Construction achievements so far at the operation near Salamanca include civil works for the mine’s crush and screen plant, which began in October with civil works contractor Copisa, and the earthworks for the main and return water dams are now complete as dam liners are being manufactured. Dam contract work was performed by Cerezo.

Crews have also started to mine waste from the open-pit area for run-of-mine pad fill material, and the mine is taking delivery of all process plant equipment. In February, Metso is scheduled to begin construction of the turnkey crush and screen circuit for the operation.

Ormonde officials said there are currently 100 individuals helping to get the Spanish project up and running, about a third of them local.

“We are very pleased with the progress of construction work at the Barruecopardo mine site, with activities continuing to gather momentum,” interim managing director Michael Donoghue said, noting also that weather conditions at the sire have been favourable. “There have been a number of significant advances seen during the latest quarter.”

He noted that plant erection and installation has been scheduled for early next year.

Ormonde, which has a 30% interest in the Barruecopardo mine, has posted a drone fly-over video of the mine’s progress here.