The Minera Esperanza mine in Chile has decided to commence a project with Metso which targets to increase the mine's annual production of copper and gold by 15-20%. This will be done by installing a 20,000 ton per day (tpd) crushing and screening system which bypasses part of the mine's existing grinding circuit. The new plant is scheduled to start operations in 2015. There will be a site team of over 500 people during the peak phase of the project. The order, worth of around EUR 80 million, was booked in Mining and Construction's Q4 2013 orders received.
Metso will carry out a comprehensive EPC Project (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) for Minera Esperanza. Included in the project will be equipment for materials handling, crushing and classification, as well as engineering, automation and electrification, structural steel, civil works and electromechancal installations required for the new plant.
"Metso will provide engineering and construction of this new crushing plant from the beginning of the project. Metso is providing services in all the stages of design, civil engineering works, installation and commissioning of equipment. The work will be done using the highest safety standards in the industry", says Einari Ojala, Senior Project Manager, Metso.
The equipment to be supplied for the new crushing plant consists of three MP 1000 cone crushers, three multi-flo double deck banana screens in two sizes, seven belt feeders, two pan feeders and nine belt conveyors with a total length of 1 km.
Minera Esperanza, is owned 70% by Antofagasta Minerals S.A, one of Chiles major mining companies and 30% by Japanese Marubeni, is a copper and gold deposit, located at 30 kilometres from the town of Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Region. The construction of the site began in mid-2008 and it became operational in 2011