Anglo American reports on base metals production

Anglo American, in its production report for the third quarter ended 30 September 2020, says its copper production increased by 4% to 165,700 tonnes, driven by strong plant performance at Collahuasi.

Production from Los Bronces decreased by 1%, to 79,400 tonnes. A 9% increase in throughput, due to increased water availability, was fully offset by lower grades of ore processed (0.73% vs 0.78%). Following recent rain and snow fall, adequate water is available for the remainder of 2020.

At Collahuasi, attributable production increased by 17% to 75,500 tonnes due to continued strong plant performance, higher copper recovery (92.0% vs 87.7%) reflecting plant improvement initiatives, and planned higher ore grade (1.27% vs 1.14%).

Production from El Soldado decreased by 23% to 10,800 tonnes as a result of planned lower ore grade (0.78% vs 0.92%).

The year to date average realised price of 273c/lb includes 123,825 tonnes of copper that at 30 September was provisionally priced at an average price of 302c/lb.

Production guidance has been tightened to 630,000-660,000 tonnes (previously 620,000-670,000 tonnes), subject to the extent of further Covid-19 related disruption.

NICKEL

Nickel production decreased by 10% due to planned annual maintenance that took place in Q3, whereas the maintenance took place in Q2 in 2019.

Production guidance is unchanged at 42,000-44,000 tonnes, subject to the extent of further Covid-19 related disruption.

MANGANESE

Manganese ore production increased by 3% to 938,700 tonnes, as the impact from the Covid-19 restrictions in South Africa were offset by improved Australian production from stronger mining performance and higher concentrator yield.

Manganese alloy production decreased by 37% to 18,300 tonnes, with one plant in South Africa on care and maintenance since the Covid-19 lockdown. In addition, a binding agreement was reached for the sale of the TEMCO alloy smelter in Australia.