| Company | CLC |
| Date | 2012 |
| Region | Andalusia, Spain |
| Commodities | Copper |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Throughput | 2,000-4,000 tpd |
| Mine Life | 15 years |
| Annual Production | 72,000 tpa Cu |
| Status | Development |
Executive Summary
This technical report details the recovery methods for the Las Cruces Copper Mine in Andalusia, Spain. Following initial metallurgical test work by Rio Tinto in 1996 which identified the ore as difficult to treat by conventional flotation, CLC acquired the property in 1999. Subsequent studies by Bechtel and Outokumpu Technology Group (OTG) led to a revised flowsheet completed in 2003. The selected process utilizes atmospheric ferric-leach technology followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning, a system unique in the copper industry.
The plant is designed to operate 365 days per year, processing ore from an open pit mine at rates ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 tonnes per day. Ore grades are expected to range from 5 to 10 percent copper, primarily in the form of chalcocite. The facility aims to produce approximately 72,000 tonnes per annum of copper cathode over a 15-year mine life. Tailings management involves a Tailings Storage Facility embedded within the North Dump, utilizing compacted marl embankments and liners to manage acid-generating residues.
Website: https://www.first-quantum.com/operations/cobre-las-cruces/
Report Date: 2012
Region: Andalusia, Spain
Project Status: Development
Commodity: Copper
Throughput: 2,000-4,000 tpd
Mine Life: 15 years
Mine Type: Open Pit
Ore type:
