Chile Collahuasi Expects 2012 Copper Output To Increase Vs 2011

SANTIAGO, Mar 07, 2012 (Dow Jones) -- Chilean copper mine Dona Ines de Collahuasi expects its 2012 copper output to surpass the 453,000 metric tons of copper it produced last year, a company executive said Wednesday.

Collahuasi, one of the world's largest copper mines, has seen short-lived stoppages this year due to a fatal accident and inclement weather.

The company's vice president for legal and corporate affairs, Juan Carlos Palma, said he expected output this year to improve from 2011.

Last year, the mine had two 24-hour strikes and several stoppages due to bad weather. In 2010, workers downed their tools for 33 days while negotiating new contracts. It was the longest strike ever at a privately held mine in Chile.

Collahuasi is controlled by Anglo American PLC (AAL.LN) and Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN), each of which holds a 44% stake. A consortium led by Mitsui & Co. (8031.TO) holds the rest.

In 2011, according to state copper commission Cochilco's data, Collahuasi produced 453,300 tons of copper, down from 504,000 tons the previous year, on the strikes and inclement weather.