After obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) to begin exploitation activities at the Tía María mining project, Southern Perú presented central changes for the mine located in the province of Islay, in the Arequipa region.
According to the Third Sustaining Technical Report (ITS) of the Tía María mining unit, presented to the National Environmental Certification Service for Sustainable Investments (Senace), details are provided five modifications.
Among them, the relocation and modification of mine workshopsthe mining-metallurgical industrial landfill, the explosives magazine, the water tank, the nitrate warehouse and the auxiliary components in the Tajo La Tapada area, located in Pampa Yamayo, in order to meet operational and maintenance demands.
Furthermore, the relocation and adaptation of the debris depositthe dynamic stack and its auxiliary components in Pampa Cachendo, with the aim of optimizing its location according to the requirements.
Also raised are the improvements in dynamic leach pile waterproofingincluding technological advances and mining safety standards.
The ITS includes the implementation of new offices, camps and the installation of a wastewater management system and generating equipment to ensure operation.
For these five actions, an investment of more than US$ 4.1 million is estimated.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Regarding the project schedule presented to Senace, which includes the approved Environmental Impact Study (EIA) of 2014 and the modifications, a 29 month construction periodwhich will include the stages of procedures, complementary engineering, procurement and execution of works.
Regarding the Tía María’s plan, the following phases are contemplated: procedures and permits (6 months), complementary engineering (six months), procurement (20 months), and the main construction (29 months), which includes the desalination plant, a high-voltage electrical transmission line, a primary crusher and the overland belt of the La Tapada Tajo.
Then, it is anticipated 6-month start-up and an operation phase of the La Tapada Tajo with a duration of approximately 15 years (180 months). While the operation of the third ITS will extend for 18 years (216 months), considering the operation of the proposed workshops, warehouses, water systems or camps.
Therefore, the Closing of the La Tapada Pit is scheduled for year 18 of the schedulewhile the closure of the Tía María Pit will take place around year 21, once the planned exploitation and operation stages have been completed.
At a global level, the Tía María project demands a total investment of US$ 1,802 millionaccording to Raúl Jacob, CFO of the company, in an interview with Gestión.
