Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

53
Chilean Copper Commission Research Department INVESTMENT IN THE CHILEAN MINING INDUSTRY Project Portfolio, 20132021 DE / 08 / 2013 Intellectual Property Registration No. 231924

description

Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Transcript of Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Page 1: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Translated  by  /  Traducido  por  Patricio  Mason,  M.A.  

Chilean  Copper  Commission  

Research  Department  

INVESTMENT  IN  THE  CHILEAN  MINING  INDUSTRY  Project  Portfolio,  2013-­‐2021  

 DE  /  08  /  2013  

   

Intellectual  Property  Registration  No.  231924  

Page 2: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Translated  by  /  Traducido  por  Patricio  Mason,  M.A.  

Contents    

Executive  Summary  ...................................................................................................................................  1  I.   Introduction  ........................................................................................................................................  3  II.   Mining  Project  Portfolio  .....................................................................................................................  4  2.1   Copper  Mining  Projects  ...............................................................................................................  5  2.2   Gold  and  Silver  Mining  Projects  ...................................................................................................  6  2.3   Other  Relevant  Mining  Segments  ................................................................................................  6  

III.   Projected  Investment  .......................................................................................................................  7  3.1   Investment  Profiles  ......................................................................................................................  7  3.2   Investment  Distribution  by  Project  Status  and  Type  ...................................................................  7  3.3   Regional  Distribution  of  Projected  Mining  Investment  ...............................................................  9  3.4   Projected  Mining  Investment  Distribution  by  Country  of  Origin  .................................................  9  3.5   Portfolio  Comparison,  2012-­‐2013  ................................................................................................  9  

IV.   Projected  Copper  Production  to  2021  ............................................................................................  11  4.1   Mined  Copper  Production  Capacity  Through  2021  ...................................................................  11  4.2   Regional  Distribution  of  Mined  Copper  Production  Capacity  ....................................................  12  4.3   Estimate  Review  ........................................................................................................................  13  4.4   Maximum  Concentrate  Processing  Capacity  .............................................................................  15  

V.   Estimated  Production  of  Other  Minerals  .........................................................................................  17  5.1   Gold  and  Silver  ...........................................................................................................................  17  5.2   Molybdenum  .............................................................................................................................  18  5.3   Iron  .............................................................................................................................................  18  5.4   Industrial  Minerals  .....................................................................................................................  19  

VI.   Concluding  Remarks  .......................................................................................................................  20  Annex  A  -­‐  Methodology  ..........................................................................................................................  22  Annex  B  -­‐  Copper  Mining  ........................................................................................................................  25  Annex  C  -­‐  Gold  and  Silver  Mining  ............................................................................................................  40  Annex  D  -­‐  Iron  and  Industrial  Minerals  ...................................................................................................  47    

Page 3: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  1  

INVESTMENT  IN  THE  CHILEAN  MINING  INDUSTRY  2013-­‐2021  Portfolio  

Executive  Summary  

Investment   in   the   Chilean   mining   industry   stands   at   US$112.5   billion.   Mining   companies   have  announced   49   projects   involving   upwards   of   US$90   million   each.   Most   are   in   progress   or   undergoing  review,  with  investment  decisions  slated  for  no  later  than  2017  and  start-­‐up  by  2021.  The  project  portfolio  is  as  follows:  

PROJECTED  MINING  INVESTMENT  (US$  MN)  

Prior to 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Subtotal 2013-

2017After 2017 TOTAL Share

10,386 7,701 10,401 10,977 12,805 13,024 54,908 21,425 86,718 77.0

1.1) CODELCO 3,397 3,969 4,623 4,757 4,552 4,565 22,466 4,683 30,546 27.1

1.2) Large Private Miners 6,765 3,613 5,390 5,586 7,454 7,735 29,778 16,357 52,899 47.0

1.3) Medium-Scale Miners 224 119 388 634 799 724 2,664 385 3,273 2.9

3,394 813 1,529 2,825 4,125 4,052 13,344 5,050 21,788 19.4

673 1,069 925 553 318 183 3,049 329 4,050 3.6

14,452 9,583 12,855 14,355 17,249 17,259 71,301 26,803 112,556 100.0

2) Gold & Silver

3) Iron & Industrial Minerals

Total (1+2+3)

SECTOR

1) Copper (1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3)

 Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.  

 

The  portfolio  is  led  by  copper  mining,  with  28  projects  and  two  additional  investment  lines.1  These  include   Codelco’s   six   structural   projects,   expansion   of   megadeposits   such   as   Escondida,   Pelambres   and  Collahuasi,  concentrate  operations  replacing  depleted  SX-­‐EW  operations  (El  Abra,  Quebrada  Blanca,  etc.),  and  new  undertakings  by  medium-­‐size  miners.  

Second   in   line   is  gold  mining,  with  ten  projects  accounting  for  19.4  percent  of   investment.  Three  major   gold   projects   (Caspiche,   Cerro   Casale,   El   Morro)   will   also   produce   copper   while   two   other  replacement  projects  will  help  revitalize  major  gold  mining  operations.  Iron,  titanium  and  nitrate  are  also  attracting  fresh  investment.  

Most  investment  targets  are  in  northern  Chile.  While  Antofagasta  leads  the  way  with  US$43  billion  or  38  percent,  new  large-­‐scale  gold  mining  operations  in  Atacama  are  attracting  a  healthy  US$34  billion  or  30  percent.  

Fully  46  percent  of  all  investment  comes  from  Chilean  companies,  including  majors  such  as  Codelco  and   Antofagasta  Minerals   and  medium-­‐size   Copec   and   Pucobre.   Accounting   for   the   balance   are   eleven  countries,  notably  Canada  (27%)  in  gold  mining  and  Japan  with  a  wholly-­‐owned  operation  (Caserones)  and  a  minority  stake  in  several  companies.  India  and  China  are  venturing  into  iron  mining.  

Due   to   the  nature  of   the  mining  business,   all   investment   forecasts   are   subject   to   change.   In   the  industry,  projects  in  progress  are  considered  highly  certain  while  those  under  review  are  noted  for  varying  degrees   of   uncertainty.   As   development  moves   forward,   projects   undergo   changes   that   tend   to   impact  expected  production  capacity,  investment  amounts,  and  time  frames.  

                                                                                                                         1  Investment  by  Codelco  in  development  and  information  projects  other  than  structural  projects.  

Page 4: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  2  

This  update  to  Cochilco’s  2012  mining  investment  report  shows  a  US$8.2  billion  increase  in  value.  This  is  the  result  of  a  US$7.36  billion  upward  revision  of  22  projects  plus  a  net  US$900  million  gain  caused  by  the  entry  of  nine  new  projects  and  the  start-­‐up  or  cancellation  of  seven  other  projects  in  2012.  

In  addition,  some  project  schedules  underwent  changes  ranging  from  a  one-­‐year  acceleration  to  a  two-­‐year  delay.  Overall,  shorter-­‐term  investments  declined  and  more  were  shifted  to  beyond  2015.  

Additions   to   production   capacity   were   also   impacted   as   a   result.   Refined   copper   production  capacity  in  2021  should  stand  at  8.1  million  tons,  rising  to  8.4  million  once  all  projects  start  to  operate  at  capacity.  

Most  of   the   increase  will   come   from  concentrate  production,  which   should   rise   from  3.7  million  tons  in  2012  to  6.8  million  in  2021.  By  contrast,  SX-­‐EW  cathode  production  should  decline  from  2.3  million  tons  in  2012  to  1.4  million  in  2021.  

One   effect   of   increased   concentrating   capacity   will   be   a   sharper   rise   in   ore   volume   fed   to  concentrating  plants.  Due  to  persistent  declines  in  copper  grades,  throughput  is  expected  to  rise  upwards  of   180   percent,   from   450   million   TPY   in   2012   to   1.2   billion   TPY   in   2021,   with   concentrate   production  capacity  rising  86  percent  from  3.7  to  6.8  million  TPY  in  the  same  period.  

As   a   result,   plants   are  being   redesigned  on  a   larger   scale,   resulting   in   added   costs   and   requiring  more  energy,  water  and  other  inputs  to  produce  a  similar  amount  of  copper,  with  the  attendant  impact  on  demand   for   these   goods   and   services.   Increased   productivity   is   one   of   the   new   challenges   facing   the  Chilean  mining  industry  as  it  seeks  to  remain  competitive.  

Page 5: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  3  

I. Introduction  

The  Chilean  Ministry  of  Mines  considers  investment  a  strategic  pillar  of  long-­‐term  mining  growth.  This  is  an  industry  that  turns  resources  in  the  ground  into  tangible  wealth  that  contributes  decisively  to  the  economic  and  social  growth  of  all  Chileans.  

The   Chilean   Copper   Commission   (Cochilco)   systematically   tracks  mining   investment   and   reviews  planned  projects  and  resulting  opportunities.  Findings  are  published  annually  for  the  benefit  of  interested  public  officials  and  private  industry  players.  

This   report   provides   an   update   to   mining   industry   investment   in   Chile,   notably   projected  investment  and  production  capacity  potential  through  the  next  decade.  

It  has  three  sections:  

Inventory  of  copper,  gold,  silver,  iron,  and  industrial  mineral  projects.  The  tally  includes  all  projects  worth  upwards  of  US$90  million  either   in  progress  or   likely   to  materialize  no   later   than  2017.2   It  does  not  include  initiatives  in  the  exploration  stage  or  below  the  above  amount.  

Planned  investment  by  Codelco  and  large  and  medium-­‐size  copper,  gold,  silver,  iron  and  industrial  mineral  mining  companies.  

A   ten-­‐year  projection  and   review  of   the  mined   (concentrate;   SX-­‐EW  cathode)   copper  production  potential  through  2022.  Includes  a  global  estimate  of  gold,  silver,  molybdenum,  iron  and  industrial  mineral  production.  

Project   amounts,   time   frames   and   other   information   is   gleaned   from   public   company   reports.  While  there  is  no  guarantee  that  projects  will  materialize  as  stated,  these  reports  stand  as  reliable  proof  of  interest   and   company   perceptions   of   the   geological   potential   and   economic   and   political   conditions  prevailing  in  Chile.  

                                                                                                                         2  The  methodology   is  explained   in  Annex  A.  Copper  mining  project  details  are  provided   in  Annex  B.  Annex  C  describes  gold  and  silver  projects  and  Annex  D  review  iron  and  industrial  mineral  (iodine,  nitrate,  potassium  salts,  titanium  oxide)  projects.  

Page 6: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  4  

II. Mining  Project  Portfolio  

As  of   July   2013,   projected   investment   in   the  Chilean  mining   industry   stands   at  US$112.5   billion.  Companies  have  announced  49  projects,  including  US$86.7  billion  in  copper  mining,  US$21.7  billion  in  gold  and  silver  mining,  and  US$4  billion  in  iron  and  industrial  minerals  mining.  These  are  as  follows:3  

 

TABLE  1:  MINING  PROJECT  PORTFOLIO,  2013-­‐2021  (START-­‐UP  DATES  REPORTED  TO  JULY  2013)  

!"#$"%&'( '$)*+,"( )'+$#")$ !+,")$ $+-.)/ "0'+ !"#-+./12(")(*&30(

4567(((((((((((8&!9(:;<

!"#$%!"#& '()*+ ,-./01-2,340/ 56782'9:/.2%2,6 ;<=4-6> +/?0<1/@/:A ,-:>A=61A4-: BC$&"!"#$%!"#& DEF'+GH(D'E25+'I*,( ,-./01-2,340/ 56782'9:/.2%2,6 ;<=4-6> E/9 ,-:>A=61A4-: #CJJ&

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`4<2G4:/=<2K4/==<2E-=A/2K8H G/.8%K1<0/2%2,6 HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ J]&!"#J *K5*+HEaH2Z5S+HM* G4:/=<2*>?/=<:b< L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 H:A-O<P<>A< *U?<:>4-: F/<>47404A\ JJ"!"#J LH2,'D5H25)HK*2&2 c4:=->>2G4:/=<2./2,340/2LA.<8 S-0. HA<1<@< +/?0<1/@/:A F/<>47404A\ !""!"#J I*+dEDG' HP6<2./20<2F<0.<2K8H8 S-0. HA<1<@< +/?0<1/@/:A F/<>47404A\ B!$!"#J EZ*;H2*K5*+HEaH2%2H+QZ*+'K L<P6:<2+/>-6=1/>2,340/ S-0. HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ $""!"#J ;HLL*2,*E(+HL2*X5HEKD'E G4:/=<2;<00/2,/:A=<0 G/.8%K1<0/2%2,6 'e)4PP4:> *U?<:>4-: F/<>47404A\ #J!!"#J _*LLH;DK(H K<:A<2F/2G4:4:P D=-: HA<1<@< E/9 ,-:>A=61A4-: #B$!"#^ 5HK,ZH ,T<82G4:/=<2E/N<.< S-0. HA<1<@< E/9 ,-:>A=61A4-: BC!J"!"#^ *E,Z*E(+'2'XDM*K ,T<82,-:A=<1A6<02G4:/=<2*:16/:A=- L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 H:A-O<P<>A< +/?0<1/@/:A F/<>47404A\ ^""!"#^ ,*++'2_LHE,' W34A/2G-6:A<4:2(4A<:46@ D:.82G4:>8 HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ $V"!"#& ,HK5D,)* *A-:2,340/ S-0. HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ BC^""!"#& E*W2GDE*2L*;*L ,-./01-2*02(/:4/:A/2M4N4>4-: 56782'9:/.2%2,6 'e)4PP4:> +/?0<1/@/:A F/<>47404A\ $CJ"J!"#& *K5*+HEaH2KZ+2f*U2(*LgS+HF'h G4:/=<2*>?/=<:b< L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 H:A-O<P<>A< E/9 F/<>47404A\ $CJ""!"#& KHE('2M'GDES' K<:A-2M-@4:P-2K,G L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ #CV""!"#& L'GHK2_HYHK2DDD2KZLFDM*K ,T<82G4:/=<2X>A=<A<2L-@<>2_<\<>2LA.<8 L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 H:A-O<P<>A< E/9 5=/O/<>47404A\ #C^""!"#& ;'L,iE H:.4:<2G4:/=<0>2,340/ S-0. HA<1<@< E/9 F/<>47404A\ V""!"#& L'_'2%2GH+(* c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iP640<2L4@4A<.< G/.8%K1<0/2%2,6 HA<1<@< E/9 5=/O/<>47404A\ &""!"#V (';HcZ 561-7=/ G/.8%K1<0/2%2,6 H:A-O<P<>A< E/9 5=/O/<>47404A\ ^""!"#] ,'LLH)ZHKD2*X5HEKD'E25)HK*2DDD2 ,T<82G4:/=<2M-`<2D:j>2./2,-00<36<>4 L<=P/%K1<0/2,6 (<=<?<1R *U?<:>4-: 5=/O/<>47404A\ ^CJ""!"#] QZ*_+HMH2_LHE,H2)Y5'S*ED, ,T<82G4:/=<2(/1k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

664=>>?")"#3(4567%4546(8&!9(:;<((

Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.  

                                                                                                                         3  Where  no  precise   information  is  available,  start-­‐up  year   is  estimated  based  on  the  methodology  on  Annex  A(5).   Includes  Cerro  Casale,  Collahuasi  Phase  III,  Inca  de  Oro,  and  Relincho.  

Page 7: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  5  

2.1   Copper  Mining  Projects  

The  copper  mining  investment  portfolio  consists  of  30  projects  valued  at  US$86.7  billion,  including  16  implemented  by  large  private  companies,  six  by  medium-­‐size  private  miners,  and  six  structural  projects  and   two   lines   of   investment   in   a   range   of  minor   initiatives4   to   be   completed   by   Codelco   in   2013-­‐2017.  Details  are  reviewed  in  Annex  B.  

TABLE  2:  COPPER  MINING  PROJECTS  (BY  PRINCIPAL)  

!"#$%#!&' !"()*%+,#$-*.+/*$+,

0.1,/2.+&"+30!

!"#$%&'%!($)"* +,-./ 0/1-20/1.345!%67"3!4&'%!($)" 1,88. 0/1-20/1.6343*"%!&#79$*&634$ -,+-8 0/1-4$:&634$&9$;$9 -,8/8 0/1.'3"2'974"&"%74*5$% 1,+0/ 0/1<)#=>=3)767"7&=4?$%@%!=4? +,/</ 0/1<%"&*=953?$*&'#7*$&33 8,+-/ 0/1<4=$;7&74?347&'#7*$&33 A,.+B 0/01

+4567,%(8*'%( 9:;<=>'6?@A,!?BC65A,/B2A?D

74"=)!C7 1,B// 0/18$*'$%74D7&='@%7?$ 88/ 0/18$4)=$4"%!&!E3?$* A// 0/1A$*'$%74D7&*=%&F$G&"$9H@%75!I -,8// 0/1.$4)=$4"%!&*=953?$* -,8// 0/0/9!*&'$976J%$*&33&$E'74*3!4 .,/// 0/01

+456,&254E6@6D56,/B2A?67D FG;:<:

>=$J%7?7&J974)7&#C'!@$43) 8,8B/ 0/1.%$934)#! -,B// 0/1B

+4567,+*%H I;=I:8(J&,#$K.,8*,%(''&L0&.# )!997#=7*3&$E'74*3!4&'#7*$&333& >;<:: 0/1B

M"**!("+3/%/("&$ $9&7J%7&6399&'%!($)" <;::: 0/1<$*)!4?3?7&4$:&!E3?$&#$7'&9$7)# .01 0/1+$*)!4?3?7&!@'&3 -,<-< 0/18

HNL/,#$+*"$&+#($&' *3$%%7&@!%?7 9;I:: 0/18!&$,!&%#M#%,%(!!*" )7*$%!4$* 9;::: 0/1-

%&!.+($*,/#$#N *74"!&?!634@! F;O:: 0/1.N'*$%("*,P.+"&+& 9!67*&J7C7*&333&*=953?$* F;>:: 0/1.

/AQBRS3.T67A,/B2A?D,$9&$*'34! A0+ 0/1."!;7K= A// 0/1<

+4567,!0%(U"* F;VV=L(+,%L#'# '%!?=)"!%7 G:: 0/1<!&$&0.+ 34)7&?$&!%! >:: 0/1.

%(!*% ?3$@!&?$&7967@%! <IG 0/18&/*"#N(,"*.(0"%*. ;799$&)$4"%79&$E'74*3!4 F<V 0/18

O>;GFO V:F93V:VF

&$+(M&N&.+&,/#$*"&'.

