Chilean state-owned Corporacion Nacional del Cobre (Codelco) and London-based Billiton have formed a joint venture to develop biotechnology applications for the processing of copper and molybdenum.
The partners plan to spend a total of US$20 million to construct a pilot plant at the Mansa Mina deposit, near Chuquicamata in northern Chile.
The work will include collecting a bulk sample and performing flotation tests in preparation for a 20,000-tonne-per-year bio-leaching plant.
The project is expected to result in lower-cost processing.
The partners have been working on improving the technology since 1997, with tests conducted at Billiton’s South African research centre and at Chuquicamata.
Billiton brings to the joint venture experience in biotechnology, whereas Codelco has experience in mining and solvent extraction-electrowinning.
The joint venture, which requires approval of the boards of both companies, would hold exclusive rights to technology applied to copper and moly projects.
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