Vancouver — The results of a 27-hole drill program by
The results will help determine the resource model and open-pit mine plan, key components of the study, which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter. AMEC Americas is directing the study, and has already selected sites for the waste dumps, primary crusher, conveyor, mill, tailings dam, and offices and warehouses.
Mirador is one of three copper and copper-gold porphyry deposits being advanced by Corriente in the Corriente copper belt of southeastern Ecuador. These deposits together contain an inferred resource of 560 million tonnes grading 0.81% copper, with separate gold and molybdenum credits.
Corriente has investigated transportation options, and recently hired a contractor to drive a fully loaded 35-tonne truck from the port city of Machala to the town of Panqui, a few kilometres west of the project. The test was deemed successful and will be used to negotiate a concentrate-hauling contract.
A joint venture was signed with a local company to develop a “run-of-river” hydro project 100 km southwest of Mirador. Engineering studies for this project are in progress.
Metallurgical tests are largely complete. Based on the findings, which showed no deleterious impurities, Corriente has designed a flow sheet. The mill will include a simple, 2-stage grinding circuit followed by standard flotation. The concentrates are expected to average 30% copper at a recovery of 90%.
Environmental assessments will include community consultations and archeological studies.
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