%(8*'%(,%L#'*

+*%H

UL!,U#''#+($

!0%(U"*

+(+&',%(!!*",/#$#$N,                      Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.  

                                                                                                                         4  See  “Other  Development  Projects”  and  “Research  Projects”  in  Annex  A(3).  

Page 8: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  6  

2.2   Gold  and  Silver  Mining  Projects  

Table  3  shows  gold  and  silver  projects  expected  to  start  up  in  2015-­‐2020.  

TABLE  3:  GOLD  AND  SILVER  MINING  PROJECTS  (BY  PRINCIPAL)  

!"#$%#!&' !"()*%+,#$-*.+/*$+,0.1,/2

.+&"+30!

4&/&$&,5('6 !"#$%&'( 789 )*+,:#$5.5&+*,#$+; %-"./0"12"#/%3/040/#5-"#(1 9<< )*+,

2/16-/ 78),* )*+96"##(06/1/:" 98*** )*)*

+=>?@,A&""#%:,5('6 B<C8D<*E*+*","*.(0"%*.,%("!; 6/12&6;" 7CF<< )*+<&$6#$&,"*.(0"%*. .(:6=% G<< )*+<

:#$"(.. :(>(040'/#?" G<< )*+<&+&%&/&,!&%#H#%,5('6 6"##(0'/#&6-%@/ DBD )*+<

5('6,%("!; ":0'(##( 9CI<< )*+A

8BCDGG 8<BD,3,8<8<

A&""#%:,5('6

+(+&',5('6,J,.#'-*",/#$#$5  

                 Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.    

These  include  projects  focusing  on  producing  both  gold  and  significant  quantities  of  copper  (Cerro  Casale,  El  Morro,  Caspiche).  Details  are  reviewed  in  Annex  C.  

2.3   Other  Relevant  Mining  Segments  

These   include   iron,   with   five   projects   worth   US$1.72   billion,   and   industrial  minerals,   with   three  nitrate  and   iodine  and  one   titanium  oxide  project   jointly   valued  at  US$2.32  billion.  Details   are   reviewed  below  and  in  Annex  D.  

TABLE  4:  IRON  AND  INDUSTRIAL  MINERALS  PROJECTS  (BY  PRINCIPAL)  

!"#$%#!&' !"()*%+,#$-*.+/*$+,

0.1,/2.+&"+30!

!"##$%&"'#$%&$#(" ))* +*,-

.$/%!$.$#01$/%"230&/4$& -,5 +*,-

#$6"#0.%370/"%8 ,9: +*,-

+4567,%&! 89:;<

=*>*#,?*$@A*$@,@"(0! $/$%&"'#$ <B +*,-

/#$*"&,.&$+&,A* ;"..084/(0 8:C +*,<

89DEE EB8:3EB8F

30630%7"#6$/0 ,=*55 +*,-

!$>0%/?#%3$(0//4?6%&4(#0("%3.0&( +<* +*,-

30630%;.0&!0%?3'#01" ::< +*,<

+4567,.G/ 89<:;

?=#+*,/(0$+&#$ !"##$%;.0&!$ C;B +*,:

E9CE; EB8:3EB8H

:9BFB EB8:3EB8H

.G/

.0>+(+&',#$I0.+"#&',/#$*"&'.

+(+&',#"($,/#$#$@,J,#$I0.+"#&',/#$*"&'.

%&!

.0>+(+&',#"($,/#$#$@

 Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.  

 

Page 9: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  7  

III. Projected  Investment  

3.1   Investment  Profiles  

Projects   have   a   significant   economic   impact   as   they   progress   from   initial   review   and   equipment  purchase  to  facility  construction  and  assembly  through  to  start-­‐up,  a  process  often  lasting  several  years.  

Estimated  below  are   annual  outlays   in   2013-­‐2017,   including   some  materialized  prior   to  2013,   as  applicable.  Outlays  beyond  2017  are  shown  in  the  aggregate.  These  estimates  are  for  reference  only  and  do  not  represent  a  company  commitment.  

 

TABLE  5:  PROJECTED  MINING  INVESTMENT  (US$  MN)  

Prior to 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Subtotal 2013-

2017After 2017 TOTAL Share

10,386 7,701 10,401 10,977 12,805 13,024 54,908 21,425 86,718 77.0

1.1) CODELCO 3,397 3,969 4,623 4,757 4,552 4,565 22,466 4,683 30,546 27.1

1.2) Large Private Miners 6,765 3,613 5,390 5,586 7,454 7,735 29,778 16,357 52,899 47.0

1.3) Medium-Scale Miners 224 119 388 634 799 724 2,664 385 3,273 2.9

3,394 813 1,529 2,825 4,125 4,052 13,344 5,050 21,788 19.4

673 1,069 925 553 318 183 3,049 329 4,050 3.6

14,452 9,583 12,855 14,355 17,249 17,259 71,301 26,803 112,556 100.0

2) Gold & Silver

3) Iron & Industrial Minerals

Total (1+2+3)

SECTOR

1) Copper (1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3)

 Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports.  

 

Copper  mining  accounts  for  fully  77  percent  of  the  projected  US$112.5  billion  investment  amount,  followed  by  gold  and  silver  mining  with  19.4  percent.  The  remaining  3.6  percent   is  destined  for   iron  and  industrial  minerals  mining  projects.  

Of  this  amount,  12.8  percent  has  been  materialized,  63.3  percent  will  be  disbursed  in  2013-­‐2017,  and  23.8  percent  will  materialize  in  2018-­‐2021.  

The  methodology  used  to  compile  and  process  project  data  is  shown  on  Annex  A.  

3.2   Investment  Distribution  by  Project  Status  and  Type  

Projects  often  run  into  internal  and  external  issues  that  force  a  revision  of  the  original  plan.  Per  the  methodological  criteria  explained  in  Annex  A  (2),  projects  herein  are  classed  as  either  greenfield  (i.e.,  new)  or   brownfield   (i.e.,   replacement   or   expansion   of   existing   operations).   In   terms   of   status,   they   are   in  progress  or  in  the  feasibility  or  prefeasibility  stages.  

These   factors  help  more   accurately   assess   the   likelihood  of  materialization   as   stated.   Conditions  assessed  are  baseline,  probable,  and  possible.5  

                                                                                                                         5   Baseline:   In   progress   and   highly   probable.   Probable:   Replacement,   expansion   or   new   projects   in   the   feasibility   stage   by  companies   operating   in   Chile   and   slated   to   start   up   through   2017.   Possible:   New   projects   Feasibility   study   underway   by   new  entrants  and  projects  in  the  prefeasibility  stage.  

Page 10: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  8  

Table  6  shows  estimated  investment  amounts  by  project  status,  type  and  degree  of  certainty.  

TABLE  6:  INVESTMENT  DISTRIBUTION  BY  STATUS  AND  TYPE  (US$  Mn)  

Sector Status / Condition Prior to 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Subtotal 2013-

2017Beyond 2017 TOTAL Share

In Progress / Baseline 11,319 6,828 6,649 4,228 1,749 1,536 20,991 498 32,808 29.1

Feasibility / Probable 588 866 2,903 3,780 5,146 3,302 15,997 381 16,966 15.1

Feasibility / Possible 2,033 1,199 2,521 4,857 8,094 9,158 25,829 13,462 41,325 36.7

Prefeasibility / Possible 512 690 782 1,490 2,259 3,263 8,484 12,462 21,457 19.1

14,452 9,583 12,855 14,355 17,249 17,259 71,301 26,803 112,556 100.0

In Progress / Baseline 8,367 5,659 5,825 3,200 1,376 1,433 17,493 229 26,089 23.2

Feasibility / Probable 420 496 2,247 3,480 5,046 3,222 14,491 321 15,232 13.5

Feasibility / Possible 1,087 856 1,547 2,807 4,124 5,106 14,440 8,413 23,940 21.3

Prefeasibility / Possible 512 690 782 1,490 2,259 3,263 8,484 12,462 21,457 19.1

10,386 7,701 10,401 10,977 12,805 13,024 54,908 21,425 86,718 77.0

In Progress / Baseline 2,420 380 330 850 270 0 1,830 0 4,250 3.8

Feasibility / Probable 73 140 310 100 0 0 550 0 623 0.6

Feasibility / Possible 902 293 889 1,875 3,855 4,052 10,964 5,049 16,915 15.0

Prefeasibility / Possible 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

3,394 813 1,529 2,825 4,125 4,052 13,344 5,050 21,788 19.4

In Progress / Baseline 533 789 494 178 103 103 1,668 269 2,469 2.2

Feasibility / Probable 95 230 346 200 100 80 956 60 1,111 1.0

Feasibility / Possible 45 50 85 175 115 0 425 0 470 0.4

Prefeasibility / Possible 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

673 1,069 925 553 318 183 3,049 329 4,050 3.6 Amount

Amount

Overall

Co

pp

er

Amount

Go

ld

Amount

Iro

n &

In

du

stria

l M

inerals

 Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports  and  own  estimates.  

 

Although  44.2  percent  of  the  portfolio  is  expected  to  materialize  in  2013-­‐2017,  projects  classed  as  Possible  are  subject  to  greater  uncertainty.  This  segment  includes  new  entrants  who  have  yet  to  complete  a  feasibility  study  and  others  who  have  not  secured  a  permit  to  start  construction  prior  to  2017.  

Possible  gold  mining  projects  account  for  ¾  of  planned  investment  and  15  percent  of  the  portfolio.  Projects  in  the  prefeasibility  stage  are  mainly  copper  projects  not  scheduled  to  come  on  stream  before  the  end  of  the  decade  and  therefore  subject  to  change.  

Page 11: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  9  

3.3   Regional  Distribution  of  Projected  Mining  Investment  

TABLE  7:  REGIONAL  DISTRIBUTION  OF  PROJECTED  MINING  INVESTMENT  (US$  Mn)  

REGION Prior to 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Subtotal

2013-2017After 2017 TOTAL Share

TARAPACÁ 547 224 474 1,103 2,003 3,203 7,008 5,569 13,123 11.7

ANTOFAGASTA 6,412 5,397 7,762 6,762 7,000 4,949 31,870 4,378 42,659 37.9

ATACAMA 6,406 2,354 2,409 4,165 5,820 6,071 20,818 6,940 34,164 30.4

COQUIMBO 198 167 116 110 410 519 1,322 6,300 7,820 6.9

VALPARAÍSO 317 283 407 936 1,149 1,814 4,588 3,560 8,465 7.5

SANTIAGO 0 224 251 143 122 148 889 0 889 0.8

O'HIGGINS 573 934 1,437 1,137 745 554 4,805 57 5,435 4.8

Country Total 14,452 9,583 12,855 14,355 17,249 17,259 71,301 26,803 112,556 100.0            Source:  Cochilco,  based  on  published  reports  and  own  estimates.  

Northern   Chile,   led   by   Antofagasta,   is   the   focus   of   most   investment.   Gold   and   iron   projects   in  Atacama  are  also  major  players.  

3.4   Projected  Mining  Investment  Distribution  by  Country  of  Origin  

TABLE  8:  INVESTMENT  DISTRIBUTION  BY  COUNTRY  OF  ORIGIN  AND  OWNERSHIP  

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

+69&2)L8769&2$ +600*) M6-.$N$",-O*) <)6&$N$<&.9:2),(-$%,&*)(-:

 Source:  Cochilco.  

 Overall,  46.4  percent  of  investment  comes  from  Codelco,  Antofagasta  Minerals  and  other  Chilean  

majors.  With  a  conspicuous  focus  on  gold,  Canada  comes  second.  Japan  stands  third  with  a  wholly-­‐owned  operation  (Caserones)  and  a  minority  stake  in  several  companies.  

3.5   Portfolio  Comparison,  2012-­‐2013  

The   investment   portfolio   to   June   2013   includes   49   initiatives  worth  US$112.5   billion,   a   US$8.25  billion  increase  from  47  projects  and  US$104.3  billion  reported  in  June  2012.6  Changes  in  project  value  and  composition  are  as  follows:  

(a) Five  projects  worth  US$1.7  billion  were  omitted  due  to  start-­‐up.  

(b) The  US$963-­‐million  San  Antonio  Oxides  project  was  canceled.  Codelco   is   reviewing  other  options  to  ensure  continuity  of  its  Salvador  Division.  

                                                                                                                         6  See  Inversión  en  la  Minería  Chilena  -­‐  Cartera  de  Proyectos  2012  -­‐  DE/04/2012.  

Page 12: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  10  

(c) Five  copper,  two  gold  and  two  iron  projects  worth  US$3.6  billion  were  added.  

(d) The  estimated  value  of  investment  stays  consistent  at  US$20.2  billion  or  ten  projects.  

(e) Seven   projects   revised   investment   amounts   by   US$3.09   billion   to   US$19.7   billion.   Time   frames  remained  unchanged.  

(f) Eight   projects  will   be   delayed   from   one   to   three   years   although   investment   remains   unchanged   at  US$30.6  billion.  Further  changes  are  likely.  

(g) The   cost   and   time   frame   of   13   projects   were   redefined.   Costs   increased   a   net   US$3.92   billion   to  US$32.32  billion  while  start-­‐up  will  be  delayed  from  one  to  two  or  more  years.  

(h) Codelco  investment  in  miscellaneous  research  and  development  projects  increased  US$340  million.  

Where  no  official  announcement  exists  (Cerro  Casale,  Collahuasi  Phase  III,   Inca  de  Oro,  Relincho),  start-­‐up  is  estimated  based  on  available  information  and  the  methodology  on  Annex  A(5).  

TABLE  9:  CHANGES  IN  PORTFOLIO,  2012-­‐2013  

Start-up 2012 Start-up 2013 Region Project NameOutlays to June 2012 (US$ Mn)

Outlays to July 2013

(US$ Mn)

Difference (US$ Mn)

1,744 --- -1,7442012 2012 Antofagasta ESCONDIDA CRUSHER RELOCATION 554 --- -5542012 2012 Antofagasta LOMAS BAYAS II EXTENSION 293 --- -2932012 2012 Atacama MINA CARMEN 70 --- -702013 2012 Antofagasta KCl PRODUCTION UPGRADE 527 --- -5272013 2013 Tarapacá COLLAHUASI EXPANSION PHASE II (*) 300 --- -300

963 --- -9632015 --- Atacama SAN ANTONIO OXIDES 963 --- -963

--- 3,603 3,603--- 2014 Atacama OSO NEGRO --- 90 90--- 2014 Coquimbo ROMERAL PHASE V --- 196 196--- 2015 Atacama LA COIPA PHASE 7 --- 200 200--- 2015 Antofagasta ESPERANZA UPGRADE --- 550 550--- 2015 O'Higgins VALLE CENTRAL EXPANSION --- 152 152--- 2016 Antofagasta ENCUENTRO OXIDES --- 600 600--- 2017 Atacama CERRO MARICUNGA --- 515 515--- 2018 Antofagasta TOVAKU --- 600 600--- 2018 Atacama PRODUCTORA --- 700 700

20,212 20,212 02013 2013 Atacama CASERONES 3,000 3,000 02014 2014 Antofagasta COYA SUR POTASSIUM NITRATE PLANT 250 250 02014 2014 Antofagasta ESCONDIDA NEW OXIDE HEAP LEACH 721 721 02014 2014 Tarapacá PAMPA HERMOSA 1,033 1,033 02015 2015 Antofagasta SIERRA GORDA 3,900 3,900 02015 2015 Antofagasta PAMPA BLANCA UPGRADE 665 665 02015 2015 Atacama BELLAVISTA 143 143 02017 2017 Antofagasta LOMAS BAYAS III SULFIDES 1,600 1,600 02018 2018 Antofagasta EL ABRA MILL PROJECT 5,000 5,000 02018 2018 Atacama EL MORRO 3,900 3,900 0

16,701 19,795 3,0942013 2013 Antofagasta MINISTRO HALES MINE 2,513 3,435 9222015 2015 Antofagasta ESCONDIDA OGP I 3,800 3,838 382015 2015 Atacama DIEGO DE ALMAGRO (**) 227 597 3702017 2017 Antofagasta ESPERANZA SUR (Ex TELÉGRAFO) 2,700 3,500 8002017 2017 O'Higgins NEW MINE LEVEL 3,095 3,505 4102018 2018 Valparaíso PIT-PLANT TRANSFER 1,066 1,420 3542020 2020 Antofagasta ENCUENTRO SULFIDES (Ex CARACOLES) 3,300 3,500 200

30,690 30,690 02013 2015 Atacama NUEVA ESPERANZA - ARQUEROS 300 300 02014 2017 Atacama INCA DE ORO 600 600 02015 2017 Atacama LOBO - MARTE 800 800 02016 2019 Tarapacá QUEBRADA BLANCA HYPOGENIC 5,590 5,590 02018 2019 Tarapacá COLLAHUASI EXPANSION PHASE III 6,500 6,500 02018 2019 Atacama RELINCHO 3,900 3,900 02018 2020 Atacama CERRO CASALE 6,000 6,000 02019 2021 Coquimbo LOS PELAMBRES II EXPANSION 7,000 7,000 0

28,403 32,329 3,9262013 2014 Atacama CERRO NEGRO NORTE 798 880 822013 2014 Atacama LOS COLORADOS EXPANSION 364 413 492014 2015 Atacama JERÓNIMO 300 423 1232014 2015 Antofagasta ANTUCOYA 1,700 1,900 2002013 2016 Atacama PASCUA 3,000 4,250 1,2502015 2016 Atacama CERRO BLANCO 191 380 1892016 2017 Atacama VOLCÁN 750 800 502016 2017 Atacama CASPICHE 4,800 4,600 -2002016 2017 Coquimbo EL ESPINO 600 624 242016 2017 Atacama SANTO DOMINGO 1,242 1,800 5582016 2018 Antofagasta RT SULFIDES PHASE II 4,482 5,430 9482019 2018 Antofagasta CHUQUICAMATA UNDERGROUND 3,735 4,080 3452019 2021 Valparaíso NUEVA ANDINA PHASE II 6,441 6,749 308

5,587 5,927 3402012-2016 2013-2017 Various OTHER PROJECTS 3,877 4,370 4932012-2016 2013-2017 Various INFORMATION PROJECT 1,710 1,557 -153

104,300 112,556 8,256

13 REDEFINED IN COST AND TIME FRAME

OTHER CODELCO INVESTMENTS

TOTAL (US$ Mn)

5 NOW ON STREAM

1 CANCELED

9 NEW

10 UNCHANGED

7 CHANGING IN COST ONLY

8 DELAYED

 (*)  Startup  in  Q1  2013.  (**)  SX-­‐EW  and  concentrate  merged  into  a  single  project.  Source:  Cochilco.  

