Chilean State miner Codelco produced slightly less copper in 2018 than the year before, the company reported on Friday, as it continued to contend with declining ore grades and rising costs at its aging mines.
Chief Executive Nelson Pizarro said the company produced 1.678-million tonnes of copper at its own mines in 2018, down 3.3% from the previous year, and a total of 1.806-million tonnes, including production from its joint ventures at El Abra and Anglo American South.