Chilean copper giant Antofagasta is predicting improved production throughout 2022 will keep it on target despite continuing drought that reduced its March qtr (Q1) copper output to 138,800t, from 178,900t in the previous period.
Q1 gold production plunged further to 38,400oz (Q4FY2021: 64,900oz), with the drought impacts compounded by a significant fall in grades at its Centinela Concentrates.
CEO Iván Arriagada says, with completion of the Los Pelambres desalination plant expected in H2, Antofagasta retains full year guidance at 660,000-690,000t Cu at a net cash cost of $US1.55/lb.