Chile Collahuasi CEO Sees 2010 Output Steady Versus 2009

SANTIAGO, Jun 30, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Chilean copper mine Dona Ines de Collahuasi aims to maintain its levels of production steady this year versus production of some 535,000 metric tons in 2009, the company's chief executive Jon Evans said Wednesday.

Earlier this year, the mine was forced to shut down for several days after protesting contract workers blockaded the access road leading into the mining compound, leading to a loss of 11,300 tons of copper contained in concentrates.

"The idea is to maintain our production levels steady this year and during the rest of the year to recover lost production," the CEO told reporters.

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

Collahuasi's 500,000 metric tons of the red metal a year represent around 10% of Chile's annual output. Chile is the world's leading copper producer, accounting for about 35% of global output.