A solvent extraction-electrowinning project is expected to enhance the overall economics of the Escondida copper mine in northern Chile, reports operator BHP.
The Australian mining giant has a 57.5% interest in Escondida, with RTZ-CRA holding a 30% stake and minority partners the remainder.
BHP recently agreed to move forward with the project, subject to the approval of the government environmental review agency. Project construction is expected to last 18-20 months.
The total new investment is estimated to be US$470 million, providing 250 new jobs (plus 3,000 construction jobs). Final approvals are expected to be in hand by the end of March and, if this is realized, initial cathode production could begin in September 1998.
Annual production would be 125,000 tonnes of copper metal.
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