Peru’s mining output of copper, zinc and lead output fell by 41pc, 76pc and 69pc, respectively in May 2020, compared to the prior year, according to Mining and Energy Private Association SNMPE report. The country produced 128,407mt of copper, 28,815mt of zinc and 8,668mt of lead, respectively, in May.
The fall in production was driven by COVID-19 related lockdowns. However, the output of all three metals had increased from 125,225mt in the prior month. The copper output saw an uptick in the month on the back of resumption of operations by producers such as Cerro Verde, Las Bambas and Hudbay, while Antamina registered zero production as it was yet to recommence operations, but it is likely to progress in June, report said.
In case of zinc, the increase in output from 15.945mt in the prior month (April 2020) was driven by producers such as Nexa, Los Quenuales and Trevali which recovered after minimum or zero level production in April.
Lead production was impacted in May due to suspension of operations, but the output witnessed a spike, compared to 4,262mt in April led by companies such as Corona, Buenaventura, Volcan and Chungar. Other companies, like El Brocal and Raura did not record any production and is likely to remain low due to slow recovery in demand for car batteries.