Copper concentrate output at Peru’s Las Bambas totaled 99,702mt in Q4 2019, decreasing by 11pc compared to the same quarter in 2018, according to Australian miner, MMG.
The mine’s total copper concentrate production in 2019 amounted to 382,518mt, decreasing by 1pc compared to 2018, the company added.
Las Bambas was beset by over 100 days of logistical issues last year, which amounted to a copper concentrate deficit of approximately 20,000mt. Roadblocks erected by local community members occurred during the tail end of Q3-2019, which explains the steep decline in production in Q4, the company indicated while releasing its Q4 production report.
However, there have been no significant disruptions along the Las Bambas transport logistics corridor since October 2019, which MMG said is indicative of positive dialogue between the communities, the government, and the company.
MMG also reported that its two zinc mines, the Dugald River and Rosebery mine, combined to produce 70,813mt of zinc concentrates in Q4 2019, an 18pc increase over Q4 2018. The company produced 253,520mt of zinc concentrates in 2019, 14pc more than the prior year.
In 2020, MMG anticipates 418,000-445,000mt of copper production, and 225,000-245,000mt of zinc production.
Las Bambas is a joint venture project between the operator MMG, Guoxin International Investment, and CITIC Metal.