Page 13: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  11  

IV. Projected  Copper  Production  to  2021  

By   expanding   Chilean   production   capacity,   particularly   in   copper,   the   investment   process  underway  will  help  sustain  an  increased  supply  to  consumer  countries.  

This   chapter   estimates   maximum   copper   production   capacity   by   2021   from   operations   both  existing  and  planned.  

4.1   Mined  Copper  Production  Capacity  Through  2021  

Mined   copper   production   capacity   includes   concentrate   and   SX-­‐EW   cathode   production.   The  methodology  is  shown  in  Annex  A(5).  

Maximum  mined  copper  production  capacity  is  shown  in  Table  10.  Details  by  producer  are  shown  in  Annex  G.  The  table  shows  maximum  production  capacity   in  2012  and  information  for  2013  to  2021  by  operation   and   project   status,   based   on   data   reported   to   Cochilco.   Annual   changes   in   total   maximum  production  capacity  are  also  shown.  

 

TABLE  10:  MAXIMUM  MINED  COPPER  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  THROUGH  2021  (kMTF)  

!"#"$%&'&()*+,",)* 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-./0#",*1&'&2#%/3,*/ 5,992 6,179 6,062 5,629 5,293 5,039 4,854 4,719 4,398 3,9274*&50)10/%%&'&2#%/3,*/ 0 17 372 495 618 627 590 559 602 6696/#%,7,3,"8&'&50)7#73/ 0 0 4 272 483 1,054 1,158 1,484 1,617 1,7916/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 16 27 52 343 515 859 1,31350/9/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 57 85 258 378

:-:;<&=4>?@ 5,992 6,195 6,438 6,412 6,421 6,772 7,001 7,362 7,734 8,078! " #$%& #$'& "($%& ($)& *$*& #$%& *$+& *$)& %$%&

!"#"$%&'&()*+,",)* 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-./0#",*1&'&2#%/3,*/ 3,690 4,011 4,020 3,740 3,442 3,248 3,129 3,071 2,894 2,7234*&50)10/%%&'&2#%/3,*/ 0 14 346 429 508 536 493 485 518 5226/#%,7,3,"8&'&50)7#73/ 0 0 4 272 458 1,019 1,108 1,434 1,567 1,7416/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 11 16 41 328 499 841 1,30650/9/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 57 85 258 378

:-:;<&(->(?>:A;:? 3,690 4,025 4,370 4,452 4,424 4,844 5,114 5,573 6,079 6,670! " '$)& ,$-& )$'& "($-& '$*& *$-& '$(& '$)& '$.&

!"#"$%&'&()*+,",)* 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-./0#",*1&'&2#%/3,*/ 2,302 2,168 2,042 1,889 1,852 1,790 1,725 1,649 1,504 1,2054*&50)10/%%&'&2#%/3,*/ 0 3 26 66 110 92 97 74 84 1466/#%,7,3,"8&'&50)7#73/ 0 0 0 0 25 35 50 50 50 506/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 5 11 11 15 16 18 750/9/#%,7,3,"8&'&5)%%,73/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

:-:;<&!BC?D 2,302 2,170 2,069 1,960 1,997 1,928 1,887 1,789 1,655 1,408! " "*$.& "%$.& "*$+& )$'& "#$*& "+$)& "*$+& ".$*& ")%$'&

Total Mined (kMTF)

Total Concentrate

(kMTF)

Total SX-EW Cathodes (kMTF)

Source:  Cochilco.  

Page 14: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  12  

4.2   Regional  Distribution  of  Mined  Copper  Production  Capacity  

The  impact  of  the  investment  process  underway  on  production  capacity  across  the  various  mining  regions  of  Chile  is  also  important.  

The  tables  below  show  projected  maximum  mined  copper  production  capacity  by  region  and  type  (concentrate  and  SX-­‐EW  cathodes).  

TABLE  11:  REGIONAL  DISTRIBUTION  OF  MINED  COPPER  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  THROUGH  2021  (kMTF)  

Region Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Operations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Operations 538 701 736 783 732 681 655 650 618 544Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 114 316 445Subtotal 538 701 736 783 732 681 655 763 934 989Operations 3,297 3,186 3,078 2,780 2,509 2,404 2,366 2,278 2,029 1,765Projects 0 14 292 622 884 1,393 1,488 1,689 1,818 2,180Subtotal 3,297 3,200 3,370 3,401 3,394 3,796 3,854 3,967 3,847 3,945Operations 409 427 412 357 348 340 318 309 287 237Projects 0 3 81 136 190 222 484 600 937 964Subtotal 409 429 493 493 538 562 802 909 1,223 1,201Operations 561 577 569 531 533 532 532 532 533 529Projects 0 0 0 0 0 19 32 42 44 91Subtotal 561 577 569 531 533 551 565 574 577 620Operations 356 327 330 306 310 313 260 270 270 261Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 211Subtotal 356 327 330 306 310 313 260 270 270 472Operations 380 491 466 445 445 420 420 420 420 382Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 380 491 466 445 445 420 420 420 420 382Operations 450 470 470 427 416 348 303 261 242 209Projects 0 0 4 26 54 100 143 198 221 260Subtotal 450 470 474 453 470 448 446 459 463 469Operations 5,992 6,179 6,062 5,629 5,293 5,039 4,854 4,719 4,398 3,927Projects 0 17 376 783 1,128 1,733 2,147 2,643 3,336 4,151TOTAL 5,992 6,195 6,438 6,412 6,421 6,772 7,001 7,362 7,734 8,078

VI. O'Higgins

Country Total

III. Atacama

IV. Coquimbo

V. Valparaíso

Santiago

I. Tarapacá

II. Antofagasta

XV. Arica & Parinacota

Source:  Cochilco.  

 

TABLE  12:  REGIONAL  DISTRIBUTION  OF  COPPER  CONCENTRATE  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  THROUGH  2021  (kMTF)  

Region Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Operations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Operations 304 478 539 569 520 514 490 490 465 465Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 114 316 445Subtotal 304 478 539 569 520 514 490 603 781 910Operations 1,469 1,470 1,454 1,273 1,040 951 965 945 836 762Projects 0 14 268 559 756 1,295 1,375 1,589 1,719 2,013Subtotal 1,469 1,484 1,723 1,832 1,796 2,245 2,340 2,535 2,555 2,776Operations 270 295 280 249 240 231 220 214 190 169Projects 0 0 78 128 172 182 439 564 892 934Subtotal 270 295 358 377 412 414 660 779 1,082 1,103Operations 536 551 548 514 514 514 514 514 514 514Projects 0 0 0 0 0 19 28 37 37 84Subtotal 536 551 548 514 514 533 542 552 552 598Operations 333 308 314 294 298 301 248 258 258 249Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 211Subtotal 333 308 314 294 298 301 248 258 258 460Operations 330 441 416 416 416 392 392 392 392 357Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 330 441 416 416 416 392 392 392 392 357Operations 448 468 468 424 413 345 300 258 239 206Projects 0 0 4 26 54 100 143 198 221 260Subtotal 448 468 472 450 467 445 443 456 460 466Operations 3,690 4,011 4,020 3,740 3,442 3,248 3,129 3,071 2,894 2,723Projects 0 14 350 712 982 1,596 1,985 2,502 3,185 3,948TOTAL 3,690 4,025 4,370 4,452 4,424 4,844 5,114 5,573 6,079 6,670

IV. Coquimbo

V. Valparaíso

Santiago

VI. O'Higgins

Country Total

XV. Arica & Parinacota

I. Tarapacá

II. Antofagasta

III. Atacama

Source:  Cochilco.  

Page 15: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  13  

TABLE  13:  REGIONAL  DISTRIBUTION  OF  SX-­‐EW  CATHODE  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  THROUGH  2021  (kMTF)  

Region Status 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Operations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Operations 235 223 197 214 212 167 165 160 153 79Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 235 223 197 214 212 167 165 160 153 79Operations 1,828 1,716 1,624 1,506 1,470 1,453 1,401 1,332 1,192 1,003Projects 0 0 23 63 128 98 113 100 100 166Subtotal 1,828 1,716 1,647 1,569 1,598 1,551 1,514 1,432 1,292 1,169Operations 139 132 132 108 107 109 97 95 96 68Projects 0 3 3 8 18 39 45 35 45 30Subtotal 139 135 135 116 125 148 142 130 141 98Operations 25 26 21 17 19 18 18 18 19 15Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 7 7Subtotal 25 26 21 17 19 18 22 23 26 22Operations 23 18 16 12 12 12 12 12 12 12Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 23 18 16 12 12 12 12 12 12 12Operations 50 50 50 29 29 29 29 29 29 25Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 50 50 50 29 29 29 29 29 29 25Operations 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3Projects 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Subtotal 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3Operations 2,302 2,168 2,042 1,889 1,852 1,790 1,725 1,649 1,504 1,205Projects 0 3 26 71 146 137 162 140 152 203TOTAL 2,302 2,170 2,069 1,960 1,997 1,928 1,887 1,789 1,655 1,408

V. Valparaíso

Santiago

VI. O'Higgins

Country Total

XV. Arica & Parinacota

I. Tarapacá

II. Antofagasta

III. Atacama

IV. Coquimbo

 

Source:  Cochilco.  

4.3   Estimate  Review  

By   helping   offset   depletion,   investments   reviewed   here   have   a   strong   impact   on   overall   copper  production  in  Chile.  Extent  and  use  of  maximum  production  capacities  have  a  long-­‐term  impact  on  mining  and  related  activities,  especially  the  supply  of  goods  and  services,  an  endeavor  of  strong  local  relevance.  

While  actual  production  expected   in   the  next   few  years  will  not  necessarily  use   the   full   installed  capacity,   maximum   production   profiles   are   a   valuable   tool   for   estimating   demand   for   related   goods,  services   and   human   resources   across   regions   and   nationwide.   The   charts   below   shows   the   expected  behavior  of  both  concentrate  and  hydrometallurgical  operations  and  projects.  

 

 

CHART  1             CHART  2  

!"

#$!!!"

%$!!!"

&$!!!"

'$!!!"

($!!!"

)$!!!"

*$!!!"

%!#%" %!#&" %!#'" %!#(" %!#)" %!#*" %!#+" %!#," %!%!" %!%#"

-.//01"-.230241540"61.7839.2"-5/53:4;"<=>?"@""

A/0159.2B" 61.C034B"

!"

#$!!!"

%$!!!"

&$!!!"

'$!!!"

($!!!"

)$!!!"

*$!!!"

%!#%" %!#&" %!#'" %!#(" %!#)" %!#*" %!#+" %!#," %!%!" %!%#"

-./01"2345678"9:67;<=6>"23?3<@4A"BCDEF""

G?8:3=6>H" 9:6I8<4H"

Source:  Cochilco.  

Page 16: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  14  

4.3.1   National  Forecast  

Chilean  mined  copper  production  should  rise  to  a  maximum  of  8.2  million  tons  refined  copper   in  the  next  decade,  a  36.8  percent  increase  over  the  nearly  5.5  million  tons  estimated  for  2012.7  The  annual  rate  of  growth  for  the  period  would  be  3.2  percent.  

By  2022,  depletion  and  end  of  mine   life  will  cut  output   from  existing  operations,  not  considering  new  investment  amounts  some  of  them  will  require,  to  3.64  million  tons  refined  copper,  2.35  million  tons  less  than  the  baseline  year  (2012).  Therein  lies  the  importance  of  materializing  projected  investment  plans,  as  these  would  add  4.55  million  TPY  or  56  percent  of  maximum  production  capacity  estimated  for  2022.  

Planned  developments  rely  mainly  on  increasing  concentrate  capacity  from  3.7  million  tons  in  2012  to  6.9  million  tons  in  2022,  for  an  annual  rate  of  growth  of  6.4  percent.  With  that,  concentrate  output  as  a  share  of  mined  copper  production  would  expand  from  62  percent  in  2012  to  84  percent  in  2022.  

Hydrometallurgical  copper  is  expected  to  slide  from  over  2  million  tons  SX-­‐EW  cathodes  in  recent  years  to  some  1.9  million  tons  through  2018  and  1.32  million  by  2022.  

Causes  include  a  declining  number  of  hydrometallurgical  projects,  depletion  of  leachable  ores  and  closure  of  major  operations,  notably  Codelco’s  Salvador,  Mina  Sur,  and  Radomiro  Tomic  Oxides,  as  well  as  Quebrada   Blanca   and   other   private   operations.   That   said,   Codelco   and   other   players  may   yet  move   to  prolong  the  lifespan  of  some  operations  while  others  may  shift  to  mining  underlying  primary  sulfides.  

 

4.3.2   Maximum  Production  Capacity  By  Likelihood  

While  the  above  capacity  is  estimated  based  on  all  projects  materializing  as  stated,  mining  projects  are   inherently   subject   to   change.   As   such,   maximum   production   capacity   profiles   are   classed   per   the  criteria  in  Annex  A(2)  in  a  manner  similar  to  the  corresponding  investment  profiles.  

Table  10  shows  that  maximum  production  remains  subject  to  internal  and  external  contingencies.  The  baseline  profile,  consisting  of  existing  operations  and  projects  in  progress,  should  stand  at  4.6  million  tons  refined  copper  by  2021.  This  is  equivalent  to  only  77  percent  of  maximum  production  capacity  in  2012  and  to  57  percent  of  estimates   for  2021,  which  explains  the  critical  nature  of   the   less  advanced  projects  reviewed  below.  

The   probable   profile,   which   includes   projects   in   the   feasibility   study   stage   by   companies   with  existing  operations  in  Chile  and  slated  for  start-­‐up  no  later  than  2017,  should  add  an  additional  1.8  million  tons,  390,000  tons  above  the  current  maximum  production  capacity.  

The  largest  quantitative  increase  should  come  from  possible  projects,  which  includes  those  in  the  preliminary  feasibility  study  stage  and  new  entrant  projects  with  feasibility  study  underway.  These  would  add  a  combined  1.7  million  tons  or  21  percent  of  total  maximum  capacity  expected  in  2021.  

                                                                                                                         7  Production  stood  at  3.40  million  tons  concentrate  and  2.03  million  tons  SX-­‐EW  cathodes,  for  a  total  of  5.43  million  tons.  

Page 17: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  15  

CHART  3   CHART  4  

!"

#$!!!"

%$!!!"

&$!!!"

'$!!!"

($!!!"

)$!!!"

*$!!!"

+$!!!"

,$!!!"

%!#%" %!#&" %!#'" %!#(" %!#)" %!#*" %!#+" %!#," %!%!" %!%#" %!%%"

-."

/012

03"4

5660

7"87539:;52"4<6<:=>?"@?"4<>0A57?"B%!#&C%!%#D"

E607<;2A"F"G<H0I=20" J2"675A70HH"F"G<H0I=20"K0<H=@=I=>?"F"875@<@I0" K0<H=@=I=>?"F"85HH=@I0"870L0<H=@=I=>?"F"85HH=@I0"

!"#$#%&'(')'*+,-,!.&&'()#/,01,

2#%&'(')'*+,-,!.&&'()#/,341,

2#%&'(')'*+,-,!".(%()#/,551,

67,!".8"#&&,-,9%&#)'7#/,:1,

;<#"%=78,-,9%&#)'7#/,>?1,

!"#$%&'())$*&+*(%,-.(#&'/)/-"01&21&'/0$3(*1&4567&!#&0(#8&"#&9:97;&

 Source:  Cochilco.  

 

4.3.3   Regional  Forecast  

While  Chile’s  overall  copper  production  capacity  is  expected  to  expand  34.8  percent  from  2012  to  2021,  growth  will  not  be  equally  distributed  across  mining  districts.  

In   Atacama,   refined   copper   production   capacity   should   jump   194   percent   from   409,000   tons   in  2012   to  1.2  million   tons   in  2021  due  mostly   to   the  copper  output  of   three  major  gold  projects  and   four  other  medium-­‐  and  large-­‐scale  copper  mines.  These  projects  should  significantly  boost  mining  and  related  activities  in  the  region.  

Production  in  Tarapacá  should  expand  96  percent  to  some  1  million  tons  by  2021,  driven  mostly  by  the  Collahuasi  Phase  III  Expansion  and  the  new  Quebrada  Blanca  undertaking.  

However,  most  projects   in  Atacama  and  Tarapacá  remain  classed  as  Possible  and  thus  subject   to  change.   As   an   established   mining   district,   Antofagasta   is   expected   to   retain   the   lead.   While   maximum  capacity  should  rise  19.6  percent  to  about  3.95  million  tons  refined  copper,  projects  are  either  in  progress  or  have   feasibility  studies  well  underway.  As  some  major  operations,   including  RT  Oxides,  Chuquicamata  Open  Pit  and  Mina  Sur,  are  being  wound  down,  most  new  projects  are  designed  to  recoup  capacity.  

The  Andina  expansion  in  Valparaíso  is  expected  to  increase  output  by  32.5  percent  in  the  period.  The   single-­‐largest   project   in   O’Higgins   is   the   new   El   Teniente   mine   level,   also   designed   to   recover  production  capacity.  

 

4.4   Maximum  Concentrate  Processing  Capacity  

As  the  roster  shows,  most  projects  are  designed  to  increase  copper  concentrate  production.  With  grades  declining  across  the  board,  new  plants  are  being  designed  to  handle  a  larger  throughput.  

As   plant   requirements   are   driven   by   throughput   rather   than   output,   larger,   more   expensive  processing   facilities,   increased   ore   and   overburden   extraction   and   additional  milling   and   flotation  work  translate  into  higher  consumption  of  fuels,  power,  water  and  other  key  inputs.  

Shown  below  is  annual  concentrating  plant  throughput  from  existing  and  new  operations  coming  on  stream.  

Page 18: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  16  

CHART  5  COPPER  CONCENTRATING  PLANT  THROUGHPUT  THROUGH  2021  (MILLION  TPY)  

!"

#!!"

$!!"

%!!"

&!!"

'(!!!"

'(#!!"

'($!!"

#!'#" #!')" #!'$" #!'*" #!'%" #!'+" #!'&" #!'," #!#!" #!#'"

-./012345" 6-46/42012/".0-7/628"  

Source:  Cochilco.  

 

In   the   coming   scenario,   plant   throughput   and   refined   copper   content   do   not   correlate   well.   As  shown   below,   throughput   expansion   of   11.5   percent   a   year   in   2012-­‐2021   will   result   in   annual   copper  content  growing  only  6.1  percent  in  the  same  period.  

