Chile’s State-owned Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, has registered a total 3 215 Covid-19 infections and nine deaths owing to the pandemic, the chairman of the firm said on Monday, as pressure rises on production of the red metal.
Board chairman Juan Benavides said 2 473 workers had already recovered while 37 remain hospitalised, according to comments made to a mining commission made up of lower-house lawmakers and confirmed by Codelco.
Chile’s copper miners have largely maintained output despite soaring case numbers in the South American country, though pressure has been mounting for companies to strengthen safety measures, even potentially at the expense of production.