Exhibit 96.3
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
SIGNATURE PAGE
The following Qualified Person Firms and Qualified Persons prepared this technical report summary, titled “Trapiche Project, S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, Preliminary Feasibility Study” and confirm that the information in the technical report summary is current as of November 19, 2021.
“Signed”
M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation
Responsible for Sections: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 15 (in part), 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and corresponding subsections of 1, 22, and 23.
“Signed”
Klohn Crippen Berger S.A.
Responsible for Sections: 7 (in part), 12 (in part), 13 (in part), 15 (in part), 17 and corresponding subsections of 1, 22 and 23.
“Signed”
Mining Plus Peru SAC
Responsible for Sections: 6, 7 (in part), 8, 9, 11, 12 (in part), 13 (in part), and corresponding subsections of 1, 22 and 23.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1i
CONSENT |
I, Manuel A. Hernández, a “qualified person” for purposes of Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“S-K 1300”). In connection with Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, and any amendments or supplements and/or exhibits thereto (collectively, the “Form 20-F”), consent to:
● | the public filing and use of the technical report summary titled “Trapiche Project, SK-1300 Technical Report Summary, Preliminary Feasibility Study” (the “Technical Report Summary”), with an effective date of November 19, 2021, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Company’s Form 20-F; |
● | the use of and references to my name, including my status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in S-K 1300), in connection with the Form 20-F and any such Technical Report Summary; and |
● | the use of information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report Summary, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me, that I supervised the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Form 20-F. |
● | |
I am a qualified person responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the following sections of the Technical Report Summary: ● Section 16.1 and 16.3. Signature of Authorized Person Name: Manuel A. Hernández Fellow AusIMM – Member 306576 Title: Civil Mining Engineer |
November 19, 2021
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED THIRD-PARTY FIRM
Klohn Crippen Berger S.A. (KCB) consents to the public filing of the technical report titled “Trapiche Project, S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, Preliminary Feasibility Study”, dated November 19, 2021, (the “Technical Report”) by El Molle Verde S.A.C.
In the past 70 years, Klohn Crippen Berger has worked on thousands of projects, some of them the largest and most challenging engineering projects in the world; projects that have helped develop resources, reclaim landscapes, build communities and stimulate economies. Our projects continue to stand the test of time and, today, we work on many sites that we helped develop decades ago. We have a strong reputation for quality work and technical experience in a range of engineering services. Our commitment to excellence is the driving force behind everything we do and, as a result, we are the recipient of over 50 national and international awards for major projects.
KCB is responsible for authoring the following sections of the Technical Report:
● | Section 17: Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact |
And the corresponding subsections these sections of the Technical Report:
● | Section 1: Executive Summary |
● | Section 7: Exploration |
● | Section 13: Mining Methods |
● | Section 15: Infrastructure |
● | Section 22: Interpretation and Conclusions |
● | Section 23: Recommendations |
| |
Dated this November 19, 2021. | |
| |
KLOHN CRIPPEN BERGER S.A. | |
| |
| |
| |
Signature of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
| |
Daniel Etheredge | |
Print name of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
DE:lg
| |
| |
Klohn Crippen Berger S.A. Av. Alfredo Benavides 768, oficina 801, Miraflores ▪ Lima, Perú t +51.1.610.4800 ▪ f +51.1.610.4800 x285 ▪ www.klohn.com | |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED THIRD-PARTY FIRM
M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation (M3) consents to the public filing of the technical report titled “Trapiche Project, S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, Preliminary Feasibility Study” and dated November 19, 2021 (the “Technical Report”) by El Molle Verde S.A.C.
M3 is responsible for authoring the following Sections of the Technical Report:
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 1: Executive Summary |
● | Section 2: Introduction |
● | Section 3: Properly Description |
● | Section 4: Accessibility, Climate Local Resources, Infrastructure, Physiography |
● | Section 5: History |
● | Section 10: Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
● | Section 14: Processing and Recovery Methods |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 15: Infrastructure |
● | Section 16: Market Studies and Contracts |
● | Section 18: Capital and Operating Costs |
● | Section 19: Economic Analysis |
● | Section 20: Adjacent Properties |
● | Section 21: Other Relevant Data and Information |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 22: Interpretation and Conclusions |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 23: Recommendations |
● | Section 24: References |
● | Section 25: Reliance on Information Supplied by Registrant |
In the past 35 years, M3 has worked on over 10,000 projects which includes experience in providing Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) for mining and metal projects including industrial metals (lithium, phosphate), metal extraction and reclamation projects. M3 has produced over 500 Preliminary Economic Assessments, Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies which have proven reliable for M3 clients. Subsequently, project costs have been monitored throughout construction and have validated the accuracy of cost estimates.
Dated this November 19, 2021. | |
| |
| |
| |
Signature of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
| |
Timothy F. Burns | |
Print name of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
| |
Mining Plus Peru S.A.C. Avenida Jose Pardo 513, Office 1001 Miraflores, Lima, Peru, 15074 Tel: +51 1 731 3267 info@mining-plus.com www.mining-plus.com |
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED THIRD-PARTY FIRM
Mining Plus Peru S.A.C. (MP Peru) consents to the public filing of the technical report titled “Trapiche Project, S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, Preliminary Feasibility Study” and dated November 19, 2021 (the “Technical Report”) by El Molle Verde S.A.C.
Since the company’s inception 15 years ago, Mining Plus has quickly become a leading mining technical service provider, consisting of highly experienced professionals specializing in geology, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering and operational management. Mining Plus has completed thousands of studies ranging from the conceptual stage of projects, through to feasibility stage projects, project delivery, commissioning, operations and mine closure. Mining Plus provides very accurate and practical designs through in-country site experience and benchmarking. Mining Plus prides itself in “getting it right the first time” through diligent work and a strong peer-review process.
MP Peru is responsible for authoring the following Sections of the Technical Report:
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 1: Executive Summary |
● | Section 6: Geology |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 7: Exploration |
● | Section 8: Sample Preparation |
● | Section 9: Data Verification |
● | Section 11: Mineral Resources |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 12: Mineral Reserves |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 13: Mining Methods |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 22: Interpretation and Conclusions |
● | Corresponding Subsections of Section 23: Recommendations |
| |
Dated this November 19, 2021. | |
| |
| |
| |
Signature of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
| |
| |
Carlos Huayamave Bravo | |
Print name of Authorized Person for Qualified Third-Party Firm | |
DEFINE |PLAN|OPERATE | 1 |
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table of Contents
| | ||||
SECTION |
| PAGE | |||
Table of Contents | | I | |||
List of Figures | | IX | |||
List of Tables | | XIi | |||
1 | Executive Summary | | 1 | ||
| 1.1 | Key Results | | 1 | |
| 1.2 | Property Description and Ownership | | 2 | |
| 1.3 | Geology and Mineralization | | 3 | |
| 1.4 | Exploration Status | | 4 | |
| 1.5 | Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates | | 4 | |
| | 1.5.1 | Mineral Resource | | 4 |
| | 1.5.2 | Mineral Reserve | | 6 |
| 1.6 | Recovery Methods | | 8 | |
| | 1.6.1 | Crushing and Material Preparation | | 8 |
| | 1.6.2 | Heap Leach Pad and Ponds | | 9 |
| 1.7 | Solvent Extraction | | 11 | |
| | 1.7.1 | Electrowinning | | 11 |
| 1.8 | Infrastructure | | 12 | |
| | 1.8.1 | Overall Site Plan | | 13 |
| | 1.8.2 | Mine Access | | 15 |
| | 1.8.3 | Power Supply | | 15 |
| | 1.8.4 | Process Components | | 17 |
| | 1.8.5 | Geotechnical Components | | 17 |
| | 1.8.6 | Ancillaries | | 17 |
| 1.9 | Project Construction and Operation | | 18 | |
| | 1.9.1 | Initial Capital Construction | | 20 |
| | 1.9.2 | Sustainable Construction | | 21 |
| 1.10 | Capital and Operating Cost Estimates | | 22 | |
| | 1.10.1 | Operating Costs | | 22 |
| | 1.10.2 | Capital Costs | | 25 |
| 1.11 | Environmental, Social and Permitting | | 26 | |
| 1.12 | QP Conclusions and Recommendations | | 26 | |
2 | Introduction | | 29 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1i
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| 2.1 | Details of Registrant | | 29 | |
| 2.2 | Terms of Reference and Scope | | 29 | |
| | 2.2.1 | Scope | | 29 |
| | 2.2.2 | Terms of Reference | | 29 |
| 2.3 | Source of Information | | 34 | |
| 2.4 | QP Details and Site Visit | | 34 | |
| | 2.4.1 | QP Details | | 34 |
| | 2.4.2 | Site Visit | | 34 |
3 | Property Description | | 35 | ||
| 3.1 | Location | | 35 | |
| 3.2 | Property Holdings | | 35 | |
4 | Accessibility, Climate Local Resources, Infrastructure, Physiography | | 38 | ||
| 4.1 | Topography, Elevation and Vegetation | | 38 | |
| 4.2 | Climate | | 38 | |
| 4.3 | Access to Property | | 39 | |
| 4.4 | Local Resources and Infrastructure | | 40 | |
| | 4.4.1 | Local Resources | | 40 |
| | 4.4.2 | Power Supply | | 40 |
| | 4.4.3 | Water Supply | | 40 |
| | 4.4.4 | Manpower | | 41 |
5 | History | | 42 | ||
6 | Geological Setting, Mineralization, and Deposit | | 45 | ||
| 6.1 | Regional Geology Setting | | 45 | |
| 6.2 | Local Geology Setting | | 46 | |
| 6.3 | Property Geology | | 47 | |
| | 6.3.1 | Intrusive Geology | | 47 |
| 6.4 | Mineralization | | 51 | |
| 6.5 | Structure | | 51 | |
| 6.6 | Deposit Type | | 52 | |
| 6.7 | Hydrology and Hydrogeology | | 52 | |
7 | Exploration | | 53 | ||
| 7.1 | Geochemical Exploration | | 53 | |
| | 7.1.1 | Stream Sediment Sampling | | 53 |
| | 7.1.2 | Rock Samples | | 54 |
| | 7.1.3 | Channel Samples | | 54 |
| | 7.1.4 | Rock Chip | | 55 |
| | 7.1.5 | Selective Sampling | | 55 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1ii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| 7.2 | Geophysical Exploration | | 56 | |
| 7.3 | Drilling | | 58 | |
| | 7.3.1 | Exploration Drilling | | 59 |
| 7.4 | Geotechnical Investigation | | 60 | |
| | 7.4.1 | Trapiche Open Pit | | 60 |
| | 7.4.2 | Trapiche Component Investigation | | 64 |
8 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security | | 67 | ||
| 8.1 | Sample Preparation | | 67 | |
| 8.2 | Analyses and Security | | 67 | |
| 8.3 | Sample Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) | | 68 | |
| | 8.3.1 | Coarse Duplicates and Fine Duplicates | | 69 |
| | 8.3.2 | Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) | | 69 |
| | 8.3.3 | Coarse and Fine Blank Samples | | 70 |
| | 8.3.4 | External Duplicates (5% Control in Umpire Laboratories) | | 71 |
| | 8.3.5 | QA/QC Conclusions | | 71 |
| | 8.3.6 | Mining Plus’s Opinion | | 72 |
9 | Data Verification | | 73 | ||
| 9.1 | Site Visit | | 73 | |
| 9.2 | Collar Location and Downhole Survey | | 73 | |
| 9.3 | Core Logs and Sampling | | 74 | |
| 9.4 | Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security | | 75 | |
| 9.5 | Cross-Check with Original Assay Certificates | | 75 | |
| 9.6 | MP QA/QC Review | | 75 | |
| 9.7 | Independent Samples | | 76 | |
| 9.8 | Mining Plus Conclusion | | 76 | |
10 | | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | | 78 | |
| 10.1 | Metallurgical Testing | | 78 | |
| | 10.1.1 | Metallurgical Laboratory Review | | 78 |
| | 10.1.2 | Metallurgical Testing History | | 78 |
| | 10.1.3 | Test Results | | 80 |
| 10.2 | Process Recommendation | | 85 | |
| | 10.2.1 | Crushing and Agglomeration | | 86 |
| | 10.2.2 | Heap Leaching | | 86 |
| | 10.2.3 | Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SXEW) | | 87 |
11 | Mineral Resource Estimates | | 88 | ||
| 11.1 | Database | | 89 | |
| 11.2 | Modelling Procedure | | 90 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1iii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| | 11.2.1 | Previous Work | | 90 |
| | 11.2.2 | Lithological Model | | 91 |
| | 11.2.3 | Definition of Estimation Domains | | 92 |
| 11.3 | Compositing, Statistics and Outliers | | 98 | |
| | 11.3.1 | Composite Length Analysis | | 98 |
| | 11.3.2 | Grade Capping | | 100 |
| 11.4 | Contact Analysis | | 104 | |
| 11.5 | Variography | | 105 | |
| 11.6 | Bulk Density Analysis | | 108 | |
| 11.7 | Block Model and Resource Estimation Plan | | 109 | |
| | 11.7.1 | Search and Estimation Parameters | | 109 |
| 11.8 | Validations and Comparison with ORM15 | | 111 | |
| 11.9 | Resource Classification | | 120 | |
| 11.10 | Open Pit Optimization | | 121 | |
| 11.11 | Resource Tabulation | | 122 | |
| | 11.11.1 | Comparison between previous Mineral Resource Estimate | | 124 |
| 11.12 | Conclusions and Recommendations | | 127 | |
12 | Mineral Reserve Estimates | | 129 | ||
| 12.1 | Introduction | | 129 | |
| 12.2 | Block Model | | 129 | |
| 12.3 | Material Types (Mineralization) | | 130 | |
| 12.4 | Assumed Dilution and Recovery | | 130 | |
| 12.5 | Pit Optimization | | 130 | |
| | 12.5.1 | Selection of the Optimal Pit | | 131 |
| 12.6 | Mine Design | | 132 | |
| 12.7 | Mineral Reserve Statement | | 136 | |
13 | Mining Methods | | 139 | ||
| 13.1 | Geotechnical Inputs and Conditions | | 139 | |
| 13.2 | Hydrogeology and Hydrology | | 140 | |
| 13.3 | Assumed Dilution and Recovery | | 140 | |
| 13.4 | Final Pit Design and Mine Phasing | | 140 | |
| | 13.4.1 | Design parameters | | 140 |
| | 13.4.2 | Open Pit Design | | 141 |
| | 13.4.3 | Phase Selection (Pushbacks) | | 144 |
| 13.5 | Mine Plan | | 149 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1iv
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| | 13.5.1 | Mine Sequence | | 150 |
| 13.6 | Mine Operational Units | | 155 | |
| | 13.6.1 | Drilling and Blasting | | 156 |
| | 13.6.2 | Loading and Hauling | | 157 |
| | 13.6.3 | Auxiliary Services | | 159 |
| | 13.6.4 | Mine Staff – Owner | | 160 |
14 | Processing and Recovery Methods | | 161 | ||
| 14.1 | Design Criteria | | 161 | |
| 14.2 | Major Process Equipment | | 161 | |
| 14.3 | Crushing and Material Preparation | | 163 | |
| 14.4 | Heap Leach Pad and Ponds | | 165 | |
| 14.5 | Solvent Extraction | | 165 | |
| | 14.5.1 | Extraction | | 166 |
| | 14.5.2 | Stripping | | 166 |
| 14.6 | Electrowinning | | 167 | |
| 14.7 | Reagents | | 167 | |
| 14.8 | Sampling | | 167 | |
| 14.9 | Water Systems | | 167 | |
15 | Infrastructure | | 171 | ||
| 15.1 | Mine Access | | 171 | |
| 15.2 | Power Supply | | 172 | |
| 15.3 | Architectural Design Criteria | | 174 | |
| | 15.3.1 | Process Buildings | | 175 |
| | 15.3.2 | Stockpile Cover | | 175 |
| | 15.3.3 | Ancillary Structures | | 175 |
| | 15.3.4 | Housing for Workers | | 176 |
| 15.4 | Unsuitable Material Stockpile (DMI) | | 177 | |
| | 15.4.1 | Introduction | | 177 |
| | 15.4.2 | Component Description | | 177 |
| | 15.4.3 | Civil Design | | 178 |
| | 15.4.4 | Operation | | 179 |
| 15.5 | Organic Material Deposit (DMO) | | 179 | |
| | 15.5.1 | Introduction | | 179 |
| | 15.5.2 | Component Description | | 179 |
| | 15.5.3 | Civil Design | | 180 |
| 15.6 | Fresh Water Dam | | 182 | |
| | 15.6.1 | Component Description | | 182 |
| 15.7 | Contact Water Dam | | 182 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1v
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| 15.8 | Fresh Water Intake | | 183 | |
| 15.9 | Sulfide Leach Pad | | 183 | |
| | 15.9.1 | Introduction | | 183 |
| | 15.9.2 | Component Description | | 183 |
| | 15.9.3 | Civil Design | | 184 |
| | 15.9.4 | Stability Analysis | | 188 |
| 15.10 | Oxide On/Off Leach Pad | | 190 | |
| | 15.10.1 | Introduction | | 190 |
| | 15.10.2 | Civil Design | | 191 |
| | 15.10.3 | Water Management | | 192 |
| 15.11 | ROM Leach Pad | | 192 | |
| | 15.11.1 | Introduction | | 192 |
| | 15.11.2 | Component Description | | 192 |
| | 15.11.3 | Design Criteria and Assumptions | | 193 |
| | 15.11.4 | Civil Design | | 194 |
| | 15.11.5 | Stability Analysis | | 196 |
| 15.12 | Water Management | | 198 | |
| | 15.12.1 | Non-contact Water Management Plan | | 198 |
| | 15.12.2 | Contact Water Management Plan | | 198 |
16 | Market Studies and Contracts | | 199 | ||
| 16.1 | Copper Market and Projected Supply and Demand | | 199 | |
| 16.2 | Transportation | | 200 | |
| | 16.2.1 | Sulfuric Acid/Cathode Transport | | 200 |
| 16.3 | Metal Price | | 201 | |
17 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact | | 202 | ||
| 17.1 | Environmental Studies and Permitting | | 202 | |
| | 17.1.1 | Legal Requirements and Permitting | | 202 |
| 17.2 | Environmental Management Instrument (EMI) | | 214 | |
| 17.3 | Conceptual Closure Plan | | 215 | |
| | 17.3.1 | Closure Objectives | | 215 |
| | 17.3.2 | Closure Criteria | | 216 |
| | 17.3.3 | Trapiche Project Components | | 217 |
| | 17.3.4 | Closure Activities | | 219 |
| | 17.3.5 | Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring | | 228 |
| | 17.3.6 | Timeline | | 232 |
| 17.4 | Social and Community Impacts | | 232 | |
| | 17.4.1 | Mollebamba Community | | 232 |
| | 17.4.2 | Demographics | | 233 |
| | 17.4.3 | Education | | 234 |
| | 17.4.4 | Health | | 234 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1vi
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| | 17.4.5 | Economics | | 234 |
| | 17.4.6 | Land Use Agreement | | 235 |
| | 17.4.7 | Surrounding Communities | | 235 |
| | 17.4.8 | Employment and Local Services | | 235 |
18 | Capital and Operating Costs | | 237 | ||
| 18.1 | Operating Costs | | 237 | |
| | 18.1.1 | Overall Operating Cost | | 237 |
| | 18.1.2 | Mining Operating Cost | | 237 |
| | 18.1.3 | Process Plant Operating Cost | | 238 |
| 18.2 | Capital Costs | | 241 | |
| | 18.2.1 | Owner’s Capital Cost | | 245 |
| | 18.2.2 | Sustaining Capital | | 245 |
| | 18.2.3 | Mining Capital Cost | | 246 |
19 | Economic Analysis | | 248 | ||
| 19.1 | Introduction | | 248 | |
| 19.2 | Plant Capacity Analysis | | 248 | |
