EMED Mining is ready with its drilling plan for the Rio Tinto copper mine in the Andalucía region of Spain. In 2011 the mining exploration and development company has major plans for its flagship project and is just waiting for full regulatory approval to start work.
They are eager to carry out more exploration for the Copper Mine so as to be able to increase the 14 year life span of the mine. The drilling will help conduct grade control for the planned open pit mine. Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, the managing director of EMED, said that the Rio Tinto Copper Mine has substantial ore reserves based on an assumed copper price of US$2.00/lb compared with current prices above US$4.00/lb.
He also said that their first priority was to restart production once all the regulatory clearances are received. Exploration work will be conducted in parallel with completion of permitting and the start-up of the mining operation. Many areas on the mine property have not been drilled near surface or at depth as per him.
He said that while the Rio Tinto deposit has long been recognized as ne of the world's largest massive sulphide mineralization systems, the known vertical extent of the ore-body as defined by the drill-hole data is only about 250 metres below surface. This new drilling plan for 2011 hopes to do the needful.