Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 23, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleAntofagasta's copper output is projected at the lower end of its 2024 guidance, with capex adjustments due to currency depreciation.
LONDON (Reuters) -Chilean miner Antofagasta reported on Thursday a modest 1% rise in third-quarter copper production, and said it expects annual output at the lower end of its forecast range of 660,000-700,000 metric tons.
Antofagasta produced 161,800 tons of copper in the third quarter, bringing year-to-date production to 476,600 tons, a 2.8% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
The company operates four copper mines in Chile and is expanding output to meet growing demand from the power, construction, and green energy transition sectors.
It lowered its capital expenditure guidance for the year to $3.6 billion, from $3.9 billion previously, due to depreciation of the Chilean peso.
"The capex guidance for 2025 is revised... which we see as being deferred for spending in 2026," Citi analysts said.
Antofagasta now expects 2026 copper production to be between 650,000 and 700,000 tons, with higher output from Los Pelambres.
"A low guidance (for 2026) at one of the best run mining operations is likely to be another example of supply constrained for (the) global copper market," Citi said.
Copper prices hit $11,000 per ton on October 9, within touching distance of their all-time high of $11,104.50 set in May 2024.
(Reporting by Clara Denina, Nithyashree R B; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Susan Fenton)
Copper production refers to the process of extracting copper from its ores and refining it into a usable form. It is a crucial part of the mining industry and is essential for various sectors, including construction and electronics.
Capital expenditure (capex) is the funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, buildings, or equipment. It is an important aspect of financial planning and investment.
The resources sector encompasses industries involved in the extraction and production of natural resources, including mining, oil, and gas. This sector plays a vital role in the economy by providing raw materials for various industries.
The financial community refers to a network of individuals and organizations involved in finance, including banks, investors, financial analysts, and regulators. This community plays a key role in the functioning of financial markets.
Depreciation is the accounting method used to allocate the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. It reflects the reduction in value of an asset as it ages or is used.
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