.
Why mining matters
Find out more
Where we operate
Find out more
Our impact
Find out more
Our difference
Find out more
A world-class portfolio
Download
Mega Nav Image
Sustainability Report 2017
Download
Mega Nav Image
Take a tour of a modern mine
Download
Mega Nav Image
Q3 2018 PRODUCTION REPORT
Download
Mega Nav Image
Graduate professionals and bursaries
Find out more
Careers mega nav image
Annual Report 2017
Download
PLATINUM PERFORMANCE
Read more
Origins
skip to main content

Anglo American: update on operations in Chile

01 March, 2010

Anglo American today provides an update on its operations following the massive earthquake which struck Chile on Saturday.

01 March 2010
Anglo American today provides an update on its operations following the massive earthquake which struck Chile on Saturday. Due to the interruption of power supply, production was affected at four of Anglo American's copper operations in Chile - the Los Bronces, El Soldado and Mantoverde mines and the Chagres copper smelter.

Power was partially restored to the operations during Saturday night and following detailed inspections production began to ramp up on Sunday. The affected mine operations produced 341,300 tonnes of copper in 2009, as part of Anglo American's total copper output of 669,800 tonnes for the year. Chagres smelter production in 2009 was 137,700 tonnes of anodes.

Anglo American's Mantos Blancos mine and the jointly owned Collahuasi mine were unaffected by the earthquake.

In addition, three Scaw Metals facilities located in Chile have also been affected with limited damage at two sites. A detailed evaluation is underway at our Concepcion site which has been more severely damaged. These operations are part of Anglo American's Other Mining and Industrial Business Unit.

Anglo American continues to review the situation and is working with its teams on the ground to return to full and safe production as soon as it is able to do so and will provide more information on the situation as it becomes available.

Cynthia Carroll, Anglo American CEO said: "Our teams on the ground are focussed on ensuring the safety of our colleagues as our number one priority. Preliminary information indicates that no Anglo American employees and contractors were injured in the earthquake. We are targeting an efficient resumption of full production as the situation allows. Anglo American is also reviewing how best to support the government and people of Chile at this time of need."

-ends-

Download press release [PDF]

For further information, please contact:

United Kingdom
Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: +27 82 452 5669

Caroline Metcalfe, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2192

Leisha Wemyss, Investor Relations
Tel : +44 (0)20 7968 8607

South Africa
Anna Poulter, Investor Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2079

Chile
Marcelo Esquivel
Tel: +56 2 230-6584

Notes to Editors:

Anglo American plc is one of the world's largest mining groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global leader in platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests in copper, iron ore, metallurgical coal, nickel and thermal coal, as well as a divestment portfolio of other mining and industrial businesses. The Group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.

2008-2009 Copper production: affected operations

2009
Los Bronces 238,400
El Soldado 41,400
Mantoverde 61,500
Total - affected mines 341,300
   
Total Anglo American Copper production 669,800

www.angloamerican.co.uk