A three-month extension by Vale to its Voisey’s Bay Mine shutdown could impact the copper concentrate production from the mine.
The company said in a statement that it was extending the care and maintenance at the mine for another three months. However, its Long Harbour Processing Plant will remain operational and use stockpiled concentrates in its nickel and cobalt production—the forecasts of which remain on target but its copper concentrate output will be reduced by 6kt (6,000mt) due to the extended shut down.
The Brazilian miner initially set a four-week moratorium on the Labrador, Canada mine, but the company announced the extension this week citing a prolonged resolution to the COVID-19 pandemic.