Atalaya studies expansion at Spain copper mine
A study is under way to determine the feasibility of significantly expanding the mining and processing capacity at the Proyecto Riotinto mine, in Spain.
Aim- and TSX-listed Atalaya Mining is considering expanding the mine’s capacity from 9.5-million tonnes to 15-million tonnes a year, which will raise copper output to between 50 000 t/y and 55 000 t/y.
The mine, which achieved its 9.5-million-tonne-a-year nameplate capacity in December, is currently expected to produce between 34 000 t and 40 000 t this year.
Atalaya, which announced the expansion study on Friday, said the plan was to revisit the geological modelling and resource and reserve estimates, with the aim of maintaining the operation’s mine life in the 12- to 14-year range.
The study would reassess mine planning and the existing mining fleet. It would also asses the potential for maximising processing capacity, including complementing it with additional crushing and milling equipment. Flotation and concentrate handling modifications would be evaluated, but were not expected to be significant. Tailings storage facilities and auxiliary infrastructure would also be re-evaluated.
In anticipation of a positive outcome of the study, Atalaya said it was evaluating different sources of financing. The project is expected to have a “competitive capital intensity, similar to the original five-million-tonne-a-year refurbishment programme and the 9.5-million-tonne-a-year expansion”.
The assessment will be carried out over the next three months, and should Atalaya decide to proceed with the expansion, the construction period is estimated to be 18 months.
Source: miningweekly
Latest Posts
- Serbia, The real plans of the Jadar project
- Eurasian Resources Group highly commends the publication of the Critical Raw Materials Act
- Rio Tinto has spent more than a million euros on land in Serbia at the proposed site of a lithium mine that was eventually cancelled a year ago
- A new grievance mechanism for Chinese overseas mining needs to be free to use
- Europe revives mining to reduce dependence on the import of key raw materials, supply from Serbia as competitive choice
Popular Post
- Serbia, The real plans of the Jadar project
- Who are the main players in the ore exploration business in Serbia
- Rio Tinto Ultra lithium mining project in Serbia
- Lithium extraction in Europe
- Erin Ventures boron Piskanja project in Serbia, drilling report updates
- What Are The Major Natural Resources Of Macedonia?
- Serbian calcite exploitation company Belkalhan opening supply channels toward Europe industrial users for delivery contracts 2024/2025
- First Quantum Minerals, Roaring Back to Life thanks to sale of Kevitsa nickel-copper-platinum mine in Finland
- Europe revives mining to reduce dependence on the import of key raw materials, supply from Serbia as competitive choice
- Rio Tinto has spent more than a million euros on land in Serbia at the proposed site of a lithium mine that was eventually cancelled a year ago