Name of the Project
Centinela second concentrator project.
Location
Antofagasta, Chile.
Project Owner/s
Antofagasta and Marubeni Corporation.
Project Description
The project will have a 36-year mine life, based on Centinela’s substantial ore reserve of two-billion tonnes.
It will add a further 170 000 t/y of copper equivalent production comprising 144 000 t of copper production, 130 000 oz of gold production and 3 500 t of molybdenum production.
The second concentrator will initially source ore from the Esperanza Sur pit and later from the Encuentro pit.
The project will include:
- a new 95 000 t/d concentrator plant incorporating high-pressure grinding rolls to reduce energy consumption;
- the expansion of the existing raw seawater pumping and transport system;
- a new tailings storage facility;
- capacity growth in energy and other input supply infrastructure;
- the expansion of outbound logistics networks such as the concentrate transport system and critical port infrastructure;
- additional loading equipment;
- autonomous hauling equipment; and
- a truck-shop for the mine expansion at Esperanza Sur.
Also included are camps and ancillary civil infrastructure that have been designed to fully integrate into the existing Centinela operation to avoid any redundancy.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
$4.4-billion, which will be funded through a combination of direct funding from Centinela’s shareholders and project finance provided by lenders.
Planned Start/End Date
The project was approved in December 2023, with first copper expected in 2027.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Antofagasta, tel +44 20 7808 0988 or email info@antofagasta.co.uk.