Codelco’s copper production fell 7% in September to 115,600 tons, according to Cochilco. Meanwhile, BHP’s Escondida mine rose 17%, and Collahuasi dropped 26%.
Chilean state-owned mining giant Codelco reported a 7.2% drop in copper production during September, reaching 115,600 metric tons, according to data released by the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco).
The decline reflects the ongoing operational and maintenance challenges faced by the world’s largest copper producer as it continues with extensive investment programs to modernize its key divisions, including Chuquicamata, El Teniente, and Andina.
BHP’s Escondida surges 17%
In contrast, BHP’s Escondida mine, located in northern Chile, saw a 17% increase in output, totaling 118,600 tons for the month. The rebound was attributed to higher ore grades and improved operational stability following planned maintenance earlier in the year.
The Escondida complex remains the world’s largest copper-producing mine, accounting for roughly 5% of global supply.
Collahuasi production falls 26%
At Collahuasi, jointly operated by Glencore and Anglo American, copper production slumped 26% to 38,000 tons. The reduction was mainly due to lower ore processing rates and planned maintenance work at the concentrator plant.
Despite the decline, the operation continues to be one of Chile’s top contributors to national output and a leader in water reuse and renewable energy integration within the sector.
Chile’s copper outlook
Chile, which accounts for about a quarter of global copper supply, has seen mixed production trends in 2025, with some operations recovering from early-year disruptions while others face delays in expansion projects.
Analysts expect Codelco’s full-year production to remain below its long-term average as it advances structural projects designed to stabilize output toward 2030, while private producers such as BHP, Anglo American, and Antofagasta Minerals continue to boost performance through efficiency and digital transformation initiatives.
