output dropped by 2.2pc to 1.4mn mt in the first quarter of 2021, according to INE statistics.
The agency reported, overall increase in the manufacturing output by 3.9pc in March on increased beverage production.