Peru’s Energy and Mines Ministry said on Monday that the country’s copper production in 2020 declined to 2.15 million tonnes, representing a 12.5% drop from 2019 output levels.
Pandemic-related restrictions limit production
The ministry reported that the Peruvian health authorities had ordered a significant reduction in staff in the country’s gold and copper mines between mid-March and May due to coronavirus-related restrictions. This, in turn, had resulted in a steep decline in the output for the Andean nation.
Gold, zinc production dips
COVID-related restrictions also obstructed the production of gold and zinc. The ministry reported that gold production in 2020 dropped 32% to 87.3 million fine grams, while zinc production dipped 5.3% to 1.33 million tonnes. It may be noted that mining accounts for nearly 60% of the exports of Peru.
