Glencore's Peru JV closes but Quebec could reopen

Glencore said its joint venture in Peru had halted activity in line with Covid-19 guidelines but that it was looking at options to reopen mines in Quebec.

In an update on the effect of the coronavirus crisis the commodities trader and miner said its Antamina joint operation in Peru had suspended operations for a likely two weeks. During that time the site will be disinfected and measures such as medical screening and social distancing will be put in place to protect the health of workers and communities, Glencore said.

In Canada the Quebec government has extended the closure of non-essential businesses until 4 May. From 15 April, mining will be classed as essential and Glencore said its nickel and zinc operations were reviewing options to reopen before 4 May.

In Colombia the president has extended a quarantine period until 27 April. Glencore's Prodeco mines will remain on care and maintenance while its port continues to operate, the FTSE 100 company said.

Glencore's ferroalloys operation and two of its coal mines in South Africa are closed after the government extended its lockdown to 30 April. The company is in talks with the Zambian government about the way forward for its closed mines in that country.

"For all our offices and industrial assets that are continuing to operate, we continue to implement various additional precautionary measures to protect our employees," Glencore said, addding that most of its operations had not been significantly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

"We recognise the uncertainty caused by the current environment and endeavour to support our workforce and local communities, as appropriate. Our local teams are working closely with governments, health agencies and other key responders to identify their needs to provide the most effective response possible."