Chilean copper producer Codelco announced it’s suspending smelting and refining operations at its Chuquicamata project in Calama, citing a health emergency related to COVID-19 transmission.
In a news release, the company noted it halted construction at all mines in the northern region of the country two days ago. With raw material stockpiled, smelting and refining still continued at Chuquicamata, however, the company said it has been forced to discontinue work to ensure the safety of its workers.
Codelco is cutting 400 employees from the facility, but it’s contemplating maintaining minor operations with minimal labor in order to conduct preventive maintenance.