Edmonton-based Altiplano Metals is eyeing March for its first production of copper-gold concentrate at its El Penon processing facility in Chile.

The processing facility will process ore from the Farellon mine.

Altiplano has completed installation of the crushing, milling, and flotation equipment, after receiving the plant equipment in January.

The company has also installed the hoppers and conveyor system, and has built four concrete platforms for the copper-gold concentrate dewatering filter press system, which will also be used in the magnetic separation and tailings dewatering processes.

Altiplano has also hooked up electrical connections to the plant, while also establishing a connection to the diesel energy generator which will provide support when necessary.

In February, Altiplano will focus on testing the crushing, milling, and copper-gold flotation concentration circuit, as well as finish construction on buildings at the site.

The company will install the iron oxide magnetic separation and dewatering equipment in March, and will also commence shipment and stockpiling of production from Farellon to the plant site. It will also finalise the storage area for the dry stack tailings, and install the analytical laboratory next month.

Sales of 3.86 million pounds of copper, at an average grade of 1.74% copper, for more than US$7.98 million. Altiplano has re-invested these funds into equipment and underground development at Farellon.

Antiplano acquired Farellon in 2017. The El Penon processing facility has been designed to reduce current operating costs by 33% and lower trucking costs by 75%. It will also reduce water usage by 75%.