Antamina Copper Mine in Peru Shuts Down After Fatal Accident Involving Senior Staff

The Antamina copper mine, one of Peru’s largest and a key global supplier, has initiated a full security shutdown following a fatal accident on Tuesday that resulted in the death of a senior operations manager and left another high-ranking employee injured. The incident occurred at the Yanacancha mining camp in the Ancash region while the employees were on duty. Antamina, which is jointly owned by BHP, Glencore, Teck Resources, and Mitsubishi, confirmed that it is investigating the cause of the accident and is providing support to the affected families.

The mine, located in the Andes mountains about 270 kilometers north of Lima, is an open-pit operation and plays a critical role in Peru’s mining sector, producing 410,000 metric tons of copper in 2024—about 15% of the country’s total output. The shutdown, which remained in effect as of Wednesday, comes as Antamina was preparing for a major $2 billion expansion approved earlier this year, intended to extend production through 2036.

Photos circulating on social media suggest the accident involved a passenger vehicle being struck by a haul truck, though the company has not released further details. The incident has prompted a comprehensive safety review, with the company working alongside Peruvian authorities to determine the circumstances and prevent future occurrences.

An extended stoppage at Antamina could impact global copper supply, as the mine is a major source of semi-processed copper concentrate for international markets. The company’s statement emphasized that the safety and well-being of its workforce remain the top priority as the investigation continues.