The state-owned Chilean miner said it was given the okay for a modification to its original expansion plan, permitted prior and now 44% complete. Forthcoming work includes the addition of a deeper mine level to gain access to further, more complex reserves. The deeper work is expected to be done in a gradual manner under the newest plan.
According to a Reuters report, the expansion will help Codelco maintain a 450,000t/y output at the copper mine. Due to be completed in 2023, it will also add about five decades to the mine’s life.
Last month, the mine confirmed it had retained the OHL Group for a research and development and innovation (R&D&I) contract at El Teniente to boost service efficiencies, provide ongoing maintenance, perform operational support and other duties.
Mining commenced at El Teniente in 1905, and the mine already has over 3,000km of underground drifts.