| | 19.2.1 | Mining Intensity | | 248 |
| | 19.2.2 | Sufficient Leaching Surface Area | | 248 |
| | 19.2.3 | Summary | | 249 |
| 19.3 | Mine Production Statistics | | 249 | |
| 19.4 | Plant Production Statistics | | 249 | |
| | 19.4.1 | Smelter Return Factors | | 250 |
| 19.5 | Capital Expenditure | | 250 | |
| | 19.5.1 | Initial and Sustaining Capital | | 250 |
| | 19.5.2 | Working Capital | | 251 |
| | 19.5.3 | Salvage Value | | 251 |
| 19.6 | Revenue | | 251 | |
| 19.7 | Operating Cost | | 251 | |
| | 19.7.1 | Total Cash Cost | | 252 |
| 19.8 | Taxation | | 252 | |
| 19.9 | Project Financing | | 253 | |
| 19.10 | Net Income After-Tax | | 253 | |
| 19.11 | NPV, IRR and Payback (Years) | | 253 | |
| 19.12 | Sensitivity | | 253 | |
| 19.13 | Financial Model | | 254 | |
20 | Adjacent Properties | | 257 | ||
21 | Other Relevant Data and Information | | 259 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1vii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | | |||
| 21.1 | Project Execution Plan | | 259 | |
22 | Interpretations and Conclusions | | 260 | ||
| 22.1 | Exploration | | 260 | |
| 22.2 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security | | 260 | |
| 22.3 | Data Verification | | 260 | |
| 22.4 | Metallurgical Test Work | | 260 | |
| 22.5 | Mineral Resource Estimate | | 261 | |
| 22.6 | Mineral Reserves | | 262 | |
| 22.7 | Mining Methods | | 262 | |
| 22.8 | Project Economics | | 263 | |
| 22.9 | Risks and Opportunities | | 263 | |
| | 22.9.1 | Risks | | 263 |
| | 22.9.2 | Opportunities | | 264 |
| 22.10 | Project Infrastructure Conclusions | | 266 | |
| | 22.10.1 | Water Management | | 266 |
| | 22.10.2 | Water Treatment | | 266 |
23 | Recommendations | | 267 | ||
| 23.1 | Exploration | | 267 | |
| 23.2 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security | | 267 | |
| 23.3 | Data Verification | | 267 | |
| 23.4 | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | | 267 | |
| 23.5 | Trade-off Studies and Optimization | | 269 | |
| 23.6 | Mineral Resource Estimate | | 269 | |
| 23.7 | Mineral Reserves | | 270 | |
| 23.8 | Mining Methods | | 270 | |
| 23.9 | Project Infrastructure | | 270 | |
| | 23.9.1 | Sulfide Leach Pad Recommendations | | 270 |
| | 23.9.2 | ROM Leach Pad Recommendations | | 271 |
| 23.10 | Financial Model Opportunities | | 271 | |
| | 23.10.1 | Results | | 271 |
| | 23.10.2 | Financial Opportunities | | 271 |
| | 23.10.3 | Summary | | 272 |
24 | References | | 273 | ||
25 | Reliance on information supplied by registrant | | 274 | ||
Appendix A: Consents of Qualified Third-Party Firm | | 275 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1viii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE | DESCRIPTION |
| PAGE |
Figure 1-1: Trapiche Site Location and Access Route | | 3 | |
Figure 1-2: General Site Layout | | 14 | |
Figure 1-3: Mollocco – Chunchumayo Road | | 15 | |
Figure 1-4: 220kV Power to Site | | 16 | |
Figure 3-1: Map of Trapiche Mining Concessions | | 36 | |
Figure 4-1: External Access Routes (Alternatives) | | 39 | |
Figure 6-1: Regional Geology | | 45 | |
Figure 6-2: Trapiche Geology Area | | 46 | |
Figure 6-3: Trapiche Project Local Geology Map | | 49 | |
Figure 6-4: Local Stratigraphic Column of the Trapiche Deposit | | 50 | |
Figure 6-5: Geological Section 729100E, Showing Mineralized Zones, Central Part of the Breccia Pipe of the Trapiche Deposit | | 51 | |
Figure 7-1: Stream Sediment Sample Locations | | 54 | |
Figure 7-2: Channel Sample Locations | | 55 | |
Figure 7-3: Rock Sample Locations (Excluding Channel Samples) | | 56 | |
Figure 7-4: Extent of Geophysical Exploration | | 57 | |
Figure 7-5: Valor D´Or´s 2012 IP Survey | | 58 | |
Figure 7-6: Drill Collar Locations | | 60 | |
Figure 7-7: Drill holes Location | | 62 | |
Figure 8-1: Example of Statistical Analysis (hyperbola method) in Coarse Duplicates and Fine Duplicates controls (Trapiche, 2013) | | 69 | |
Figure 8-2: Example of Statistical Analysis applied to CRM results (OREAS Certificates, Trapiche 2013) | | 70 | |
Figure 8-3: Example of Statistical Analysis of Control Samples of Coarse Blank, Trapiche 2013 | | 70 | |
Figure 8-4: Example of the Statistical Comparison Analysis Graph of the Results from the 03 Laboratories (SGS, ALS Minerals and CERTIMIN), Trapiche 2014 | | 71 | |
Figure 10-1: Location of Metallurgical Composite Tests | | 80 | |
Figure 10-2: Typical Recovery Curve – Secondary Sulfides | | 84 | |
Figure 10-3: Typical Recovery Curve – Copper Oxides | | 85 | |
Figure 10-4: Process Flow Diagram | | 86 | |
Figure 11-1: Cross Section at 729000mE: ORM15 Domain Wireframes Compared with Logging | | 94 | |
Figure 11-2: Cross Section at 729390mE: ORM15 Domain Wireframes Compared with Logging | | 95 | |
Figure 11-3: Ternary Plots with all Mineralogical Groups Comparing | | 96 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1ix
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| ||
Figure 11-4: Cross Section at 729,000mE of ORM15 Arsenic Domain Wireframes | | 98 |
Figure 11-5: Cross Section at 729,000mE of ORM15 Calcium Domain Wireframes | | 98 |
Figure 11-6: Drill hole Sample Length Histogram | | 99 |
Figure 11-7: Composite Length Histograms | | 100 |
Figure 11-8: Contact Plots by Estimation Domain | | 104 |
Figure 11-9: Total Copper, Enriched Domain Normal Score Variograms | | 107 |
Figure 11-10: Total Copper, Enriched Domain Variogram Ranges Shown as an Ellipsoid | | 107 |
Figure 11-11: West-East Vertical Section at 8,396,400 mN: ORM15 Model (top), MP17 Model (bottom) | | 114 |
Figure 11-12: South-north Vertical Section at 729,700mE: ORM15 Model (top), MP17 Model (bottom). | | 115 |
Figure 11-13: South-North Vertical Section at 729,200mE: ORM15 Model (top), MP17 Model (bottom). | | 116 |
Figure 11-14: South-North Vertical Section at 728,900mE: ORM15 Model (top), MP17 Model (bottom). | | 117 |
Figure 11-15: Total Copper Swath Plots Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades (blue) with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black). | | 118 |
Figure 11-16: Total Copper Log-Histogram Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades (blue) with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black) | | 119 |
Figure 11-17: Total Copper Q-Q Plots Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black) | | 119 |
Figure 12-1: Pit by Pit Graph | | 132 |
Figure 12-2: Plan view of Final Pit Design (also showing cross-section locations) | | 133 |
Figure 12-3: Cross Section A-A' (looking NE) | | 134 |
Figure 12-4: Cross Section B-B' (looking NW) | | 134 |
Figure 12-5: Cross section C-C' (looking NE) | | 135 |
Figure 12-6: Cross Section D-D' (looking NW) | | 135 |
Figure 12-7: Isometric View – Optimal Pit Shell (Pit 64) and Mine Design | | 136 |
Figure 12-8: Updated Final Pit Design | | 137 |
Figure 13-1: Minimum Operation Width | | 141 |
Figure 13-2: Plan View of Mine Design Footprint | | 142 |
Figure 13-3: Cross Section A to A´ | | 142 |
Figure 13-4: Cross Section B to B´ | | 143 |
Figure 13-5: Cross Section C to C´ | | 143 |
Figure 13-6: Cross Section D to D´ | | 144 |
Figure 13-7: Grade – Tonnage Curve | | 145 |
Figure 13-8: Plan View of Mine Phases | | 146 |
Figure 13-9: Cross Section A to A´ - Mining Phases | | 146 |
Figure 13-10: Cross Section B to B´ - Mining Phases | | 147 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1x
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| ||
Figure 13-11: Phase 1 Design | | 147 |
Figure 13-12: Phase 2 Design | | 148 |
Figure 13-13: Phase 3 Design | | 148 |
Figure 13-14: Crusher and ROM Location | | 150 |
Figure 13-15: Mine Plan - Annual Material Movement | | 151 |
Figure 13-16: Mine Plan by Mineralization | | 152 |
Figure 13-17: End of Year 1 | | 153 |
Figure 13-18: End of Year 7 | | 154 |
Figure 13-19: End of Year 13 | | 154 |
Figure 13-20: End of Year 18 | | 155 |
Figure 13-21: Excavator and Trucks | | 156 |
Figure 14-1: Overall Process Flow Diagram | | 164 |
Figure 14-2: Trapiche Project General Arrangement | | 169 |
Figure 14-3: SXEW Processing Facility Layout | | 170 |
Figure 15-1: Mollocco - Chunchumayo Road | | 171 |
Figure 15-2: 220 kV Power to Site | | 173 |
Figure 15-3: DMI General Arrangement | | 177 |
Figure 15-4: Typical DMI Section | | 178 |
Figure 15-5: DMI Sub-Drainage System | | 179 |
Figure 15-6: DMO General Arrangement | | 180 |
Figure 15-7: DMO Section | | 180 |
Figure 15-8: DMO Sub-Drainage System | | 181 |
Figure 15-9: Leach Pad Development Stage- Years 0, 4, 8 and 18 | | 184 |
Figure 15-10: Underdrain System | | 186 |
Figure 15-11: Scheme of the Proposed Liner System for the PLS | | 187 |
Figure 15-12: Oxide On-Off Leach Pad Location | | 191 |
Figure 15-13: Proposed Liner System for PLR | | 195 |
Figure 16-1: 2020 – 2045 Copper Supply Gap Analysis (kt) | | 199 |
Figure 16-2: 2015 – 2045 Copper Prices | | 200 |
Figure 18-1: Mine Operating Cost Distribution | | 238 |
Figure 19-1: Total Daily Mine Production (Excel line 4) | | 248 |
Figure 19-2: Initial Capital Distribution | | 251 |
Figure 19-3: Sensitivity Analysis After-Taxes | | 254 |
Figure 20-1: Trapiche Mining Property | | 258 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xi
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE | DESCRIPTION |
| PAGE |
Table 1-1: Economic Indicators (After-taxes) | | 2 | |
Table 1-2: Smelter Return Factors | | 2 | |
Table 1-3: Total Cash Cost | | 2 | |
Table 1-4: MRE Tabulation Suitable for Reporting in Accordance with SEC S-K 1300 as of December 13, 2016(1-9) | | 5 | |
Table 1-5: MRE Tabulation – Including the Mineral Reserve (1-7) | | 6 | |
Table 1-6: Mineral Reserves Tabulation by Material Type for Trapiche | | 7 | |
Table 1-7: Parameters Applied to Pit Optimization | | 7 | |
Table 1-8: Design Criteria | | 8 | |
Table 1-9: Crushing, Screening and Agglomeration System Major Equipment | | 9 | |
Table 1-10: Overland Conveyor and Stacking System Major Equipment | | 10 | |
Table 1-11: Leach Pad Capacity | | 10 | |
Table 1-12: Solvent Extraction Major Equipment | | 11 | |
Table 1-13: Electrowinning Design Criteria | | 12 | |
Table 1-14: Trapiche Project Leach Facility Construction and Operation Phases and Timing | | 19 | |
Table 1-15: Overall Operating Cost | | 23 | |
Table 1-16: Mine Operating Unit Cost(1) | | 23 | |
Table 1-17: Process Plant Operating Cost | | 23 | |
Table 1-18: Electrical Load Summary | | 24 | |
Table 1-19: Trapiche Capital Cost Estimate Summary | | 25 | |
Table 1-20: Initial Mining capital cost | | 26 | |
Table 2-1: Identification of the Issuer | | 29 | |
Table 2-2: List of Abbreviations | | 29 | |
Table 2-3: Glossary | | 33 | |
Table 2-4: Responsibilities and Sources of Information | | 34 | |
Table 3-1: List of Trapiche Mining Concessions | | 37 | |
Table 4-1: Project Climate Data | | 38 | |
Table 4-2: Water Supply | | 40 | |
Table 5-1: Summary of Diamond Drilling History (2001-2019) | | 43 | |
Table 5-2: Inferred and Indicated Resources Summary (May 2015) - Flotation | | 43 | |
Table 5-3: Mineral Resources (February 2015) - Flotation | | 44 | |
Table 7-1: Summary of Geochemical | | 53 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 7-2: Drill Meter Summary by Year | | 59 |
Table 7-3: PFS Level Drill Program in the Area of the Trapiche Open Pit | | 61 |
Table 7-4: Surface Observations in the Area of the Trapiche Open Pit | | 61 |
Table 7-5: Laboratory Test Summary | | 63 |
Table 7-6: Geotechnical Drilling Summary, Phase 1 | | 64 |
Table 7-7: Soil Tests | | 65 |
Table 7-8: Laboratory Test Summary – Rock | | 66 |
Table 8-1: Summary of Diamond Core Drilling Samples History (2001-2014) | | 68 |
Table 9-1: Holes with Deviation > 0.10 degrees / meter | | 74 |
Table 9-2: 2005-2014 Quality Control Samples Insertion Rates | | 75 |
Table 9-3: Quality Control Samples Insertion Rates by Year | | 76 |
Table 10-1: Bottle Roll Tests Results | | 81 |
Table 10-2: Bottle Roll Tests Results Material Type | | 82 |
Table 10-3: Column Tests Results | | 82 |
Table 10-4: Column Tests Results Comparison | | 83 |
Table 11-1: Summary of Diamond Drilling Per Year | | 90 |
Table 11-2: Summary of Assay Sampling Per Year | | 90 |
Table 11-3: ORM15 Lithological code descriptions | | 91 |
Table 11-4: ORM15 Trapiche MRE Domain Definitions | | 92 |
Table 11-5: Drill hole Statistics by Logged Mineralogical Group | | 93 |
Table 11-6: Drill hole Statistics by ORM Wireframe Mineralogical Group | | 94 |
Table 11-7: Grade Cap Summary Copper Domains | | 101 |
Table 11-8: Grade Cap Summary Arsenic and Calcium Domains | | 101 |
Table 11-9: Composite Grade Cap Statistics by Domain: Copper and Molybdenum | | 102 |
Table 11-10: Composite Grade Cap Statistics by Domain: Other Variables | | 103 |
Table 11-11: Variogram Parameters: Copper, Molybdenum, Gold | | 105 |
Table 11-12: Variogram Parameters: Silver, Sulfur, Iron | | 106 |
Table 11-13: Bulk Density Statistics by Combined Mineralogical and Lithological Groups | | 108 |
Table 11-14: Block Model Parameters (UTM PSAD 56 Zone 18S) | | 109 |
Table 11-15: CuT, CuSS, CuCN, Mo Search and Estimation Parameters | | 110 |
Table 11-16: Au, Ag, S, Fe Search and Estimation Parameters | | 111 |
Table 11-17: ORM15 Heap Leaching Scenario MRE | | 112 |
Table 11-18: ORM15 Flotation Scenario MRE | | 113 |
Table 11-19: AMEC Drill hole Spacing Study Results | | 121 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xiii
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| ||
Table 11-20: Cut-off Grade Calculation | | 122 |
Table 11-21: MRE Tabulation Suitable for Reporting in Accordance with SEC S-K 1300 as of December 13, 2016(1-9) | | 123 |
Table 11-22: MRE Tabulation of Mineral Resources inclusive Mineral Reserve | | 124 |
Table 11-23: Previous Mineral Resources Estimate in 2019 inside old pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve | | 125 |
Table 11-24: Mineral Resources Estimate in 2021 inside new pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve | | 126 |
Table 11-25: Comparison of the Mineral Resources Estimate inclusive Mineral Reserve between old and new pit shell resource | | 127 |
Table 12-1: Block Model Origin and Limits | | 129 |
Table 12-2: Block Model Variables | | 129 |
Table 12-3: Mineralization Categories and Destinations | | 130 |
Table 12-4: Parameters Applied to Pit Optimization | | 131 |
Table 12-5: Optimal Pit Shell Inventory | | 132 |
Table 12-6: Mine Design Parameters (Mining Plus) | | 133 |
Table 12-7: Differences between Optimum Pit Shell and Pit Design | | 136 |
Table 12-8: Mineral Reserves Tabulation by Material Type for Trapiche | | 137 |
Table 12-9: Differences between Optimum Pit Shell 2021 and 2019 | | 138 |
Table 12-10: Differences within Pit Design 2021 and 2019 | | 138 |
Table 13-1: Inter-ramp Angles | | 139 |
Table 13-2: Design Parameters | | 140 |
Table 13-3: Variations Between the Optimal Pit Shell and Mine Design | | 144 |
Table 13-4: Mine Phases and Copper Content | | 145 |
Table 13-5: Haulage Distances from the Pit Exit | | 150 |
Table 13-6: Mine Plan – Sequencing | | 152 |
Table 13-7: Mine Plan – Grades and Tonnage by Mineralization Type | | 153 |
Table 13-8: Technical Drilling Parameter | | 156 |
Table 13-9: Technical Blasting Patterns | | 157 |
Table 13-10: Excavator Parameters | | 157 |
Table 13-11: Haulage Speed Parameters | | 158 |
Table 13-12: Truck Parameters | | 158 |
Table 13-13: Auxiliary Mobile Mining Equipment | | 159 |
Table 13-14: Mine Staff | | 160 |
Table 14-1: Design Criteria | | 161 |
Table 14-2: Major Process Equipment | | 162 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xiv
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| ||
Table 15-1: Electrical Load Summary | | 172 |
Table 15-2: Building Components | | 174 |
Table 15-3: Trapiche Staff Summary | | 177 |
Table 15-4: DMI Physical Stability Results | | 179 |
Table 15-5: DMO Physical Stability Results | | 182 |
Table 15-6: Fresh Water Dam Characteristics | | 182 |
Table 15-7: Contact Water Dam Characteristics | | 183 |
Table 15-8: Summary of the Main Feature of the PLS | | 185 |
Table 15-9: Summary of the Sulfide Leach Pad Materials Properties | | 189 |
Table 15-10: Minimum Safety Factors Adopted for Physical Stability | | 189 |
Table 15-11: Results of the PLS Physical Stability Analysis | | 190 |
Table 15-12: Summary of the ROM Leach Pad Main Features | | 194 |
Table 15-13: ROM Leach Pad Pond Characteristics | | 194 |
Table 15-14: Summary of ROM Leach Pad Material Properties | | 196 |
Table 15-15: Minimum Safety Factors for Physical Stability (MINEM) | | 197 |
Table 15-16: Results of Physical Stability Analysis of ROM Leach Pad | | 197 |
Table 16-1: 2015 – 2045 Copper LME Cash Prices (US$/t) | | 200 |
Table 17-1: Trapiche Project Mining Concessions Area | | 203 |
Table 17-2: Environmental Certificates Approved during the Exploration Phase | | 214 |
Table 17-3: Cover Types | | 217 |
Table 17-4: Components Considered in the Progressive Closure Scenario | | 220 |
Table 17-5: Decommissioning Activities of the Progressive Closure Components | | 220 |
Table 17-6: Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal Activities of Progressive Closure Components | | 221 |
Table 17-7: Components Considered for Final Closure | | 223 |
Table 17-8: Decommissioning of Components for Final Closure | | 224 |
Table 17-9: Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal of Components for Final Closure | | 226 |
Table 17-10: Mollebamba Population by Gender | | 233 |
Table 17-11: Mollebamba Population by Age Group | | 233 |
Table 18-1: Overall Operating Cost | | 237 |
Table 18-2: Mine Operating Unit Cost | | 238 |
Table 18-3: Life of Mine Process Plant Operating Cost ($000) | | 238 |
Table 18-4: Labor Summary | | 239 |
Table 18-5: Power Consumption Summary (Year 3) | | 239 |
Table 18-6: Reagent Costs | | 240 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xv
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| ||
Table 18-7: Wear Item Costs | | 240 |
Table 18-8: Trapiche Capital Cost Estimate Summary | | 242 |
Table 18-9: Initial Direct Costs by WBS Area | | 244 |
Table 18-10: Owner’s Capital Cost | | 245 |
Table 18-11: Sustaining Capital | | 245 |
Table 18-12: Closure Cost ($000) | | 246 |
Table 18-13: Mining Initial Capital Cost | | 247 |
Table 19-1: Life of Mine Ore, ROM and Metal Grades | | 249 |
Table 19-2: Metal Recovery Factors | | 249 |
Table 19-3: Life of Mine Production Summary | | 249 |
Table 19-4: Smelter Return Factors | | 250 |
Table 19-5: Initial and Sustaining Capital Summary | | 250 |
Table 19-6: Operating Cost | | 252 |
Table 19-7: Total Cash Cost | | 252 |
Table 19-8: Sensitivity Analysis After-Taxes (in Thousands of US$) | | 253 |
Table 19-9: Financial Model | | 255 |
Table 23-1: Test work Completed and Recommended by Study for Trapiche | | 268 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1xvi
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1 | Executive Summary |
M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation (M3) was commissioned by El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (BVN), to prepare a prefeasibility level Technical Report Summary (TRS) of the Trapiche Project in compliance with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Modernized Property Disclosure Requirements for Mining Registrants as described in Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K, Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601 (b)(96) Technical Report Summary. The Trapiche Project is an open pit copper mine project located in the Juan Espinoza Medrano District, Antabamba Province, Apurímac Region and consists of the Trapiche Deposit.
