MMG Restarts Las Bambas Copper Operations After Fatal Workplace Accident
MMG Restarts Las Bambas Copper Mine in Peru After Fatal Accident and Two-Day Shutdown
MMG has resumed mining and processing operations at its Las Bambas copper mine in Peru following a temporary shutdown caused by a fatal workplace accident that claimed the lives of two workers and injured three others.
The Hong Kong-listed mining company confirmed that operations at the mine and processing plant resumed on August 21, three days after the accident.
The restart was carried out on a phased basis following initial safety assessments and corrective measures.
The accident occurred on August 18 during work to replace a pump at a clarification pond located about 9 kilometres from the processing plant. Two workers were killed and three others injured in the incident.
Following the accident, MMG temporarily suspended mining and processing activities at Las Bambas while it assessed the incident and implemented the necessary safety measures.
Peruvian authorities, including the National Superintendency of Labour Inspection (Sunafil), have also opened an investigation into the accident.
The rapid restart is significant for Peru’s copper industry and global supply chains because Las Bambas is one of the country’s major copper-producing operations.
Located more than 4,000 metres above sea level in Peru’s Apurímac Region, Las Bambas is a large-scale open-pit operation operated by MMG.
The company owns a 62.5% interest in the mine, alongside Guoxin International Investment Co. Ltd with 22.5% and CITIC Metal Co. Ltd with 15%.
The operation produces copper concentrate containing copper, with molybdenum, gold and silver credits. Its concentrator has a designed capacity of approximately 450,000 tonnes of copper concentrate a year.
Las Bambas produced 410,834 tonnes of copper concentrate in 2025, highlighting its importance to MMG’s production portfolio and Peru’s copper sector.
The mine’s concentrate is transported by road in enclosed containers to a transfer station before being moved by rail to Matarani Port in the Arequipa region for export.
Operations Resume Despite Safety Investigation
MMG’s decision to restart operations after a short suspension limits the immediate impact of the incident on copper production.
However, the ongoing investigation will remain important as authorities and the company seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and prevent a recurrence.
The restart also comes as copper markets remain sensitive to disruptions at major mines.
Any prolonged interruption at Las Bambas could have affected Peru’s copper output and added further pressure to global supply at a time when demand for the metal is being supported by electrification, renewable energy infrastructure and grid investment.
MMG has not indicated that the incident has resulted in a change to its broader production outlook, while operations are now progressively returning to normal.
The company says Las Bambas has an estimated mine life of more than 18 years, reinforcing its long-term importance to MMG’s copper portfolio.
The restart therefore restores production at one of Peru’s largest copper mines, while the focus now shifts to the outcome of the safety investigation and the measures required to strengthen workplace safety at the operation.
