Chile's Codelco Reports Copper Production Gains in First-Half 2025

Written by Amir Richani for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Codelco produced 689,000 tons of copper in the first half of 2026, an increase of 61,000 tons over the same period of 2024, the Chilean state mining firm reported.

The higher output was partly the outcome of higher volumes from the Ministro Hales and El Teniente mines, as well as the ramp-up of the new Rajo Inca project, which began production in December and has since yielded 17,000 tons of copper.

The El Teniente mine started production at its new Andes Norte section in May, while the Diamante area of the mine was under development. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Project and Plant databases can click here for the El Teniente mine profile and click here for the Diamante project reports.

However, a mine collapse at El Teniente killed six workers on July 31, leading to the closure of the mine and lower outputs. Operations in most of the mine's sections have restarted, though the Andes Norte and Diamente sections have yet to receive the regulatory approval to restart operations.

"By the end of July, we had improved management compared to the previous year and achieved increased production, accompanied by improved safety standards. However, following the unfortunate accident on July 31, we are focused on our plan for a safe and gradual return to operations at El Teniente," said Ruben Alvarado, executive president of Codelco.

The company is attempting to return to its previous production levels of 1.7 million tons per year, following a low of 1.324 million tons in 2023. After recovering slightly in 2024 to 1.328 million tons, Codelco forecasted stronger volumes this year with the completion of new projects, although the accident at El Teniente has forced the company to scale back production.

Other key structural project developments in the first half include the 81% completion of the Aguas Horizontes desalination plant in Tocopilla, which is expected to start production next year. Subscribers can click here for the project report.

Between January and June, the company reported capital expenditures of US$2.51 billion, accounting for 45% of the expenditures projected for this year.

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