Antofagasta copper output rises as China fears threaten demand

Chile-focused copper miner Antofagasta posted a 22.6% jump in first-quarter copper production and maintained its full-year output outlook, despite the possibility that China may ease stimulus measures which could hurt prices.

Antofagasta said on Wednesday production in the quarter was bolstered by better quality ore and higher output, mainly at its Centinela mine, and kept its annual output forecast of 750 000 t to 790 000 t unchanged.