Luxembourg-based Nexa Resources has idled production at the Cerro Lindo polymetallic operation in the Chavín District, Chincha Province, Peru, due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.
The unusual weather conditions have been caused by Cyclone Yaku, which has been having an impact on the region as well as other parts of the country. At Cerro Lindo, the underground mine workings have received more water than could be pumped to the surface, partially flooding some lower levels of the mine.
Road access has also been compromised at the property. Nexa officials are now monitoring and evaluating the situation and said they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety for employees, contractors and host communities.
“We expect to be able to resume production within the next 10 to 12 days, subject to the dewatering process in the underground mine and the impact of rainfall on other areas of the operation,” it said of the mine, which produces about 223 tonnes of zinc daily.
Production has not yet been impacted month to date, though the miner said any potential impact on 2023 guidance and its results are under review.
Operations at Cerro Lindo began in 2007. It produces zinc, copper, lead, silver and gold.
Nexa owns and operates five long-life underground mines: three in the Central Andes of Peru and two in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is also ramping up its Aripuanã mine as its sixth underground mine in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Nexa also currently owns and operates three smelters, two located in Brazil and one in Peru, Cajamarquilla, which is the largest smelter in the Americas. Nexa was among the top five producers of mined zinc globally in 2022 and also one of the top five metallic zinc producers worldwide in 2022, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Source: nexaresources.com