Amerigo Resources, a copper producer, has halted production at Minera Valle Central, the company’s operations in Chile due to power-line damage consequent on heavy rains. Despite the intense rainfall, there have been no reports of injuries or accidents to workers at the operations near Rancagua.
Central Chile has experienced significantly higher-than-normal temperatures at the start of the winter season. In recent days, torrential rainfall prevented snow from accumulating in the Andes mountains, causing serious water volumes that have poured down rivers and estuaries, including at Minera Valle Central operations.
On Friday, heavy rain and rising water levels in the Cachapoal River caused a power outage at Minera Valle Central, after which three high-voltage towers crashed down. The company said there has been no further damage to equipment or infrastructure and no adverse environmental impact.
The copper producer said repairs could last up to four weeks. Management at Minera Valle Central said they are preparing a plan to resume operations while the power towers are restored. “We expect the damage to the power towers will have a limited impact at MVC, as we have already started to secure alternative energy sources while repairs are made,” President and Chief Executive Aurora Davidson said.
Amerigo produces copper concentrate, and molybdenum concentrate as a by-product, at the Minera Valle Central operation through processing fresh and historic tailings from Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile’s El Teniente underground copper mine.