The decision to close the plant, which has capacity of 100,000 tonnes a year, follows a sharp increase in power prices in Italy and the rest of Europe.

Shipping of concentrate to port and delivery of some parts and consumables to the mines continue to be disrupted.

Leftist Gabriel Boric favours a more active role for the state and higher royalties, while extreme-right José Antonio Kast wants more private investment in state-owned Codelco and changes to mining property law.