Roadblocks were set up by the community around the mine in Buritica to demand a rescue mission.

“Structural projects,” which the company hopes will counteract a drop in ore grades of its deposits, are key to maintaining copper production in the coming years.

The company said gold production fell by 77% in the first half following a strike at its South African gold operations.

Exports from the mine, which accounted for more than 10% of global cobalt output in 2021, were suspended a month ago.

Environmental regulators have launched an investigation after tidal waves caused the collapse of a construction platform at Los Pelambres.

China’s infrastructure and automotive sectors are “already responding to policy support,” although a rebound in housing activity is expected to take longer, the producer said.

Those holding the blockades, which began on Aug. 12, are demanding the national mining agency verify whether any miners are trapped.

Online platforms for industrial metals have gained momentum since last year as traders gradually move away from traditional paper-based systems.