Peru's Antamina expects jump in zinc to offset lower copper output

AREQUIPA, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Zinc production at Peru's Antamina mine, controlled by Glencore GLEN.L and BHP BHP.AX, is expected to rise 67% this year, offsetting a 12% drop in copper output as management works on extending the life of the deposit, an executive said on Tuesday.

Antamina Operations Director Luis Santivanez told Reuters on the sidelines of a mining industry conference that Antamina expects to produce 450,000 metric tons of zinc this year, up from 270,000 tons last year.

Copper output will fall to 380,000 tons this year from 430,000 tons last year, but is expected to rise to 450,000 tons in 2026, he said.