An executive for BHP has shared that the global miner plans to expand its presence in Peru through exploration of new copper projects, reported Reuters. Rag Udd, who heads the company in the Americas, told an audience at the Perumin mining conference in Arequipa, Peru, that BHP will invest $12 million on exploration in the next 10 months and that…
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Copper ops up and moving at Anglo’s Quellaveco
Anglo American, following the receipt of final regulatory clearances and after successful testing, has started long-awaited commercial operations at its Quellaveco mine in Peru. Chief executive Duncan Wanblad said the mine, which is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes annually of copper equivalent volume on average over the first decade of life, could add as much as 10% to its global…
Read MoreGlencore gains larger stake in MARA project
Glencore will soon own 43.75% of the MARA project in the Catamarca province of Argentina after entering an agreement to acquire Newmont’s 18.75% shareholding. Under the terms of the deal, Glencore will pay Newmont $124.9 million upon closing and a $30 million deferred payment upon commercial production subject to an annual interest charge of 6%. Total deferred consideration is capped…
Read MoreSoma Gold miners strike, mining halted
Soma Gold, owned by Operadora Minera SAS in Antioquia, Colombia, has confirmed its workers have stepped off the line and gone on strike. President and CEO Javier Cordova Unda said the election to strike, organized by its unionised workers, was effective immediately and work at the site stopped 16 September. “Negotiations continue, and both parties have expressed hope that a…
Read MoreNewmont puts Yanacocha on ice
Gold miner Newmont has opted to put an investment decision on hold for its Yanacocha sulphides project in Peru, part of its planned expansion of the mine to extend its lifespan beyond 2040. The company said it will now make its full-funds decision on the project during the second half of 2024, citing the market as well as “the continued…
Read MoreThree dead in mudslide at Yauricocha
Canadian miner Sierra Metals has reported the deaths of three contractor employees during a mudslide incident at its underground Yauricocha mine in Peru. Sierra Metals said the mudslide took place at approximately 4:00 p.m. (Lima Time) on September 11. One contractor employee was injured and three were killed. “The safety and wellbeing of all employees and contractors is a major…
Read MoreRio2 appeals Fenix Gold EIA rejection
Canadian miner Rio2 said its subsidiary Fenix Gold Limitada has filed an administrative appeal to a July decision to not approve the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its Fenix Gold project in Chile. On review of the environmental qualification resolution (RCA), Rio2 said it “has identified numerous discrepancies with factual and procedural matters … [that] provide grounds for a strong…
Read MoreColombia considers new mining exploration requirement
Colombia Environmental Minister Susana Muhamad said the country could require mining firms to obtain environmental licenses for exploration in order to protect the environment, increase state control and prevent conflict between communities and miners, reported Reuters. Currently, the South American country only requires environmental permissions for projects in the exploitation and production phases. “I think we must put an environmental…
Read MoreEscondida goes big, moves to renew entire fleet
BHP, owner of the Escondida copper operation in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, is collaborating with Caterpillar and Finning International to replace Escondida’s entire haul truck fleet. Under the agreement, which the group jointly confirmed is part of a strategic equipment renewal process developed by Escondida, the mine will take delivery of new Caterpillar 798 AC electric-drive trucks with…
Read MoreCodelco names Sougarret CEO
Chilean copper producer Codelco has named a new CEO: Andre Sougarret. According to a Reuters report citing a company statement, he replaces Octavio Areneda, who is stepping down for personal reasons effective 29 August. Sougarret was most recently vice president for the company’s northern operations. He is currently on medical leave, Reuters noted, so his appointment will be effective once…
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