SNC-Lavalin is providing EPCM services for the project, located in the state of Mato Grosso, out of its Belo Horizonte office in Brazil.

Aripuanã, which is estimated to be operational by 2021, comprises an underground polymetallic mine, containing zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold, and a concentrate processing facility. Once completed, it will have an anticipated mine life of 13 years and a processing capacity of 1.8 metric tonnes of ore per year (Mtpa).

SNC-Lavalin's contract covers all operations required for copper, zinc and lead ore processing, including crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, filtration and storage of concentrates and tailings, as well as load out of the final concentrated products and all related surface infrastructure.

It also includes waste backfill, mine ventilation and mine dewatering.

SNC-Lavalin said the project will rely on data-centric engineering for development and design, and the use of immersive technologies for training operations personnel.

Work has now begun and is slated for completion by the beginning of 2021.

The Aripuanã project is owned by Mineração Dardanelos, a joint venture between Nexa Brazil (62.3%), Nexa Peru (7.7%) and Mineração Rio Aripuanã, a subsidiary of Karmin Exploration (30%).