Photo by: MMG
Name of the Mine
Las Bambas mine.
Location
Cotabambas in the Apurimac region of southern Peru.
Mine Owner/s
A joint venture between the operator MMG (62.5%), a wholly owned subsidiary of Guoxin International Investment (22.5%) and CITIC Metal Co (15%).
Brief Description
Las Bambas is one of the world’s biggest copper mines, with a nameplate throughput capacity of 51.1-million tonnes a year.
The mine comprises three main deposits: Ferrobamba, Chalcobamba and Sulfobamba, with the Ferrobamba deposit currently being mined.
Brief History
Las Bambas commercial production got under way in July 2016.
Primary Metals/Minerals
Copper concentrate.
Secondary Metals/Minerals
Gold, silver and molybdenum
Geology/Mineralisation
Las Bambas is located in a belt of copper (molybdenum/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 being of greatest importance.
The porphyry-style mineralisation occurs in quartz-monzonite to granodiorite rocks. Hypogene copper sulphides are the main copper-bearing minerals, with modest incidences of supergene copper oxides and carbonates near surface. The intrusive rocks of the batholith in contact with the Ferrobamba limestones have brough about contact metamorphism and, in certain locations, skarn bodies with copper (molybdenum/gold) mineralisation.
Reserves
Total proven and probable reserves as at June 30, 2021, were estimated at 820-million tonnes grading 0.67% copper, 3 g/t silver 180 parts per million molybdenum.
Resources
Total measured, indicated and inferred resources as at June 30, 2021, were estimated at 1.3-billion grading 0.65% copper.
Mining Method
Openpit, truck-and-shovel mining operation.
Major Infrastructure/Equipment
Las Bambas ore is transported by overland conveyors to a conventional copper concentrator. The mine uses automation and advanced technology processes to manage operation and maintenance equipment.
The mine also has drilling, loading, hauling and ancillary equipment.
Prospects
Las Bambas has a mine life of 18 years, with considerable exploration potential, according to MMG.
Contact Details
MMG
Tel +852 2216 9688
Email MMG.Information@MMG.COM
Website https://www.mmg.com/
Sources
Las Bambas. Website: https://www.lasbambas.com/ [accessed September 6, 2022].
MMG. Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement (June 30, 2021).
MMG. Website: https://www.mmg.com/ [accessed September 6, 2022].