Name of the Mine
Las Bambas mine.
Location
More than 4 000 m above sea level, between Grau and Cotabambas provinces, in the Apurímac region of Peru.
Mine Owner/s
Las Bambas is a joint venture (JV) project between the operator MMG (62.5%), a subsidiary of Guoxin International Investment Co (22.5%) and CITIC Metal Co (15%).
Brief Description
The Las Bambas mine is one of the biggest copper mines in the world and has a mine life of more than 18 years.
It is a large openpit, scalable, long-life copper and molybdenum mining operation with prospective exploration options.
The mine comprises Ferrobamba, Chalcobamba and Sulfobamba deposits, with the Ferrobamba deposit currently being mined.
Brief History
The Las Bambas mine was acquired in 2014. Copper production started in the fourth quarter of 2015, with the first concentrate achieved in November of that year.
Primary Metals/Minerals
Copper concentrate.
Secondary Metals/Minerals
Gold and silver, as well as molybdenum concentrate.
Geology/Mineralisation
Las Bambas is located in a belt of copper (molybdenum and gold) skarn deposits associated with porphyry-type systems situated in south-eastern Peru. This metallogenic belt is controlled by the Andahuaylas-Yauri Batholith of Eocene-Oligocene age, which is emplaced in Mesozoic sedimentary units, with the Ferrobamba Formation (lower to upper Cretaceous) being of greatest mineralising importance.
The porphyry-style mineralisation occurs in quartz-monzonite to granodiorite rocks. Hypogene copper sulphides are the main copper-bearing minerals, with minor occurrence of supergene copper oxides and carbonates near surface. The intrusive rocks of the batholith in contact with the Ferrobamba limestones gave rise to contact metamorphism and, in certain locations, skarn bodies with copper (molybdenum and gold) mineralisation.
Reserves
Total contained metal as at June 30, 2021, was estimated at 820-million tonnes grading 0.67% copper, 3 g/t silver and 180 parts per million molybdenum.
Resources
Total mineral resources as at June 30, 2021, were estimated at 1.3-billion tonnes grading 0.65% copper.
Mining Method
Openpit, truck-and-shovel mining operation.
Major Infrastructure/Equipment
The openpit mine includes overland conveyors and plant equipment such as the primary crusher and mills. The JV uses automation and advanced technology processes to manage operations and maintenance equipment. The mine also has drilling, loading, hauling and ancillary equipment.
Prospects
The next phase of development at Las Bambas includes the mining of the Chalcobamba deposit, at which permitting and engineering works are continuing.
The operation will be developed by openpit mining, with associated waste dumps.
Contact Details
MMG
Tel +61 3 9288 0888
Email investorrelations@mmg.com
Website: https://www.mmg.com
Sources
MMG. Mineral resources and ore reserves statement as at June 30, 2021.
MMG. MMG results for the year ended December 31, 2021 (March 25, 2022).
MMG. Website: https://www.mmg.com/ [accessed April 13, 2022].