Project Overview
Location: Chile
Process Type: Heap Leach with SX-EW
Annual Production: 11 million tonnes (DLP)
Feed Grade: Variable based on copper and carbonate content
Recovery Rate: Not specified
Final Product: LME Grade A Copper Cathodes (95% quality)
Project Stage: Operating
Detailed Process Description
Leaching Systems
Mantoverde operates two active leaching systems: a Dynamic Leach Pad (DLP) and South Dump II (SDII). The DLP is an on/off pad measuring 700m x 900m, capable of processing 11 million tonnes of crushed ore annually. The SDII handles run-of-mine material with expansion capability. Ore allocation between the systems is based on copper and carbonate grades, with higher copper and lower carbonate ores typically directed to the DLP.
Crushing and Preparation
The DLP circuit begins with primary crushing followed by a three-stage crushing system. Material passes through a vibrating screen and secondary cone crusher, then through five surge bins feeding tertiary screens and crushers. The final product is stored in two bins feeding parallel agglomeration drums. Agglomerated ore is transported via conveyor systems to a stacker for placement in 7-meter lifts on the leach pad.
Solution Processing
The operation employs a split solvent extraction circuit with two parallel lines: one with two mixer/settlers in series (E1/E2) processing 1,000 m³/h and another with a single mixer/settler (E3) handling 550 m³/h. The electrowinning facility includes 168 cells with 1 m² stainless steel plate cathodes, producing predominantly LME Grade A quality copper cathodes.
Environmental Controls
The facility incorporates comprehensive solution management systems, including separate PLS and ILS ponds for maximizing copper recovery efficiency. The process includes detailed protocols for solution management and recycling to maintain environmental compliance while optimizing metal recovery.