The purpose of this TRS is to disclose at a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) level the updated mine plan, mineral resources, mineral reserves, process plant, facilities and infrastructure, with calculations of the capital cost, operating cost and financial analysis. No new information on drilling or laboratory tests have been obtained since the Trapiche PFS Update, December 2020, and there have been no design updates or revisions of technical assumptions. This TRS collected the Trapiche PFS Update, December 2020 technical information and only updated the commercial and economic parameters to re-evaluate the resource and reserve estimates, and economic value of the project. This section briefly summarizes the findings of the PFS.
1.1 | Key Results |
The key results of this study are as follows:
● | Mineral Resources excluding Mineral Reserves include 4,345 million pounds of copper contained within 617.2 million tonnes at 0.32% Cu and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 255 million pounds of copper contained within 36.6 million tonnes at 0.32% Cu. The Mineral Resource reported by El Molle Verde has been estimated in conformity with the newly implemented Regulation of S-K §229.1304 as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
● | The PFS considers leaching and SXEW only for copper recovery. The primary sulfide portion of the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource has not been considered in the Mineral Reserve estimate. Should copper recovery by flotation be contemplated in future studies, primary sulfides could be included in the Mineral Resource. |
● | According to the Prefeasibility Study TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update, the new geotechnical information, presented in the last stage of the above-mentioned study, allowed to convert the mineral resources into mineral reserves, results that are presented in the present Technical Report Summary. Mining Plus notes that the difference between the Mineral Resources used for mine planning in the initial stages of the PFS and the Mineral Reserves reported in this TRS is less than 2%. This difference is considered as not material; therefore, tonnages and grades used at the mine plan does not require an update. |
● | The proven and probable Mineral Reserves of The Trapiche Project within the operational mine design are estimated to be 283.2 Mt grading 0.51% Cu with an 18-year mine life. The average cut-off grade of the project is 0.13% Cu. |
● | Mine production will be by conventional open pit methods, hauling ore to the primary crusher located close to the pit, followed by the secondary and tertiary crushing and classification circuits. Run of Mine (ROM) material |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 11
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
will be leached to recover copper in two phases. Phase 2 is located downstream of the first phase. All ROM material will be leached. |
● | Mining production will range between 40,000 to 97,000 tonnes per day (peak is in Year 4) with an average of 75,000 tonnes per day. The crushing system will operate at 45,000 metric tonnes of ore per day on average over the 18-year Life of Mine (LOM), with the capacity to support 50,000 metric tonnes per day. The plant system will produce LME Grade A cathodes at 60,000 MTPY on average with peaks of 70,000 MTPY. These capacities were selected as the optimal system to process the extracted mineral due to the limitations identified in the study of the optimal capacity of the plant. Solutions for these limiting factors will be explored in the Feasibility Study. |
● | The after-tax net present value (NPV) of the project has been estimated at US$785 million dollars at a discount rate of 7% and the internal rate of return (IRR) is 15.9%. The payback period is 5.0 years. |
● | Copper price used in the financial model is $8,000/tonne or approximately $3.63/lb. Price projections from industry analysts were extracted from CRU International Ltd “Market input for S-K 1300: Trapiche”, provided by EMV, and used to derive the price of copper for the Trapiche Project. |
The financial results of this study are as follows:
Table 1-1: Economic Indicators (After-taxes)
Economic Indicators after Taxes | ($000) |
NPV @ 0% | $2,633,733 |
NPV @ 5% | $1,135,179 |
NPV @ 7% | $784,968 |
NPV @ 10% | $412,892 |
NPV @ 12% | $236,284 |
IRR | 15.9% |
Payback | 5.0 |
Table 1-2: Smelter Return Factors
Copper Cathode | |
Payable Copper | 100.0% |
Transportation Charges ($/Cu lb) | $0.055 |
| $/ore tonne |
Total Operating Cost | $6.97 |
Reclamation & Closure | $0.38 |
Social Costs | $0.10 |
Total Cash Cost | $7.45 |
1.2 | Property Description and Ownership |
The Trapiche Project is located in the Apurimac region in south-central Perú and is located about 95 km south of the town of Abancay and about 8 km south of the Mollebamba village in the Antabamba Province (see Figure 1-1). The location coordinates are UTM 728,672 E and 8,396,177 N. The elevation of the property and deposit range from 3,900 to 4,650 meters above sea level (masl).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 12
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The Trapiche Project area consists of 44,098 hectares in 38 mining concessions as well as an additional 2,300 hectares with land use rights that were granted by the Mollebamba village in 2011 through an easement agreement signed with Compañía de Minas Buenaventura and El Molle Verde S.A.C. Conversations with the local community continued during the last three years and finally the 2011 agreement with Mollebamba was ratified by the community in October 2018 with improvements of the social and economic benefits which will reinforce and consolidate the original 2011 agreement.
Figure 1-1: Trapiche Site Location and Access Route
1.3 | Geology and Mineralization |
The Trapiche deposit corresponds to a typical porphyry deposit with Cu and Mo mineralization, which is related to the location of the hydrothermal polyphase quartz monzonite porphyry (QMP) and Breccia Pipe, which crosscuts sedimentary sequences of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age.
The mineralization is a Cu-Mo porphyry, constituted mainly by primary and secondary copper sulfides, molybdenite and to a lesser extent copper oxide. The highest volume of sulfides is located in the Breccia Pipe, followed by the quartz monzonite porphyry, and in a lower percentage the Cu oxides located in the western border with contact to the breccia and calc-silicate sediments, associated with the monzonite intrusive dikes.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 13
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.4 | Exploration Status |
The prospecting and exploration work was completed in a systematic, orderly and progressive manner, in accordance with the industry’s best practices. Exploration activities consisted of stream sediments geochemistry, rocks geochemistry, geological mapping, geophysical prospecting (induced polarization and magnetometry), and early diamond exploration that led to the discovery of the Trapiche porphyry. Detailed exploration began in 2001 and continued in several campaigns until 2014.
Drilling at Trapiche has been phased, from the execution of an initial exploration drilling (2001-2009) to an advanced exploration drilling (2011-2014). Recently, drilling has also been used for geotechnical, metallurgical and hydrogeological studies.
Geological data is stored in a database and has been used to develop geological models (lithology, mine zone and structural alteration). All these inputs are fundamental for the block models and mineral resource estimate.
During the drilling campaigns (2001-2014), a total of 49,302 core samples were collected including 44,869 core samples from exploratory drillings and 4,433 core samples from geometallurgical drillings. The QA-QC control samples (coarse and fine duplicates, standards, coarse and fine blanks) total to 6,128 samples.
The results of the QA-QC control analysis completed in the 2008-2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 campaigns, both in the preparation and assaying phase (SGS Lab) of core samples, indicate reliability to estimate mineral resources.
1.5 | Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates |
1.5.1 | Mineral Resource |
Mineral Resources, excluding Mineral Reserves, contain 4,345 million pounds of copper contained in 617.2 million tons at 0.32% Cu and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 255 million pounds of copper contained in 36.6 million tons at 0.32% Cu. Details are given in Table 1-4.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 14
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 1-4: MRE Tabulation Suitable for Reporting in Accordance with SEC S-K 1300 as of December 13, 2016(1-9)
Notes:
1. | The Mineral Resources in this report were estimated and reported using the regulation S-K §229.1304 of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). |
2. | The mineral resources presented in this table exclude the mineral reserves. |
3. | Qualified Person Dr Andrew Fowler P.Geo, has approved the form and context of the reported Mineral Resource Estimate. |
4. | All drill hole data available on 13 December 2016 were used for the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
5. | The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is 13 December 2016. There are no new geology data provided after the information from 2016. |
6. | The Mineral Resource is based on a copper price of US$3.99/lb, equivalent to $8,800/t, provided by BVN (Memorandum 13.08.2021). |
7. | MP is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
8. | Numbers in the table might not add precisely due to rounding. |
9. | The pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate is reported with internal dilution. |
The total Mineral Resource that Mining Plus has estimated, not excluding reserves and within the resource pit, contains Measured + Indicated Mineral Resource of 7,520 million pounds of copper contained within 899.7 million tonnes at 0.38% Cu and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 255 million pounds of copper contained within 36.6 million tonnes at 0.32% Cu for the wider Trapiche and Millocucho deposits, including sulfides. Details are given in Table 1-5.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 15
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 1-5: MRE Tabulation – Including the Mineral Reserve (1-7)
Notes:
1. | Mineral Resources inclusive Mineral Reserves. |
2. | All drill hole data available on 13 December 2016 were used to for the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
3. | The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is 13 December 2016. There are no new geology data provided after the information from 2016. |
4. | The Mineral Resource is based on a copper price of US$3.99/lb, equivalent to $8,800 /t, provided by BVN (Memorandum 13.08.2021). |
5. | MP is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
6. | Numbers in the table might not add precisely due to rounding. |
7. | The pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate is reported with internal dilution. |
The Mineral Reserve does not include the Millocucho deposit, nor does it consider primary sulfide Mineral Resources because it is considering recovering copper only by Leach and SXEW methods, not by flotation. Primary sulfides by flotation methods may be considered in future studies. For a breakdown of processed oxide, enriched, transitional and low-grade run-of-mine ore refer to Section 11.
1.5.2 | Mineral Reserve |
The Mineral Reserve Estimates for the Trapiche Project operations are based on a long range mine plan which uses the block model compiled under Section 11, Mineral Resource Estimates, with economic value calculation per block and mining, processing, and engineering detail parameters.
Table 1-6 shows the Mineral Reserve Estimate for Trapiche.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 16
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 1-6: Mineral Reserves Tabulation by Material Type for Trapiche
Reserves Category | Material Type | Tonnage (Mt) | Grade Cu (%) |
Probable | Enriched | 211.1 | 0.53 |
Oxide | 34.4 | 0.37 | |
Transitional | 37.7 | 0.50 | |
Total Mineral Reserves | 283.2 | 0.51 |
The operational mine design was based on the selection of the optimum pit with the optimization parameters shown in Table 1-7.
Table 1-7: Parameters Applied to Pit Optimization
Parameter | Units | Value | Basis |
---|---|---|---|
Resource Classification | |||
Included Resources | (N/A) | Measured and Indicated | Provided by EMV |
Geotechnical | |||
Inter-ramp | (°) | 40°- 45° | KCB |
Overall Slope Angle | (°) | 43 | Calculated by MP with KCB information |
Mining Parameters | |||
Recovery | 98% | By MP | |
Dilution | 2% | By MP | |
Production | |||
Processing Limit | (ktpd) | 45 sulfides | Provided by EMV after trade-off and completed by M3 |
Processing Limit | (ktpd) | 3 oxides and mixed | Provided by M3 |
Processing | |||
Recovery Cu | % | 85 oxides and mixed | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Recovery Cu | % | 71.7 enriched | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Recovery Cu | % | 0.55 Transitional | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Operating Costs | |||
Mining Cost | (US$/t moved) | 1.7 | Calculated by MP |
Elevation 4710 | (US$/t moved) | 0.021 per bench | Calculated by MP |
Processing Cost | |||
Oxide/mixed | (US$/t ore) | 9.42 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
Enriched | (US$/t ore) | 3.88 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
Transitional | (US$/t ore) | 3.88 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
G&A | |||
45ktpd | (US$/t ore) | 2 | Provided by M3 |
Selling Costs | |||
Copper | (US$/lb) | 0.07 | Provided by M3 |
Payable Cu | % | 100 | Provided by M3 |
Metal Price | |||
Copper | (US$/lb) | 3.17 | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 and MP |
Constraint | % Ca | Over 1% Ca will go to ROM material | Provided by EMV |
In view of the current high copper prices and with the purpose to review the material changes in the Mineral Reserves, a sensitivity analysis was developed considering the increase in the price to $3.62/lb of copper and an 8% increase in mining, processing and administration costs; which resulted in 1% difference, concluding that the 2019 Mineral
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 17
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Reserves shown in the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update will be maintained for this S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary since the differences are minimal in ore tonnage and fine Cu.
1.6 | Recovery Methods |
The following items summarize the process operations required to extract copper from Trapiche ores by heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning technology. These are also shown in Figure 1-2 below.
● | 110.6 M tonnes of run of mine ore (ROM) will be stacked directly on a permanent heap leach pad and leached. |
● | Select grade ore will be crushed by a three-stage crushing circuit. |
● | Crushed and agglomerated enriched and transition ore (248.2 M tonnes) will be stacked and leached on a permanent leach pad. Transitional and enriched ores have similar required leach times roughly double that required for the oxide and mixed ores; therefore, they are proposed to be leached on the same pad. |
● | Soluble copper will be extracted from the leach solution by solvent extraction technology. |
● | Copper metal will be produced for sale by electrowinning technology. |
● | Reagents will be stored, prepared, and distributed. The following reagents will be used: |
o | Sulfuric acid: Leaches metals from host rock. This is the most significant reagent in terms of operating costs |
o | Diluent (Kerosene) – organic solution used to carry extractant and targeted metals |
o | Extractant (Acorga M5774) or similar – selectively transfers dissolved metals from pregnant leach solution to organic solution |
o | Cobalt Sulfate (CoSO4) – improves plating quality, consistency, and surface finish during electrowinning |
o | Guar – improves plating quality, consistency, and surface finish during electrowinning |
o | Diatomaceous Earth – filtration media for cleaning electrolyte of entrained organic |
o | Mist Suppressor (FC-1100) – prevents fugitive emissions |
The Trapiche key process design criteria are summarized in Table 1-8.
ROM | Crushed oxide/mixed ore | Crushed enriched/transition | SXEW | Design | |
Total Tonnes | 110.6 M tonnes | 34.3 M tonnes | 248.2 M tonnes | - | 393 M tonnes |
Crushing and Stacking System Throughput | | | | | 16,425,000 MTPY or 45,000 MTPD |
Acid consumption | 4 kg/t ore | 17 kg/t ore | 7 kg/t ore | | 7 kg/t ore |
Leach Cycle: Total including rest periods/days under active leaching | 265 days (continuous, no rest periods) | 140 days/80 days | 180 days/90 days | | |
PLS Flow for Solvent Extraction | | | | 3,900 m3/hr | 4,900 m3/hr |
Copper Produced, Annual Average | 3,641 | 5,967 | 50,613 | | 60,222 MTPY |
Copper Recovery | 40% | 85% | 69%* | 98.6% | |
* Recovery is 71.7% for enriched and 55% for Transitional. 69% is the average.
1.6.1 | Crushing and Material Preparation |
ROM ore will be trucked from the mine and directly dumped onto the ROM Leach Pad. Oxide/mixed ore and enriched/transitional sulfide ores will be delivered to the Primary Gyratory Crusher. An apron feeder will draw ore from
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 18
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
the crusher discharge hopper and discharge to a conveyor belt that will send the ore either to the sulfide ore conveyor or to the oxide ore conveyor. There are approximately 3.9 kilometers of conveyor belt in the project. There is only one primary crusher, (max capacity of 50x65 primary is estimated at 2,760 mtph); therefore, oxide/mixed ores will need to be campaigned separately from the enriched/transitional ores to allow emptying of the primary crusher’s discharge hopper as well as the live storage portion of the coarse ore stockpile, and properly direct the crushed ore to the Oxide On/Off Pad or the Sulfide Leach Pad.
Three belt feeders, rated at 1230 tph nominal each, will reclaim ore from the coarse sulfide ore stockpile. Secondary screen belt feeders will feed secondary vibrating screens. Screen undersize will combine with the secondary crusher discharge and be transferred by a conveyor to the tertiary crushing and screening circuit.
Three belt feeders will withdraw ore from the tertiary screen load bin and feed the tertiary vibrating screens. Screen oversize will discharge into the tertiary cone crushers. The undersize material from the tertiary crusher screens is the product of the fine crushing circuit and will have a size gradation of 80 percent passing 9.4 mm.
Crushed material from the tertiary crushing circuit will be conveyed to an agglomeration circuit surge bin. Crushed ore is fed to two agglomeration drums for pretreatment (binding). Raffinate or fresh water and sulfuric acid will be added to the agglomeration drums.
The major equipment for crushing, screening and agglomeration is show in Table 1-9.
Table 1-9: Crushing, Screening and Agglomeration System Major Equipment
Equipment | Number | Description | Key Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Gyratory Crusher | 1 | 2,635 max. mtph gyratory crusher, 50x65 | 525 kW |
Apron Feeder | 1 | 2500 mtph, 72" wide, 7 m long apron feeder | 45 kW |
Crushed Ore Conveyor to stockpile | 1 | Primary Crusher Discharge / Stockpile Feed Inclined Conveyor/Stacker | 600 kW |
Sulfide stockpile Belt Feeders | 3 | 1230 mtph, 60" wide, 6 m long | 37.5 kW |
Crushed Reclaim Conveyor | 1 | 42” X 356 m Inclined Conveyor, 56 m lift | 700 kW |
Secondary Screen Feeder | 2 | 1230 mtph, 60" wide, 6 m long | 37.5 kW |
Secondary Screen | 2 | 2,500 mtph double deck, 3.6 m x 7.3 m | 67.5 kW |
Secondary Cone Crusher | 2 | Cone Crusher 2110 tph | 750 kW |
Tertiary Feed Bin Feed Conveyor | 1 | 60” X 340 m, Inclined conveyor, 46m lift | 1500 kW |
Tertiary Screen Belt Feeder | 3 | 1,250 mtph, 60" wide, 6 m long | 37.5 kW |
Tertiary Screen | 3 | 2,500 mtph double deck, 3.6 m x 7.3 m | 67.5 kW |
Tertiary Cone Crusher | 3 | Cone Crusher 1,050 mtph | 750 kW |
Tertiary Crusher Discharge Conveyor | 1 | 48” X 276 m Horizontal Conveyor | 250 kW |
Agglomerator Surge Bin Feed Conveyor | 1 | 48” X 369 m, Inclined conveyor | 400 kW |
Agglomerator Belt Feeder | 2 | 1250 mtph, 60" wide, 6 m long | 37.5 kW |
Agglomerator Feed Conveyor | 2 | 48” X 32 m Horizontal Conveyor | 20 kW |
Agglomerator Discharge Overland Conveyor | 1 | 3600 mtph, reversible, horizontal length 24 m, band with 48”, 3.28 m/s. | 75 kW |
Agglomerator | 2 | 3 m diameter x 6.1 m long drum agglomerator | 150 kW |
1.6.2 | Heap Leach Pad and Ponds |
Agglomerated ore will be transferred to the heap leach pads by an overland conveyor system. The overland conveyor system will terminate to either an oxide ore stacking system or a sulfide ore stacking system at the respective leach pad. The overland system includes the overland conveyor and a series of transfer conveyors (for the oxide system and for the sulfide system) and two mobile stackers (one for the oxide system and one for the sulfide system) that will transfer ore to the stacking system on the pad. The stacking system will be a series of mobile grasshopper type
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 19
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
conveyors terminating at a radial stacker conveyor. The radial stacker conveyor will place agglomerated ore in lifts. Leach solution distribution pipes and drip lines will be put in place on newly stacked ores.
The major equipment used in the overland conveyor system is shown in Table 1-10.
Table 1-10: Overland Conveyor and Stacking System Major Equipment
Equipment | Number | Description | Key Criteria |
Overland Conveyor | 1 | 3600 tph horizontal length 619 m, lift height 73.4 m, band width 48" | 1500 kW |
Discharge Conveyor | 2 | 3600 tph horizontal length 59m, lift height 10 m, band width 48" | 56.25 kW |
Oxide Transfer Conveyor | 16 | 42” X 125' Horizontal Conveyor | 56.25 kW |
Sulfide Ramp Mobile Conveyor | 12 | 42” X 125' Ramp Portable Conveyor | 93.8 kW |
Standard Portable Conveyor | 20 | 48” X 125' Grasshopper Conveyor | 56.35 kW |
Sulfide Horizontal Feed Conveyor | 2 | 42” X 90' Horizontal Index Conveyor | 150 kW |
Oxide Radial Stacker Conveyor | 1 | 42” X 170' Low Profile TeleStacker® Conveyor | 150 kW |
Radial Stacker Conveyor | 1 | 42” X 140' Low Profile TeleStacker® Conveyor | 150 kW |
Two leach pads will contain agglomerated ore:
● | Oxide Ore On-Off (dynamic) Leach Pad |
● | Sulfide Leach Pad |
A permanent ROM pad will be constructed to stack ore directly from the mine for leaching. The Pad ROM is also designed for the storage of oxide waste.
The ultimate capacity of the leach pads is shown in Table 1-11. Since oxide material is not permanently stored on the Oxide Ore On-Off leach pad, the number shown represents that leach pad’s active volume.
Table 1-11: Leach Pad Capacity
Leach Pad | Capacity, million tonnes |
Oxide Ore On-Off | 1.05 |
Sulfide Leach | 269.5 |
ROM Phase 1 and 2 | 111.2 |
Barren aqueous solution (raffinate) from the solvent extraction circuit will be pumped to the leach pads. Drip emitters will distribute the leach solution to the surface of the stacked ore pile.
The leach solution that percolates through the ROM pad will be collected and will flow by gravity to the intermediate solution (ILS) pond. Solution from the ILS pond will be pumped to the sulfide ore leach pad and be distributed over freshly stacked material. The ILS pond is sized based on 2 hours of retention time at design flowrate.
Leach solution that percolates through the sulfide material will be collected in the sulfide pregnant leach solution (PLS) pond. PLS will be transferred from the sulfide PLS pond to the PLS feed pond. The PLS Feed Pond is sized based on 8 hours of retention time at design flowrates.
Leach solution from the oxide material will be collected in the oxide PLS pond. PLS will be transferred from the oxide PLS pond by pump to the PLS Feed Pond to feed the solvent extraction circuit. The oxide PLS pond is sized based on 4 hours of retention time at design flowrate.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 110
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
A contact water pond will be installed to handle any excess water that might occur during a large precipitation event. The PLS sulfide feed pond will overflow to the raffinate pond by gravity and the ILS pond is designed to overflow to the ILS event pond. The ILS event pond will overflow this excess of water to the raffinate pond and the raffinate pond will overflow by gravity to the contact water pond. Water that may accumulate in these ponds will be periodically pumped by vertical pumps to the raffinate pond. The PLS oxide pond is designed to overflow to the oxide event pond and the oxide excess water will be pumped to the contact water pond. The contact water pond is sized at 603,974 m³. The ILS event pond is sized at 52,200 m³.
1.7 | Solvent Extraction |
The solvent extraction (SX) process uses a liquid ion-exchange reagent that transfers dissolved copper values from the PLS (aqueous phase) solution to the strip solution (organic phase) as an organo-metallic chelate.
The solvent extraction process consists of two basic steps. In the first step, the PLS is mixed with the organic phase. This organic phase is a mixture of a copper specific extraction reagent, called the extractant, and an organic carrier, called the diluent. The aqueous and organic phases are immiscible liquids and therefore must be well mixed to maximize the extraction of copper from the PLS. Once the organic extractant is loaded with copper, the organic and aqueous phases separate in a settler. The organic phase has a much lower specific gravity than the aqueous phase, which allows for gravity separation between the two immiscible phases.
The PLS, minus the copper, is now called raffinate. The raffinate, which now contains the acid released during extraction, is recycled back to the leaching process.
The loaded organic from extraction is pumped to the second step of the process where the copper is stripped (copper mass transfer from the organic phase back to an aqueous phase) from the organic into another aqueous phase, which becomes the feed to the electrowinning stage. The initial aqueous strip solution is called “lean electrolyte” and after picking up copper from the organic phase it is called the “rich electrolyte”. By controlling the acidity and flow ratios in the stripping step, a very pure, high-grade copper containing solution can be produced. The stripped organic discharging from the stripping stage returns to the extraction stage to take up copper again.
The mixing and the gravity separation of the aqueous and the organic solutions are performed in mixer-settlers. The process of producing copper with this technology is named solvent extraction electrowinning (SXEW). Table 1-12 shows the major equipment for solvent extraction.
Table 1-12: Solvent Extraction Major Equipment
Equipment | Number | Description | Key Criteria |
Extraction Settlers | 3 | 40.25 m W x 44.75 L x 0.6 m H SS316L | |
Strip Settler | 1 | 40.25 m W x 44.75 L x 0.6 m H SS316L | |
Wash Settler | 1 | 40.25 m W x 44.75 L x 0.6 m H SS316L | |
Primary Mix Tank with Agitator | 5 | SS316L tank with pumper-mixer style agitator | 75 kW |
Secondary Mix Tank with Agitator | 5 | SS316L tank with pumper-mixer style agitator | 15 kW |
SX Fire Protection System | 1 | Foam fire suppression system | |
1.7.1 | Electrowinning |
In the electrowinning (EW) process, copper is plated in electrowinning cells onto stainless-steel cathode blanks utilizing an electro-chemical reaction.
Recirculated electrolyte solution will flow from the EW cells to an electrolyte recirculation tank. A portion of the recirculated electrolyte solution will be pumped to the SX stripping circuit. The remaining recirculated electrolyte solution will then mix with rich electrolyte solution and be pumped through a distribution system to the EW cells. The
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 111
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
recirculating electrolyte solution will be monitored and adjusted to maintain suitable operating concentrations of reagents (including cobalt, guar, and sulfuric acid) for the electrowinning (EW) process.
The copper cathodes will be harvested on a weekly basis. The tank house will have an overhead bridge crane for transporting cathodes to and from the cells using a cathode lifting strongback. Harvested cathodes will be washed in the cathode wash tanks using circulation pumps. Washed cathodes will be stripped from the stainless-steel blanks by robotic machine, sampled, weighed, and then banded by an automatic banding machine.
The Trapiche key process design criteria for electrowinning are summarized in Table 1-13.
Table 1-13: Electrowinning Design Criteria
Equipment | Description |
---|---|
Electrowinning Cells | 186 Polymer concrete, cross-flow type |
Number of cells per row | 2x46 and 2x48 |
Current Density | operating 324 A/m2, design 350 A/m2 |
Current efficiency | 93% |
Cathodes | Permanent mother blanks, 316L stainless steel, 11,160 installed |
Anodes | Rolled Pb-Ca-Sn Alloy, 11,346 installed |
Strip Machine | Fully automatic, includes washing, stripping, stacking, damaged cathode reject rack, and new cathode replacement rack. Capacity 155 cathodes/hr |
Cathode quality | LME Grade "A" |
Cathode bundle size | 2.5 - 3.0 t |
Design Copper Cathode Production | 69,600 MTPY |
1.8 | Infrastructure |
The Project uses following work breakdown structure area numbering system:
Facility Number | Facility or Area |
---|---|
000 | General & Site Plans |
001 | DMI |
002 | DMO |
003 | Quarries |
010 | East External Access Road |
011 | West External Access Road |
015 | Internal Access |
050 | Mine - General |
60 | Rock Fall Protection Walls |
100 | Primary Crushing |
200 | Coarse Ore Stockpile |
220 | Secondary Crushing & Screening |
240 | Tertiary Crushing |
260 | Tertiary Screening |
300 | Leach Pads and Ponds |
310 | Agglomeration |
320 | Oxide Leach Pad |
330 | Sulfide Leach Pad |
340 | ROM Leach Pad |
350 | Raffinate System |
360 | ILS System |
370 | PLS System |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 112
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Facility Number | Facility or Area |
---|---|
400 | Mineral Recovery |
410 | Solvent Extraction |
420 | Tank Farm |
500 | Electrowinning |
600 | Water Systems |
620 | Water Treatment Plant |
650 | Fresh Water System |
700 | Power Supply, Transmission & Distribution Systems |
710 | Main Substation |
715 | Backup Power Generation |
750 | Transmission Lines |
760 | Distribution Lines |
800 | Reagents |
840 | Sulfuric Acid Unloading & Storage |
900 | Ancillaries - General |
901 | Guard House |
902 | Truck Scale |
903 | Administration/Mine Ops Building |
904 | Laboratory Building |
905 | Truck Shop/Truck Wash/Warehouse |
908 | Fuel Storage |
909 | Fuel Station |
910 | Warehouse |
911 | Security/Medical & Emergency Services |
912 | Plant Maintenance Building |
913 | SXEW Maintenance Building |
914 | Core Storage |
915 | Waste Transfer Area |
916 | Helipad |
918 | Explosives Storage |
920 | Permanent Camp & Dining Hall |
940 | Temporary Construction Facilities |
1.8.1 | Overall Site Plan |
Figure 1-2 below, shows the overall site plan.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 113
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 114
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.8.2 | Mine Access |
Two roads are being considered for the access to the mine site from Chunchumayo. One is termed the East Access Road begins in Chunchumayo and ends in the township of Mollocco. The other road is termed the West Access Road and begins in Chunchumayo and eventually ties into the road to Mollebamba. The main access will be built as a coordination between the Regional Government and the Federal Government of Peru.
The East Access Road (depicted below) will connect existing Regional Route AP-111 at the township of Chunchumayo to Regional Route AP-110 at the township of Mollocco. The West Access road also starts at the township of Chunchumayo and ties into AP-856. Each road will have an effective width of 5 meters, and the gradient of the road will be improved to not exceed 10%.
Figure 1-3: Mollocco – Chunchumayo Road
1.8.3 | Power Supply |
The power supply to the Trapiche Project will be provided from the Cotaruse substation via the 220kV transmission line. On August 29, 2019, Consorcio Transmantaro S.A. (CTM), the current operator of the Cotaruse Substation, expressed its conformity with the connection of Trapiche Project. In the Cotaruse substation, there will be two 220kV bay extensions with a switch and a half in the double bar. A new 220 kV transmission line will be built with metal lattice structures. The length of this transmission line will be about 51.5 km. The transmission line will connect to a new 220 kV substation at Trapiche. The Trapiche substation will have a transformer of 75-100/100/30 MVA (ONAN-ONAF) of 220/22.9/10 kV. From the Trapiche 22.9 kV substation, the distribution of power within the Trapiche plant will be by 22.9 kV distribution lines. The total connect load for the Trapiche Project is estimated at approximately 82 MW and the Maximum Estimated Load is 52 MW.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 115
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 116
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.8.4 | Process Components |
The following process components are proposed for the Trapiche Project:
● | Primary Crushing |
● | Coarse Ore Stockpile & Feed |
● | Secondary Crushing & Screening |
● | Tertiary Crushing & Screening |
● | Agglomeration |
● | Solvent Extraction |
● | Tank Farm Area |
● | Electrowinning |
● | Water Treatment Plants |
● | Heap Leach Circuits including Pads and Ponds |
● | Reagent Preparation, Storage, and Distribution |
1.8.5 | Geotechnical Components |
The following geotechnical components are proposed for the Trapiche Project:
● | Sulfide Leach Pad |
● | Oxide On/Off Leach Pad |
● | Oxide Waste Deposit Pad |
● | Run-of-Mine (ROM) Leach Pad (for ROM material) |
● | DMI (Unsuitable or Inadequate Material Deposit) |
● | DMO (Topsoil or Organic Material Deposit) |
● | Contact Water Dam |
● | Fresh Water Dam |
● | Fresh Water Intake Structure |
1.8.6 | Ancillaries |
Ancillary facilities for the Trapiche Project include the following:
● | Permanent Camp Facility |
● | Gate/Security Building |
● | Medical and Emergency Building |
● | Mine Operations Building |
● | Warehouse |
● | Truck Shop (may be supplied by Contract Miner) |
● | Truck Wash Facility |
● | Plant Maintenance Building |
● | Laboratory |
● | Fuel Storage & Fuel Station |
● | Explosives Storage |
● | Core Storage |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 117
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.9 | Project Construction and Operation |
Table 1-14 outlines the five years of EPCM, designing, procuring and constructing the Trapiche mine, the 18 years of mine operation and the 5 years of mine closure. The EPCM strategy is to use Year -5 to begin design of the initial ancillary structures and the long lead items. It is during this period that the exterior road connecting Chunchumayo to the mine site is constructed. Year -4 continues the engineering and begins construction of the interior roads, the earthworks for the site, and the initial ancillary structures necessary for the construction of the mine. Year -3 continues engineering on only some of the process facilities and continues construction on the earthworks, the camp and the crushing circuit facilities. Years -2 and -1 wrap up construction of the earthwork facilities and the process facilities. Commissioning begins in the final portion of Year -1 before the Operational Stage begins.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 118
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 1-14: Trapiche Project Leach Facility Construction and Operation Phases and Timing
Year -5 | Year -4 | Year -3 | Year -2 | Year -1 | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 | Year 14 | Year 15 | Year 16 | Year 17 | Year 18 | Year 19 | Year 20 | Year 21 | Year 22 | Year 23 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Detailed Engineering, Procurement & Planning |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Early Works (EW) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General (Platforms & Earthworks) | E |
|
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Quarries |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
DMI - Phase 1 (unsuitable material) | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
DMO (organic material) | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Internal Access Roads |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Freshwater System |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fresh Water Pond | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Fresh Water Intake | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Guard House West & East & Admin Building & Laboratory Building & Warehouse & Core Storage | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Truck Shop & Truck Wash (Only Platform) | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Fuel Storage & Fuel Station | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Security, Medical & Emergency Services | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Explosive Storage | E | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Construction/Permanent Camp & Dinning Hall |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary Construction Facilities & Power | E | C | O | O | O | R |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Plant Site Stage |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General (Platforms & Earthworks) | E |
|
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
DMI - Phase 2 | E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Quarries |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
East External Access Road | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
West External Access Road | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Internal Access | E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Pit (No Pre-mining considered) |
| E |
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R |
Rock Fall Protection Walls |
|
| E | C |
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Primary Crushing and Oxide Stockpile |
| E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Ore Stockpiling, Conveying, Secondary & Tertiary Crushing |
| E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Agglomeration |
| E | E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Oxide Leach Pad |
| E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |||
Sulfide Leach Pad Phase 1 |
| E | C | C | C | O | O | O |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sulfide Leach Pad Phase 2 |
| E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O |
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Sulfide Leach Pad Phase 3 |
| E |
|
| O | O | O | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |||||||||
ROM Leach Pad - Phase 1 (Inc. Ponds) |
| E |
| C | C | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |||||||||||||||
ROM Leach Pad - Phase 2 (Inc. Waste Pad) |
| E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |||
Raffinate System |
| E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |
ILS Collection Pond & ILS Event Pond |
| E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |
Oxide PLS Pond |
| E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | R | R | R | R | |||
SX/EW Plant & Tank Farm |
| E | C | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Water System (Piping & Equipment) |
| E | C | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Fresh/Fire Water Crush & SXEW Area |
| E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Water Treatment Plants |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Contact Water Pond |
| E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
Pit Water Treatment Plant |
| E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | C | O | O | O | O | R | |
Contact Water Treatment Plant |
| E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R | |
Power Supply |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Main Substation & Backup Power | E |
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Transmission Lines (220Kv) | E |
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Distribution Lines (22.9Kv) | E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| ||||
Reagents, Sulfuric Acid & Unloading, Ancillaries |
| E |
| C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Truck Scales Crushing Area & SXEW Area |
| E |
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| ||||
Truck Shop & Truck Wash (Building) | E |
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| ||||
Plant Maintenance Building |
| E | E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
SXEW Maintenance Building |
| E | E | C | C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
| |||
Waste Transfer Area | E |
|
|
| C | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | R |
|
|
|
|
Detailed Engineering | E | Construction | C | Operation | O | Closure & Reclamation | R |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 119
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.9.1 | Initial Capital Construction |
Initial capital construction will include the following:
● | Process Facilities including: |
o | Primary Crushing |
o | Coarse Ore Stockpile & Feed |
o | Secondary Crushing & Screening |
o | Tertiary Crushing & Screening |
o | Agglomeration |
o | Conveying and Stacking Systems for Phase 1A |
o | Solvent Extraction |
o | Tank Farm Area |
o | Electrowinning |
o | Raffinate Pond |
o | Oxide PLS Pond (although the Oxide Leach Pad is deferred, the Oxide PLS Pond is used to feed the SX plant and therefore is needed during initial construction) |
o | Pit Water Treatment Plant |
o | Process Water Treatment Plant |
o | Reagents |
● | Infrastructure including: |
o | Main Access Road |
o | Haul Roads |
o | Internal Roads |
o | 220kV Transmission Line |
o | Trapiche Main Electrical Substation |
o | Fresh Water Intake Structure |
Construction of a fresh water take-off (FWT) in the Rio Seguiña is planned to supplement the fresh water supply to the project during both construction and operation by up to 70 l/s during dry periods.
o | Fresh Water Dam and Pond |
The fresh water dam is planned for 200 m upstream of the confluence of the Quebrada Cuatro and the Rio Seguiña and designed with a nominal capacity of 492,100 m3.
