CONVEYING
35 Mt / y, to 85 Mt / y- initially supporting increased output from Batu Hijau mine’ s Phase 8 but in the future potentially also ore from the planned new Elang mine.
Phase 8 mining has already begun and is expected to extend the mine’ s operational life until 2030, with stockpiles potentially processed until 2033. The new OLC adds capacity to that from the existing OLC which is fed from two 60-89 gyratory crushers and supplies the SAG mill stockpile. The expansion project includes the new OLC, a new primary crushing station, new coarse ore stockpile and reclaim, and additional milling capacity with pebble crushing, flotation circuits and concentrate and tailings pipelines.
In its first nine months report for 2025, Amman stated that a Feasibility Study for Elang- one of the world’ s largest undeveloped copper-gold porphyry resources- has been completed. It states:“ The Elang mine will utilise existing Batu Hijau infrastructure, including mineral processing plants, power facilities, the Benete port and jetties, smelter, and the primary access road( PAR) connecting Benete to Batu Hijau pit.” Ore from the Elang coarse ore stockpile will be transported to Batu Hijau processing plants via a total 66 km overland conveyor( OLC) system. The PAR will be extended to Elang to serve as the main logistics route for equipment, materials, and the workforce from the
port, as well as to provide construction and maintenance access for the OLC and high voltage transmission line. However, Amman added:“ While the 2025 FS has been finalised, revisions and optimisation study are ongoing, including the relocation of the primary crushing station based on geotechnical assessment, redesign of sediment control ponds and PAR to reduce construction costs, and waste dump optimisation to lower mining costs.”
Antamina’ s Waste 2 conveyors
On February 15, 2024, Peru’ s National Environmental Certification Service for Sustainable Investments( SENACE) approved, after a detailed evaluation process, the Modification of the Environmental Impact Study( MEIA) of copper and zinc mining major Compañía Minera Antamina. This approval allows for an investment of approximately US $ 2 billion over the next few years, following Antamina’ s internal governance process, which will allow the company to extend its operations from 2028 to 2036 in the Áncash region.
The MEIA will allow Antamina to optimise existing mining components within its current operation, underpinning environmental, social and operational sustainability. Among the main modifications are the expansion of the footprint of the open pit, and the expansion and optimisation of the dumps and tailings dam. These modifications have been designed under strict engineering protocols, which guarantee safe conditions for workers and adjacent communities.
In terms of the consultants Antamina has worked with, DRA has played an important role. Back in 2020 it was elected by Antamina to lead the Early Contractor Involvement( ECI) phase of the Waste 1 project and has continued working with Antamina on various projects since then including involvement with the Waste 2 and CCS elements of the MEIA. Stantec has also provided extensive tailings-related services to Antamina as well as preparation of the MEIA document itself.
Stantec specialises in material handling design with experience in commodities, from copper to gold and diamonds to potash. The company told IM that it has done work for a wide range of mines producing 175,000 t / d from underground, and belt conveyor systems with capacities of up to 17,000 t / d, conveying material weighing up to 150 pounds per cubic foot with belt widths up to 96 inches.
The MEIA outlines the changes at Antamina going forward. The mine area will be increased by 25 % and the open pit will be deepened by additional 150 m will be deepened. Up to 173,000 t / d of ore will be extracted, with a waste movement of up to approximately 742,000 t / d.
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International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025