Revista Nueva Minería

The set of Codelco molybdenum operations producers noted a significant increase of 33% in the generation of the by-product during the first quarter of this year. Along with this increase, the explosive growth of 179.9% achieved by Anglo American Sur, marked the increase of 9.9% recorded domestic production of Molybdenum between January and April this year.

The state company produced 7,519 metric tons of fine molybdenum in total, 1,864 tons more than 5,655 for the same period of 2012, which consolidates it as the main producer of molybdenum in the country with a share of 60.4% of the market. The increase was led by Andina and Chuquicamata-Radomiro Tomic divisions, where production rose by 57.8% and 55.4%, respectively. However, the upward trend was partially offset by a decline of 27.6% in Salvador production.

But the largest increase in percentage terms was experienced by Anglo American Sur. The operation, which groups the Los Bronzes, El Soldado and Chagres mining companies, rose its production by 179.9%, jumping from 264 tons in 2012 to 739 of this year. The increase will in turn meant moving from 2.3% to 5.9% in market share.

The other side showed by Pelambres and Collahuasi, tasks that partially offset the upward trend. The task of Antofagasta Minerals suffered a significant drop of 25.5% from 4317 to 3215 tons, while the operation controlled by Anglo American and Glencore Xstrata, with 44% each, went from 961 to 845 tons.

Source: Estrategia