Escondida to Keep Annual 1.3 million tonnes Copper Output

Escondida copper mine of Chile will keep 1.3 million tonnes of copper output in the year to June 2008. President Carlos Mesquita of Minera Escondida said to a reporter of Japan Metal Bulletin the firm can keep the output by adjusting delay of mining equipment delivery and lower grade ore. BHP Billiton controls 57.5% of the mine with 30% share by Rio Tinto and 10% by Japanese group. The mine increased the copper output by 3.4% to 1.367 million tonnes in 1.148 million tonnes of concentrate and 219,000 tonnes of electrolytic copper in the year to June 2007 from previous year. Mr. Mesquita said lower grade ore could reduce the copper output in future but the firm prepares for the issue. He said the firm tries to produce stable quality concentrate for long term to keep the competitiveness. He said the firm also prepares for delay of mining equipment delivery and potential water shortage. He said the firm, which started electrolytic copper production by leaching lower grade sulfide ore, also keeps sulfuric acid despite of the worldwide tight supply.