Chilean state-owned Codelco's copper output fell on the year in January-September, but rose in the third quarter.
January-September production fell by 5pc to 918,000t. Chief executive Ruben Alvarado attributed this to a fatal accident in March at the Radomiro Tomic unit that halted operations for over a month, as well as delayed start-up at the Rajo Inca unit.
Despite declining ore levels at some key deposits, third-quarter copper production was up by 1.5pc on the year, at 338,000t.
Adjusted January-September earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased by 21pc on the year to $4bn, reflecting higher copper prices.
The company expects production from the Andes Norte expansion at its El Teniente unit to start in the first quarter of 2025, while the Andesita project should come on line in the next few months. Rajo Inca should be on stream before the year's end.
