Copper major Freeport-McMoRan has announced that its Cerro Verde mine in Peru remains operational, though its operations are limited by the government’s extension of a state of emergency to limit the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.
The Peruvian Government has extended the declaration of a national emergency until 26 April. The initial state of emergency was due to expire on 12 April.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The Cerro Verde mine is an open-pit copper and molybdenum mining complex located 32km south-west of Arequipa in Peru.
Freeport-McMoRan, through its subsidiary Cyprus Climax Metals, owns a 53.56% stake in the mine.
The company noted that Cerro Verde’s concentrator has operated at around one-third of planned rates from 01 April to 11 April.
In a press statement, Freeport-McMoRan said: “Our principal focus is on the health and well-being of our workers, their families and the community while maintaining environmental safeguards and protecting the long-term values of this important resource.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“Cerro Verde is a major contributor to the national and local economy and is one of the largest employers in the Arequipa region.”
Last year, Cerro Verde produced over one billion pounds of copper and 29 million pounds of molybdenum.
Last week, three employees at Freeport-McMoRan’s Chino copper mine in New Mexico tested positive for coronavirus, according to state’s lieutenant governor Howie Morales.
The Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) has reported 6,848 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Peru as on 11 April, with 181 reported deaths.
Meanwhile, global deaths from Covid-19 virus have crossed 120,450, while the confirmed cases stand at 1,930,780. About 462,061 are reported to have recovered from the virus. Currently, the global recovery rate stands at 23.93%.