 

 CHART  6  

CONCENTRATING  PLANT  THROUGHPUT  AND  COPPER  CONTENT  THROUGH  2021  (MILLION  TPY)  

!"

#!!"

$!!"

%!!"

&!!"

'(!!!"

'(#!!"

'($!!"

!)!"

#)!"

$)!"

%)!"

&)!"

'!)!"

'#)!"

'$)!"

#!'#" #!'*" #!'$" #!'+" #!'%" #!'," #!'&" #!'-" #!#!" #!#'"

./0)"123345"12674685/84"952:;7<26"1/3/7=8>"?.@A" 12674685/<6B"9C/68"1/3/7=8>"?.@A"

 Source:  Cochilco.  

Page 19: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  17  

V. Estimated  Production  of  Other  Minerals  

This   chapter   reviews   the   contribution   of   the   2013   project   portfolio   to   maximum   gold,   silver,  molybdenum,  iron  and  industrial  mineral  production  capacity.  

Shown   for   gold   and   iron   is   current  maximum   production   capacity   and   the   potential   scenario   in  2021  based  on  project  data.   Shown   for   silver  and  molybdenum,  which  are   largely  dependent  on   copper  and  gold  output,  are  estimated  maximum  production  for  each  project  and  possible  capacity  contribution  once  fully  operational.  Shown  for  industrial  minerals  is  the  contribution  of  each  project  reviewed.  

5.1   Gold  and  Silver  

TABLE  14:  MAXIMUM  GOLD  AND  SILVER  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  CONTRIBUTION  

!"#$%%%%%%%%%%

&'(%)*+

,-#./0%%%%%%%%

&1234+

!"#$%&'( )*+,-."-/,-0,/.,-12)2 3456 78944 :::;,-<(&=,->?,@"-9 <('=,AB,-C&%"#,-C,%D(@-."-E#( 3456 F8334 :::

G+"H,-I@="#,%J,-:-)#K+"#(@ ;,*+%,-L"@(+#M"@-<?&/" 3456 364 544>,@M+, <B,2-C&%"#,-G"H,., 345F 5N8O44 58544P(/MQ% )%.&%,-C&%"#,/@-<?&/" 3459 O8O44 :::<,@=&M?" ID(%-<?&/" 3459 358F44 3F<"##(-C,#&M+%*, )D,M,',->,M&R&M-S(/.-<?&/" 3459 O8T44 :::;(U(-:-C,#D" C&%"#,-1,%D,-L(@, 3459 548N44 :::I/-C(##( I/-C(##(-1<C 345O 558444 :::<"##(-<,@,/" C&%"#,-<,@,/" 3434 3O8444 :::

C&%&@D#(-V,/"@ <(."/M(-<?&/" 345T ::: T441&"##,-S(#., C&%"#,-W+,.#,-<?&/" 3456 58N3O :::X&"*(-."-)/',*#( <('=,AB,-C&%"#,-1&"##,-G(#D"-12)2 3456 95T :::Y%M,-."-E#( Y%M,-."-E#(-12)2 3459 58377 :::1,%D(-X('&%*( C&%"#,-1,%D(-X('&%*( 3459 38444 :::I/-I@=&%( I/-I@=&%(-12)2 3459 58F44 :::I@="#,%J,-1+#-ZI[:\"/]*#,R(^ C&%"#,-I@="#,%J, 3459 78NO4 :::>#(.+MD(#, 1(M&".,.-C&%"#,-I/-_*+&/,-;D.,2 345O 58T34 :::I%M+"%D#(-1+/R&."@-ZI[:<,#,M(/"@^ C&%"#,-I%M+"%D#( 3434 68F44 :::

56789:; 58;6<

=2>>?@%&)AABCB23DE%,?F23AD@G%H@2A*FCB23+

12CDE%H@2A*FCB23%=D>DFBCG

H0"I/=1 H0-J=-H)# ,1)01KLH

M)NO%H0"$L=1-"J%=)HO

!2EA%&H@BPD@G%H@2A*FCB23%0?>EDF?P?3C+

!2EA%&)AABCB23DE%H@BPD@G%H@2A*FCB23+

Source:  Cochilco.  

Increases   in   gold   production   come   from   primary   production   or   from   production   secondary   to  copper  mining.   By   2021,   these   projects   are   expected   to   increase  maximum   production   capacity   to   178  tons,  up  256  percent  over  the  49.9  tons  reported  in  2012.  At  present,  primary  gold  production  contributes  some  30,000  kg/yr.  while  production  secondary  to  copper  mining  contributes  an  additional  19,870  kg/yr.  Future  contributions  from  both  sources  are  estimated  at  145,600  and  39,800  kg,   respectively,  both  from  existing  operations  and  new  projects  coming  on  stream.  

Silver  projects   in  this  report  should  contribute  some  1,526  TPY  to  maximum  production  capacity.  Sources  when  fully  operational  in  2021  are  gold  mining  (1,226  TPY)  and  copper  mining  (300  TPY).  

Page 20: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  18  

5.2   Molybdenum  

Most  molybdenum  produced  in  Chile   is  a  byproduct  of  copper  mining.  Major  copper  concentrate  projects   in   the   portfolio   (Caserones,   Sierra   Gorda,   Esperanza   Upgrade,   Quebrada   Blanca   Phase   II,  Relincho)8  contemplate  producing  36.7  kTPY  molybdenum  concentrate.  These  contributions  should  place  the  refined  molybdenum  production  capacity  at  about  74  kTPY  by  2021.  

 TABLE  15:  MAXIMUM  MOLYBDENUM  PRODUCTION  CAPACITY  BY  PROJECT  (TPY)  

PROJECT   PRINCIPAL   START-­‐UP  MAX.  PRODUCTION  CAP.  MOLYBDENUM  (TPY)  

Copper  (Secondary  Production  –  New  Capacity)  

Caserones   Pan  Pacific  Copper   2013   3,000  

Sierra  Gorda   KGHM  International   2015   11,000  

Esperanza  Upgrade   Minera  Esperanza   2015   11,500  

Quebrada  Blanca  Phase  II   Teck   2017   5,200  

Relincho   Teck   2018   6,000  

Total   36,700  

Copper  (Secondary  Production  –  Maintain  Capacity)  

Sulfides  Phase  II   Radomiro  Tomic  Division   2018   7,000  

Chuquicamata  Underground   Chuquicamata  Division   2018   18,000  

Total   25,000  

Source:  Cochilco.    

The   Chuquicamata   Underground   and   RT   Sulfides   Phase   II   projects   should   help   keep   the  contribution   to  maximum  production  capacity  of  Codelco’s  Chuquicamata  and  Radomiro  Tomic  Divisions  stable  at  about  25  kTPY  molybdenum  concentrate.  

5.3   Iron  

Production  in  2012  stood  at  17.33  million  tons  iron  ore  or  some  10.2  million  tons  refined  iron.  The  project   portfolio   and   associated   output   is   expected   to   increase   maximum   production   capacity   by   111  percent  to  37  million  tons  in  2021.  

At  implementation,  projects  by  iron  concentrate,  screening  and  pellet  feed  producers  CAP,  Minera  San   Fierro   and   Santa   Fe   Mining,   plus   secondary   production   from   the   Santo   Domingo   copper   project  (Capstone),  were  expected  to  contribute  some  20.1  million  tons  iron  ores  or  11.9  million  tons  refined  iron,9  as  noted  in  Table  16.  

                                                                                                                         8  Collahuasi,  Los  Pelambres  and  Valle  Central  expansions  not  considered  due  to  insufficient  information.  9  Iron  products  contain  from  58%  to  65%  Fe.  

Page 21: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  19  

TABLE  16:  EXPECTED  IRON  PRODUCTION  BY  PROJECT  (TPY)  

PROJECT   PRINCIPAL   START-­‐UP  MAX.  PRODUCTION  CAP.  

Iron  Ores  (kTPA)  Refined  Content  

(kTPA)  

Iron                  

Cerro  Negro  Norte   CAP   2014   4,000   2,360  

Los  Colorados  Expansion   CAP   2014   5,800   3,420  

Romeral  Phase  V   CAP   2014   2,500   1,475  

Oso  Negro   Minera  San  Fierro   2014   1,091   600  

Bellavista   Santa  Fe  Mining   2015   2,500   1,620  

Copper                  

Santo  Domingo   Capstone  Mining   2017   4,200   2,478  

Total     20,091   11,953  

Source:  Cochilco.    

The  net  result  will  boost  Chilean  production  capacity  to  31  million  tons  iron  ores  or  better  than  19  million  tons  refined  iron  content  in  the  second  half  of  this  decade.  

 

5.4   Industrial  Minerals  

Nitrate   investment   projects   undertaken   by   SQM   are   expected   to   progressively   increase   annual  production   capacity   by   2.5   million   tons   nitrate,   11,000   tons   iodine   and   1.55   million   tons   potassium  chloride.  

In  addition,  White  Mountain  Titanium’s  Cerro  Blanco  project  will  produce  some  200  kTPY  titanium  dioxide  concentrate  (95%  TiO2)  with  production  of  some  1.5  million  TPY  feldspar10  starting  in  2016.  

                                                                                                                         10  Chilean  feldspar  production  is  a  modest  8  kTPY.  

Page 22: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  20  

VI. Concluding  Remarks  

The  overall   investment  portfolio   includes  49  initiatives  worth  an  overall  US$112.6  billion.  Leading  the  field  is  the  copper  mining  industry,  with  30  initiatives  worth  US$86.7  billion.  Highlights  include:  

 

The   Codelco   investment   plan   focuses   on   six   structural   projects   (Ministro   Hales  Mine,   Radomiro  Tomic   Sulfides  Phase   II,   El   Teniente  New  Mine   Level,  Andina  Phase   II,   Andina  Pit-­‐Plant   Transfer)  designed  to  ensure  long-­‐term  sustainability.  Codelco  has  two  additional  investment  lines  covering  a  range  of  smaller  projects.  

Large  private  miners  (Escondida,  Los  Pelambres,  Collahuasi)  hold  reserves  that  stand  among  Chile’s  and  the  world’s  largest.  They  are  currently  expanding  operations  in  order  to  raise  productivity  and  prolong  mine  lifespan.  

A  distinctive  element  are  copper  concentrating  projects  taking  over  from  fast-­‐depleting  leachable  surface  ore  operations  (RT  Sulfides,  QB  Hypogenic,  El  Abra  Mill,  Lomas  Bayas  Sulfides).  The  result  will  a  net  increase  in  copper  production  capacity.  

New  entrants  reflect  sustained  interest  in  joining  one  of  the  world’s  leading  mining  districts.  

 

Second  in   line  with  ten  projects  and  19.4  percent  of  overall   investment   is  gold  mining.  Highlights  include:  

 

Three   large-­‐scale  projects   (Caspiche,  Cerro  Casale,  El  Morro)  will  also  produce  copper,  while   two  replacement  projects  will  be  instilling  new  life  into  major  gold  mining  operations.  

The  binational  Pascua-­‐Lama  project   is  being   required   to  ensure   its  activities  are  compatible  with  the  law,  after  which  construction  could  resume.  

Atacama  is  the  second-­‐largest  investment  destination,  most  of  it  going  to  gold  mining.  

 

The   portfolio   also   includes   five   iron,   four   nitrate   and   one   titanium  dioxide  mining   project,   all   at  widely   varying   stages   of   development.   As   is   often   the   case   in   the   industry,   projects   in   progress   are  considered   highly   certain   while   those   under   review   are   noted   for   varying   degrees   of   uncertainty.   As  development  moves  forward,  projects  undergo  changes  that  tend  to  impact  expected  production  capacity,  investment  amounts,  and  time  frames.  

Such   variability   is   reflected   in   this   update   to   the   mining   project   portfolio.   This   report   shows   a  US$8.2  billion  increase  in  value.  This  is  the  result  of  a  US$7.36  billion  upward  revision  of  22  projects  plus  a  net  US$900  million  gain  caused  by  the  entry  of  nine  new  projects  and  the  start-­‐up  or  cancellation  of  seven  other  projects  in  2012.  

In  addition,  some  project  schedules  underwent  changes  ranging  from  a  one-­‐year  acceleration  to  a  two-­‐year  delay.  Overall,  shorter-­‐term  investments  declined  and  more  were  shifted  to  beyond  2015.  

Additions   to   production   capacity   were   also   impacted   as   a   result.   Refined   copper   production  capacity  in  2021  should  stand  at  8.1  million  tons,  rising  to  8.4  million  once  all  projects  start  to  operate  at  capacity.  

Page 23: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  21  

Most  of   the   increase  will   come   from  concentrate  production,  which   should   rise   from  3.7  million  tons  in  2012  to  6.8  million  in  2021.  By  contrast,  SX-­‐EW  cathode  production  should  decline  from  2.3  million  tons  in  2012  to  1.4  million  in  2021.  

One   effect   of   increased   concentrating   capacity   will   be   a   sharper   rise   in   ore   volume   fed   to  concentrating  plants.  Due  to  persistent  declines  in  copper  grades,  throughput  is  expected  to  rise  upwards  of   180   percent,   from   450   million   TPY   in   2012   to   1.2   billion   TPY   in   2021,   with   concentrate   production  capacity  rising  86  percent  from  3.7  to  6.8  million  TPY  in  the  same  period.  

As   a   result,   plants   are  being   redesigned  on  a   larger   scale,   resulting   in   added   costs   and   requiring  more  energy,  water  and  other  inputs  to  produce  a  similar  amount  of  copper,  with  the  attendant  impact  on  demand   for   these   goods   and   services.   Increased   productivity   is   one   of   the   new   challenges   facing   the  Chilean  mining  industry  as  it  seeks  to  remain  competitive.  

Page 24: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  22  

Annex  A  -­‐  Methodology  

1.   Scope  

This   report   covers   investment   in   replacement,   expansion   or   new   copper,   gold  mining,   iron   and  industrial  minerals  projects  by  Codelco  and  medium-­‐  and  large-­‐scale  private  miners.   It  considers  projects  worth  upwards  of  US$100  million  either  in  progress  or  likely  to  materialize  in  2013-­‐2017.  

The   “Prior   to   2013”   category   refers   to   project   outlays   (i.e.,   studies,   construction)  made   through  2012,  followed  by  estimated  outlays  through  2013-­‐2017.  Projects  scheduled  for  start-­‐up  beyond  2017  are  identified  as  such.  

Project  particulars  are  complemented  by  estimations  on  copper  output  added,  if  any,  plus  notes  on  current  status.  

Information  is  provided  on  a  best-­‐guess  basis,  based  on  data  current  at  the  time  of  writing.  Where  no  such  data  is  available,  annual  investment  allocations  are  estimates  not  necessarily  supported  in  sources.  

2.   Project  Type,  Stage  of  Development  and  Likelihood  

Investment  information  is  qualified  by  project  type  and  stage  of  development.  Projects  are  ranked  from  most  to  least  likely.  

2.1   Project  Type  

This   classification   provides   information   on   project   likelihood,   which   varies   for   existing   and   new  operations.  Categories  are  as  follows:  

a) Replacement:   Includes   brownfield   projects   designed   to   prolong   the   life   of   the   mine   and  maintain  existing  production  by  addressing  declining  grades  and/or  depletion  issues.  

b) Expansion:   Includes   brownfield   projects   designed   to   increase   operating   capacity,   scale   up  production  and  cut  unit  costs,  notably  as  ore  grades  start  to  decline.  

c) New:  Includes  greenfield  projects  requiring  environmental  and  other  clearances,  construction  of  facilities  and  opening  up  a  new  site.  Also  includes  brownfield  projects  involving  a  complete  change  from  one  mode  of  production  to  another  (i.e.,  leaching  to  concentrating),  which  often  requires  developing  an  entirely  new  deposit.  

2.2   Stage  of  Development  

Based  on  the  assumption  that  projects  in  a  more  advanced  stage  of  development  are  often  more  likely  to  materialize,  these  are  classed  as  follows:  

a) In   Progress:   Investment   approved   and   permits   secured.   Detail   engineering   and   construction  underway.  

b) Feasibility  Study  Stage:  Undergoing  feasibility  and  environmental  (EIA  or  DIA)  review,  investment  decision  not  yet  made.  

c) Prefeasibility  Stage:  Undergoing  initial  review;  decision  to  proceed  to  next  stage  not  yet  made.  

2.3   Likelihood  

Projects  are  ranked  as  Baseline,  Probable  or  Possible  based  on  type  and  stage  of  development.  

Page 25: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  23  

a) Baseline:  In  progress.  Deemed  highly  probable,  although  start-­‐up  may  undergo  delays.  Production  is  added  to  that  of  existing  operations.  

b) Deemed  Probable:  Includes  feasibility-­‐stage  replacement,  expansion  or  new  projects  by  companies  with   operations   in   Chile,   with   start-­‐up   scheduled   for   2013-­‐2017.   While   subject   to   significant  changes  or  delays,  they  are  deemed  certain  as  they  prolong  the  lifespan  of  existing  operations.  

c) Deemed   Possible:   Includes   feasibility-­‐stage   projects   by   new   entrants,   replacement   or   expansion  projects  with  start-­‐up  scheduled  no  earlier  than  2018,  and  all  prefeasibility-­‐stage  projects.  Projects  by   new   entrants   often   face   hurdles   that   can   cause   significant   changes   and   delays,   or   even  cancellation.   In   the   case   of   brownfield   projects,   a   far-­‐off   start-­‐up   date   often   results   in   major  revisions  that  can  also  cause  significant  changes  and  delays.  

3.   Codelco  Investment  Plans  and  Sources  of  Information  

Investment   estimates11   are   based   on   information   presented   in   Codelco’s   2013   Business   and  Development  Plan  (PND  2013)  for  development  and/or  research  projects.  

Development   projects   are   directly   connected   to   production   prospects   and   approval   requires  compliance  with  certain  return  on  investment  standards.  These  include:  

a) Structural  Projects:  Selected  development  projects  that  fully   leverage  available  mineral  resources  and   provide   a   baseline   for   long-­‐term   growth.   This   report   provides   specifics   and   investment  amounts.  

b) Other  Development  Projects:  Included  in  the  Codelco  investment  portfolio  are  discrete  or  shorter-­‐term   projects   deemed   complementary   to   structural   projects   and   thus   essential   to   company  continuity.  This  report  provides  specifics  and  investment  amounts.  

Codelco   also   implements   research   projects   designed   to   acquire   new   information   considered  relevant   to   further  development.  While  not   listed  as  part  of  a   specific   investment  project,   these   include  prefeasibility,   feasibility,   and   environmental   assessment   of   prospective   sites,   basic   and   generative  exploration,  and  R&D.  Given  their  manifold  nature,  these  projects  are  reported  on  the  aggregate.  

