Chile quake hits BHP copper mines
miningweekly.co.za
Published: 15 Nov 07 - 9:34
The world's biggest mining company, BHP Billiton, on Thursday said that operations at three of its Chilean copper mines had halted after a massive earthquake shook parts of the country.
"The Northern grid power is down so therefore power to Cerro Colorado, Spence and Escondida is down," spokesperson Bronwyn Wilkinson said in response to emailed questions.
She added that back-up power was being used to power critical equipment, but operations had stopped.
News service AFP reported on Thursday that the quake measured 7,7 on the Richter scale and had killed at least two people, injuring more than 100.
Escondida, in which Rio Tinto also had a significant stake, was the world's largest copper mine, while Chile was the world's biggest copper-producing country.
Wilkinson said that BHP Billiton had no serious injuries and no environmental incidents were reported.
"Our focus is on safeguarding the health and safety of employees and contractors, and to ensure they are supported," she added.
No indication was given as to when BHP Billiton expected to resume operations. |
