Chile’s copper production hits nine-year low, intensifying supply concerns

This highlights the challenges faced by the world's largest copper-producing country amid declining global ore grades and poor performance at core mines. According to data released by Chile's National Statistics Institute (INE), total copper production in February was 378,554 tons, down 8.5% month-on-month and 4.8% year-on-year. This is the lowest level since March 2017, when BHP's giant Escondida mine was shut down due to strikes.