Antofagasta suspends mines as flash floods hit Atacama Desert in Chile

LONDON (ShareCast) - Copper mining group Antofagasta (Other OTC: ANFGF - news) has been forced to call a halt to mining activities in the north of Chile due to heavy rain. Since Tuesday evening, flash floods in the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile have wreaked havoc across the region, causing mudslides and cutting off electricity and water to local towns.

Antofagasta's Centinela, Antucoya and Michilla mines are all located in Atacama.

"Operations have been suspended, primarily for the safety of employees and others who work at the mines, although some processing of stockpiled material has been possible," Antofagasta said.

The group is currently assessing the impact of the rain on operations but said things should return to normal "as soon as the situation improves".