While   outlays   on   equipment   replacement,   facility   upgrades,   environmental   cleanup,   workplace  safety,   and   employee   benefits   in   the   PND   2013   also   require   API   approval,   they   are   omitted   in   order   to  facilitate  comparison  with  private  firms  which  do  not  provide  such  information.  

Also   omitted   are   investments   not   requiring   API   approval   and   thus   outside   the   purview   of   this  report.  

All  information  is  gleaned  from  public  reports  provided  by  company  officials  or  on  the  Codelco  web  site,   complemented  by  data   contained   in   the  Codelco  Business  and  Development  Plan  and  other  official  reports  submitted  on  a  regular  basis  to  the  Cochilco  Investment  Evaluation  &  Enforcement  and  Compliance  Department  (DEIF).  As  such,  the  information  herein  should  be  construed  as  a  strategic  planning  tool  rather  than  as  binding  on  the  reviewing  agencies.  

4.   Private  Mining  Investment  and  Sources  of  Information  

Sources   include   public   reports   and   announcements   culled   from   company   web   sites,   the   news  media,  trade  publications,  and  filings  to  the  environmental  assessment  system.  

                                                                                                                         11  Spending  by  Codelco  requires  Investment  Project  Authorization  (API),  a  review  conducted  jointly  by  Cochilco  and  the  Ministry  of  Social  Development.  Disbursements  considered  as  investments  by  Codelco  (i.e.,  deferred  expenses  and  the  like)  which  require  no  authorization  are  not  included.  Inclusion  in  the  2013  PND  does  not  imply  authorization.  

Page 26: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  24  

Often  only  global  amounts  and  intended  start-­‐up  year  are  known.  In  such  cases,  annual  estimates  are  based  on  tentative  completion  time   frames  reported  to   the  environmental  assessment  system  or  on  empirical  knowledge  of  like  projects.  

The   review   includes   all   projects   under   construction.   Projects   under   review   were   checked   for  progress  and  their   investment,   start-­‐up  schedule  and  estimated  production  profiles  were  updated  based  on  the  most  recent  information  available.  Changes  noted  included:  

a) New  principals  following  changes  in  ownership.  

b) Production  capacity  and  products  of  interest.  

c) Investment  amount,  start-­‐up  date  and  project  schedules.  

d) Inclusion  of  new  projects.  

e) Removal  of  recent  start-­‐ups.  

f) New  requirements,  such  as  the  use  of  seawater.  

While   projects   are   assumed   to   reflect   outlays  made  during   the   construction   stage,   prior   outlays  may  be  included.  Where  no  precise  information  is  available,  start-­‐up  year  is  estimated  as  shown  below.  

5.   Estimating  Start-­‐up  Dates  

Internal  and  external  factors  may  impact  project  development.  Some  of  the  latter  include  the  need  to  cut  electricity  costs,  modify  environmental  impact  statements  and/or  secure  construction  permits.  

The   former,   for   their   part,   often   encompass   project   timing   relative   to   corporate   goals,   securing  financing,  and  the  need  to  enhance  investment  and/or  operating  cost  indicators.  Where  no  public  start-­‐up  date  announcement  exists,  Cochilco  uses  the  following  methodology:  

a)   A   standard   one-­‐year   delay   is   deemed   if   a   project   is   impacted   by   external   factors,   even   if   these  entail  only  minor  changes  to  the  feasibility  study.  

b)   A   standard   two-­‐year   delay   is   deemed   if   a   project   requires   reformulating   a   prefeasibility   or  feasibility  study.  

6.   Projected  Mined  Copper  Production  Capacity  

Maximum   potential   concentrate   and/or   SX-­‐EW   production   capacity   is   the   sum   of   maximum  production   profiles   by   existing  mining   operations   and   projects   starting   up  within   the   decade,   shown   as  tons  of  refined  copper.  

Future  profiles  for  existing  operation  are  based  on  recent  production  performance  and  estimation  of   key   parameters,   including   ore   grades,   concentrating   plant   capacity,   and   acid   consumption   by  hydrometallurgical  operations.  Assumptions  are  based  on  maximum  plant  capacity  operating  nonstop  360  days  a  year,  based  on  data  reviewed  by  Cochilco.  

Project  production  profiles  are  based  on  company  descriptions  of  maximum  processing  capacities  under  nonstop  operation  360  days  a  year  and  key  expected  mining  and  metallurgical  parameters.  

Tracking  project  rankings,  production  profiles  are  also  classified  from  most  to  least  likely.  

All  figures  are  shown  as  estimated  maximum  potential  capacity  relative  to  2012,  based  on  the  most  recent  data  available  as  of  this  writing.  

Page 27: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  25  

Annex  B  -­‐  Copper  Mining  

 

I) STRUCTURAL  CODELCO  PROJECTS  (www.codelco.cl)  

MINISTRO  HALES  MINE  (Ministro  Hales  Division)  

Ministro  Hales  stands  in  Antofagasta,  halfway  between  the  Chuquicamata  minesite  and  the  city  of  Calama.  It  is  a  copper  sulfide  deposit  holding  reserves  estimated  at  289  million  tons  with  0.96  average  copper  grades  and  high  silver  content.  The  homonymous  Codelco  Division  was  set  up  to  develop  and  operate  this  mine.  

Once  in  operation,  the  mine  is  expected  to  process  up  to   50   kTPD   in   a   concentrating   plant   sited   adjacent   to  the   open   pit.   Processes   handled   include   primary  crushing,   transport   by   conveyor   belt,   stockpiling,  milling  (one  SAG  mill  and  two  ball  mills),  and  flotation.  

High   arsenic   levels   will   require   fluidized   bed   roasting  (up   to   350   kTPY)   yielding   high-­‐grade   concentrates  (37%   refined   copper   content)   to   produce   some   183  kTPY  refined  copper  and  300  TPY  silver.  Plant  gases  will  be  abated   in  a  sulfuric  acid  plant.  Due  to  their  special  characteristics,  these  concentrates  may  also  be  used  as  smelter  feed  or  sold.  

Massive   pre-­‐stripping   has   created   an   opportunity   to   leverage   a   significant   volume  of   leachable   ores.   As  such,  a  complementary  project  now  underway  will  convey  ores  to  a  heap  leaching  site,  with  the  resulting  solution   fed   to   the   Chuquicamata   Division   Hidrosur   SX-­‐EW   Plant   for   an   expected   79,000   tons   refined  copper  in  2014-­‐2016.  

This  is  a  deep  deposit  and  plans  include  moving  to  underground  mining  in  the  future.  

 

Workforce:  3,000  during  construction;  450  during  operation.  

Throughput:  50  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.43  billion.  

Status:   Under  construction.  Once  concluded,  dry  (primary  crusher,  stockpile),  wet  (milling,   flotation,  tailings  thickening)  and  roasting  systems  will  be  load-­‐tested.  Start-­‐up  slated  for  late  2013.  

Page 28: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  26  

RADOMIRO  TOMIC  SULFIDES  PHASE  II  (Radomiro  Tomic  Division)  Phase   II   involves   mining   sulfides   emerging   at   Radomiro   Tomic   as   overlying   oxides   become   depleted.  Estimated  reserves  stand  at  2.6  billion  tons  with  0.48  average  copper  grades.    Plans   are   to   continue   mining   the  current  open  pit  and  process  ores   in  a  200-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant  slated  to  come  on  stream  in   late  2017.  This  will  add   an   estimated   350   kTPY   refined  copper   and   7   kTPY   molybdenum  concentrate.    The  project  will  extract  and  desalinate  seawater   at   a   1,600   l/s   reverse  osmosis  plant,  then  pump  it  160  km  to  an  altitude  of  3,000  m.  A  conventional  tailings  dam  will  be  used  through  2021,  then   replaced   by   thickened   tailings   technology   that   will   allow   for   optimized   dam   use   and   sizing,   help  reclaim  more  water,  and  reduce  particulate  emissions.  This  will  require  subsequent  construction  of  a  high-­‐density  thickening  plant.  

The  Division   also   plans   to   leverage   the   available  hydrometallurgical   infrastructure   to  bioleach   low-­‐grade  sulfides.  

Workforce:  12,100  during  construction;  2,200  during  operation.  

Throughput:  200  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.   Investment   Amount:  US$5.43   billion,   including   desalination   and   pumping   infrastructure   but   not   the  thickening  plant.  

Status:   Finalizing  feasibility  and  investment  approval.  Environmental,  sector  and  construction  permits  secured  in  2014,  start-­‐up  expected  in  late  2017.  

NEW  MINE  LEVEL  (Teniente  Division)    The   project   involves  mining   a   new   sector   at   altitude   1,880  m,  100  m  below  the  current  mine  level,  thereby  adding  an  extra  2  million  square  meters  of  mining  surface.  Reserves  stand  at  2.02  billion   tons   with   0.86   average   copper   grades   and   220   ppm  molybdenum.    Mining  will   be  based  on  panel   caving,  with  100  percent  of   the  area   preconditioned   with   hydraulic   fracturing.   The   mine   level  scheme   will   be   characteristic   El   Teniente:   sinking,   production,  ventilation,   haulage,   and   crushing.   Ores   will   be   sent   to   the  surface  Colón  concentrator  by  conveyor  belt.  

Page 29: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  27  

 The  project  will  ensure   the   long-­‐term  137-­‐kTPD  divisional   target  and  extend   the   life  of  mine   for  over  50  years  after  2017,  while  creating  an  option  to  increase  throughput  to  180  kTPD  within  a  decade.    The  project  calls  for  98,450  m  of  horizontal  tunnels  and  3,454  m  of  vertical  air  shafts  and  transfer  pits  to  be  built  in  2011-­‐2017.    Workforce:  3,500  in  the  construction  stage.  

Throughput:  137  kTPD  sulfide  ores,  up  to  180  kTPD  within  a  decade.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.5  billion.  

Status:   In  progress.  Engineering  and  construction  of  the  16-­‐km,  two-­‐way  Maitenes-­‐Confluencia  road  was  awarded  in  November  2012.  Gradual  start-­‐up  expected  in  H2  2017.  

 

CHUQUICAMATA  UNDERGROUND  (Chuquicamata  Division)  

Codelco   is   exploring   reserves   estimated   at   1.65   billion   tons   with   0.71   copper   grades   deep   under   the  existing  Chuquicamata  mine.  

Plans   call   for   using   block   caving   methods  on   four   underground  mining   faces.  Works  to   be   built   include   a   7.5-­‐km   main   access  tunnel,   five   clean-­‐air   injection   ramps   and  two   air   exhaust   pits.   Production   would  start  at  2.7  kTPD,  then  climb  up  to  a  design  capacity   of   140   kTPD   nine   years   later,  eventually  adding  366  kTPY  refined  copper  and  over  18  kTPY  refined  molybdenum.  

Start-­‐up   would   coincide   with   the   end   of  open   pit   economic   life,   with   ores   feeding  existing  concentrators.  

Workforce:   3,767   during   construction;  4,837  during  operation.  

Throughput:  140  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$4.08  billion.  

Status:   Finalizing  feasibility  study  and  building  early  works.  Scheduled  for  2013  are  construction  of  main  and   ventilation   tunnels   and   deepening   the   air   exhaust   shaft.   Environmental   Assessment  Resolution  (RCA)  has  been  secured.  Gradual  production  would  start  in  2019.  

Page 30: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  28  

NEW  ANDINA:  PHASE  II  -­‐  244  KTPD  EXPANSION  /  (Andina  Division)  

Phase  II  of  Andina  Division  plans  to  harness  its  full  potential  calls  for  upgrading  mining  and  processing  capacity  from  94  to  244  kTPD.  

Plans   call   for   significantly   expanded   mining  operations,   a   new   150-­‐kTPD   concentrating   plant  with   primary   crushing,   ore   transport   and  secondary  and  tertiary  crushing  facilities,  collective  and   selective   flotation   and  molybdenum   leaching  plants,  a  filtration  plant,  and  a  concentrate  storage  site  in  Montenegro,  near  Santiago.  

The   expansion   should   add   343   kTPY   refined  copper,   helping   the   Division   produce   an   overall  600  kTPY.  

Phase   III,   calling   for   expanding   capacity   to   290   kTPD,   is   under   review.   Also   considered   is   underground  development  of  the  Sur-­‐Sur  Mine  once  the  third  panel  is  shut  down.  

Given   the  vast  amount  of   low-­‐grade  sulfides  generated  by  massive  mining  operations,   forced   leaching   is  being  considered  to  help  mitigate   the  environmental   impact  of  acid  water.  Phase   III   is  not  considered   in  this  report.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  An  additional  150  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:   US$6.74  billion.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  started  in  September  2009,  expected  completed  in  2013.  Environmental  Impact   Assessment   Review  was   refiled   in   January.   Replies   to   2,200   queries   received   in  April  must  be  filed  by  September.  Start-­‐up  not  expected  before  2021.  

NEW  PIT-­‐PLANT  TRANSFER  /  (Andina  Division)  

Includes  all  work  required  to  replace  the  current  Don  Luis  pit/crushing  plant  ore  transfer  scheme,  as  plant  location  will  be  impacted  by  development  of  the  new  pit  required  to  feed  the  new  94  kTPD  capacity.  

Works  include  building  a  platform  at  node  3,500,  a  cave-­‐in  protection  system,  a  new  primary  crusher,  the  Haulage   III   conveyor   tunnel,   a   SAG  hopper   distribution   and   feed   system,   and   a   new   secondary   crushing  plant.  The  project  will  extend  pit  life  through  2033.    

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  N/A.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:   US$1.42  billion  

Status:   In   progress,   early   work   underway,   basic   engineering   proceeding   concurrently.  Expected  operational  in  2022.  

Page 31: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  29  

II)   Major  Private  Copper  Miners  

2.1   Antofagasta  Minerals  (www.antofagasta.co.uk)  

ANTUCOYA  (Minera  Antucoya  Ltda.)    Located  125  km  NE  of  Antofagasta  and  45  km  from  the  coast,  with  proven  and  probable  reserves  of  642  million   tons   and   0.35   copper   grades   (0.21   cutoff   grade).   Expected   to   produce   85   kTPY   copper   cathodes  through  the  first  decade,  then  settle  at  80  kTPY  through  the  second  and  last  decade  of  expected  life.    Antucoya  will  be  a  conventional  open-­‐pit  mine.  Ores  will  be  leached  in  a  dynamic  heap  and  processed  in  an  SX-­‐EW  plant  using   raw  seawater.  Albeit  a   low-­‐grade  greenfield  project,   the  orebody   is   relatively   shallow  and   pre-­‐stripping   to   remove   some   35   million   tons   of   overburden   should   take   only   nine   months.   The  overburden/ore  ratio  is  a  low  1:1  and  the  deposit  lies  within  a  established  mining  zone,  which  ensures  ease  of  access  to  existing  infrastructure,  including  energy,  water,  and  human  resources.  

Construction  was   halted   in   late   December   2012   to   revise   the   project   given   rising   current   and   potential  costs.  Following  adjustments,  construction  restarted  in  Q2  2013.    Workforce:  5,000  to  7,000  during  construction,  1,400  during  operation.  

Throughput:  High-­‐grade  ores  to  96  kTPD;  run-­‐of-­‐mine  to  38  kTPD.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$1.9  billion,  not  including  a  potential  acid  plant.  

Status:   In  progress  after  restart.  Start-­‐up  expected  in  mid-­‐2015.  

CENTINELA  DISTRICT  

The  Centinela  mining  district  (formerly  Sierra  Gorda)  is  the  main  focus  of  Antofagasta  Minerals  exploration  targets   in  Chile.  The  Group  owns  or  controls  several  copper  oxide  and  sulfide  deposits   in  this  30-­‐km  long  district  located  in  the  homonymous  municipality.  

These   include   Esperanza,   El   Tesoro,   Esperanza   Sur   and   Encuentro   (oxides   and   sulfides).   In   addition,   the  Polo   Sur   prospect   holds   reserves   of   704   million   tons   with   0.37   grades   plus   gold   and   molybdenum.  Antofagasta  Minerals  is  also  exploring  other  deposits  in  the  area,  notably  Penacho  Blanco.  

Reserves   at   the   larger   Esperanza   Sur   (Ex-­‐Telégrafo)   and   Encuentro   (Ex-­‐Caracoles)   deposits   add   up   to   a  combined  4.3  billion  tons  with  0.36  average  copper  grades  (plus  gold  and  some  molybdenum),  providing  about  30  percent  of  overall  mineral  resources  held  by  Antofagasta  Minerals.  

Development  plans  are  as  follows:  

a) Esperanza  Sur  (Minera  Esperanza  S.A.)  Named  for   its  position  at  the  south  end  of  the  Esperanza  operation.  Resources  stand  at  2.96  billion  tons  with   0.34   average   copper   grades.   Sulfide   ores   account   for   2.9   billion   tons  with   0.34   grades   (plus   0.010  molybdenum  and  0.11  g/t  gold)  while  oxides  account  for  some  64.1  million  tons  with  0.21  copper  grades.  Esperanza  Sur  will  help  support  current  mining  plans  and  gradual  expansion  of  the  existing  concentrating  plant.    

Page 32: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  30  

On-­‐site   studies   show   that   on   the   order   of   150   million   tons   of   material   will   need   to   be   pre-­‐stripped,  including  50  million  tons  of  oxide  resources  that  could  be  processed  by  the  El  Tesoro  SX-­‐EW  plant  starting  in  2017.    As  to  sulfide  resources,  a  new  concentrating  plant  could  add  some  140  kTPY  copper  and  160,000  oz.  gold  through  the  first  ten  years,  over  an  estimated  total  lifespan  of  34  years.    Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  An  additional  95  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

b) Encuentro  (Antofagasta  Minerals  S.A.)  Encuentro   stands  10  km  SE  of   Esperanza.  Resources  are  an  estimated  1.3  billion   tons  with  0.41  average  copper  grades.  Sulfides  account  for  1  billion  tons  with  0.41  copper  grades  (plus  0.014  percent  molybdenum  and  0.15  g/t  gold),  while  oxides  stand  at  212  million  tons  with  0.40  copper  grades.  

i. Encuentro  Oxides:  

Encuentro  requires  pre-­‐stripping  some  600  million  tons,  including  some  150  million  tons  of  oxide  ores  that  could  be  processed  by  the  El  Tesoro  SX-­‐EW  plant  starting   in  2016,  extending  plant   life   for  an  extra  eight  years.  This  initiative  is  known  as  Encuentro  Oxides.  