● | Ancillary Structures |
All ancillary facilities listed in Section 1.8.6 above
● | DMI Storage Area |
The Inadequate Material Deposit (DMI for its acronym in Spanish) is designed to contain a total of approximately 2.05 Mm3 of material produced during excavation to foundation materials during the construction of the project.
● | DMO Storage Area |
The storage of organic material (topsoil) removed during construction is planned for the Organic Material Deposit (DMO for its initials in Spanish), with a nominal capacity of 0.52 Mm3. This capacity is considered sufficient due to the use of organic material during rehabilitation and progressive closure plan proposed for the project.
● | Sulfide Heap Leach Pad |
The sulfide leach pad is broken into three phases, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. Phase 1 is constructed during the initial construction period in the upper reaches of the Quebrada Puccacocha, north of the planned
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 120
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
SXEW plant and Quebrada Cuatro. The total occupied area presented in this design is 211 ha. Phases 2 and 3 are sustainable construction.
● | The Phase 1 Sulfide Heap Leach Pad |
Phase 1 in the upper valley of the Quebrada Puccacocha using a combination of cut and fill techniques to produce an average leachable area of 62.3 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 66.5 Mt of agglomerated material.
● | ROM Pad |
The ROM leach pad is designed to be completely underlain with an impermeable liner with a total extension of 118 ha, and a total capacity of 111.24 Mt, 31.5 Mt in Phase 1 and 79.7 Mt in Phase 2. The ROM pad will leach low grade ore (ROM). ROM Phase 1 includes:
o | ROM Leach Pad liner and collection system |
o | ILS Collection Pond |
o | ILS Storm Water Event Pond |
● | Contact Water Dam |
A contact water storage is planned for the Cuatro watershed, downstream of the DMO, with reference coordinates of UTM 18S 729896E and 8394119N. The location of the dam was determined after updating the general arrangement of the mine components and an evaluation of alternatives where technical aspects were considered. The Contact Water Dam is designed with a nominal capacity of 501,481 m3.
● | Fresh Water Intake |
As result of the project’s Water Balance, fresh water from the Seguiña River is required for the project in the years of construction and the first 8 years of operation in amounts of 20 and 43 liters per second (L/s), respectively. For the years of construction, the calculation results in a requirement of 11 liters but a contingency of 80% was assumed that should be optimized in the next level of study. For operation years the dry season scenario was assumed to include contingency in the estimation. After year 8, the water coming from the pit (superficial and underground) will be enough to supply the requirement of the process in the dry months of the years. See Section 16.8 for additional information.
● | Fresh Water Dam |
The Fresh Water Pond location is planned for 200 m upstream of the confluence of the Quebrada Cuatro and the Rio Seguiña with a reference coordinate of UTM 18S 728616E and 8393068N. It is designed with a nominal capacity of 231,388 m3. See Section 15.6 for additional information.
● | Water Treatment Plants |
During the operation, the contact water from the pit will be treated in the Mine Water Treatment Plant, with a starting capacity of 60 liters per second in Year -1 and 180 liters per second in Year 18. This water will be led to the contact water tank in dry months to be used in the process according to the water balance and will be discharged to the authorized point once it is verified that it complies with the permitted environmental limits.
Surplus contact water from the sulfide leach pad, ROM pad, oxide pad, or other areas will be conducted to the contact water pond where it will be stored for reuse in the process. If this water needed some treatment to return to the process or to discharge to the authorized point, in the event of an extreme event, a Contact Water Treatment Plant was designed with a capacity of 25 L/s.
1.9.2 | Sustainable Construction |
The following describes the systems and components that will be constructed after initial plant startup. Timing of construction is shown in Table 1-14 above.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 121
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Phase 2 - Sulfide Heap Leach Pad |
Phase 2 in the upper valley of the Quebrada Cuatro overlying leached Phase 1 ROM material, with an average leachable area of 56.6 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 58.8 Mt of agglomerated material. Phase 2 will start service in Year 5 and includes:
o | The Phase 2 PLS Pond |
o | Associated Pumping and Piping Systems |
● | Phase 3 - Sulfide Heap Leach Pad |
Phase 3 overlying the previously placed agglomerated material, with an average leachable area of 82.9 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 144.2 Mt of agglomerated material.
● | Oxide On/Off Leach Pad |
The oxide ore is in the lower elevation reaches of the pit. As such, it would be difficult to deliver a substantial quantity of oxide ore early in the project. The current mine plan has the oxide ore deliveries of 38k, 433k, and 920k for years 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The intent is to stockpile this material for future processing. This will allow the project to defer construction of the Oxide On/Off (Dynamic) Leach Pad with an area of 16 ha until Year 3 and includes:
o | Active capacity: 3 Mt annually |
o | Oxide On/Off Leach Pad liner and collection system |
o | Oxide Conveying and Stacking System |
● | Run-of-Mine (ROM) Leach Pad Phase 2 |
The ROM Phase 2 leach pad will start developing in Year 3 and completed in Year 4. The ROM Phase 2 pad includes:
o | Capacity: 79.7 Mt |
o | ROM Phase 1 is planned to store 34.3 Mt leached oxides in the northeast sector of the ROM Phase 2 leach pad footprint. |
● | Oxide Waste Deposit Pad |
The oxide ore operation is a dynamic pad. The ore is leached and removed once leaching is complete. The waste oxide material is placed alongside the ROM material. In plan view they have the appearance of being one pad, but the two pads are separated by a berm at the bottom to control drain-down solution coming from the oxide waste. Timing for this pad would need to align with the timing of the Oxide Leach pad. Since the oxide material will leach for approximately 140 days (including rinsing and draining) the Waste Deposit Pad will need to be operational shortly after the oxide processing starts. The proposed plan is to start developing the Oxide Waste Deposit Pad in Year 4. The pad would be extended as required over the course of the next 10 years. Includes:
o | Capacity: 34.3 Mt |
o | Oxide Waste Deposit Pad liner and Collection System |
o | Drainage piping from Pad to ILS Pond |
1.10 | Capital and Operating Cost Estimates |
1.10.1 | Operating Costs |
The project’s operating costs are summarized in Table 1-15.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 122
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 1-15: Overall Operating Cost
Area | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | LOM |
Mining Operating Cost | $50,428 | $50,867 | $53,197 | $65,527 | $55,037 | $908,954 |
SXEW Plant | $68,177 | $69,658 | $68,728 | $71,699 | $68,941 | $1,148,728 |
Water Treatment Plant | $357 | $527 | $658 | $771 | $911 | $35,943 |
Site & Services | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $396,000 |
General Administration | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $118,800 |
Treatment & Refining Charges | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $131,439 |
Total | $155,826 | $157,915 | $159,447 | $174,861 | $161,753 | $2,739,864 |
$/t processed | $5.80 | $6.09 | $5.79 | $4.93 | $5.98 | $6.97 |
Table 1-16 shows the average mining unit cost per activity for the whole LOM. This is a mine contractor estimation that includes the whole cost except for the auxiliary equipment. A recent mining operating cost update has been made in October 2021 due to the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update being developed in 2020. This adjustment is an additional 10%, considered for price adjustment due to inflation and increase in consumables and supplies.
Table 1-16: Mine Operating Unit Cost(1)
Activity | US$ / t | % |
Drilling | 0.16 | 7.1 |
Blasting | 0.22 | 9.5 |
Loading | 0.24 | 10.4 |
Hauling | 1.19 | 51.7 |
Maintenance | 0.19 | 8.2 |
Mine Management | 0.09 | 4.1 |
Contractor's Profit | 0.21 | 9.1 |
Total | 2.31 | 100 |
Notes:
1. | In the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update, the cost of mines was estimated at US$2.1/t. |
1.10.1.2 | Process Plant Operating Cost |
The process plant operating cost is summarized in Table 1-17.
Table 1-17: Process Plant Operating Cost
Activity | USD LOM ($000) | % |
Labor | $81,972 | 7.1 |
Sulfuric Acid | $431,828 | 37.6 |
Electrical Power | $394,596 | 34.4 |
Reagents | $61,769 | 5.4 |
Liners | $24,018 | 2.1 |
Maintenance Parts | $135,720 | 11.8 |
Water Charges | $958 | 0.1 |
Supplies and Services | $17,866 | 1.6 |
Total | $1,148,728 | 100 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 123
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1.10.1.2.1 | Labor |
The process plant staffing has been estimated to have 150 employees (operations 105 employees and maintenance 45 employees) included in the process plant staffing is the laboratory staffing. An average annual wage of $30,360 which includes fringe benefits. Annual plant labor costs are estimated to be $4.6 million, which is 4.9% of the process plant operating cost.
1.10.1.2.2 | Sulfuric Acid |
Sulfuric acid is the major reagent in an SXEW facility. Sulfuric acid is used to liberate copper from the host rock. As noted in Table 1-17 above, 37.6% of the Process Plant OPEX costs are for purchase and delivery of sulfuric acid. Current undiscounted life of mine acid cost is $432M based on a delivered price of $156.26 per ton of acid ($80/t for acid purchase and $76.26/t for delivery). Therefore, securing the best possible acid supply contract as well as the best possible delivery contract will be very important for the project. An Owner operated delivery fleet may be worth exploring to see if it would be cost beneficial.
1.10.1.2.3 | Electrical Power |
The electrical power consumption was based on the TPC-PFS-LST-000-ME-001-Equipment Register Rev. 0 with connected kW, discounted for operating time per day and anticipated operating load level. Power costs were provided by El Molle Verde using a unit price of $0.065 per kWh. Annual plant power costs are estimated to be approximately $25.0 million. The electrical load summary is shown in Table 1-18 below.
Table 1-18: Electrical Load Summary
CONNECTED LOAD | DEMAND LOAD | ESTIMATED LOAD |
| |||||||||
ELECTRICAL LOAD | KW | KVAR | KVA | % | KW | KVAR | KVA | % | KW | KVAR | KVA | LOAD FACTOR |
Area 050 Mine General | 515 | 382 | 641 | 66 | 341 | 314 | 464 | 100 | 341 | 314 | 464 | 0.72 |
Area 100 Primary Crushing | 1,602 | 853 | 1,815 | 73 | 1,162 | 657 | 1,335 | 78 | 906 | 513 | 1,041 | 0.57 |
Area 200 Coarse Ore Stockpile | 946 | 511 | 1,075 | 78 | 739 | 400 | 840 | 78 | 576 | 312 | 655 | 0.54 |
Area 220 Secondary Crushing & Screening | 3,412 | 1,709 | 3,816 | 79 | 2,690 | 1,358 | 3,013 | 85 | 2,287 | 1,154 | 2,561 | 0.67 |
Area 240 Tertiary Crushing | 2,518 | 1,259 | 2,815 | 79 | 1,995 | 1,005 | 2,234 | 85 | 1,696 | 854 | 1,899 | 0.67 |
Area 260 Tertiary Screening | 1,542 | 858 | 1,765 | 65 | 1,000 | 638 | 1,187 | 85 | 850 | 542 | 1,009 | 0.57 |
Area 310 Agglomeration | 2,650 | 1,325 | 2,963 | 78 | 2,056 | 1,046 | 2,306 | 85 | 1,747 | 889 | 1,960 | 0.66 |
Area 320 Oxide Leach Pad | 1,273 | 821 | 1,515 | 80 | 1,019 | 657 | 1,212 | 60 | 611 | 394 | 727 | 0.48 |
Area 330 Sulfide Leach Pad | 3,206 | 1,944 | 3,750 | 79 | 2,530 | 1,545 | 2,965 | 70 | 1,771 | 1,081 | 2,075 | 0.55 |
Area 350 Raffinate System | 11,628 | 5,635 | 12,921 | 70 | 8,139 | 4,172 | 9,146 | 80 | 6,511 | 3,338 | 7,317 | 0.57 |
Area 360 ILS System | 5,968 | 2,890 | 6,631 | 70 | 4,178 | 2,140 | 4,694 | 65 | 2,715 | 1,391 | 3,051 | 0.46 |
Area 370 PLS System | 1,579 | 765 | 1,754 | 70 | 1,105 | 566 | 1,242 | 50 | 553 | 283 | 621 | 0.35 |
Area 410 Solvent Extraction | 775 | 505 | 925 | 70 | 543 | 367 | 655 | 95 | 515 | 349 | 622 | 0.67 |
Area 420 Tank Farm | 7,142 | 3,572 | 7,986 | 70 | 4,995 | 2,640 | 5,650 | 85 | 4,246 | 2,244 | 4,802 | 0.60 |
Area 500 Electrowinning | 20,022 | 9,874 | 22,325 | 94 | 18,725 | 9,249 | 20,885 | 93 | 17,496 | 8,600 | 19,496 | 0.87 |
Area 620 Water Treatment Plant | 800 | 600 | 1,000 | 90 | 720 | 540 | 900 | 75 | 540 | 405 | 675 | 0.68 |
Area 650 Fresh Water System | 5,221 | 2,544 | 5,808 | 70 | 3,655 | 1,864 | 4,102 | 37 | 1,365 | 701 | 1,534 | 0.26 |
Area 800 Reagents | 5 | 5 | 7 | 70 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 85 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0.61 |
Area 840 Sulfuric Acid Unloading and Storage | 180 | 135 | 225 | 80 | 144 | 108 | 180 | 100 | 144 | 108 | 180 | 0.80 |
Areas 900, 901, 902, 904, 908, 909, 911, 912 | 2,778 | 2,052 | 3,454 | 76 | 2,117 | 1,571 | 2,636 | 97 | 2,051 | 1,528 | 2,557 | 0.74 |
Areas 903, 905, 910, 914 (HLC) | 4,325 | 3,243 | 5,406 | 55 | 2,366 | 1,774 | 2,957 | 100 | 2,366 | 1,774 | 2,957 | 0.55 |
Area 920 (BISA) | 3,769 | 2,827 | 4,712 | 83 | 3,128 | 2,346 | 3,911 | 80 | 2,503 | 1,877 | 3,128 | 0.66 |
TOTAL | 81,917 | 44,355 | 93,154 | 77 | 63,398 | 34,997 | 72,416 | 82 | 51,842 | 28,690 | 59,251 | 0.64 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 124
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
There are (4) 2,500 kW emergency generators located at the Trapiche main substation that tie into the main bus; therefore, emergency power is effectively distributed everywhere. It will be up to operations to prioritize how it is used. The intent is that a small portion is used for trickle power to the rectifiers to keep the plated copper from re-dissolving back into solution. A major portion of the emergency power will be used to keep camp operations up and running.
1.10.2 | Capital Costs |
Table 1-19 summarizes the initial, sustaining and closure CAPEX for the Project. It includes the process plant costs, on-site infrastructure such as on-site roads, the leach pads, the operations camp, and off-site infrastructure such as the power transmission line, and the mine access road costs. DMO and DMI facilities cost are included in the Direct Costs. It does not include direct mining equipment costs as the project is based on use of contract mining services. The initial CAPEX also includes indirect costs for engineering, procurement, construction management, vendor support during construction, spares and other costs.
Table 1-19: Trapiche Capital Cost Estimate Summary
Item | Base Cost (US$) |
---|---|
Subtotal Direct Cost, without Mining | $647,422,193 |
Freight | $32,737,980 |
Mobilization | $12,927,640 |
Concrete Batching Mob & Demob | $563,200 |
Camp Costs | In Direct Cost |
Camp Operating Costs | In Direct Cost |
Temporary Construction Facilities | In Direct Cost |
Temporary Construction Power | $680,130 |
Fee - Contractor | In Direct Cost |
Total Constructed Cost | $694,331,143 |
|
|
Management & Accounting | $5,207,510 |
Engineering | $41,659,860 |
Project Services | $6,943,310 |
Project Control | $5,207,510 |
Construction Management | $45,131,570 |
EPCM Fee | $10,415,020 |
EPCM Construction Trailers | $2,082,960 |
EPCM Subtotal | $116,647,740 |
|
|
Commissioning & Programming | $550,000 |
Travel Lodging & Bussing | In Direct Cost |
Vendor Supervision Of Specialty Const. | $2,821,753 |
Vendor Pre-commissioning | $940,588 |
Vendor Commissioning | $940,588 |
Client / Construction Commissioning Teams | $0 |
Capital Spares | $3,762,330 |
Commissioning Spares | $940,588 |
Total Contracted Cost | $820,934,730 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 125
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Item | Base Cost (US$) |
---|---|
Contingency | $123,140,160 |
Transmission Line & Substation (CONENHUA) | $45,631,190 |
External Road | $16,500,000 |
First Fills | $2,530,000 |
Owner's Cost | $29,672,000 |
Total Contracted and Owner's Cost | $1,038,408,080 |
Mining activities will be performed under a contract mining methodology. As such, no mining equipment costs are included in the CAPEX. Costs are carried by the mining contractor and are included in the Mine OPEX.
Sustaining capital costs include communication equipment renewal, major upgrades every 4 years for the Dispatch System up to the end of LOM, and US$2.2M every 3 years for dewatering and water management infrastructure for the open pit, such as sumps and diversion channels.
Considering an increase in supplies prices, an additional 10% adjustment was made to the mine capital cost estimate presented in TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update.
Initial Capital costs by category are summarized in Table 1-20.
Table 1-20: Initial Mining capital cost
Description | US$ |
---|---|
Mine communication | $253,000 |
Dispatch (US$) | $1,210,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Truck (US$) | $302,500 |
Dispatch Hardware - Shovel/Loader (US$) | $110,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Drill (US$) | $55,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Aux (US$) | $55,000 |
Dewatering System | $2,750,000 |
Total | $4,735,500 |
1. | In the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update, the Initial Mining Capital cost was estimated at US$4.305M. |
1.11 | Environmental, Social and Permitting |
The legal and permitting requirements for the construction and operation of the project have been identified and are well understood. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the project that will comprise the collection of detailed environmental baseline data (for physical, biological, and social aspects of the project) and an assessment of the environmental effects of the project. As part of the EIA process, mitigation and environmental management measures will be developed. The EIA is being prepared and will be required to obtain approval by SENACE, the designated approval authority.
