Lundin Mining Says Chile Copper Mine Restart May Take Up to Three Weeks After Severe Winter Storm

Santiago: Canadian miner Lundin Mining has said it expects operations at its Caserones copper mine in northern Chile to resume within two to three weeks after severe winter storms disrupted mining activities and damaged key infrastructure.

The company suspended operations after unusually heavy snowfall and freezing conditions affected access roads, power systems, and logistics at the high-altitude mining complex. Safety inspections and infrastructure assessments are currently underway before production can safely restart.

Lundin Mining stated that restoration efforts are progressing, with teams working to clear roads, inspect equipment, and ensure safe operating conditions for employees and contractors. The company emphasized that worker safety remains its highest priority during the recovery process.

The temporary shutdown is expected to impact copper production in the current quarter, although the company said it is evaluating the full extent of the operational and financial effects. Updated production guidance is expected once normal operations resume.

Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper, and disruptions at major mines can influence global supply and commodity prices. Industry analysts noted that while the Caserones interruption is unlikely to cause a significant long-term supply shortage, it could tighten near-term copper availability if adverse weather continues to affect mining operations across the region.

The incident highlights the growing operational challenges facing the mining industry as extreme weather events become more frequent, forcing companies to strengthen climate resilience and emergency preparedness at remote mining sites.

Lundin Mining said it will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress and the timeline for restarting full production becomes clearer.