Las Bambas mine suspends operations after fatal accident in Peru

Operations at the Las Bambas copper mine in Peru have been suspended following a fatal accident during technical work. The incident occurred on August 18 during a pump replacement at a clarification pond, resulting in the deaths of two workers: Richard José Flores Rhea, an employee of Minera Las Bambas, and Tony Nilson González Challa, an operator from the contractor Sinar Perú S.A.C. Three other workers were injured and transported to medical centers for treatment.

MMG Ltd., a subsidiary of China Minmetals Corp., has halted extraction and processing activities to facilitate technical investigations. The company expects operations to restart progressively from August 21 and has not adjusted its long-term copper production guidance.

Peruvian authorities, including the National Police, the Public Ministry, Osinergmin, and the labor inspection authority Sunafil, are investigating the circumstances of the accident. The disruption adds to existing concerns regarding copper supply availability in South America.