1.12 | QP Conclusions and Recommendations |
The following highlight the Conclusions and Recommendations contained in the Study. See Sections 22 and Section 23 for a more complete list of Conclusions and Recommendations.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 126
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Mineral Resources and Reserves
● | The Mineral Resource has been estimated based on a copper price of $3.99/lb ($8,800/t), information provided by BVN in the memorandum dated August 13, 2021. The cut-off grade used for reporting the oxide mineral is 0.14%, the enriched mineral is 0.07%, the transitional mineral is 0.09%, and the primary sulphides is 0.08%. The Mineral Resource reported by El Molle Verde has been estimated in conformity with the newly implemented Regulation of S-K §229.1304 as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
● | As of November 2021, the Mineral Resource Estimate (excluding reserves) is comprised of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 617.2 Mt at 0.32% Cu and Inferred Mineral Resources of 36.61 Mt at 0.32% Cu. |
● | The Mineral Reserves have been declared since the final barrier for insufficient geotechnical information has been removed. The pit design was updated with the geotechnical recommendations based on updated geotechnical drilling information, generating a report whose difference with the estimated pit-constrained Measured + Indicated Mineral Resource used at the initial stages of the PFS is not material. |
● | As of November 2021, at Trapiche Project, the Mineral Reserve Estimate is comprised of proven and probable Mineral Reserves of 283.2 Mt at 0.51% Cu. Mineral Reserves are based on an average cut-off grade of 0.13% Cu, using a cooper price of US$3.63/lb (US$8,800/t) provided by BVN (memorandum dated August 13, 2021). |
Mining Methods
● | Trapiche is an open pit mining operation with three mining phases. The mine design has been based on pit optimization, geotechnical information and the mining fleet whose haulage equipment considers Volvo FMX 50-ton trucks. The mine plan considers a rate of 45,000 tonnes per day of mineral. |
● | The comparison between Owner mining vs third party (contractor) mining does not show a significant difference in mining cost. Contractor mining has been selected as the basis for this study. |
Processing
● | The metallurgical test work completed to date established that heap leaching followed by SXEW is a viable process to produce copper cathode from the Leachable portion of the Trapiche Mineral Resource. The process would include crushing the ore, agglomeration, heap leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning technology. Some of the material can also be processed by run of mine heap leaching. The pregnant leach solution from oxide and sulfide leaching systems can be combined and sent to solvent extraction. |
● | After review of the metallurgical test data, it is concluded that additional testing should be completed to supplement the design criteria for the process. Additional testing should be completed to: 1) identify monitoring parameters, 2) investigate use of inter-liners should ore compaction cause a heap permeability problem, 3) determine the optimal size of material particles and agglomerates to control acid consumption and maximize copper recovery, and 4) determine the ferric iron concentration required for run of mine leaching. |
● | It was also noted that there were high concentrations of aluminum (17,832 ppm) and arsenic (9,946 ppm) in some leach solutions obtained in test work. All leach test work going forward should also be monitored for these elements. An addition to the process circuit may be required to remove the aluminum and arsenic from the leach solution system. |
Water Management
● | The PFS water balance indicates construction of the fresh water pond is considered necessary before the start of operations. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 127
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | The PFS water balance indicates construction of the freshwater intake is considered necessary before the start of operations to supply 20 L/s in the construction stage and 43 L/s for the first 8 years of operation. |
● | The Water Balance concludes the requirement of fresh water from the river Seguiña do not affect the ecological/environmental flows downstream. The estimation uses dry season parameters that implies has enough contingency at this level of study to assure there is no major risk. |
Water Treatment
● | Reducing the area of the leach pad exposed to precipitation is fundamental to management of contact water at the site and associated water treatment. All scenarios regarding production of contact water considered in this TRS rely on having a maximum of 62 ha and 31 ha of exposed leach pad during operation and closure stage respectively. |
Project Economics
● | The financial analysis presented in Section 19 demonstrates that the Trapiche Project is technically viable and has the potential to generate positive economic returns based on the assumptions and conditions set out in this TRS and this conclusion warrants continued work to advance the Project to the next level of study. |
● | The base case economic analysis indicates that the project has an after-tax NPV at 7% discount rate of $785 million, IRR of 15.9% and a payback of 5.0 years. |
Opportunities
● | Water Treatment: |
o | The possibility of using areas of the pit as a temporary storage of contact water to control the costs associated with water treatment may present an opportunity to optimize water treatment costs. |
o | There is an opportunity to optimize the timing and cost of construction associated with the contact water storage through comparison with the cost of acid water treatment over the life of the mine. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 128
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
2 | Introduction |
2.1 | Details of Registrant |
El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (100% BVN), is the owner of the Trapiche Project. The Project is located in the Antabamba Province, Department of Apurímac.
EMV is registered in SUNARP, with certification in the C0036 center of the Record N° 12471722 of the Libro de Sociedades Mercantiles del Registro de Personas Jurídicas del Registro Público de Minería-Zona Registral Nº IX-Sede Lima (Book of Mercantile Societies of the Record of Legal Entities of the Public Record of Mining-Registration Zone Nº IX-Lima Headquarters). Additional information is shown in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Identification of the Issuer
Data | Description |
---|---|
Company Name | El Molle Verde S.A.C. |
Financial Address | Las Begonias 415, Piso 19, San Isidro Lima - Perú |
Telephone/Fax | (511) 4192500 |
Website | http://www.buenaventura.com |
R.U.C. | 20140688640 |
Representative | Raul Benavides |
2.2 | Terms of Reference and Scope |
2.2.1 | Scope |
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Project and includes recommendations for future work programs required to advance the project to a decision point. The report defines project operating and capital costs and economics as well as technical and environmental details to support the project’s viability.
2.2.2 | Terms of Reference |
This TRS was prepared through review and validation of the existing reports completed for EMV from August 2018 to November 2021. The vetting of the information included reviewing the geology, mineralization, process/metallurgy, site infrastructure, soils and geotechnics, and the existing environmental information from previous studies.
Abbreviations are shown in Table 2-2. A glossary of terms is shown in Table 2-3.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 129
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| |
---|---|
Abbreviation | Term |
ABA | acid base accounting |
ACI | American Concrete Institute |
ADR | adsorption-desorption-recovery |
Ag | silver |
AIC | American Institute of Constructors |
AISC | American Institute of Steel Construction |
amsl | above mean sea level |
ANFO | ammonium nitrate-fuel oil |
AP | acid potential |
ARD | acid rock drainage |
AT | After-tax |
BDR | Baseline Data Report |
BIOX | biological oxidation of sulfides using bacteria in reactor tanks |
BMP | best management practices established by the State of Idaho |
BVN | Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A. A |
CAPEX | capital expenditures |
CCD | counter-current decantation |
cfm | cubic feet per minute |
CO3 | carbonate |
COC | chain of custody |
CoG | cut-off grade |
CSAMT | controlled source audio magneto-tellurics geophysical survey method |
Cu | copper |
DGAAM | Directorate General of Mining Environmental Affairs |
dia. | diameter |
DS | Supreme Decree |
EIAd | Detailed Environmental Impact Study |
EM | electromagnetic geophysical survey technique |
EMF | electromagnetic field |
EMF | electromotive force |
EMV | El Molle Verde S.A.C. |
EPCM | engineering, procurement and construction management |
EW | Electrowinning |
FA | fire assay |
Fe | iron (element) |
FOB | free on board |
FS | feasibility study |
ft | feet |
g | grams |
G&A | general & administration |
g/L | grams per liter |
g/t, gpt | grams per metric tonne |
gal | gallons |
GCL | geo-synthetic clay liner |
GHG | greenhouse gasses |
g-mol | gram-mole |
gpm | gallons per minute |
GPS | global positioning system |
ha | hectares |
HCT | humidity cell test |
HDPE | high density polyethylene |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 130
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| |
---|---|
Abbreviation | Term |
Hg | mercury |
HMI | human-machine interface |
hp | horsepower |
ICP | inductively coupled plasma |
ICP AES | inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, an analytical method for assaying |
ICP MS | inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, an analytical method for assaying |
ID | Idaho, where context indicates |
ID2 | inverse-distance squared |
ID3 | inverse-distance cubed |
IGA | Environmental Management Instrument (Elaboración de Instrumentos de Gestión Ambiental) |
IMPLAN | Impact analysis for planning |
IMDA | Average Daily Annual Index, by its acronym in Spanish, is the estimated numerical value of vehicular traffic in a certain section of the road network in a year |
in | Inches |
IP | induced polarization geophysical survey technique |
IR | infrared |
IRR | internal rate of return, a financial measure |
ITS | Technical Support Report |
KCB | Klohn Crippen Berger |
kg | kilograms |
kg/t | kilograms per metric tonne |
koz | thousand troy ounces |
kt | thousand tons |
kt/d | thousand tons per day |
kt/y | thousand tons per year |
kV | kilovolts |
kW | kilowatts |
kWh | kilowatt-hours |
kWh/t | kilowatt-hours per metric ton |
L | liters |
L/s | liters per second |
lb | pounds |
LG | Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm |
LiDAR | Light Detection and Ranging distance measuring technology |
LLDPE | linear low-density polyethylene plastic |
LOM | life-of-mine |
m | meters |
m² | square meters |
m³ | cubic meters |
M3 | M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation |
MACRS | Modified accelerated cost recovery system |
masl | meters above sea level |
MBR | membrane bioreactor |
MCFZ | Meadow Creek fault zone |
MEM | Ministry of Energy and Mines |
mg/L | milligrams/liter |
MIBC | Methyl isobutyl carbinol |
MINAM | Ministry of the Environment |
mL | Milliliter or 10-3 liters |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 131
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| |
---|---|
Abbreviation | Term |
MLA | mineral liberation analyzer |
Mlbs | million pounds |
Moz | million troy ounces |
MP | Mining Plus |
MRE | Mineral Resource Estimate |
Mt | million tons |
Mt/y | million tons per year |
mV | Millivolt or 10-3 volts |
MVA | megavolt amperes |
MW | Megawatts or million watt (where context indicates) |
NAG | net acid generating |
NGO | non-governmental organization |
NNP | net neutralization potential |
NP | neutralization potential |
NPR | net of process revenue (NPR), defined as NSR less OPEX and G&A |
NPV | Net Present Value |
NSR | net smelter return |
OHWM | ordinary high-water mark |
OPEX | operating expenditures |
oz | troy ounces |
oz/t | troy ounces per ton |
P80 | 80% passing a certain size |
PFS | Preliminary Feasibility Study / Prefeasibility Study |
PLC | programmable logic controller |
PLS | Pregnant Leach Solution |
PMF | probable maximum flood |
PoO | Plan of Operations |
ppb | parts per billion |
ppm | parts per million |
Psi | pounds per square inch |
QA-QC | quality assurance/quality control |
QEMSCAN | Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning electron microscopy |
QMP | Quartz Monzonite Porphyry |
QP | S-K 1300 Qualified Person |
RC | reverse circulation drilling |
RCA | riparian conservation area |
RD | Directorial Resolution |
RF | Revenue Factor |
RMS CV | root mean squared coefficient of variation, a statistical tool |
ROM | run-of-mine |
RQD | rock quality designation |
SEC | U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission |
sec | seconds |
SENACE | National Service of Environmental Certification for Sustainable Investment (Servicio Nacional de Certificación Ambiental para las Inversiones Sostenibles) |
SG | specific gravity |
SIMS | secondary ion mass spectrometry |
SPLP | synthetic precipitation leachate procedure |
SR | Stripping Ratio |
SRCE | standardized reclamation cost estimator |
st | short tons (2,000 pounds) |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 132
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| |
---|---|
Abbreviation | Term |
SX | Solvent extraction |
SXEW | solvent extraction and electrowinning |
TC-RC | treatment charges – refining charges, which are smelter charges |
TDS | total dissolved solids |
TIC | total inorganic carbon |
Ton/Tonne | metric tonne of 1,000 kg |
ToR | Terms of Reference |
TRS | Technical Report Summary |
TSS | total suspended solids |
UM | Mining Unit / Unit Production |
UTM NAD83 | Universal Transverse Mercator North American Datum of 1983 geodetic network |
UV | ultra-violet light |
V | volts |
VFD | variable frequency drive |
VHF | very high frequency |
VLF-EM | very low frequency electro-magnetic geophysical survey |
W | watts, where context indicates |
WAD cyanide | weak acid dissociable cyanide |
XRD | x-ray diffraction |
XRF | x-ray fluorescence |
Y | year |
Table 2-3: Glossary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Assay | The chemical analysis of mineral samples to determine the metal content. |
Capital Expenditure | All expenditures not classified as operating costs but excluding corporate sunken costs such as acquisition. |
Composite | Combining more than one sample result to give an average result over a larger distance. |
Concentrate | A metal-rich product resulting from a mineral enrichment process such as gravity concentration or flotation, in which most of the desired mineral has been separated from the waste material in the ore. |
Crushing | Initial process of reducing ore particle size by impact to render it more amenable for further processing. |
Cut-off Grade (CoG) | The grade of mineralized rock above which it becomes profitable to extract the mineralization. |
Dike | A sheet of igneous rock intruded along a crack in a rock mass and crystallized in place. |
Dilution | Waste, which is rock below an economic cutoff value mined with ore. |
Dip | Angle of inclination of a geological feature/rock from the horizontal. |
District | A bounded division and organization of a mining region. |
Fault | The surface of a fracture along which movement has occurred. |
Gangue | Non-valuable components of the ore. |
Grade | The measure of concentration of a specific mineral within mineralized rock. |
Igneous | Primary crystalline rock formed by the solidification of magma. |
Kriging | An interpolation method of assigning values from samples to blocks that minimizes the estimation error. |
Life of mine plans | Plans that are developed for the life of the mine. |
Lithological | Description of the physical characteristics of a rock. |
Mineral/Mining Lease | A lease area for which mineral rights are held. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 133
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Oxide | Mineral that has undergone chemical reaction in which the substance has combine with oxygen. |
Project | A collaborative enterprise, involving research or design, that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim |
Sedimentary | Pertaining to rocks formed by the lithification of accumulated of sediments, formed by the erosion of other rocks. |
Stratigraphy | The study of stratified rocks in terms of time and space. |
Strike | Direction of line formed by the intersection of strata surfaces with the horizontal plane, always perpendicular to the dip direction. |
Sulfide | A sulfur bearing mineral. |
Sustaining Capital | Capital estimates of a routine nature, which is necessary for sustaining operations. |
Thickening | The process of concentrating solid particles in suspension. |
Total Expenditure | All expenditures including those of an operating and capital nature. |
Variogram | A statistical representation of the characteristics (usually grade). |
2.3 | Source of Information |
The parties responsible for generating this Preliminary Feasibility Study included M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation (M3), Mining Plus (MP), and Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB). Some information was provided by additional third-party consultants as referenced in Section 25.
2.4 | QP Details and Site Visit |
2.4.1 | QP Details |
Qualified Persons’ responsibilities on a per-section basis were as shown in Table 2-4.
Table 2-4: Responsibilities and Sources of Information
2.4.2 | Site Visit |
M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, Mining Plus and Klohn Crippen Berger visited the project site on September 5th, 2018 along with personnel from EMV. In addition, David Willms of KCB visited the Trapiche site in September 2019.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 134
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
3 | Property Description |
3.1 | Location |
The Trapiche Project is located in the Apurimac region in south-central Perú and is located about 95 km south of the town of Abancay and about 8 km south of the Mollebamba village in the province of Antabamba. The location coordinates are UTM 728,672 E and 8,396,177 N. The elevation of the property and deposit range from 3,900 to 4,650 masl.
3.2 | Property Holdings |
The Trapiche Project area consists of 44,098 hectares in 38 mining concessions (shown in Figure 3-1) as well as an additional 2,300 hectares with land use rights that were granted by the Mollebamba village in 2011 through an easement agreement signed with Compañía de Minas Buenaventura and El Molle Verde S.A.C. Conversations with the local community continued during the last three years and finally the 2011 agreement with Mollebamba was ratified by the community in October 2018 with improvements of the social and economic benefits which will reinforce and consolidate the original 2011 agreement.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 135
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 136
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 3-1: List of Trapiche Mining Concessions
UNIQUE CODE | MINING CONCESSION | HECTARES | TITLE DATE | CONCESSION HOLDER |
010000619L | ACUMULACION GRAN TRAPICHE | 14600.00 | 26/11/2019 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010014918 | CORINA 2018-02 | 500.00 | 17/07/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177418 | CORINA 2018-03 | 1000.00 | 14/10/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177518 | CORINA 2018-04 | 1000.00 | 17/12/2020 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177618 | CORINA 2018-05 | 200.00 | 29/10/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177718 | CORINA 2018-06 | 1000.00 | 23/08/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177818 | CORINA 2018-07 | 200.00 | 26/08/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010177918 | CORINA 2018-08 | 1000.00 | 23/08/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010178018 | CORINA 2018-09 | 600.00 | 9/12/2019 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010178118 | CORINA 2018-10 | 1000.00 | S/T | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010178218 | CORINA 2018-11 | 800.00 | 30/01/2020 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010257110 | MARIE 10B | 1000.00 | 26/01/2011 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010304613 | MARIE 13B | 400.00 | 31/07/2014 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010187710 | MARIE 4B | 100.00 | 28/11/2014 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010188310 | MARIE 5B | 600.00 | 31/03/2014 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010187810 | MARIE 6B | 600.00 | 30/09/2015 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010188110 | MARIE 7B | 600.00 | 12/11/2012 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010188010 | MARIE 8B | 1000.00 | 13/09/2010 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010187910 | MARIE 9B | 1000.00 | 13/09/2010 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010074616 | MOLLE VERDE 01-2016 | 400.00 | 14/03/2017 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010379913 | MOLLE VERDE I | 1000.00 | 17/10/2014 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010380013 | MOLLE VERDE II | 1000.00 | 30/12/2014 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010380113 | MOLLE VERDE III | 1000.00 | 26/12/2014 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010380213 | MOLLE VERDE IV | 300.00 | 26/12/2014 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010380313 | MOLLE VERDE V | 1000.00 | 31/12/2014 | EL MOLLE VERDE S.A.C. |
010017007 | TRAPICHE 12 | 1000.00 | 22/03/2007 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010015607 | TRAPICHE 14 | 800.00 | 4/05/2007 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010161308 | TRAPICHE 24 | 400.00 | 27/06/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010161008 | TRAPICHE 27 | 400.00 | 11/08/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160908 | TRAPICHE 28 | 800.00 | 27/06/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160808 | TRAPICHE 29 | 1000.00 | 30/07/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160708 | TRAPICHE 30 | 1000.00 | 31/07/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160608 | TRAPICHE 31 | 1000.00 | 27/06/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160508 | TRAPICHE 32 | 999.23 | 8/08/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010160408 | TRAPICHE 33 | 999.23 | 27/06/2008 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010015118 | TRAPICHE 34 | 400.00 | 12/06/2019 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010015118A | TRAPICHE 34A | 200.00 | 12/06/2019 | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
010175018 | TRAPICHE 43 | 1000.00 | S/T | COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. |
|
| 41,898.47 |
| - |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 137
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
4 | Accessibility, Climate Local Resources, Infrastructure, Physiography |
4.1 | Topography, Elevation and Vegetation |
The Trapiche Project is located in the Apurimac region in south-central Perú. It is located about 95 km south of the town of Abancay, and about 8 km south of the Mollebamba village in the province of Antabamba. The elevation of the property and deposit range from 3,900 to 4,650 masl.
Regarding trees, a total of eight tree species were recorded throughout the Project site, which is considered low diversity of trees. On average, a maximum of four species were recorded per habitat in the intervened areas. Regarding shrubs, 45 species were found in the Andean Thicket habitat, 31 species in the High Andean Pajonal habitat, and 9 species in the Crioturbados Soils habitat. Herbacious plants were found in all areas and habitats, including 208 species were found in the Andean Thicket habitat, 181 species in the High Andean Pajonal habitat, 155 species in the Puna Grass habitat, 36 species in the Laguna habitat, and 62 species in the Bofedal habitat. A total of 29 sensitive plant species were also recorded (Worley Parsons, 2015).
4.2 | Climate |
The climate of Trapiche, as in much of the Andes Mountains, provides seasonal precipitation characterized by months with abundant rains during the December to March period (wet season), and prolonged periods of little or no precipitation during the April to November period (dry season).
Weather records indicate that the average precipitation (equivalent rainfall) is approximately 849.2 mm per year. Average temperatures and precipitation are shown in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1: Project Climate Data
Month | Average | Average | Average Evaporation (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
January | 7.85 | 184.0 | 124.1 |
February | 7.25 | 182.2 | 108.2 |
March | 6.9 | 134.9 | 116.5 |
April | 5.65 | 63.9 | 109.6 |
May | 4.0 | 13.9 | 111.0 |
June | 3.55 | 9.0 | 104.9 |
July | 2.8 | 15.3 | 115.7 |
August | 2.9 | 11.2 | 140.3 |
September | 4.6 | 23.9 | 146.1 |
October | 7.05 | 37.7 | 162.2 |
November | 7.4 | 56.2 | 172.6 |
December | 6.9 | 116.9 | 141.8 |
Average | 5.26 | 849.2 | 1553.0 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 138
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
4.3 | Access to Property |
The current access to the project is by National Route from Lima or Cusco (closest airport) to Caraybamba town and from that point by the AP-109 Regional Route to Mollebamba (45 km) and then by the Local Route AP-857 (9.5 km) to the North Gate of Trapiche.