The   project   contemplates   a   new   crushing   plant,   heap   leaching   facilities,   and   piping   the   pregnant   leach  solution  to  the  El  Tesoro  plant  for  processing.  

Construction  could  start  in  early  2014,  provided  the  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  Review  (EIA)  filed  in  December  2012  is  approved  in  2013.  Construction  should  extend  through  two  years,  with  first  production  expected  in  2016.  The  project  could  add  some  50  kTPY  copper  cathodes  over  eight  years.  

Workforce:  2,000  during  construction;  500  during  operation.  

Throughput:  About  65  kTPD,  including  high-­‐grade  ores  and  run-­‐of-­‐mine.  

ii. Encuentro  Sulfides:  

Current  plans  call  for  accessing  sulfides  once  oxide  mining  begins.  An  independent  feasibility  study  based  on   results   from   a   preliminary   feasibility   study   completed   in   2012   is   being   conducted   to   this   effect.  Encuentro  Sulfides  could  support  a  95-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant  producing  140-­‐160  kTPY  copper  and  160-­‐180,000  oz.  gold  over  22  years.  

Tests  show  that  raw  seawater  can  be  used  to  process  sulfide  ores  directly.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  95  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$7.6  billion  (Esperanza  Sur:  US$3.5  billion;  Encuentro  Oxides:  US$600  million;  Encuentro  Sulfides:  US$3.5  billion).  

Status:   Feasibility   study   underway.   Plans   are   to   begin   construction   of   Encuentro   Oxides   in  2014   and   start-­‐up   in   2016.   Depending   on   progress   on   additional   feasibility   studies,  Esperanza  Sur  might  begin  production  no  earlier  than  2017  and  Encuentro  Sulfides  in  2020.  

Page 33: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  31  

ESPERANZA  UPGRADE  (Minera  Esperanza  S.A.)  

Minera   Esperanza,   30   km   from   Sierra   Gorda,   in   Antofagasta,   is   optimizing   its   operations   through   two  Environmental  Impact  Statements  (DIA)  filed  in  2013.  

Esperanza  Upgrade  III,  the  first  of  these,  had  its  DIA  approved  in  May  2012.  It  seeks  to  increase  the  supply  of  critical   inputs  (water,  process  inhibitors  and  reagents,  etc.),  process  oxide  ore  resources  in  areas  to  be  cleared  for  use  as  dumpsites,  and  construction  of  a  new  molybdenum  processing  plant.  

The   leading  component   is  a  molybdenum  plant   to  be  built  near   the  collective   flotation  area,  next   to   the  existing   concentrating   plant.   This   includes   a   standard   5.5-­‐kTPD   selective   flotation   circuit   encompassing  primary  flotation,  cleaning  flotation,  filtration,  drying,  and  concentrate  storage.  The  resulting  copper-­‐gold  concentrate  will  be  the  “tailings”  to  be  sent  to  the  existing  concentrating  plant  for  processing.  

The   Esperanza   Upgrade   IV   –   Process   Optimization,   whose   DIA   was   filed   in   June,   focuses   on   improving  existing   milling   and   flotation   systems   through   a   secondary   and   tertiary   crushing   plant   designed   to  complement  current  capacity.  Plans  also  contemplate  new  concentrate  and  tailing  thickeners.  

Once   completed,   the   Esperanza   upgrades  will   boost   concentrating   plant   throughput   by   12   kTPD   to   105  kTPD,  which  would   translate   into  an  additional  19  kTPY  copper  concentrate.  The  molybdenum  plant  will  produce  an  estimated  11.5  kTPY  during  operation  lifespan.  

Workforce:  875  during  construction;  49  during  operation.  

Throughput:  An  additional  12  kTPD  sulfide  ores  and  5.5  kTPD  molybdenum.  

Est.   Investment  Amount:  US$550  million  (Esperanza  Upgrade  III:  US$200  million;  Esperanza  Upgrade  IV  –  Process  Optimization:  US$350  million).  

Status:   Under   construction  and   feasibility   study  underway,   respectively.  Upgrade   III   secured  approval  of   its  Environmental   Impact  Statement   (DIA)   in  May  2012  while  Upgrade  IV  awaits  approval  of  DIA  filed   in  June  2013.  Start-­‐up  for  both  expected  no  earlier  than  2015.  

LOS  PELAMBRES  EXPANSION  IV  (Minera  Los  Pelambres  S.A.)  

Los  Pelambres  stands  170  km  east  of  Los  Vilos,  at  an  altitude  of  3,100  m.  Baseline  resources  stand  at  5.6  billion   tons   with   0.52   copper   grades   (plus   0.013   molybdenum   and   0.03   g/t   gold),   over   four   times   the  current  operation  reserves.  

The   company   is   exploring   two   long-­‐term  development  options.  Option   1   requires   no  new   infrastructure  and   involves   increasing   concentrating   plant   capacity   by   up   to   15   percent.   Option   2,   or   Los   Pelambres  Expansion,  seeks  to  increase  processing  capacity  by  175  kTPD.  

The  company  has  been  conducting  a  preliminary   feasibility  study  of  both  options  since  2012.  Last  year  a  drilling  campaign  succeeded  in  reclassifying  available  mineral  resources.  

While   the   long-­‐term  goal   is   to  double   the  ore  processing   capacity,   the  project  will   proceed   gradually   to  ensure  sustainability.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  An  additional  175  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Page 34: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  32  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  At  least  US$7  billion.  

Status:   Preliminary   feasibility   study   completed   in   2013,   to   be   followed   by   feasibility   study.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2021;  production  to  rise  gradually  starting  in  2022.  

2.2   BHP  Billiton  (www.bhpbilliton.com)  

ESCONDIDA  OXIDE  LEACH  AREA  PROJECT  (Minera  Escondida  Ltda.)    The   Oxide   Leach   Area   Project   (OLAP)   calls   for   construction   of   a   new   dynamic   heap   and   a   system   of  conveyors   designed   to  maintain   oxide   leaching   capacity   at   current   levels   after   depletion   of   the   existing  heap  in  2014.  Current  SX-­‐EW  cathode  production  equipment  and  facilities  will  remain  in  use.  

Workforce:  420  to  800  during  construction;  85  during  operation.  

Throughput:  67.5  kTPD,  same  as  current.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$721  million.  

Status:   In  progress,  start-­‐up  expected  in  mid-­‐2014.  

 

ESCONDIDA  ORGANIC  GROWTH  PROJECT  I  (Minera  Escondida  Ltda.)  

In   2011   BHP   reformulated   the   original  Escondida  Phase  V  project  as  an  organic  growth  project  calling   for  addition  of  a  new  mill   to   the  Laguna   Seca   Plant,   increasing   plant   throughput  by   15   kTPD,   and   build   a   new   152-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant  replacing  the  Los  Colorados  facility,  slated  for  decommissioning  to  clear  the  area  for  new  mining.  

Plans   include   a   second   organic   growth   project  (OGP   II)   which   calls   for   adding   a   third   plant,   a  seawater   desalination   facility,   and   power   line  infrastructure.   OGP   II   is   at   the   scoping   study  stage.  

Workforce:  5,900  to  8,570  during  construction;  739  during  operation.  

Throughput:  Net  47  kTPD  sulfide  ores  increase:  a)  Boost  Laguna  Seca  Plant  by  15  kTPD  to  135  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  b)  Decommission  120-­‐kTPD  Los  Colorados  plant.  c)  Add  152-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.83  billion.  

Status:   In  progress   since   February  2012,   30  percent   completed   in   June  2013.  Concentrating  plant  start-­‐up  expected  in  Q1  2015.  

Page 35: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  33  

2.3   Capstone  Mining  (www.capstonemining.com)  

SANTO  DOMINGO  (Minera  Santo  Domingo)  

Santo  Domingo   is   the   largest  of   four   IOCG  deposits  being   reviewed  by  Capstone  Mining   in   the  Diego  de  Almagro   district   following   its   June   2011   acquisition   of   Far   West   Mining.   A   preliminary   feasibility   study  completed  in  August  2011  reassessed  project  investment  and  operating  parameters.  

Available   information   suggests   possible   development   of   sulfide   resources   to   produce   over   100   kTPY  refined  copper,  470  kg/yr.  of  gold,  and  4  million  TPY  iron  ores  (magnetite  and  hematite).  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  70  kTPD  sulfide  ores  through  the  first  five  years,  63.5  kTPD  sulfide  ores  thereafter.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$1.8  billion.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  and  preparation  of  Environmental   Impact  Assessment  Review  underway.  In  late  2012  the  company  deferred  completion  of  feasibility  study  to  2014  and  start-­‐up  to  no  earlier  than  2017,  assuming  reasonable  electricity  costs.  

2.4   Doña  Inés  de  Collahuasi    (www.collahuasi.com)  

COLLAHUASI  EXPANSION  (PHASE  III)  

Collahuasi   is  expanding  its  ore  processing  capacity  from  140  to  270  kTPD  with  a  view  to  boosting  refined  copper  production  to  +1  million  TPY.    Expansion  plans,  first  designed  to  boost  processing  from  140  to  270  and  then  to  260  kTPD,  had  a  new  stage  added  in  2011.  

a) Phase  I,  completed  in  October  2011,  optimized  facilities  for  throughput  of  150  kTPD.  

b) Phase   II,   completed   in   Q2   2013,   is   part   of   optimization   plans   designed   to   achieve   a   160   kTPD  processing  rate.  Last  March  SAG  mill  3,  which  handles  nearly  two-­‐thirds  of  site  output,  underwent  the  necessary  overhaul  during  a  scheduled  45-­‐day  shutdown.  

c) Phase   III,   currently   undergoing   a   preliminary   feasibility   study,   would   add   1   or   2   milling   lines  designed   to   boost   processing   to   260-­‐350   kTPD   in   order   to   achieve   Collahuasi’s   +1   million   TPY  refined  copper  target.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  An  additional  260  to  350  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  Phase  III:  US$6.5  billion.  

Status:   Phases   I  and   II   completed.  Per  Collahuasi’s  2012  Annual  Report,   “Phase   III  expansion  will  remain   in   the   prefeasibility   stage   until   operating   stability   is   restored”.   Based   on   this,  Cochilco  expects  start-­‐up  no  earlier  than  2019,  two  years  later  than  estimated  in  2012.  As  such,  investment  amounts  remain  subject  to  review.  

 

Page 36: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  34  

2.5   Freeport-­‐McMoRan    (www.fcx.com)    EL  ABRA  MILL  (Cía.  Contractual  Minera  El  Abra)  

First   envisaged   a   decade   ago,   then   shelved   in   favor   of   the   recently   commissioned   Sulfolix  hydrometallurgical   project,   the   project   ensures   operational   continuity   by   processing   primary   sulfide  reserves  emerging  under  leachable  resources.  A  preliminary  feasibility  study  for  a  new  concentrating  plant  was  started  in  July  2010.  

The  new  plant  intends  to  process  150  to  200  kTPD  in  order  to  produce  some  300  kTPY  copper  concentrate,  double  the  current  copper  cathode  output.  An  exploration  campaign  conducted  in  2012  shows  that  El  Abra  Mill  has  the  potential  to  produce  over  450  kTPY  copper  concentrate.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  Throughput:  150  to  200  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$5  billion.  

Status:   Feasibility   study   underway,   with   a   focus   on   evaluating   a   potential   large-­‐scale   milling  operation.   An   exploration   campaign   points   to   significant   sulfide   resource   potential.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2018.  

2.6   Pan  Pacific  Copper    (www.ppcu.co.jp)  

CASERONES  (Minera  Lumina  Copper  Chile)  

Caserones  stands  at  4,200  m  altitude,  115  km  southeast  of  Copiapó,  in  Atacama.  The  project  entails  mining  sulfides  for  their  copper,  gold  and  molybdenum  content  and  leaching  lower-­‐grade  resources.  Plans  call  for  expanding  concentrating  capacity  to  160  kTPY  copper  and  3  kTPY  molybdenum  and  leaching  capacity  to  30  kTPY  SX-­‐EW  cathodes.  

Sulfide   stage   implementation   contemplates   80-­‐90   kTPD   concentrating   throughput   through   the   first   four  years,  then  a  boost  to  125  kTPD  to  offset  declining  grades.  Expected  average  concentrating  grades  are  0.35  oxides   and   0.45   sulfides   through   the   first   five   years.   Expected   average   leaching   grades   are   0.22   soluble  copper  and  0.34  total  copper  concentrating  grades  through  the  entire  28-­‐year  life  of  mine.  

Pre-­‐stripping  of  15  million  tons  of  overburden  was  performed  from  December  2011  to  December  2012.  

Workforce:  5,000  during  construction;  1,500  during  operation.  

Throughput:  80-­‐90  kTPD  sulfide  ores  during  first   four  years,  then  a  boost  to  125  kTPD  to  offset  declining  grades.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3  billion.  

Status:   SX-­‐EW  plant  was  commissioned   in  March  2013  and  began  shipping   in  May  2013.  First  copper  concentrate  production  expected  in  late  2013,  with  full  production  in  Q1  2014.  

Page 37: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  35  

2.7   KGHM  International    (www.quadrafnx.com)  

SIERRA  GORDA  (Minera  Quadra  Chile)  

A   deposit   located   in   the   vicinity   of   Spence   and   Tesoro,   140   km   east   of   Antofagasta.   A   joint   venture   by  KGHM  International  (55%)  and  Sumitomo  (45%).  

Exploration   suggests   the   presence   of   major   copper,   gold   and   molybdenum   reserves   that   could   be  processed   at   a   rate  of   110   kTPD   to  produce   some  220   kTPY   refined   copper   in   concentrate   and   cathode  form  plus  62  koz/yr.  gold  and  11  kTPY  molybdenum  over  a  20-­‐year  lifespan.  

Changes  introduced  by  KGHM  in  April  2012  to  the  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  Review  approved  in  2011   increased  the   final   investment  amount  to  US$3.07  billion.  Pre-­‐stripping  got  underway   in  December  2012,   following   final   EIA   approval.   Some   61.1  million   tons   of   overburden   had   been   removed   to  March  2013.  

After  year  3   the  company  plans   to  expand   to  190  kTPD  at  a  cost  of  US$828  million   in  order   to  maintain  copper  production  targets.  

Workforce:  6,000  during  construction;  2,000  during  operation.  

Throughput:  110  to  190  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.9  billion.  

Status:   In   progress,   pre-­‐stripping   33   percent   completed.   Seawater   piping   and   tailings   dam  construction   ongoing   since   Q1   2013.   Plant   construction   25   percent   completed.   Start-­‐up  expected  in  2015.  

2.8   Teck    (www.teck.com)  

QUEBRADA  BLANCA  PHASE  2  (Minera  Quebrada  Blanca)  

A  hypogenic  primary  sulfide  deposit  underlying  secondary  supergenic  sulfide  ores  currently  yielding  some  80  kTPY  SX-­‐EW  cathodes.  Development  is  slated  to  coincide  with  depletion  of  economic  leachable  reserves  and  should  prolong  the  life  of  mine  by  39  years.  

Project   calls   for   a   135-­‐kTPD   concentrating  plant  using  desalinated  water.   Expected  production   stands   at  200  kTPY  copper  concentrate  and  5.2  kTPY  molybdenum  concentrate.  

In   October   2012   the   company  withdrew   its   EIA  with   plans   to   restate   and   resubmit   it   by   Q2   2013.   This  implied  a  one-­‐year  delay   in   the  project   schedule,  a   time   frame   the  company   intended   to  use   to  bargain  with  electricity  suppliers  and  secure  financing.  In  late  April  2013,  however,  the  company  reported  that  the  restated  EIA  would  not  be  filed  before  2014  due  to  issues  with  permits  that  need  to  be  revised  in  light  of  the  new  EIA  filing.  The  company  is  also  taking  steps  to  substantially  reduce  capital  expenditures.  

Workforce:  7,000  to  9,200  during  construction;  1,787  to  2,053  during  operation.  

Throughput:  135  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$5.59  billion.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  underway.  EIA  being  restated  due  to  the  need  to  secure  revised  permits  for   existing   facilities.   EIA   filing   expected   no   earlier   than   2014.   If   approved,   construction  could  start  in  early  2016,  with  start-­‐up  in  2019.  

Page 38: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  36  

RELINCHO  (Minera  Relincho)  

A  copper  and  molybdenum  deposit  50  km  north  of  Vallenar,  bought  by  Teck  in  2008  and  kept  in  reserve.  

Preliminary   studies   call   for   a   processing   capacity   of   140   kTPD   to   produce   up   to   180   kTPY   copper  concentrate   and   6   kTPY   refined   molybdenum   over   22   years.   Similar   to   Quebrada   Blanca,   it   would   use  desalinated  water.  

In  late  2012  the  company  reported  contractor  issues  securing  port  and  power  facility  construction  permits.  As  a  result,  completion  of  feasibility  study  has  been  deferred  to  late  2013.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  140  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.9  billion,  excluding  desalination.  

Status:   Feasibility   study  underway,   although   issues   securing  port   and  power   facility   construction  permits  have  delayed  completion  to  late  2013.  Cochilco  now  expects  start-­‐up  in  2019.  

2.9   Glencore  Xstrata    (www.xstrata.com)  

LOMAS  BAYAS  III  SULFIDES  (Minera  Lomas  Bayas)  

Xstrata   Copper   is   conducting   a   preliminary   feasibility   study   of   Lomas   Bayas   III,   a   sulfide   undertaking  designed   to   ensure   the   continuity   of   current   operations.   The   project   calls   for   developing   underlying  measured  and  indicated  sulfide  resources  of  about  435  million  tons  with  0.39  average  copper  grades.  

Includes  construction  of  a  70-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant  adding  70  kTPY  of  copper  concentrate  to  current  cathode  production  through  at  least  18  years.  Contemplates  use  of  seawater,  to  be  confirmed  by  feasibility  study.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  70  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$1.6  billion.  

Status:   Deemed  possible,  undergoing  preliminary  feasibility  study.  Start-­‐up  expected  in  2017.  

Page 39: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  37  

III)   Medium-­‐Scale  Copper  Mining    

3.1  Amerigo  Resources    (www.amerigoresources.com)  

VALLE  CENTRAL  EXPANSION  (Minera  Valle  Central  S.A.)  

Minera  Valle  Central  stands  8  km  east  of  Rancagua  and  90  km  south  of  Santiago,  at  700  m  altitude.  This  operation   currently   handles   some   45   kTPD   of   Colihues   Dam   tailings   and   135   kTPD   of   fresh   El   Teniente  Division  tailings.  

