A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Chile's Antofagasta region on May 25, local time, shaking the country's key mining hub but generating limited disruptions on mining operations. The quake was centered at a depth of 109 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), causing temporary power outages, water supply interruptions, and minor landslides in several production areas.
Chile's state-owned copper producer Codelco suspended part of its operations due to reduced visibility in open pits and localized electricity disruptions. However, other major miners including BHP Group Ltd and Antofagasta PLC reported no significant impact on their operations, according to Reuters.
As the world's largest copper-producing country, Chile saw a major part of output come from the Antofagasta region. According to the USGS, Chile's mined copper output totaled 5.3 million tonnes in 2025, accounting for around 23% of total global output. However, Chile's state copper commission Cochilco has lowered its copper production guidance, with 2026 expected to see a year-on-year decline of 2%, and 2027 to experience a 4% recovery to around 5.5 million tonnes. Previous output expectations were 5.6 million tonnes this year and 5.97 million tonnes for 2027, likely weighed down by lower ore grades, maintenance, and other operational constraints.
Although the earthquake caused short-term disruptions, Chile's mining sector appeared to remain largely stable after the event, while future developments need close attention.
Written by Mingyuan Wang, wangmingyuan@mysteel.com
