Antofagasta announced precautionary measures at its Los Pelambres project in Chile, following the collapse of a construction platform due to severe sea swells on the marine works of its desalination plant project.
The mining firm said there was no significant damage to the environment or to its project works, and it had recovered some of its lost equipment and materials.
However, the sea swells have reportedly persisted and impeded further recovery work.
Antofagasta confirmed the Chilean environmental authority required the company to put marine works on hold until the clean-up of remaining sunk equipment carrying fuel or lubricants had progressed to the point that any risk of environmental impact had been removed.
The commodities group said it expected recovery of lost materials and equipment to finalise once weather conditions improved.
Antofagasta highlighted there had been no material impact to date on the expected completion schedule for the desalination plant project.
The company added the site was being “closely monitored for any potential environmental impact”, with teams ready to take action if necessary.
Antofagasta shares rose 1.9% to 1,219p in early morning trading on Monday.
