Image: Phu Kham Copper-Gold: Low capital cost concentrator

Minerals & Metals1 min read

Phu Kham Copper-Gold: Low capital cost concentrator

Location
Laos
Client
Pan Australian Resources Limited
Timeframe
2008
Commodity
Copper; Gold; Precious Metals

The 12 Mt/y Phu Kham Copper-Gold deposit is located in a remote, mountainous site approximately 100 km north east of the Laos capital Vientiane and contains a mineral resource of 1.2 million tonnes of copper and 1.5 million ounces of gold.

Client requirements

The Phu Kham Copper-Gold Project was the second development phase of the Phu Kham deposit and uses a conventional process technology followed by flotation to produce a copper-precious metal concentrate.

Ausenco was retained to provide EPCM services for a 12 Mt/y copper concentrator and develop the process facilities for the project while the client was responsible for the general infrastructure and bulk earthworks.

Project solutions and approach

The project achieved a benchmark as the lowest capital cost/tonne production, with the design employing the following cost-effective design principles:

  • Compact footprint
  • Bulk materials sourced from South East Asia
  • Simple layout
  • Use of site terrain to minimize pumping and maximize access
  • Limited use of pipe racks
  • Short service runs e.g. pipe and cable
  • Use of a tower crane for construction and subsequent plant maintenance;
  • Modular design in selected areas

Outcomes and achievements

  • 3 million man hours worked without a single LTI
  • 3,400 personnel with 90% local Thai and Lao labour employed during construction period
  • Lowest capital cost/tonne production copper concentrator
  • Excellent safety record with over 3 million-man hours and 0 LTIs;
  • Peak construction workforce of 3400 personnel with 90% local Thai and Lao labour employed during construction period;
  • Logistics and freight tasks were successfully executed throughout the monsoon wet season;
  • Completed on schedule and on budget.