The company said “geotechnical variances” were noticed during a routine inspection, which require further review by an engineer.

Antofagasta increased its interim dividend to 11.7 cents per share from 9.2 cents last year, after posting a 7.5% rise in half-year profit .

New study shows dramatic increase in investor-state disputes and 80% of miners and counsel involved in arbitration expect greater government intervention over the next year.

Popular referendums, halted since last week, are a necessary step for any mining company hoping to obtain an environmental license in Ecuador.

It attributed the results to the acquisition of Copper Mountain, as well as lower copper and zinc prices, higher costs and lower sales.