The future alternatives to access the project are:
● | West Alternative: A New Regional Route that connects the West Gate of Trapiche with the town of Chunchumayo (44.7 km), and then take the existing AP-111 Regional Route to Izcahuaca Town (approximately 170 km), and from that point to the right to Cusco and to the left to Nazca, by National Route. |
● | East Alternative: A New Regional Route that connects the East Gate of Trapiche with the town of Chunchumayo (32.2 km), and then take the existing AP-111 Regional Route to Izcahuaca Town (approximately 170 km), and from that point to the right to Cusco and to the left to Nazca, by National Route. |
Both alternatives will have two lanes and a platform of at least 5 meters and will also be geometrically designed to support the projected traffic of the local communities and the Trapiche Project (IMDA <200). The access routes will be National Routes built by government entities with the support of El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV) (see Figure 4-1).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 139
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
4.4 | Local Resources and Infrastructure |
4.4.1 | Local Resources |
EMV works with the surrounding communities to identify local resources that will be available for Project construction and operation stages.
People: Currently there is a signed agreement with the Mollebamba local community to hire trained/skilled and non-skilled local personnel. For skilled personnel, the agreement indicates the training cost is responsibility of EMV for 90 people (it includes training for construction equipment operations, civil construction tasks, among others). For non-skilled personnel, the agreement indicates to hire laborers according to the project stage: 110 people in the exploration stage, 260 during the construction stage and 110 for the operation stage.
To date, there are no agreements with other nearby communities (Silco, Vito, Calcauso, Antabamba and Mollocco) regarding the amount and type of personnel to be hired. However, EMV, as part of its social responsibility policy, will prioritize hiring personnel from these communities.
Services: Regarding the types of services that communities can provide, the communal company, ECOSEM Mollebamba, was established to provide road maintenance services, rental of light trucks, transportation of personnel, accommodation in town, and catering, among other services. In the following years, it is planned to provide construction equipment rental, civil construction service, light structural construction services, and other services like cleaning and laundry.
4.4.2 | Power Supply |
Currently, the power supply for the exploration facilities is provided by generators in the Pionner Camp area with a maximum installed capacity of 460 kW and a capacity of up to 2 MW.
The closest electrical substation is Cotaruse and the closest distribution line is the high voltage line that goes from Cotaruse to Las Bambas.
4.4.3 | Water Supply |
Trapiche, in its exploration stage, has the authorization for the collection and use of fresh water as described in Table 4-2.
Point | Description | UTM (WGS 84 - Zona 18S) | Use | Total | |
East | North | (m3 / year) | |||
1 | Qda, Millucucho | 729037 | 8 396 754 | Industrial | 31 087,60 |
2 | Qda, Trapiche | 728 600 | 8 395 704 | Industrial | 20 725,07 |
3 | Qda, Arpa Orcco | 729 353 | 8 395 429 | Industrial / Domestic | 21 449,41 |
4 | Qda, La Paca | 727 871 | 8 398 693 | Access dust control | 8 290,03 |
5 | Rio Mollebamba (Puente) | 724 639 | 8 404 090 | Access dust control | 8 290,03 |
6 | Rio Mollebamba (Km 5+000) | 725 590 | 8 400 363 | Access dust control | 8 290,03 |
7 | Qda, La Paca (Totora Occo) | 730 409 | 8 398 397 | Domestic | 3 695,63 |
8 | Qda, Millucucho | 729 543 | 8 396 427 | Industrial | 20 725,07 |
9 | Qda, Aycho (sector Huayllapucro) | 729 890 | 8 394 085 | Industrial | No data |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 140
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The largest source of fresh water in the area is the Seguiña River. The permit for water collection and use will be processed in the following years.
It is also estimated that the acid groundwater that comes from the pit will be a considerable source of water for the process make up water that will be required for Trapiche in the future.
4.4.4 | Manpower |
The population distribution according to gender shows a symmetric distribution. In total, a survey by AMEC Foster Wheeler in 2018 indicated there were 245 men and 244 women. Therefore, the population is divided into 50.1% men and 49.9% women.
The Local Employment System (SEL) will work with the participation of the community authorities and a committee that allows its proper functioning, taking into account the origin of the worker, his/her relationship with the community and the technical specialization they may have.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 141
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
5 | History |
The geological prospecting work began in 1996, extending until 2000, consisting of geochemical prospecting (stream sediments), mapping and rock geochemistry, determining Cu and Mo anomalies that motivated the continuity of the explorations. In 2001-2002, a diamond drilling campaign was completed with the execution of 6 drill holes (2,192.95 m). The results were positive leading to the discovery of the Trapiche porphyry with Cu-Mo sulfide mineralization.
The following is a summary of the sequence of activities completed from the beginning of the prospecting and exploration to the commencement of the PFS:
● | 1995: Acquisition of first mining concession (CEDIMIN). |
● | 1996-1999: Regional geochemical prospecting of stream sediments and geological mapping at 10K, completed by CEDIMIN. |
● | 2000-2001: Surface exploration, rock geochemistry and diamond exploration with execution of 6 drill holes (2,192 m); the results led to the discovery of the Trapiche Cu-Mo porphyry; the exploration was led by Eng. Fernando LLosa T. |
● | 2002: Geological exploration and surface geochemistry of the Millocucho and Aycho sectors (north and south ends of Trapiche). |
● | 2005-2007: Restart of explorations in the Trapiche and Millocucho sectors, with detailed mapping. Execution of 17,928 m of drilling in 40 diamond drill holes. Execution of geophysical prospecting of: 74 km of IP and 87 km of magnetometry, carried out by the Cambior company. |
● | 2008-2009: Diamond drilling campaign, execution of 10,914 m in 27 drill holes; metallurgical leaching and flotation investigations, and definition of Mineral Resources of ± 490 million @ 0.48% Cu. |
● | 2010-2011: Negotiations with the Mollebamba community, execution of the easement agreement for 2,300 hectares for 30 years. |
● | 2011-2014: Aggressive diamond exploration, execution of 71,318 m of drilling, in 295 diamond drill holes, distributed in 228 exploration drill holes, 41 metallurgical drill holes, 18 hydrogeological drill holes, and 7 sterilization drill holes; Metallurgical studies and testing in flotation and leaching processes. |
● | 2012: Oxide Leaching Conceptual Study (West sector), completed by AMEC consultants. |
● | 2014: Conventional Flotation Conceptual Study (scoping study), completed by external consultants: John Marsden, John Fenn and William Brack, January 2014. |
● | 2015: Trapiche Deposit Resource Estimate, first estimation was completed by El Molle Verde Exploration Department with a cut-off of 0.15% Cu (Table 5-2) and a second estimate was performed by consultant Oscar Retto M. with a cut-off of 0.14% Cu (Table 5-3). Those estimates considered a flotation metallurgical process for this project. |
● | 2017: Conceptual Study of Oxides and Secondary Sulfide Leaching of the entire deposit, completed by Worley Parson and updated by “El Molle Verde”. |
● | 2018: An advanced conceptual design of the sulfide leach pad was presented by Knight Piésold (KP); “Revisión de Componentes del Proyecto Trapiche”, July 2018. This design was carried through to the current pre-feasibility study. |
● | 2019: A comprehensive drilling campaign of 13,333.75 m and geophysical investigation was undertaken by EMV with the supervision by KCB for the geotechnical drill holes. This campaign includes the execution of 1 exploration drill hole, 130.80 m; 25 metallurgical drill holes, 4,545,80 m; 5 hydrogeological drill holes, 575.70m; |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 142
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
42 geotechnical drill holes, 4,497.80 m, in the area of the components and 17 geotechnical drill holes, 3,583.65 m, in the area of the open pit. |
● | 2020: The 2018 pre-feasibility study was updated reflecting the 2019 drilling campaign. |
Table 5-1 shows the historical development of the diamond exploration campaigns, distance in meters, number of drill holes, and types of drilling executed.
Table 5-1: Summary of Diamond Drilling History (2001-2019)
Diamond Drilling Campaigns-Years | Exploration Drill Holes | Geometallurgical Drill Holes | Hydrogeological Drill Holes | Sterilization Drill Holes | Geotechnical Drill Holes | |||||
| Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) | Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) | Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) | Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) | Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) |
2001-2002 | 6 | 2192.95 | | | | | | | | |
2005 | 9 | 3788.95 | | | | | | | | |
2006 | 18 | 8493.30 | | | | | | | | |
2007 | 13 | 5646.00 | | | | | | | | |
2008-2009 | 27 | 10914.45 | | | | | | | | |
2011 | 3 | 465.60 | | | | | | | | |
2012 | 95 | 22125.35 | 15 | 3925.55 | | | | | | |
2013 | 95 | 26937.80 | 17 | 3626.60 | 15 | 2,102.95 | | | | |
2014 | 36 | 8328.90 | 9 | 2630.30 | 3 | 260.20 | 7 | 1,380.40 | | |
2019 | 1 | 130.80 | 25 | 4545.80 | 5 | 575.70 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 8,081.45 |
Total | 303 | 89024.10 | 66 | 14,728.25 | 23 | 2,938.85 | 7 | 1,380.40 | 59 | 8,081.45 |
Total Drill Holes | 458 | | ||||||||
Total Distance (m) | 116,153.05 | |
The results of the drilling program, in different campaigns, have allowed to estimate the inferred and indicated resources. Table 5-2 and Table 5-3 show two different estimates using different methodology by El Molle Verde and a consultant Oscar Retto.
Table 5-2: Inferred and Indicated Resources Summary (May 2015) - Flotation
Inferred and Indicated Resources Cut-off 0.15% Cu | ||||||||||
Type of ore | Mt | Cu% | Mo ppm | Ag ppm | Ca % | As ppm | Zn ppm | Mg % | Metal Content Mt | |
| | | | | | | | | Cu | Mo |
Oxide | 51.66 | 0.43 | 60 | 1.5 | 2.37 | 333 | 560 | 0.46 | 0.22 | 0.003 |
Mixed | 82.99 | 0.46 | 70 | 2.0 | 1.30 | 495 | 580 | 0.43 | 0.38 | 0.006 |
Enriched | 204.24 | 0.53 | 127 | 3.7 | 0.26 | 357 | 196 | 0.37 | 1.08 | 0.026 |
Transitional | 51.89 | 0.54 | 171 | 3.6 | 0.53 | 73 | 226 | 0.47 | 0.28 | 0.009 |
Primary | 368.37 | 0.34 | 128 | 3.3 | 1.42 | 189 | 218 | 0.59 | 1.24 | 0.047 |
Subtotal | 759.15 | 0.42 | 120 | 3.1 | 1.10 | 269 | 275 | 0.50 | 3.20 | 0.091 |
Source: El Molle Verde Exploration Department
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 143
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 5-3: Mineral Resources (February 2015) - Flotation
Resources | Mineral | Tonnage | CuT % | Mo % | Au ppm | Ag ppm | S % | Fe % | As ppm | Ca % |
Indicated | Leached | 1,190,623 | 0.309 | 0.0067 | 0.035 | 2.236 | 0.554 | 3.645 | 551 | 1.228 |
Indicated | Oxides | 26,824,365 | 0.471 | 0.0066 | 0.024 | 1.465 | 0.638 | 3.477 | 424 | 2.884 |
Indicated | mixed | 63,610,901 | 0.474 | 0.0071 | 0.042 | 2.184 | 0.976 | 3.735 | 424 | 1.783 |
Indicated | Enriched | 202,459,466 | 0.563 | 0.0119 | 0.045 | 3.852 | 1.918 | 3.391 | 331 | 0.356 |
Indicated | Transitional | 47,367,850 | 0.531 | 0.0169 | 0.039 | 3.607 | 1.494 | 3.256 | 75 | 0.504 |
Indicated | Primary | 381,163,095 | 0.314 | 0.0112 | 0.045 | 3.385 | 1.462 | 3.646 | 203 | 1.457 |
Indicated | Subtotal | 722,616,300 | 0.418 | 0.0112 | 0.043 | 3.352 | 1.517 | 3.550 | 259 | 1.167 |
Inferred | Leached | 270,520 | 0.207 | 0.0080 | 0.031 | 2.741 | 0.525 | 2.865 | 314 | 0.671 |
Inferred | Oxides | 28,489,636 | 0.340 | 0.0061 | 0.016 | 1.247 | 0.472 | 2.638 | 196 | 1.642 |
Inferred | Mixed | 25,200,729 | 0.474 | 0.0057 | 0.031 | 1.675 | 1.206 | 3.521 | 478 | 1.527 |
Inferred | Enriched | 25,880,965 | 0.336 | 0.0042 | 0.076 | 4.158 | 2.788 | 3.874 | 922 | 0.452 |
Inferred | Transitional | 1,429,982 | 0.311 | 0.0137 | 0.021 | 2.057 | 0.857 | 2.676 | 55 | 0.688 |
Inferred | Primary | 98,821,016 | 0.272 | 0.0086 | 0.049 | 3.411 | 1.326 | 3.558 | 323 | 2.175 |
Inferred | Subtotal | 180,092,848 | 0.320 | 0.0072 | 0.045 | 2.921 | 1.379 | 3.445 | 409 | 1.738 |
Ind+Inf | Leached | 1,461,143 | 0.290 | 0.0069 | 0.034 | 2.329 | 0.549 | 3.501 | 507 | 1.125 |
Ind+Inf | Oxides | 55,314,001 | 0.403 | 0.0063 | 0.020 | 1.353 | 0.552 | 3.045 | 307 | 2.244 |
Ind+Inf | Mixed | 88,811,630 | 0.474 | 0.0067 | 0.039 | 2.040 | 1.042 | 3.675 | 439 | 1.710 |
Ind+Inf | Enriched | 228,340,431 | 0.537 | 0.0110 | 0.049 | 3.887 | 2.017 | 3.446 | 398 | 0.367 |
Ind+Inf | Transitional | 48,797,832 | 0.525 | 0.0168 | 0.039 | 3.562 | 1.476 | 3.239 | 74 | 0.509 |
Ind+Inf | Primary | 479,984,111 | 0.305 | 0.0107 | 0.045 | 3.390 | 1.434 | 3.628 | 228 | 1.605 |
Ind+Inf | Total | 902,709,148 | 0.398 | 0.0104 | 0.044 | 3.266 | 1.489 | 3.529 | 289 | 1.281 |
Source: Oscar Retto
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
0Revision 144
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
6 | Geological Setting, Mineralization, and Deposit |
6.1 | Regional Geology Setting |
Mining Plus has summarized the regional geological setting from the following documents:
● | Evaluation of Ore Deposits Potential in the Andahuaylas–Yauri Batholith – Authored by Raymond Rivera, Alberto Bustamante, Jorge Acosta, and Alex Santisteban (Nov. 2010). |
● | The Andahuaylas–Yauri belt of southeastern Peru and its extension to the Chilean porphyry copper province – Authored by Stefanie Weise – (Date not known). |
The origin and evolution of many mineral deposits in Peru is related to magmatic events driven by tectonic subduction along the Peru-Chile trench. The Middle Eocene to Early Oligocene Andahuaylas-Yauri batholith is one such magmatic event that generated numerous porphyry and skarn deposits in what has become to be known as the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt.
The Andahuaylas-Yauri belt is located between the Western Cordillera and the Altiplano of the Ayacucho, Apurimac, Cusco and Puno regions of Peru. The belt is bound to the north by a regionally significant structure known as the Abancay deflection, to the east by the Urcos-Sicuani-Ayaviri fault system. Southern and western limits are lost under Miocene volcanic cover.
The Trapiche Project is located in the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt and hosts porphyry style copper and molybdenum mineralization related to the Andhuaylas-Yauri batholith (Figure 6-1).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 145
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
6.2 | Local Geology Setting |
Local geology has been mapped at 1:50k scale by the Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), part of Peru´s Ministry of Energy and Mines. The Trapiche Project is covered by map sheets 29q3 (Antabamba) and 30q4 (Chula). Based on these map sheets, Mining Plus has summarized local geology and has created a summary geological map (Figure 6-2):
● | The Mollebamba Fault, a regional significant northwest trending structure (Figure 6-2), transects the Trapiche Project area. Geology is distinct either side of the Mollebamba Fault: |
o | Faulting is more complex to the northeast of the Mollebamba Fault where orientations include approximately N-S, E-W, NW-SE and NE-SW. |
o | Northeast of the Mollebamba Fault, geology is typified by folded sequences of cretaceous sediments. |
o | Southwest of the Mollebamba Fault, faulting is less frequent and is orientated approximately northwest to southeast and northeast to southwest. |
o | Southwest of the Mollebamba Fault, geology is typified by Neogene volcanoclastic deposits. |
● | An inlier of folded Jurassic sediments outcrops in incised valleys southwest of the Mollebamba Fault. |
● | Large intrusions related to the Andahuaylas-Yauri batholith interrupt volcanic and sedimentary strata on both sides of the Mollebamba Fault. |
● | Small Paleogene intrusions are concentrated to the northeast of the Mollebamba Fault. |
● | Neogene volcanic sequences and quaternary fluvio-glacial deposits have been deposited discordantly over the Yura Group sediments and intrusions. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 146
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
6.3 | Property Geology |
Based on EMV mapping, Mining Plus has summarized the property geology below. Figure 6-3, Figure 6-4 and Figure 6-5 show the property’s geology.
The Trapiche deposit is surrounded by the Yura Group of sediments, including the Piste and Chuquibambilla Formations (Figure 6-4):
● | The Upper Jurassic, Piste Formation, grades upwards from carbonaceous mudstone with lesser interdigitated sandstone and limestone to calcareous siltstone with sandstone and minor mudstone. |
● | The Lower Cretaceous Chuquibambilla Formation is dominated by sandstone with minor intercalations of siltstone and mudstone. |
The Yura Group has been folded along the northwest Andean Trend. Faulting in the Yura Group is mapped in numerous orientations, including along the Andean Trend and perpendicular to it (Figure 6-2).
A granodiorite stock, part of the Andahuaylas-Yauri batholith, intruded the Yura Group and is exposed to the surface (Figure 6-2). Based on radiometric dating, Colombo Tassinario (2012) dated the granodiorite stock at 29.17 Ma (±0.67). The granodiorite stock has moderate alteration of potassic minerals and minor copper and molybdenum alteration.
A zone of dilation formed in a complex zone of sinistral faulting to the north of granodiorite stock, this zone is the focal point for the development of an Intrusive Centre (Figure 6-2) that is characterized by multiple porphyritic intrusive phases, mineralized Breccia Pipe and post mineral dykes. The Intrusive Centre is partially bound by the NW-SE trending Colorado and Aycho Faults. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization are strongest Breccia Pipe, at surface the Breccia Pipe is characterized by a leached cap with negligible copper. The Intrusive Centre and Breccia Pipe are described in greater detail in section 6.3.1.
Post mineralization intrusive events crosscut the Trapiche Property (Figure 6-5) in various orientations, including:
● | Granular QMP (G-QMP), porphyritic intrusions that have introduced minor copper-molybdenum mineralization at their contact with the Yura Group sediments. |
● | Fresh, non-mineralized dacite and andesite dykes, crosscut preceding geology. |
Sub-horizontal Miocene volcanic sequences, part of the Tacaza and Alpabamba Groups, have largely covered the sedimentary basement (Jurassic-Cretaceous) and Intrusive rocks (Oligocene age), and Quaternary fluvio-glacial deposits have been deposited discordantly over the geology described above (Figure 6-3).
