A majority of Glencore’s mining operations have not been materially impacted, according to the company statement. The company, like many others, has complied with governments’ restrictions while operating.
Glencore’s Raglan nickel operations and Matagami zinc operations in Quebec, Canada are likely to restart operations before May 4. Mining has been classified as an ‘essential’ activity by the government of Quebec from April 15.
The Colombian government has imposed a 19-day quarantine effective March 25 until April 27. Mining operations at the company’s Prodeco mine remains on care and maintenance, but port operations continue.
In Peru, the company’s joint venture, Antamina, has halted operations for two weeks to safeguard the health of the people. During this suspension, the labour camp is being disinfected thoroughly.
The South African government has extended its lockdown till April 30 and Glencore’s ferroalloy and two coal mines remain under care and maintenance.
Glencore plans to place its Mopani mine in Zambia under maintenance and care. The company’s 2020 production guidance for copper from the mine is between 50,000 to 70,000mt.