Sierra Metals has sought government clearance to resume operations at Yauricocha mine in Peru. Operations at the mine could remain suspended until June 30 amid an extended lockdown.
The Peruvian government has pushed back the date of easing lockdown to June 30 as the President called for a national state of emergency. The country began its lockdown in mid-March and the latest revision is the fifth time Peru has extended its shutdown.
Peru is home to several base metal mines including Sierra Metals Yauricocha Mine, a major zinc producer followed by copper, lead and gold. The mine contributes around 68pc to Sierra Metals’ total revenue with an annual capacity to produce 0.2mn mt of zinc.
Large open-pit mines and a select underground mines have already received permission to restart operations. Yauricocha Mine is an underground mine for which the company is seeking clearance citing that the mine is based in a remote location.
The company’s mines in Mexico, viz, Bolivar Mine will resume operation on June 1 while Cusi mine is still under care and maintenance with no further update, said the company.