Anglo opens copper mine in Peru

Anglo American plc has started its commercial copper operations at its Quellaveco project in Peru, following the successful testing of operations and final regulatory clearance. The mine is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes of copper per year, equivalent volume on average over its first ten years. Anglo American Chief Executive, Duncan Wanblad, said delivery of Quellaveco is testament to the incredible efforts of the company’s workforce and commitment to stakeholders in Peru over many years. “Quellaveco alone is expected to lift our total global output by 10 percent in copper equivalent terms and take our total copper production close to 1 million tonnes per year. At a highly competitive operating cost, Quellaveco exemplifies the asset and return profile that is central to our portfolio quality and our ability to provide customers with a reliable and sustainable supply of future- enabling metals,” he said. Anglo American expects that Quellaveco will ramp up fully over the next nine to 12 months.