News

Production of copper concentrate has commenced at Mantoverde Copper Mine in Chile, where Mitsubishi Materials Corporation ("MMC") holds a 30% interest.
The mine initially began producing electrolytic copper in 1995 using leaching and the SX-EW method (*), and operations have been ongoing since then. The new development project is aimed at extracting deep sulfide ores, and major construction work, such as building a concentrator, has been completed, leading to the commencement of copper concentrate production. Facility ramp-up is currently in progress, with full-scale production expected in the second quarter of this fiscal year.
MMC has the right to offtake 30% of the copper production. The produced copper concentrate is anticipated to be clean with low impurities, ensuring a stable supply of copper resources over the long term until 2041.
(*) SX-EW: Solvent extraction and electrowinning - A hydrometallurgy process comprising solvent extraction and electrowinning

MMC Group established "For people, society and the earth, circulating resources for a sustainable future" as Our Commitment. We will promote the expansion of resource recycling and the enhancing the supply of high-performance materials and products to fulfill Our Commitment.

Overview of the Project

Property Holder

MMC (30%), Capstone Copper (70%)

Location and Topography

Atacama Region III of Chile, approximately 50 km from the coastline at 880 m.a.s.l.
Desert area with extremely low rainfall, but with a seawater desalination facility in place

Total Mineral Resources

5.7 million tonnes of contained copper

Total Mineral Reserves

2.1 million tonnes of contained copper

Mining Method

Open pit

Copper production

1,700 kt over mine life

Initial Mine Life

2041

[Related release]

February 12, 2021
Notice related to the completion of the acquisition of a minority stake in the Mantoverde copper mine in Chile
URL: https://www.mmc.co.jp/corporate/en/news/2021/news20210212.html