Production

摘要

The high copper price and positive outlook for the world economy has prompted Phelps Dodge into restarting some of its idled mine capacity. The miner has already started to ramp up production at Bagdad and Sierrita, which should reach full capacity in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. PD has also decided to increase mining oxide ores for leach production (solvent extraction/electrowon cathode) at Chino with immediate effect and to restart processing sulphide ores through one of the operation's two SAG mills by the third quarter. Phelps Dodge also plans to resume operations at its Ojos del Salado operation in Chile and Cobre (Continental) operation in New Mexico by the second and third quarters, respectively. However, PD has decided not to reopen the Hurley smelter - no doubt swayed by the tight concentrate market and the fact that it would leave the company short of concentrate in North America. Acid constraints have also led the company to keep the relatively acid intensive Miami SX/EW operation closed. In total the restarts will add 110,000 tonnes of copper to supply this year and a further 66,000 tonnes in 2005.