In   January  2013   the   company   filed  an  EIA   concerning  a  plan   to   increase   capacity   from  45   to  85  kTPD   in  order  to  process  tailings  from  the  older  Cauquenes  Dam.  

 

Workforce:  595  during  construction;  178  during  operation.  

Throughput:  70  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$152  million.  

Status:   Currently   in   the   feasibility   stage,   awaiting   EIA   approval.   Start-­‐up   expected   in   2015,  following  a  two-­‐year  construction  stage.  

 

3.2  Copec    (www.empresascopec.cl)  

DIEGO  DE  ALMAGRO  (Minera  Sierra  Norte  S.A.)  

An  IOCG  (iron  oxide-­‐copper-­‐gold)  deposit  some  12  km  west  of  Diego  de  Almagro,  15  km  SW  of  the  Pampa  Austral  dam,  and  50  km  east  of  Chañaral.  Reserves  include  300  kMT  copper  and  27  koz  of  gold  in  two  areas  known  as   Esther   and  Carmen-­‐Paulina.  Originally   a   Cerro  Dominador  project,   it   is   now  owned  by  Minera  Sierra  Norte,  a  mining  subsidiary  of  the  Copec  Group.  

The  project  calls   for  open-­‐pit  development  and  processing  of  up  to  100  million  tons  of  oxide,  sulfide  and  mixed  resources.  Oxides  will  be  handled  in  a  2-­‐kTPD  LX-­‐SX-­‐EW  plant  in  order  to  produce  some  11  kMT  SX-­‐EW   cathodes.   Sulfides   will   be   processed   in   24-­‐kTPD   concentrating   plant   to   produce   22   kTPY   copper  concentrate.  The  project  is  expected  to  extract  and  pipe  seawater  to  its  facilities.  

 

Workforce:  595  during  construction;  178  during  operation.  

Throughput:  24  kTPD  sulfide  ores;  2  kTPD  oxide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$597  million.  

Status:   Feasibility   study  underway,  awaiting  approval  of  EIA   filed   in  November  2012.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2015.  

Page 40: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  38  

3.3  Hot  Chili    (www.hotchili.net.au)  

PRODUCTORA  (Soc.  Minera  El  Águila  Ltda.)  

Productora   stands   in   Sierra  Coyiguales,  18  km  SW  of  Vallenar,  Atacama.  A   scoping   study   showed   sulfide  resources  of  over  165  million  tons  with  grades  of  0.6  copper,  0.1  g/t  gold  and  123  ppm  molybdenum.  Plans  call  for  open-­‐pit  development  and  processing  in  a  30-­‐kTPD  concentrating  plant  to  produce  50  kTPY  refined  copper   and   42   Koz/yr.   gold   through   a   lifespan   of   20   years.   A   preliminary   feasibility   study,   slated   for  completion  in  late  2013,  is  assessing  development  options.  EIA  filing  expected  in  the  second  half  of  2013.  

 

Workforce:  Not  available  

Throughput:  30  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$700  million.  

Status:   Completion  of  preliminary  feasibility  study  expected  in  late  2013,  investment  decision  expected  in  2014.  Start-­‐up  no  earlier  than  2018.  

 

3.4  PanAust    (www.panaust.com.au)  

INCA  DE  ORO  (Cía.  Minera  Inca  de  Oro)  

A   project   first   scoped   by   Codelco   following   exploration   in   the   Diego   de   Almagro   district.   A   preliminary  feasibility  study  called  for  production  of  50  kTPY  copper  concentrate  and  40  koz/yr.  of  gold.  Plans  include  storing  pre-­‐stripping  overburden  for  subsequent  oxide  leaching  in  order  to  offset  an  expected  subsequent  decline  in  copper  concentrate  output.  

Since   this   is   a  minor  project   for  Codelco’s   scale  of  operation,   a  66  percent   share  was   sold   to  Australia’s  PanAust  under  Law  19137,  with  Codelco  retaining  34  percent  ownership.  The  agreement  included  payment  of  an  additional  net  smelter  return  (NSR)  fee  to  Codelco.  

A   feasibility   study   completed   in   June   2012   determined   that   at   a   price   of   US$3/lb.,   the   project  was   not  robust   enough   and   recommended   postponement.   The   company   is   now   considering   improvements   that  include   addition   of   adjoining   prospects   Carmen   and   Artemisa.   Competitive   electrical   rates   will   also   be  negotiated.  

 

Workforce:  1,000  during  construction;  350  during  operation.  

Throughput:  30  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$600  million.  

Status:   Revising  feasibility  study  completed  in  June  2012.  As  a  result,  Cochilco  restates  its  start-­‐up  estimate  to  no  earlier  than  2017.  

 

Page 41: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  39  

3.5  Pucobre    (www.pucobre.cl)  

EL  ESPINO  (El  Espino  S.A.)  

A  copper/gold  project  36  km  NE  of   Illapel,   in  the  province  of  Choapa,  Coquimbo.   It   is  owned  by  Pucobre  through  wholly-­‐owned  El  Espino  S.A.,  bought  in  March  2011  from  Canada-­‐based  Explorator  Resources  Inc.  

Recent  estimates  suggest  reserves  of  735  kMT  copper  and  828  Koz  of  gold.  Plans  call  for  a  6.3-­‐kTPD  LX-­‐SX-­‐EW   plant   and   a   20-­‐kTPD   concentrating   plant   handling   sulfide   ores.   Expected   output   is   7.2   kTPY   copper  cathodes   from   oxide   leaching,   32.8   kTPY   refined   copper   from   sulfides,   and   25   Koz/yr.   gold   concentrate  over  an  18-­‐year  lifespan.  

Workforce:  2,900  during  construction;  700  during  operation.  

Throughput:  20  kTPD  sulfide  ores,  6.3  kTPD  oxide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$624  million.  

Status:   Undergoing  preliminary   feasibility   study,   EIA   filed   in  April   2013.  Company  expects  EIA  approval  in  2014  and  start-­‐up  in  2017.  

 

TOVAKU  (Sociedad  Punta  del  Cobre  S.A.)  

Tovaku,   formerly   Puntilla   Galenosa,   is   a   copper   oxide   joint   venture   with   Codelco,   which   provides   the  mining  concession  while  Pucobre  assumes  feasibility  and  exploration  costs.   If   feasible,  the  project  will  be  60  percent  owned  by  Pucobre  and  40  percent  by  Codelco.    Tovaku,  50  km  from  Tocopilla,  in  Antofagasta,  is  in  the  preliminary  feasibility  stage.  Estimated  investment  amount  is  US$600  million  for  production  on  the  order  of  40  kTPY  copper  cathodes.    Workforce:  4,700  during  construction;  650  during  operation.  Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$600  million.  

Status:   Preliminary   feasibility   study   underway.   EIA   filing   expected   in   late   2013;   start-­‐up  expected  in  2018.  

Page 42: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  40  

Annex  C  -­‐  Gold  and  Silver  Mining  

1.   Atacama  Pacific  Gold    (www.atacamapacific.com)  

CERRO  MARICUNGA  (Minera  Atacama  Pacific  Gold  Chile  Ltda.)  

Cerro   Maricunga,   owned   by   Canada-­‐based   Atacama   Pacific  Gold,  stands  140  km  NE  of  Copiapó,  Atacama,  at  the  northern  end  of   the  Maricunga  gold  belt,  some  20  km  south  of  Kinross  Gold’s  La  Coipa  gold  and  silver  mine.  

Measured   and   indicated   resources   are   248  million   tons   with  gold   grades   of   0.42   g/t,   equivalent   to   over   3.34   million   oz.  Inferred   resources   stand  at  226  million   tons  with  gold  grades  of  0.36  g/t  or  some  2.65  million  oz.  of  gold  content.  

Based   on   a   Preliminary   Economic   Assessment   finalized   in  March   2013,   the   project   calls   for   an   open-­‐pit   operation   and  heap-­‐leaching   of   80   kTPD   oxide   ores   to   produce   some   298  Koz/yr.   gold   through   the   first   five   years,   then   an   average   of  220  Koz/yr.  during  a  lifespan  of  10  years.  

In  June  2013  the  company  and  Eton  Chile,  an  Exeter  Resources  subsidiary  developing  the  Caspiche  project,  entered   into  a   joint   venture   to  explore  groundwater   sources   in   shared  areas  of  Cuenca  Dos  and   Laguna  Verde,  Atacama.  In  July  2013  the  company  bought  a  flow  of  2.5  million  cbm/year  (80  l/s)  from  utility  Aguas  Chañar  S.A.  to  supply   its  65-­‐kTPD  processing  plant  option.  Flow  rates  could  rise  to  100   l/s   if   the  80-­‐kTPD  plant  option  is  selected.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  65  to  80  kTPD  of  oxide  ores  for  cyanide  leaching.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$515  million.  

Status:   Feasibility   study  underway.  Currently  considering  elimination  of  proposed  secondary  and  tertiary  crushers  in  order  to  cut  CAPEX  for  the  65-­‐kTPD  operation.  EIA  should  be  filed  in  August  2013.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2017.  

2.   Barrick  Gold    (www.barrick.com)  

PASCUA  (Cía.  Minera  Nevada  S.A.)    (www.pascualama.com)    

Pascua,   a   gold   deposit   at   4,600  m   altitude   53   km  north  of   the  old  El   Indio  Mine,   forms  a   single  unit  with  the  Lama  deposit  on  the  Argentine  side  of  the  border.   Global   reserves   are   estimated   at   17.1  million  oz.  gold  and  560  million  oz.  silver,  mostly  in  oxide  form.  

Page 43: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  41  

Three-­‐fourths  of  reserves  lie  in  Chile  (Pascua)  and  the  remainder  in  Argentina  (Lama).  Ores  will  be  crushed  on-­‐site   in   Chile,   then   trucked   to   facilities   across   the   border.   These   include   a   cyanide   leaching   plant  processing  free-­‐milling  ores  (83%)  to  produce  metal  doré12  and  a  concentrating  plant  processing  refractory  ores  (17%)  to  obtain  a  gold-­‐  and  silver-­‐rich  copper  concentrate.  

Expected   annual   output   stands   at   850   koz/yr.   gold   and   35  million   oz.   silver   (about   26   TPY   gold   and   1.1  million  TPY  silver,  respectively),  about  ¾  from  the  Chilean  side.  Information  on  marginal  copper  content  is  not  available.  

Barrick  has  halted  construction  in  Chile  in  order  to  meet  environmental  and  other  conditions  imposed  by  regulatory  authorities,  although  activities  deemed  necessary  for  environmental  protection  will  carry  on  as  authorized.  Construction   in  Argentina,  site  of  most  key   infrastructure,   including  the  processing  plant  and  tailings  dam,  is  not  affected.  

Workforce:  6,000  during  construction;  1,660  during  operation.  

Throughput:  33  kTPD  through  the  first  three  years;  44  kTPD  thereafter.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$4.25  billion  (portion  to  be  disbursed  in  Chile,  total  cost  is  US$8.5  billion).  

Status:   Construction  on  hold  following  a  July  2013  restraint  order  granted  by  the  Court  of  Appeals  of   Copiapó   to   five   Huasco   River   Valley   native   communities   that   charged   Barrick   with  numerous  environmental  standard  violations.  These  included  razing  glaciers  Toro  1,  Toro  2  and   Esperanza   near   the   minesite   and   contaminating   local   water   resources   by   dumping  untreated   overburden.   New   details   were   expected   in   late   May.   The   project   had  additionally  been  fined  over  CLP$160  million   in  March  and  April.  Barrick  has   indicated   its  intention   to   restructure   construction   of   a   processing   plant   and   other   facilities   on   the  Argentine  side  in  order  to  start  producing  in  mid-­‐2016.  

CERRO  CASALE  (Minera  Estrella  de  Oro  Ltda.)    (www.cerrocasale.cl)  

Located   in   Aldebaran,   on  the   southern   tip   of   the  Maricunga  gold  belt  100  km  due   east   of   Copiapó,   Cerro  Casale   is   among   Chile’s  largest   undeveloped   gold  deposits.  

The   project   contemplates  gold,   silver,   and   copper  production.   A   75-­‐kTPD  cyanide   leaching   plant   will  process   free-­‐milling   ores   to  obtain   doré   while   a   150   to  

170  kTPD  concentrating  plant  will  process  sulfide  ores  to  obtain  a  gold-­‐  and  silver-­‐rich  copper  concentrate.  

Expected  gold  production  through  the  first  five  years  is  estimated  at  1  million  oz.  (31  TPY)  and  some  850  koz/yr.   thereafter.   Copper   production   is   an   estimated   115   to   127   kTPY   concentrate   through   a   17-­‐year  lifespan.  

                                                                                                                         12  A  gold  and  silver  alloy  in  bar  form.  It  is  a  common  commercial  gold  ore  form.  Doré  is  further  refined  to  separate  gold  and  silver.  

Page 44: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  42  

An  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  Review  filed  for  Cerro  Casale  in  July  2011  was  approved  in  Q4  2012.  

In   May   2013   the   Court   of   Appeals   of   Copiapó   dismissed   an   application   for   injunctive   relief   filed   by  members  of  the  Colla  native  community  against  approval  of  the  EIA  for  Cerro  Casale.  The  ruling  held  that  the   process   was   not   arbitrary   and   that   native   communities   had   been   consulted   as   required   under   ILO  Convention  169.  The  Colla  native  community  appealed  on  9  May  but  withdrew  its  appeal  in  June  2013.  

Workforce:  11,000  during  construction;  2,000  during  operation.  

Throughput:  75  kTPD  oxide  ores  for  cyanide  leaching;  150  to  170  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$6  billion.  

Status:   Feasibility   study   completed,   awaiting   investment   decision.   Barrick   is   reviewing  conditions  in  the  Environmental  Assessment  Resolution  (RCA).  In  the  current  high-­‐cost  environment,  Barrick  will  not  consider  a  construction  decision  until  Pascua-­‐Lama  gets  underway.   In   Cochilco’s   view,   this   stance  will   delay   project   start-­‐up   by   at   least   two  years  to  no  earlier  than  2020.  

3.   Exeter  Resource  Corp.  (exeterresource.com)  

CASPICHE  (Minera  Eton  Chile)  

Caspiche   stands   in   the   Maricunga   gold  belt,   120   km   of   Copiapó,   between   the  Cerro  Casale  gold/copper  deposit  and  the  Refugio   Mine,   at   altitudes   of   4,200   to  4,700  m.  

Project   resources   are   an   estimated   889  million   tons   with   0.58   g/t   gold,   0.24  copper   and   1.13   g/t   silver   grades  translating  into  19.3  million  oz.  gold,  41.5  million   tons   silver   and   2.1   million   tons  copper  (30.1  million  oz.  gold  equivalent).    A  preliminary   feasibility   study   released   in  January   2012   estimated   a   19-­‐year   open-­‐pit   operation   with   a   150-­‐kTPD  concentrating   plant   and   a   leaching   plant  for  oxide  ores  and   low-­‐grade  copper.  The  leaching  plant  will  process  some  72  kTPD  during  the  first  five  years,  then  fall  back  to  33  kTPD  through  the  end  of  oxide  processing  in  year  ten.    Gold  and  silver  will  be  recovered  in  an  activated  carbon  recovery  circuit.  Average  lifespan  production  is  an  estimated  696  koz/yr.  gold  and  844  koz/yr.  silver  (about  21  TPY  gold  and  26  TPY  silver,  respectively)  plus  110  kTPY  copper  concentrate  containing  some  gold  and  silver.    Two  milestones  were  announced  in  June  2013.  First,  land  rights  and  easements  were  secured.  The  second  was  a   joint  venture  with  the  Chilean  affiliate  of  Canada-­‐based  Atacama  Pacific  Gold,  now  developing  the  

Page 45: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  43  

Cerro   Maricunga   project,   to   explore   groundwater   sources   in   shared   areas   of   Cuenca   Dos   and   Laguna  Verde,  Atacama.    Workforce:  Not  available.  Throughput:  150  kTPD  sulfide  ores  and  up  to  72  kTPD  oxide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$4.6  billion.  

Status:   Preliminary   feasibility   study   completed   in   January   2012;   feasibility   study   underway,  expected  completed  in  late  2013.  The  company  is  reviewing  project  guidelines  with  a  view  to   adding   oxide   ore   processing   to   mining   plans   in   order   to   minimize   CAPEX.   Start-­‐up  expected  in  2017.  

4.   Goldcorp    (www.goldcorp.com)  

EL  MORRO  (Minera  El  Morro)  

Project   spans   two   deposits   (El   Morro   and  Fortuna,   the   latter   holding   the   largest  potential)   located   in   Alto   del   Carmen,  Atacama,  80  km  east  of  Vallenar.  Reserves  are  an   estimated   6.7  million  oz.   of   gold   and  2.56  million  tons  of  copper.  

The   estimated   90   kTPD   processing   capacity  should   result   in  150  kTPY  copper  concentrate  with  high   (353  Moz/yr.;   10  TPY)   gold   content  over  15  years.  

The   project   contemplates   a   740-­‐l/s  desalination  plant  and  pumping  infrastructure  capable  of  supplying  most  water  requirements.  

Construction  was  halted  after  Environmental  Assessment  Resolution  approval  was  overturned  by  the  Court  of  Appeals  of  Antofagasta,  a  ruling  ratified  on  appeal  by  the  Supreme  Court  in  late  May  2012.  In  May  2013,  the  Environmental   Impact  Assessment  Service   (SEA)  was  ordered  by   the  Court  of  Appeals  of  Copiapó   to  reverse  a  mid-­‐March  resolution  ordering  El  Morro  to  consult  with  native  communities  as  required  by  the  Supreme  Court  decision.  The  order  was  grounded  on  an  application  for  a  restraint  order  filed  by  members  of   the  Diaguita  native  community  of   the  Upper  Huasco  Valley,   claiming   that   the  SEA   resolution   failed   to  meet  international  standards.  These  developments  have  pushed  back  both  the  native  consultation  and  EIA  approval  processes  by  at  least  six  months.  

Workforce:  3,800  during  construction;  2,000  during  operation.  

Throughput:  90  kTPD  sulfide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$3.9  billion.  

Status:   Investment   decision   on   hold   pending   review   of   compliance   with   ILO   Convention   169  standards  after  native  consultation  was  halted   in  May  2013.  El  Morro  expects   to   resume  construction  in  2014.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2018.  

