Anglo American lifts copper output amid portfolio shake-up

Anglo American pressing ahead with sweeping portfolio simplification and assets disposal

- TAWANDA KAROMBO-

ANGLO American has reported steady copper production and stronger operational performance across its key mining assets as the company presses ahead with a sweeping portfolio simplification, including the disposal of its diamond and platinum interests.

The diversified miner on Tuesday said improved copper grades and higher output from its Quellaveco and Los Bronces operations helped offset a temporary lower production phase at the Collahuasi mine in Chile, which is expected to recover by the end of next year.

Duncan Wanbald, CEO of Anglo American, said that in copper, strong operational momentum and higher grades at both Quellaveco and Los Bronces underpinned performance, offsetting the current lower production phase at Collahuasi. Copper production for the quarter to the end of September was however flat at 183 500 tons, amid “strong plant performance coupled with higher grades at both Quellaveco and Los Bronces.