Bloomberg reported that Doe Run Peru suspended 1,900 workers or 75% of its workforce for a month because the company lacks concentrate supplies for its zinc and lead smelter.

Mr Roiberto Guzman spokesman of metallurgical union said that Doe Run Peru, the unit of Renco Group Inc that shut its operations last month after banks halted financing, will keep 25% of its personnel for maintenance activities.

He added that "The company said it doesn’t have any concentrates for its operations. It looks like the rescue plan isn't working."

It may be noted that banks froze Doe Run's bank accounts on February 24th 2009 after metals prices collapsed because of the global economic slowdown. The move forced about 30 lead and zinc mining companies in the Peruvian central highlands to seek other buyers for their raw materials.

Doe Run's La Oroya smelter last year refined 114,259 tonnes of lead, 43,440 tonnes of zinc, 53,831 tonnes of copper and 1.1 million kilograms of silver.

(Sourced from www.bloomberg.net)