Name of the Project
Rajo Inca copper project.
Location
Chile.
Project Owner/s
Codelco.
Project Description
The Rajo Inca project will convert the Salvador mine's underground works into an opencast operation.
Salvador has been in operation since 1959 and has the lowest productivity of any of the copper miner's deposits.
Codelco expects to increase production at Salvador from 60 000 t/y to 95 000 t/y, with targeted production of 90 000 t by the first half of 2023.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
$1.38-billion.
Planned Start/End Date
Operations at the overhauled mine are expected to start in the second half of 2022.
The project will have an initial 22-month prestripping period and a seven-month ramp-up of the concentrator plant.
Latest Developments
Codelco reported on November 14 that it had extracted first ore.
Rajo Inca, which is more than 60% built, is set to formally start operations in March 2024.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Codelco, tel +562 2690300.