Producing the metals
the world needs
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Mine type
Underground
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Primary Metals
Copper, Zinc, Lead, Silver & Gold
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Mining Method
Cut & Fill
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Processing type
Base Metal Sulphide Flotation
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Tailings type
Dry Stack TSF
CMC in a glance
CMC a backward integrated mining company that is committed to producing and processing the metals that are essential for the global energy transition to a low-carbon economy.
The CMC mining complex is located in the Province of Huarochirí, approximately 90 km east of Lima and is accessed by the Central National Highway connecting Lima to La Oroya. The operation is situated in an area of significant relief, and elevations at the property range between 3,000 and 3,920m above sea level.
CMC is a producing mine with historical records of mining activities. The mining complex boasts an extensive land package in the prolific Central Polymetallic Belt of Peru, spanning approximately 3,700 hectares.
Gold-silver-lead-zinc-copper mineralization occurs as massive sulphide veins that are being mined underground by cut and fill methods including resue mining in the narrower veins.
The operation comprises, amongst others, an underground mine with supporting infrastructure, a processing plant, a mine rail haulage system with direct rail connection to the Port of Callao and a certified laboratory
Geology
CMC’s mine is a Cordilleran polymetallic ore deposit, comprising a system of massive sulphide veins and replacement bodies formed at epithermal to mesothermal conditions.
The regional geology comprises a package of andesitic volcanic rocks and sedimentary rocks intruded by monzonite stocks.
The area has been exposed to extreme structural compression, which has produced a strong fracturing pattern on a regional scale and allowed the intrusion of polymetallic mineralization in the form of quartz-galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite veins with gold and silver.
DDH Program
Several diamond drilling programs (DDH) have been completed with the primary focus of verifying the lateral and depth continuity of the main veins, including Wellington, Constancia, Escondida and Colquipallana. A total of 105 diamond drill holes, totalling 41.216m of NQ sized core (47.6 millimeter [mm] core diameter) have been drilled within the CMC property boundaries.
The drilling results confirm the existence of economic mineralization and reconcile with the underground mine workings. The performed drilling programs at CMC also verified the continuity of the vein system, both laterally and at depth. The mineralization is shown to extend beyond the previously known limits and has opened up the targets both along strike and at depth.
Mineral Resource Estimate
Based on the results of the National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) compliant Feasibility Study and our latest Technical Report, CMC has calculated 2.3 million tonnes of mineral resources.
The Operation
PRODUCING & PROCESSING
At CMC, the sulphide veins are mined underground by cut and fill methods including resue mining in the narrower veins. Metal recoveries are accomplished by using standard crushing, grinding, and flotation methods to generate zinc, lead, and copper concentrates with gold and silver credits for direct sale. Also included in the circuit is differential flotation of arsenopyrite (AsPy) from pyrite (Py), with the AsPy concentrate being treated by bio-oxidation (BIOX®) and subsequent cyanidation for the recovery of Au and Ag.
The concentrator has a design throughput rate of 600 tpd (219.000 tonnes per year) and the BIOX® plant has a capacity of 60 tpd (21.900 tonnes per year). While the crusher and mill are located at the mine portal (3,140m above sea level), the concentrator, flotation circuit and BIOX® facility are located at a lower elevation, along the main highway.
PREPARATION & TRANSPORTATION
Once the final product arrives at our storage terminal, the activated carbon and the lead, zinc, copper & gold concentrates are tested in our certified laboratory and then trucked and/or rail hauled to the warehouses located at the Port of Callao near Lima. From the port, the products are shipped all around the world.
TAILINGS MANAGEMENT
The tailings generated from CMC’s processing plant, are handled in the solid/liquid separation process. Whereby the tailings are initially received in a 9m thickener, after which they are directed to the holding tank to facilitate the feeding process for the 2000 X 2000 filter press. The tailings filter cake, produced by the filter press, is then hauled either by trucks or by train to the Chinchán Dry-stack Tailings Storage Facility, approximately 35 km from the plant.
The advantages of using a dry stack tailings facility:
- The high solids content of the produced filter cake significantly improves the safety and stability of the tailings facilities during floodings or seismic activity and reduces environmental risks.
- Dry stack tailings require less land area compared to conventional tailing dams and can be easier to rehabilitate.
Peru - A global leader
Mining plays a significant role in the Peruvian economy. Peru stands as a global leader in the mining sector, ranking among the top ten nations with abundant mineral reserves. It proudly holds its position as one of the world’s foremost producers of both base and precious metals. Notably, mineral commodities contribute to about 64% of Peru’s total exports and the mining sector represents 8.3% of Peru’s GDP.
The era of metals
Minerals play a crucial role in numerous swiftly advancing clean energy technologies of today, ranging from wind turbines and electrical networks to electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is surging as the shift towards a low-carbon economy gains momentum. As CMC, we play a key role in this transition, as we produce the raw materials the world needs in order to reach its goal of global decarbonisation.
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13x more minerals required for wind turbines than gas turbines
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3x more copper required by 2040
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6x more mineral required for electrical cars than conventional fossil fuel cars
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25x more electrical vehicle demand by 2040
How can we help you?
Do you have a question or do you want to receive more information? Do not hesitate to get in contact with us, as we are happy to assist you. Fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
info@cmc-peru.com