Will the prolonged state of catastrophe in Chile affect copper supply?

SHANGHAI, Sep 15 (SMM)—The government of Chile announced on September 11 that the country would extend the state of catastrophe for another 90 days from September 15. As of September 11, Chile confirmed a total of 430,535 coronavirus cases, with 11,850 fatalities.  

Production at copper mines in Chile has been barely affected despite the prolonged state of catastrophe. In the first seven months of 2020, Chile’s copper output totalled 3.31 million mt, up 1.86% from the same period last year. Codelco said that the number of Covid-19 infections at its mines has fallen sharply, and copper production is unlikely to be affected in the further, but the company’s current operation mode aimed to prevent the spread of the virus will sustain for another one year.

SMM copper concentrate index was offered at $48.43/mt as of September 11.