Chile Collahuasi Copper Mine Says Operations Back At 100%

SANTIAGO, May 18, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Following a contract-workers strike that left thousands of employees stranded inside the mining compound, Chilean copper mine Dona Ines de Collahuasi's operations have ramped back up to capacity, a company spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Last week, the mine shut down for several days to ensure the safety of its workers and equipment as protesters blockaded the access road into the mining compound.

"Collahuasi has reached 100% of the functions at its operations," the spokeswoman, Bernardita Fernandez, said in a brief statement.

The mine is owned by diversified mining companies Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN) and Anglo American PLC (AAL.LN, AAUKY), each with a 44% stake. A consortium led by Mitsui & Co. (MITSY, 8031.TO) holds the remaining 12%.

It is located in northern Chile at around 4,500 meters above sea level, in the Andes Mountains.

Collahuasi, one of the largest copper mines in the world, produces about 500,000 metric tons of the red metal a year, or about 10% of Chile's annual output. Chile is the world's leading copper producer, accounting for about 35% of global output.