Ecuador’s Indigenous organizations reject Warintza project

The National Federation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and the Shuar Arutam Peoples have reiterated their rejection of Solaris Resources’ Warintza copper project and President Daniel Noboa’s plans to expand mining operations in the country.  The groups noted that 12 of the country’s most important mining projects currently face legal challenges, opposition, or are paralyzed – many due to…

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Worker dies in accident at Codelco operation

A truck driver has been killed at Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic copper mine in northern Chile, officials have confirmed. The heavy equipment operator, 30-year-old Ana Camila Rojas Farias, was operating in the pit area at the time of the 8 March accident; Codelco did not provide any additional details. Activities at the mine were immediately suspended. An investigation into the causes…

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BHP exceeds female representation goal in Chile

Global miner BHP has confirmed that its Chilean mines – including the Escondida, Spence and Cerro Colorado copper operations – have surpassed 40% female representation, which is more than double the industry average. In line with the global commitment to achieve gender balance, BHP reached a 40.4% female presence in Chile. Another achievement: BHP has reached 40.8% women in leadership…

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El Teniente picks Sandvik for L&H automation

Sandvik has confirmed the receipt of a significant order to supply its AutoMine load and haul automation system to Codelco’s El Teniente mine in Chile. The deal, worth SEK 300 million/US$28.6 million, was booked in the first quarter of 2024. The OEM noted that it follows multiple automation solutions orders from the miner last year. It also confirmed it will…

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Rugby makes discovery at Cobrasco project

Canadian-based exploration company Rugby Resources said recent surface sampling at its Cobrasco copper project in Colombia has yielded significant copper/molybdenum assay results.  Additionally, a new molybdenum stockworked porphyry occurrence has been identified approximately 1 kilometer northeast of the Cobrasco Central drilling area. Reconnaissance mapping indicates the new molybdenum porphyry may represent a continuation of the primary mineralization intersected in drill…

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Death toll climbs in illegal Venezuelan mine collapse

The collapse of an illegally operated open-pit gold mine in central Venezuela has killed at least 14 people and injured several more, reported the Associated Press. Bolivar state governor Angel Marcano told local reporters that 14 bodies had been removed so far and authorities knew of at least 11 people injured. “We continue to carry out rescue work,” he said,…

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Colombia proposes ban on coal exploration, production

South America’s top coal-producing country is proposing a mining bill to advance its “decarbonization goals” that would ban new exploration and production contracts for the commodity, reported Bloomberg.  The proposed Colombian law, which hasn’t been sent to Congress yet, would allow the expropriation of mining assets in some circumstances. The assets would need to “contribute to the country’s reindustrialization, energy…

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Metso awarded major order for Chilean copper mine

Metso has been selected to deliver key concentrator equipment, including secondary cone crushers, for an undisclosed copper mining project in Chile.  The value of the order is EUR 55 million (US$59.2 million), and it is booked in the Minerals segment’s first-quarter 2024 orders received. The delivery scope consists of high-capacity Nordberg MP1250 secondary cone crushers, MF Series vibrating screens and…

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Codelco to receive sustainability guidance from Aurubis

Europe’s largest copper producer Aurubis will provide Chile’s state-owned Codelco with technology and know-how to achieve more environmentally responsible mining practices at its operations, reported Reuters. The news agency said two companies plan more than 15 joint projects. Aurubis will provide Codelco with technical expertise including methods and equipment to reduce air and water emissions, measure and analyse pollution, and…

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Nexa resumes operations at Atacocha

Nexa Resources said it has resumed operations to normal capacity at its Atacocha San Gerardo open pit mine in Peru after protests by the Joraonivoc community ceased. The miner’s estimated zinc production loss of 0.1 kilotons is expected to be recovered in the upcoming month.  “Nexa remains committed to the social development of its host communities and will continue to…

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