Anglo American copper production decreased by 6% in Q3 2021
Anglo American’s overall copper production decreased by 6% to 156,500 tonnes due to planned plant maintenance at Collahuasi.
Production from Los Bronces of 79,600 tonnes was in line with the prior year. An increase in plant throughput was fully offset by planned lower grade (0.70% vs 0.73%) and lower copper recovery (79.7% vs 80.9%).
At Collahuasi, attributable production decreased by 14% to 65,300 tonnes due to planned major plant maintenance. Production from El Soldado increased by 7% to 11,600 tonnes reflecting strong plant performance, partially offset by planned lower grade (0.73% vs. 0.78%).
The year to date average realised price of 434c/lb, includes 171,661 tonnes of copper that as of 30 September was provisionally priced at an average price of 413c/lb. Chile´s central zone continues to face challenging climate conditions with a continuation of the longest drought recorded.
These conditions are placing significant pressure on water availability and pose an ongoing risk to production at Los Bronces in Q4 2021 and 2022.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE Production guidance is tightened to 650,000-660,000 tonnes (previously 650,000-680,000 tonnes), due to plant performance challenges at Los Bronces, subject to water availability and the extent of any Covid-19 related disruption.
