Antofagasta Minerals reports 7% increase in Q3 copper production

Antofagasta Minerals reported a 7% increase in copper production during the third quarter of 2026, reaching 151,900 tonnes. This quarterly recovery was primarily driven by improved performance at the Los Pelambres operation, which stabilized following weather-related disruptions earlier in the year.

Despite the quarterly rise, the company’s cumulative production for the first nine months of 2026 stands at 436,900 tonnes, representing an 8.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. This decline is attributed to lower ore grades and recovery challenges at the Centinela operations.

The company is currently managing a strike involving two unions at the Centinela mine, representing approximately 20% of its workforce. While negotiations are ongoing, Antofagasta Minerals has not modified its annual production guidance, which remains between 625,000 and 655,000 tonnes for 2026. Looking ahead to 2027, the group anticipates a production range of 630,000 to 690,000 tonnes, supported by expansion projects at Centinela and Los Pelambres.