With proven experience delivering cost-effective projects under lumpsum EPC contracts, Ausenco was selected to lead the engineering, procurement, construction, and production ramp-up to nameplate for a copper concentrator plant and related infrastructure - including the expansion of the desalination plant and the tailings dam - at the Mantoverde Development Project in Chile.
The Challenge
This world-class project in the Atacama region represents a strategic development in the global copper market. It is one of two primary projects Mantos Copper currently has underway in the region, focused on increasing production, reducing costs, and extending the life of its current operations.
Mantos Copper sought a partner who had the right experience and innovation to deliver a 31,600 t/day copper concentrator plant and all related infrastructure to support and enable expanded operations with guaranteed performance and price certainty.
The Better Way
Challenging earlier iterations of the concentrator plant design, our team found a better way to achieve cost efficiencies by relocating the primary crusher, redesigning the stockpile reclaim tunnel, revising tailings handlings, and optimizing grinding and flotation processes.
By reducing earthworks excavation requirements and the overall plant footprint and building heights, we were able to reduce capital and operating costs for Mantos Copper. Our efficient and optimised design is expected to reduce the environmental impact of the project including reduced carbon emissions.
Drawing on our global expertise we assembled the strongest and most efficient team to support the 36-month project during its development. The project will be led from our Chile office of more than 650 employees with the support of our technical experts located in Australia and Canada.
Redefining what’s possible, we look forward to safely delivering an exceptional project to Mantos Copper and all of its stakeholders. Upon completion in 2024, Mantoverde will produce 110,000 t/y of copper and 33,000 oz/y of gold during the first 7 years of the project’s 20 year life.
Status (as of August 2023)
Currently, 195 Ausenco team members are on the project- 45 in our Santiago office and 150 on -site. The engineering, procurement and contract management work have been completed.
With a total site workforce of 1,900 for the construction stage, the progress rate has reached over 90%.
The construction activities are focused on crucial areas such as the wet zone, sand plant and TSF.
The mine loop has been delivered to the client. The commissioning phases for the dry area, the truck shop, the desalination plant and the main electrical substation are currently in progress.