Copper Mountain completes mill expansion

22nd September 2021 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Dual listed Copper Mountain Mining has completed the expansion of its Copper Mountain mine, in British Columbia, with the commissioning of the third ball mill.

The installation of the third ball mill completes the Ball Mill 3 expansion project, which would increase plant milling capacity from 40 000 t/d to 45 000 t/d.

“We are pleased to announce the start of commissioning of the new ball mill on schedule. With electrical commissioning kicked off, we plan to introduce slurry to the mill next month, with ramp-up to full production expected this year,” said CEO and president Gil Clausen.

“This is the first step in our multi-phase growth plans to achieve our vision to triple our annual production rate from 2020 levels in the next five years. Our development plan for our low cost and high return on investment capital projects includes continuing to expand the Copper Mountain mine, advancing our Eva copper project in Australia, and continued exploration on all of our properties.”

Copper Mountain in November of last year unveiled a new life-of-mine plan for its Canadian operation, building milling capacity to 65 000 t/d.

The 65 000 t/d expansion plan includes the installation of a high pressure grinding roll circuit, the addition of a fourth ball mill, a regrind verti-mill, additional rougher and cleaner flotation circuit capacity, and electrical system upgrades. The existing semi-autogenous grinding mill will be retired. 

Construction completion of the 65 000 t/d expansion is targeted for the end of 2023, with commissioning slated for 2024, with the expansion project to cost an estimated $148.3-million.