By Adriano Marchese
Orvana Minerals expects processing of minerals to pick back up now that nationwide road blockades and civil unrest that delayed shipments to its operations in Bolivia have ended.
The Toronto-based multi-mine gold-copper-silver producer said the movement of goods and materials has largely returned to normal conditions in the country, and that the Don Mario Oxide Stockpile Project has received all the materials it needs to start up oxide ore processing.
For nearly two months, Bolivia was experiencing civil unrest, including nationwide strikes and road blockades, which made it difficult for goods and personnel to move across the country. The protests were against austerity measures introduced by President Rodrigo Paz since he took office late last year, where a coalition of mine workers, transportation unions, and indigenous groups allied to former leader Evo Morales set up highway blockades across the country.
The disruptions had delayed the start up of the processing plant, the company said, which is operated by its subsidiary Empresa Minera Paititi.
The company said it now expects start-up activities to begin in the middle of July.
Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com