Las Bambas could halt mining on ongoing protests

MMG Limited’s Las Bambas may be forced to go into a period of care and maintenance if there are no changes to ongoing protests in Peru, the operator has warned. Officials said that transport disruptions have slowed down, affecting both inbound and outbound deliveries, which has resulted in a progressive slow-down to Las Bambas itself. It is now suffering a…

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Toquepala starts up Diemme’s Domino

Diemme Filtration has confirmed the commencement of operations for its GHT5000 Domino, what it’s calling the world’s largest filter press, at the Toquepala copper mine in southern Peru. The company said the Domino is a pilot unit. If it performs as anticipated and produces the targeted moisture levels at scale, Diemme will install nine or 10 more units for a…

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Peru copper mine hit by vandals

A Glencore copper operation in Peru has been targeted by vandals amid a rash of protests in the southern Andes, according to reports. Reuters said on 12 January that political protestors attacked the Antapaccay copper mine that day, citing a statement from a top mining official. The country is currently in the throes of its worst civil unrest in several…

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CONAIE Indigenous group threatens Ecuador strike action: report

A major Indigenous group in Ecuador has warned it is making plans to hold protests at mining areas in the country. CONAIE leader Leonidas Iza told Reuters it and an anti-mining group voted to oppose the expansion of mining in Ecuador due to social and environmental impacts. It additionally voted to “prepare conditions of territorial defense” in present mining areas…

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Boston Metal expands services in Brazil

U.S.-headquartered Boston Metal said it will deploy its molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) platform technology to recover high-value metals from mining waste in Brazil. Boston Metal do Brasil, a wholly owned subsidiary, opened in August and construction is underway on facilities in the municipality of Coronel Xavier Chaves near São João del Rei, Minas Gerais. Boston Metal’s patented MOE technology uses…

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SA copper miner to crush it with FLSmidth

FLSmidth has been retained for the supply of the world’s largest gyratory crusher and station for a copper mine in South America. Though the customer was not disclosed, the supplier said the deal is valued at DKK320 million (US$45.6 million). It is set for delivery this year, and includes the Top Service Gyratory Crusher (TSUV), a semi-mobile station and heavy-duty…

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Cobre Panama to stop production

Franco-Nevada and partner First Quantum, after first being notified of such by government officials in mid-December, confirmed it will be preparing the Cobre Panama copper operation to enter a care-and-maintenance mode. The companies said they are responding to a direction from the Ministry of Commercia and Industries related to the mine and developing a preparation plan to cease operations. Current…

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