Page 46: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  44  

5.   Hochschild  Mining  Plc.    (www.hochschildmining.com)  

VOLCÁN  (Andina  Minerals  Chile)  

Volcán   stands   in   the  Maricunga   gold   belt,   some   120   km   east   of   Copiapó,   Atacama,   at   altitudes   ranging  from  4,600  m  to  5,200  m,  23  km  NW  of  the  Refugio  Mine.  Volcán  is  owned  by  Peruvian-­‐based  Hochschild  Mining  Plc.  following  acquisition  of  a  90.84  percent  stake  from  Andina  Minerals  in  early  2013.  

The   property   contains   mineral   deposits   El   Dorado   and   Ojo   de   Agua.   The   company   is   focusing   on   the  former,  size  of   the   largest  high-­‐grade  gold  reserves.  Resources  are  estimated  at  389.68  million  tons  with  grades  of  0.71  g/t  and  reserves  at  282.6  million  tons  with  gold  grades  of  0.73  g/t.  

A   preliminary   feasibility   study   released   in   February   2011   calls   for   an   open-­‐pit   operation   producing   an  average  of  283  koz/yr.  gold  through  a  lifespan  of  15  years.  Throughput  is  an  estimated  55  kTPD,  including  11  kTPD  milled  for  flotation  and  44  kTPD  heap-­‐leached.  

The  new  owner   is  conducting  a  feasibility  study  on  variables  not  considered   in  the  preliminary   feasibility  study,   including   the   potential   of   sulfide   flotation   for   copper   recovery,   reducing   cyanide   consumption,  improving  gold  recovery,  continuous  plant  optimization,   increased  development  and  processing  capacity,  engineering  costs,  and  potential  synergies  with  nearby  operations.  

Workforce:  Up  to  3,000  during  construction;  550  during  operation.  

Throughput:  11  kTPD  sulfide  ores;  44  kTPD  of  oxide  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$800  million.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  underway  and  awaiting  EIA  approval.  Once  both  tasks  are  concluded,  construction  could  commence  in  2014  and  start-­‐up  in  2017.  

6.  Kingsgate  Consolidated  Ltd.    (www.kingsgate.com.au)  

NUEVA  ESPERANZA  (Laguna  Resources  Chile  Ltda.)  

Nueva  Esperanza,   formerly  Arqueros,   stands   in  the  Maricunga  gold  belt,  east  of  Copiapó.  

The   project   consists   of   well-­‐defined   orebodies  Arqueros,  Chimberos  and  Teterita,  plus  a  range  of   other   exploration   targets.   In   2000-­‐2004  Arqueros  was  mined  underground  on  a   limited  scale,  yielding  some  288  koz  of  gold  equivalent.  Chimberos   was   previously   developed   as   an  open-­‐pit  mine,   yielding  about  40  million  oz.  of   silver   in  1998-­‐1999.  Resources   stand  at   a   combined  29.7  million  tons  with  grades  of  0.25  g/t  gold  and  79  g/t  silver  (1.9  million  oz.  gold  equivalent).  

Nueva   Esperanza  will   initially   process   leftover   resources   from   the   previous   development,  with   a   6-­‐kTPD  plant   handling   crushing,   milling,   cyanide   agitation   leach   and   Merrill   Crowe   recovery   of   metal   doré.  Production  is  an  estimated  250  kg/yr.  gold  and  100  TPY  silver  over  a  15-­‐year  lifespan.  

Page 47: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  45  

In   early   2013   the   company   reached   a   final   impact   remediation   agreement   with   affected   native  communities   under   ILO   Convention   169.   Following   RCA   approval   in   July,   the   company   intends   to   start  construction  in  September  while  continuing  to  apply  for  other  necessary  permits.  

Workforce:  Up  to  800  during  construction;  150  during  operation.  

Throughput:  6  kTPD  oxide  ores  for  cyanide  leaching.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$300  million.  

Status:   Feasibility   study   underway;   RCA   approved   in   July.   Construction   start   expected   in  September   2013.   Start-­‐up   of   initial   stage   expected   in   late   2014,   followed   by   phase-­‐in   of  remaining  stages.  

7.   Kinross    (www.kinross.com)  

LA  COIPA  PHASE  7  (Compañía  Minera  Mantos  de  Oro)  

A   gold   mine   some   1,000   km   north   of  Santiago   and   140   km  NW  of   Copiapó,  in   the   Maricunga   gold   belt,   in  Atacama.  

The  project,  referred  to  in  its  EIA  as  “La  Coipa   Phase   7”,   calls   for   mining   gold  and   silver   from   the   new   Pompeya  deposit,   ensuring   operational  continuity   after   the   impending  depletion  of  current  resources.  

Plans   call   for   conventional   open-­‐pit  development  and  ore   treatment  at  an  existing  processing  plant  nearby.  

La   Coipa   has   a   15-­‐kTPD   design   capacity.   The   company   EIA   confirms   that   the   new   phase  will   require   no  plant   capacity,   equipment,   or   facility   enhancements.   Ore   volume   fed   to   the   plant   will   be   below   that  handled  in  past  years,  thus  requiring  fewer  inputs.  

Similarly,  as  the  existing  infrastructure  remains  available,  no  new  construction  or  expansion  of  facilities  will  be   required,   including  minesite   camps,   shops,   explosive   storage,   input   supply  or   industrial   or  household  waste  management.  

Start-­‐up  for  a  four-­‐year  operation  expected  in  H1  2015,  with  site  closure  commencing  in  2019.  

Workforce:  100  during  construction;  80  during  operation.  

Throughput:  15  kTPD  of  ores  for  cyanide  leaching.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$200  million.  

Status:   Feasibility   study  underway,  EIA   filed   in   July  2013  and  awaiting  approval  no   later   than  Q1  2014,  with  construction  set  to  start  soon  thereafter.  Start-­‐up  expected  in  Q1  2015.  

 

Page 48: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  46  

LOBO-­‐MARTE  (SCM  Santa  Rosa)  

Deposit  located  in  the  Maricunga  gold  belt,  160  km  east  of  Copiapó,  at  4,200  m  altitude.  

A  preliminary  feasibility  study  calls  for  open-­‐pit  mining  at  a  rate  of  47  kTPD,  then  leaching  ores  to  obtain  an  estimated  350  koz/yr.  gold  (about  10  TPY)  in  doré  form.  

Work   was   halted   in   August   2012   in   order   to  downsize  the  project  and  investment  amounts.  At   present   the   company   remains   exploring  further  technical  and  economic  improvements.  

Workforce:  3,000  during  construction;  900  during  operation.  

Throughput:  47  kTPD  oxide  ores  for  cyanide  leaching.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$800  million.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  being  restated,  EIA  filed  in  June  2011.  Start-­‐up  not  expected  before  2017.  

8.   Yamana  Gold    (www.yamana.com)  

JERÓNIMO  (Agua  de  la  Falda  S.A.)  

Agua   de   la   Falda   is   57   percent   owned   by   Yamana   Gold   and   43   percent   by   Codelco.   Jerónimo,   a.k.a.   El  Hueso,  is  an  undeveloped  area  of  the  operation  shut  down  in  June  2002  after  producing  226,341  oz.  gold  in  1997-­‐2002.  

The   project   calls   for  metallurgical,   tailings  management   and   electrical   supply   changes   to   the   project   in  effect   through  2002.  Development  will  be  based  on   the  underground   room-­‐and-­‐pillar  method.  Resulting  waste   rock  will   be   used   to   fill   rooms  when   recovering   pillars   and   to   build   the   tailings   starter   dam.  Ore  treatment   processes   will   include   three-­‐stage   crushing,   milling,   flotation,   sulfide   oxidation,   cyanide  leaching,  elution,  electrowinning  and  smelting  to  obtain  metal  doré  in  bars.  

Resources  are  an  estimated  26.35  million  tons  with  grades  of  3.45  g/t  gold.  Expected  production  stands  at  about   150   koz/yr.   (4.5   TPY)   over   ten   years.   Some   190   koz/yr.   are   expected   initially,   declining   gradually  thereafter.  

After  withdrawing  the  EIA  first  filed  in  August  2011,  the  company  refiled  in  November  2012  with  a  revised  investment  amount  of  US$423  million.  

Workforce:  600  during  construction;  416  during  operation.  

Throughput:  4.2  kTPD  oxide  ores  for  cyanide  leaching.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$423  million.  

Status:   Feasibility   study   completed   but   awaiting   improvements,   EIA   refiled   in   November   2012.  Results  of  improvement  study  expected  in  2013.  EIA  refiling  pushed  the  project  back  by  at  least  a  year.  Start-­‐up  delayed  to  no  earlier  than  May  2015.  

Page 49: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  47  

Annex  D  -­‐  Iron  and  Industrial  Minerals  

I. IRON  MINING  

1.1   CAP  S.A.    (www.cap.cl)  

LOS  COLORADOS  EXPANSION  (Cía.  Minera  del  Pacífico  S.A.)  

Project   involves   building   a   new   plant   to   complement   an   existing   3.35-­‐million   TPY   facility   and   expand  production   of   iron   ore   preconcentrate   to   9.15  million   TPY.   The   new   facilities   will   add   2  million   tons   to  Huasco  Pellet  Feed  Plant  capacity.  

Workforce:  Not  available.  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  MMUS$413  

Status:   In  progress;  start-­‐up  expected  in  late  2013.  Part  of  the  larger  project  schedule  for  2014.  

CERRO  NEGRO  NORTE  (Cía.  Minera  del  Pacífico  S.A.)  

Open-­‐pit   development   of   the   Cerro  Negro  Norte   iron  mine  with   a   view   to   producing   on   the   order   of   4  million  dry  TPY  iron  concentrate  through  a  lifespan  of  20  years.  Project  facilities  include:  

Cerro   Negro   Norte,   comprising   the  mine   proper,   waste   rock   dumpsites,   ore   stockpiles,   primary  crushing   facilities,   ore   beneficiation   plant,   concentrating   plant,   thickened   tailings   dam,   and   a  pipeline  pumping  water  from  wells  in  Toledo,  in  the  Copiapó  River  Valley.  

Water/slurry  pipeline,   comprising  a  pipeline  pumping  water   from   the  port   to  Cerro  Negro  Norte  and  a  slurry  pipeline  transporting  iron  ore  concentrate  from  the  plant  to  existing  port  facilities.  

Punta   Totoralillo,   comprising   expansion   and/or   modification   of   the   filtration   plant,   emergency  pond  and  stockpile  areas  based  on  the  existing  port  infrastructure.  While  port  facilities  are  cleared  for  use  by  the  authorities,  additional  demand  from  the  project  will  require  an  expansion.  This  area  will   include  facilities  pumping  water  reclaimed  from   iron  ore  concentrate   filtration  back  to  Cerro  Negro  Norte.  

Workforce:  1,610  during  construction;  810  during  operation.  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$880  million.  

Status:   In  progress;  start-­‐up  expected  in  Q4  2013.  

Page 50: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  48  

1.2   Hebei  Wenfeng  Industrial  Group  (www.wfsteel.com)  

OSO  NEGRO  (Minera  San  Fierro  Chile  Ltda.)  

Oso  Negro,  owned  by  China’s  Hebei  Wenfeng  Industrial  Group,  stands  in  Cerro  Bandurrias,  60  km  south  of  Copiapó.  Iron  ores  mined  from  the  site  will  be  shipped  to  China  for  processing.  

The  operation  will  first  process  overlying  cakes  and  waste  rock,  then  mine  ores  from  a  pit  1,200  m  long  by  300  m  wide.  

Plans   call   for  mining   about   4,805   TPD   for   subsequent   crushing   and   dry  magnetic   separation   to   produce  2,988  TPD  of  dry  concentrate  with  55  percent  iron  content.  

The  processing  plant  will  feature  primary  and  secondary  crushers,  fine  ore  stockpile,  high-­‐pressure  grinding  roll   (HPGR)   crushing,   dry   magnetic   separation,   conveyor   belts,   dust   suppression   systems,   and   dry  concentrate  transportation  to  final  stockpiles  at  the  ports  of  Punta  Caleta  or  Punta  Totoralillo.  

Workforce:  220  during  construction;  500  during  operation.  

Throughput:  4,805  TPD  iron  ores.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$90.2  million.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  underway,  awaiting  approval  of  EIA  filed  in  September  2012.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2014.  

 

1.3   Santa  Fe  Mining  (www.santafegrupo.com)  

BELLAVISTA  (70%  JSW  Steel,  30%  Minera  Santa  Fe)  

Bellavista   stands   in   Llanos   de   Chamonate,   Copiapó,   2.7   km   from   the   Cerro   Imán  minesite,   10   km   from  Copiapó  and  65  km  from  the  port  of  Caldera.  Plans  call  for  producing  some  2.5  million  TPY  iron  concentrate  (65%  iron  content)  over  25  years.  

The  project   includes  optimizing   iron   recovery   through  wet  magnetic  concentration.   Iron  concentrate  will  be  shipped  in  28-­‐ton  trucks  to  the  port  of  Punta  Totoralillo  for  shipment  abroad.  

Workforce:  500  during  construction;  257  during  operation.  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$143  million.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  underway,  Environmental  Impact  Statement  (DIA)  approved.  Construction  expected  to  take  two  years,  start-­‐up  no  earlier  than  2015.  

Page 51: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  49  

II. INDUSTRIAL  MINERALS  

2.1   SQM  S.A.    (www.sqm.cl)  

PAMPA  HERMOSA  (SQM)  

The  project  stands  south  of  Pozo  Almonte,  in  the  new  Nueva  Victoria  Industrial  Zone,  site  of  SQM’s  long-­‐term  iodine  and  nitrate  production  facilities.  

The  project,  designed  to  increase  prilled  iodine  production  from  4.5  kTPY  to  11  kTPY,  also  calls  for  a  new  1.2-­‐million  TPY  sodium/potassium  nitrate  plant.  

Some  37  million  TPY  of  nitrates  will  be  mined  in  five  areas.  After  leaching,  solutions  will  be  transported  to  iodine  plants  and  then  to  solar  ponds  for  crystallization  of  salts  and  subsequent  purification  in  the  nitrate  plant.  

Workforce:  882  to  1,438  during  construction  (12  months);  448  to  678  during  operation.  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$1.03  billion.  

Status:   In  progress,  RCA  approved.  Construction  considers  gradual  implementation  over  five  years.  

COYA  SUR  POTASSIUM  NITRATE  PLANT  (NPT4)  (SQM  Industrial)  

The  plant  will  stand  in  the  Coya  Sur  Industrial  Zone,  2  km  south  of  María  Elena,  77  km  SW  of  Tocopilla  and  198  km  NE  of  Antofagasta.  

The   plant   will   include   ore   stockpiles,   waste   salt   disposal   sites   and   evaporation   ponds.   Salts   will   be  processed,  including  by  lump  ore  dissolution,  thickening,  crystallization  and  centrifugation,  to  obtain  a  final  product  in  prilled  or  bulk  form.  

The  plant  will   produce  550  kTPY   sodium/potassium  nitrate  or  450  kTPY  of  both,  plus  40  kTPY  boric   acid  over  40  years.  Production  is  shipped  to  the  Port  of  Tocopilla  for  transportation.  

Workforce:  380  to  570  during  construction;  30  during  operation.  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$250  million.  

Status:   Early  work  in  progress,  awaiting  DIA  approval.  Start-­‐up  expected  in  2014.  

PAMPA  BLANCA  EXPANSION  (SQM  Industrial)  

Pampa   Blanca,   south   of   SQM’s   María   Elena   hub,   will   add   six   new   mining   zones   increasing   the   nitrate  extraction  rate  to  37.3  million  TPY  over  50  years.  

Plans   call   for   construction   of   two   industrial   areas   to   increase   iodide   production   to   10   kTPY   iodine  equivalent   in   order   to   feed   a   new   10   kTPY   iodine   plant   to   produce   3.425  million   TPY   nitrate-­‐rich   salts  (1.293  million  TPY  sodium  nitrate).  

The  project  will  have  a  new  power   transmission  system  and  be  supplied  by  500   l/s  of  seawater  pumped  from  the  Bay  of  Mejillones.  

Workforce:  765  during  construction;  510  during  operation.  

Page 52: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  50  

Throughput:  Not  available.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$665  million.  

Status:   Early   work   in   progress,   awaiting   DIA   approval.   Mining   area   and   ancillary   facility  construction   is   expected   to   take   no   less   than   39   months.   Industrial   facility  construction  will  start  with  the  iodide  plant,  to  be  built  in  tandem  with  mining  areas,  and  should   take   three  years.   Subsequent   construction  of  a  planned   iodine  plant  will  take  another  two  years.  Start-­‐up  expected  no  earlier  than  2015.  

2.2 White  Mountain  Titanium  Corp  (www.wmtcorp.com)  

CERRO  BLANCO  

Cerro  Blanco,  named  for  the  mountain  on  which  it  lies,  is  a  rutile  deposit  near  the  port  city  of  Huasco,  39  km  west  of  Vallenar,  Atacama.  

Recent  company  estimates  point  to  reserves  of  81.5  million  tons  with  1.97  average  grades  and  0.8  cutoff  grades.  The  overburden/ore  ratio  is  an  estimated  1.78.  

The  project  calls  for  conventional  open-­‐pit  development  and  processing  of  some  11  million  TPY  of  ores  to  produce  4  million  TPY  of  rutile  over  20  years  and  4  months.  

A   gravity   concentration,   flotation   and   magnetic   concentration   plant   will   produce   some   73   kTPY   rutile  concentrate   with   96   percent   grades.   Complementary   feldspar   production   considered   in   the   original  feasibility  study  will  be  reevaluates  at  a  later  time  by  the  company.  

In  April  2012  the  company  secured  seawater  extraction  permits  for  a  desalination  plant.  

The   project   has   an   estimated   lifespan   of   24   years,   including   six   months   for   acquisitions   and   detail  engineering,  18  months  for  construction,  21  years  for  operation,  and  one  year  for  site  closure.  

Workforce:  450  to  705  during  construction;  658  to  795  during  operation.  

Throughput:  11.4  kTPD  rutile.  

Est.  Investment  Amount:  US$380  million.  

Status:   Feasibility  study  underway,  start-­‐up  expected  in  2016.  

Page 53: Investment Chilean Mining Industry 2013 2021

Chilean  Copper  Commission  -­‐  Research  Department     July  2013  

  51  

A  Cochilco  Research  Department  Publication  Prepared  By  

 

Vicente  Pérez  Vidal  

&  

Cristián  Cifuentes  González  

 

 

 

 

 

Director,  Research  Department  

María  Cristina  Betancour  Muñoz  

 

 

July  2013