Chile to dominate copper production

Chile could account for 32% of the world’s total copper production by the year 2000, according to a study by the Center for Copper Studies (CESCO) which was published here recently.

CESCO predicted that Chile will dominate production during this decade and the next.

In 1991, production by state mines reached 1,125,478 tons — a 5.8% drop compared with the previous year. According to estimates, last year’s total production, including that of private copper mines, was around 1.6 million tons.

The four large state mines, nationalized in 1971, are Chuquicamata (the largest open pit mine in the world), Andina, el Teniente and El Salvador. Starting this year, several private projects are to begin and Chuquicamata’s operations will be extended.