The company's second lethal dam disaster in three years was a formative moment for ethical investment in Brazil.

Higher prices should provide an incentive for miners to maximize output next year, potentially alleviating some of the strain on supply, said Freeport VP of Marketing Javier Targhetta.

The Vancouver-based miner said that its operations in Mexico have returned to normal.

Company anticipates production of 305,000-315,000 tonnes this year, while cautioning that a “high degree of operational uncertainty remains.”

Operations are expected to recommence early this week and the stoppage is not expected to materially affect operational nor financial results.

Commercial operation will begin in December, and the government hopes it will boost gold production by 25%.