The sites that will boost copper production in 2014
Caserones, Ministro Hales and Sierra Gorda will be critical for Chilean copper achieved a new production record in 2014
If 2013 was a record year for the copper mine production reaching 5.7 million metric tons, estimates predict that by 2014 production again break records again, this time exceeding 6 million metric tons, driven mainly by Caserones, Ministro Hales and Sierra Gorda sites.
The Lumina Copper’s Project, Caserones produced the first cathode in March 2013. However it is expected that in the first part of this year enter into full operation, where also the launch line sulphides with an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 tons of copper concentrate capacity is expected. The Japanese mining investment is widely projected to exceed U.S. $ 3,000 million.
Sierra Gorda is another which will boost copper production. This is a joint venture’s result between polish company KGHM Polska Miedz, through its subsidiary KGHMI, and Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining and Sumitomo Corporation. In phase I (starting this year), production will be around the 120,000 metric tons of copper, an amount that will rise to 237,000 metric tons of copper in Phase II. The mine has provided a useful life of 20 years, considering the two stages, to start production in the first half of this year, with an investment of U.S. $ 3,900 million.
But all eyes will be on full production of Codelco’s Ministro Hales division. This site has the order of 1,300 million tons, of which claim to be exploited via open pit 289 million tons. Once in full operation is expected to produce 183,000 metric tons of copper and 300 tons of silver. Ministro Hales involves an investment of around $ 3,000 million.
Source: Estrategia