6.3.1 | Intrusive Geology |
Colombo Tassinario (2012) studied the Intrusive Centre and the interrelationship of various events; their findings are summarized in the following sections.
6.3.1.1 | Granodiorite |
Granodiorite appears broadly south of the Trapiche porphyry and it has an elongated shape with the following dimensions: 2.5 km in length on the N-S axis by 1.5 km in width. It has a porphyritic texture composed of quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, biotite and few amphiboles, on a feldspathic quartz matrix. It contains very little pyrite dissemination and traces of chalcopyrite, it is mostly fresh. It contains 1-2 cm isolated megacrystals of orthoclase. It is related to the prograde phase of the skarn bodies and is considered to be the precursor of the location of the quartz
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 147
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
monzonite porphyry. Its age according to radiometric dating is 29.17 ± 0.67 Ma (Colombo Tassinari, 2012), which frames it in the lower Oligocene age.
6.3.1.2 | Quartz Monzonite Porphyry (QMP) |
The Quartz Monzonite Porphyry (QMP) was introduced via a zone of dilation at the northern margin of the granodiorite stock between Colorado and Trapiche South fault. Potassic, argillic, intermediate argillic and phyllic alteration is recorded in the QMP have been strongly altered and multiple events of copper and molybdenum are recognized. Granular, sinuous (Type A) and sheeted (Type B) quartz veinlets with disseminate chalcopyrite and bornite, and quartz-sulfide (chalcopyrite, pyrite) veins with alteration halos (Type C) are recorded in the QMP. Colombo Tassinario (2012) dated the QMP at 29.17 Ma (± 0.67).
6.3.1.3 | Quartz Dacite Porphyry |
Porphyritic Quartz Dacite (PQD) with moderate propylitic and argillic alteration and minor sulfides crosscuts the QMP. Colombo Tassinario (2012) dated the Quartz Dacite Porphyry at 28.95 Ma (± 0.50).
6.3.1.4 | Breccia Pipe (Main Mineralizing Event) |
A mineralized hydrothermal breccia pipe (Breccia Pipe) is hosted in the Intrusive Centre. The Breccia Pipe is elongate to the northeast-southwest and measures approximately 900 x 500 m (Figure 6-3). F. Camus and F. LLosa, (2010, internal report) described the following multiple events in the breccia pipe:
● | Quartz Tourmaline Breccia (QTB); The QTB is locally preserved close to surface, at depths below 100-140 m from surface the QTB has been overprinted by subsequent brecciation and intrusive events. Argillic and phyllic altered clasts of the QMP are held in a quartz-tourmaline matrix with varying concentrations of iron oxides (specularite, hematite, goethite and jarosite) and minor pyrite. Localized parts of the QTB hosts copper oxides (tenorite and malachite) and secondary copper sulfides (chalcosite and bornite). |
● | Mineralized Quartz Breccia (MQB): chalcopyrite-chalcocite-molybdenite; Mineralized quartz breccia is the most extensively developed unit in the breccia pipe. Subangular clasts of mineralized QMP, PQD and Yura Group sediments are held in a grey to white quartz sulfide matrix. The quartz-sulfide matrix hosts varying concentrations of pyrite, specularite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, digenite, and molybdenite. |
● | Quartz Magnetite Breccia; A quartz magnetite breccia does not outcrop at surface. Subangluar clasts of altered QMP, PQD and Yura Group sediments are held in a quartz-magnetite matrix. |
● | Sulfur and Calc-silicate Breccia; Sulfur and calc-silicate cemented breccia with highly milled and very fine lithic clasts. Varying levels of pyrite, chalcopyrite, calc-silicates (actinolite, epidote) specularite and chlorite are supported in the matrix. |
6.3.1.5 | Late Dikes and Post-minerals |
Granular Quartz Monzonite (G-QMP) dykes (Figure 6-3, Figure 6-4) crosscut earlier intrusive events including the breccia pipe, dykes have weak potassic alteration and contain minor sulfides.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 148
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 149
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 150
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 6-5: Geological Section 729100E, Showing Mineralized Zones, Central Part of the Breccia Pipe of the Trapiche Deposit
6.4 | Mineralization |
The Trapiche deposit is spatially and temporally related to the Breccia Pipe. Minor skarning is recognized in the Millocucho skarn area (Figure 6-3).
Disseminated copper sulfides, molybdenite and copper oxides are hosted in quartz stockwork and sheeted veining in the QMP and Breccia Pipe. Highest grade mineralization is hosted in the MQB.
Mineralization extends 2.1 km NNE-SSE, 1 km across and to approximately 500 m depth, beyond the confines of the Breccia Pipe (Figure 6-3). Three mineralized zones, from east to west, are defined as; Trapiche East Porphyry, Breccia Pipe and Copper Oxide Zone.
Supergene processes, aided by brecciation in the Trapiche East Porphyry and Breccia Pipe have driven the redistribution of copper mineralization, leaching copper sulfides close to surface and forming sub-horizontal blankets of high-grade secondary sulfides at greater depth. Development of copper oxides in the Breccia Pipe is negligible, copper oxides are best developed in the Copper Oxide Zone to the west of the breccia pipe at lower elevations and in sedimentary lithologies.
6.5 | Structure |
Four important fracturing and faulting systems are recognized at the Property:
● | NW-SE Andean System is considered the most important due to its great tectonic activity and favorable structuring for the development of magmatic and hydrothermal activity, is represented by the Cerro Colorado |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 151
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
and Arpa Orco faults system, both considered as sinistral lateral movement faults (according to the Riedel model); |
● | NE-SW system represented by the El Abra and Central faults, both have played an important role in the location of the breccia pipe and late intrusive dikes, correspond to fractures and faults with dextral lateral movement; |
● | EW system represented by the Trapiche and Camp fault system, corresponds to faults and tension fractures that have controlled the development of quartz veins and micro-veins (sheeting type veins) and sulfides; they have normal conjugated and sinistral movement; and |
● | NS System, of good development in the southern part of the breccia and in the Millocucho zone, they seem to correspond to an ancient tectonic with post-mineral reactivation, they have controlled the location of late dikes (dacite-andesite) post minerals, large N-S oriented tectonic faults such as the Zeguiña River fault accompany this system. |
6.6 | Deposit Type |
The Trapiche deposit is classified as a Cu-Mo porphyry deposit. A minor zone of skarning, is recognized to the north of the Trapiche deposit.
Mining Plus has summarized the characteristic of Porphyry deposits:
● | Porphyry deposits are driven by magmatic events and associated hydrothermal activity commonly in magmatic arcs and above subduction zones. |
● | Porphyry deposits form around evolving intrusive centers with subject to multiple overprinting events, some with porphyritic texture. |
● | The development of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization (Cu, Mo, Au) is driven by ascending, degassing and intrusive bodies. Alteration and mineralization weaken with increasing distance from the intrusive body. |
● | Deposits are typically large tonnage and low to medium grade. |
● | Porphyry deposits form at depths greater than 1 km from the surface, subsequent erosion can expose deposits at surface, others remain buried at depth. |
● | Supergene process of exposed porphyry deposits can drive a redistribution of copper; leaching copper from surface and redepositing it in enriched zones of secondary copper, typical in the Breccia Pipe zone. |
Skarn deposits can be genetically related to porphyry systems. Skarn mineralization can be developed at the margin of the mineralizing intrusion and in to receptive lithologies such as carbonaceous sediments of the Piste Formation.
EMV has applied industry standard geochemical and geophysical techniques for the exploration of Trapiche.
6.7 | Hydrology and Hydrogeology |
As part of the PFS, KCB constructed an initial operational water balance for the Trapiche Project using precipitation and hydrogeology data received from AMEC Wood – 2020: The results of this balance showed that separation of contact and non-contact water is necessary to reduce treatment volumes and costs for the Trapiche Project and there may be an opportunity available through storage of contact water for use in the leaching process. It is understood that the further work required to determine the effect of the mine on water quality and availability will become available as part of further studies for feasibility and environmental permitting.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 152
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
7 | Exploration |
Exploration at Trapiche has been centered around the Yura Group of sediments and granodiorite stock, a highly prospective geological setting in the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt (Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2).
Industry standard geochemical and geophysical techniques have been used to explore the Trapiche Project area for porphyry deposits. These techniques target contrasting chemical and physical properties that have developed around the Intrusive Centre compared to the basement geology.
7.1 | Geochemical Exploration |
Geochemical exploration of the Trapiche Project includes, stream sediment, rock channel, rock chip, and selective sampling (Table 7-1).
Table 7-1: Summary of Geochemical
Sample Type | Sample Count |
Stream Sediment | 271 |
Channel | 8065 |
Chip | 22 |
Selective | 9 |
7.1.1 | Stream Sediment Sampling |
Early stream sediment sampling (1995 campaign) was concentrated in the northern half of the Trapiche Project area, underlain by the Yura Group of sediments and granodiorite stock, this geological setting is recognized as prospective for porphyry deposits in the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt. Subsequent stream sediment campaigns expanded coverage over most of the Project area (Figure 7-1).
EMV staff identify a suitable position to take a stream sediment sample and record the location using GPS. Stream sediment samples are sieved to separate the 200-mesh fraction for multi-element ICP analysis.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 153
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 7-1: Stream Sediment Sample Locations
7.1.2 | Rock Samples |
Channel, rock chip and selective rock samples targeted the granodiorite stock and surrounding Yura Group sediments and granodiorite stock.
7.1.3 | Channel Samples |
The majority of rock samples are channel samples taken on 200 x 100, 100 x 100 and 50 x 50 m centers and as continuous channels (Figure 7-2). Other channel samples have been taken from shallow trenches measuring between 100 and 500 m length.
EMV captures channel sample locations using either GPS or total station. Channel samples are taken using a hammer and chisel at 5 m intervals. Samples are quartered using riffle splitter and reduced to 3 to 4 kg per sample.
Channel samples are more representative of mineralization and are less likely to be biased compared to selective and rock chip samples.
Because of superficial leaching, rock sampling did not generate copper anomalism in the area of the Breccia Pipe, Molybdenum anomalism was recognized.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 154
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 7-2: Channel Sample Locations
7.1.4 | Rock Chip |
Twenty-two (22) rock chip samples have been taken at Trapiche (Figure 7-3).
EMV staff determined rock chip sample location using GPS. A rock hammer is used to break pieces of rock in a 5 m radius into a sample bag, before being sent for ICP analysis. Sample weights are on average 3 to 4 kg.
Rock chip samples are prospective in nature and are not representative of mineralization.
7.1.5 | Selective Sampling |
EMV has taken nine selective samples at Trapiche (Figure 7-3).
EMV identifies an outcrop of interest and the location is captured using either GPS or total station, select pieces of the outcrop are taken using a hammer and placed in a bag then sent for ICP analysis.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 155
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Selective samples are prospective in nature and are not representative of mineralization and can be biased.
Figure 7-3: Rock Sample Locations (Excluding Channel Samples)
Mining Plus notes the following regarding the geochemical exploration by EMV at Trapiche:
● | Stream sediment, channel sampling rock chip and selective samples are industry standard prospecting tools. |
● | ICP analysis of geochemical samples is used to vector towards porphyry centers. |
7.2 | Geophysical Exploration |
A range of geophysical exploration provides relatively quick and non-invasive techniques to detect contrasting geophysical properties in the subsurface. Interpretation of geophysical contrasts can be indicative of underlying geology and is used to aid subsurface exploration.
EMV contracted Val D´Or Geofisica to undertaken programs of geophysical exploration including IP (chargeability and resistivity) and magnetic (total field) surveys in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2012 (Figure 7-5).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 156
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Geophysical survey lines are typically orientated E-W with 100 m between sample lines and 50 m between stations. The 2012 survey included an area covered by NE-SW orientated survey lines spaced 200 m apart with 100 m between survey points (Figure 7-4).
Geophysical surveys have targeted the Yura Group sediments and granodiorite stock, the latest and most expansive survey, completed in 2012, extends southeast of the stock. Approximately 10% of the Trapiche Project area is covered by geophysical exploration.
The surface expression of the Breccia Pipe and Intrusive Centre are reflected by zones of intermediate chargeability and resistivity (at 150 m depth). The granodiorite stock is evident as a chargeability low and resistivity high (Figure 7-5).
Mining Plus notes the following regards geophysical exploration at the Trapiche Project:
● | IP and magnetic methods are industry standard techniques used for the exploration of porphyry deposits. |
● | The granodiorite stock is evident in IP and magnetic data. |
● | The Breccia Pipe and Intrusive Centre are related intermediate zones of chargeability and resistivity at the edges of the granodiorite stock. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 157
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 7-5: Valor D´Or´s 2012 IP Survey
7.3 | Drilling |
Four hundred and fifty eight (458) diamond drill holes and 116,153.05 m have been drilled at the Trapiche Project targeting the Intrusive Centre (Table 7-2 and Figure 7-6).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 158
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 7-2: Drill Meter Summary by Year
Year | Drill Hole Count | Meterage |
2001 | 2 | 854.2 |
2002 | 4 | 1,338.75 |
2005 | 6 | 2,291.70 |
2006 | 14 | 6,931.80 |
2007 | 20 | 8,704.75 |
2008 | 13 | 5,632.15 |
2009 | 14 | 5,282.30 |
2011 | 5 | 1,028.50 |
2012 | 111 | 26,015.25 |
2013 | 124 | 32,140.10 |
2014 | 55 | 12,599.80 |
2019 | 90 | 13,333.75 |
Totals | 458 | 116,153.05 |
7.3.1 | Exploration Drilling |
Drill collar locations have been determined using total station in the UTM WGS 84 Zone 18S coordinate system, the majority (331) of drill hole traces have been surveyed using either Flexit, Reflex or Tropari at an average of approximately 50 m spacings. EMV maintains certified records of collar locations and down hole surveys.
Core is halved using a core saw and sampled in its entirety. Sample intervals are defined by geologists based on lithological, alteration and mineralization limits, samples are taken every 2 m, written procedures define the minimal sample length at 1 m and the maximum sample length at 3 m. All samples are submitted for ICP analysis, select samples are sent for sequential copper analysis. Core recovery throughout the project is on average >95% which Mining Plus considers good and will not materially bias sampling.
Digital photographic records are available via a database for all core, photographs include details of the drill hole name, box number and from and to depths. Core is photographed prior to logging in the dry condition and wet (cleaned) after core has been reconstructed.
Geologists record lithology, alteration, mineralization and structure types on paper logging sheets, data is manually transcribed to AcQuire and paper logging sheets are scanned. EMV undertook a program to standardize logging data from all drill holes in 2013-2014.
Logging sheets include graphical and descriptive logs.
Mining Plus notes that the procedures used by EMV for capturing logged data, sampling of sawn core and multi-element analysis via ICP is industry standard practice of the exploration of porphyry deposits.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 159
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 7-6: Drill Collar Locations
7.4 | Geotechnical Investigation |
As part of the development of the pre-feasibility level geotechnical assessment of the Trapiche open pit design, the following drill program was undertaken by EMV with support for logging and supervision in the field from KCB representatives to ensure the geotechnical and geomechanical model included the required accuracy for a pre-feasibility level report.
7.4.1 | Trapiche Open Pit |
In the 2019 drilling campaign, seventeen (17) geotechnical oriented drill hole wells were undertaken in the pit area, however, for this PFS level evaluation, only the results of the following nine (9) drill holes and twenty-two (22) structural
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 160
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
observations on the surface were assessed. The results of the remaining drill holes should be used in the next level of study.
Table 7-3: PFS Level Drill Program in the Area of the Trapiche Open Pit
ID | WGS84 Coordinates | Azimuth final (°) | Dip final (°) | Total Depth (m) | Supervision | |
| East (m) | North (m) | | | | |
TRGM-01 | 729 925.64 | 8 395 675.48 | 179.5 | -65.0 | 175.10 | EMV |
TRGM-02 | 728 268.24 | 8 396 247.76 | 180.0 | -60.0 | 142.10 | EMV |
TRGM-03 | 729 202.79 | 8 395 696.18 | 14.5 | -55.0 | 290.10 | EMV |
TRGM-04 | 729 400.18 | 8 396 087.83 | 167.1 | -55.9 | 160.10 | EMV |
TRGM-05 | 728 779.08 | 8 396 516.31 | 180.8 | -59.4 | 180.30 | EMV |
TRGM-06 | 728 418.06 | 8 396 115.73 | 134.9 | -69.8 | 223.95 | KCB |
TRGM-07 | 729 583.29 | 8 395 977.62 | 220.1 | -47.9 | 260.40 | KCB |
TRGM-08 | 728 468.45 | 8 395 955.47 | 176.5 | -59.8 | 150.50 | KCB |
TRGM-09 | 729 675.00 | 8 396 510.00 | 20.0 | -55.0 | 200.40 | KCB |
Table 7-4: Surface Observations in the Area of the Trapiche Open Pit
ID | WGS84 Coordinates | |
---|---|---|
| East (m) | North (m) |
GS-18-01 | 730 032 | 8 395 738 |
GS-18-02 | 730 065 | 8 395 763 |
GS-18-03 | 729 771 | 8 396 645 |
GS-18-04 | 729 714 | 8 396 316 |
GS-18-05 | 729 528 | 8 396 602 |
GS-18-06 | 730 064 | 8 396 482 |
GS-18-07 | 729 920 | 8 396 377 |
GS-18-08 | 729 131 | 8 396 576 |
GS-18-09 | 729 163 | 8 396 569 |
GS-18-10 | 728 349 | 8 396 722 |
GS-18-11 | 730 108 | 8 395 580 |
GS-18-12 | 730 055 | 8 395 390 |
GS-18-13 | 729 518 | 8 395 629 |
GS-18-14 | 729 017 | 8 395 648 |
GS-18-15 | 729 098 | 8 395 573 |
GS-18-16 | 728 734 | 8 395 723 |
GS-18-17 | 728 506 | 8 395 883 |
GS-18-18 | 728 871 | 8 396 606 |
GS-18-19 | 728 070 | 8 395 963 |
GS-19-01 | 729 664 | 8 395 975 |
GS-19-02 | 729 602 | 8 395 985 |
GS-19-03 | 729 054 | 8 395 813 |
GS-19-04 | 728 673 | 8 395 631 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 161
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 162
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
For all drill holes, the following characteristics were logged or calculated based on the observations of the core:
● | Lithology |
● | Rock Quality Designation (RQD) (%) |
● | Weathering |
● | Rock Strength (R) |
● | Rock Mass Rating (RMR) |
Additionally, for all discontinuities, the following characteristics were recorded:
● | Depth (m) |
● | Type of Discontinuity (Joint/Fault/Mechanical break) |
● | Alpha and Beta Angles |
● | Shape |
● | Roughness |
● | Fill Type |
Point load testing (PLT) was also performed on selected samples in the field.
A representative group of samples from the completed drill holes were selected and tested under the relevant ASTM standards, in the laboratories of the Catholic University of Lima (PUCP) and Ingeotest S.A. The following tests were performed (See Table 7-5):
7.4.1.3.1 | Unconfined Compression (UCS) |
Tests were performed to determine in-situ rock strength and as a means of calibrating the PLT data collected in the field. In general, 2 to 5 UCS tests were performed on each drill hole for a total of 28.
7.4.1.3.2 | Direct Shear Test |
This test was conducted to assess the resistance of the natural discontinuities found in the drill holes. Three (3) tests were performed.
7.4.1.3.3 | Tri-axial Compression |
These tests were performed to determine the shear strength of the rock mass.
Table 7-5: Laboratory Test Summary
Geomechanical Drilling | Rock Mechanical Testing | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
| PLT | UCS | Direct Cut | Tri-axial Compression |
TRGM-01 | 22 | 03 | - | - |
TRGM-02 | 20 | 03 | 01 | 01 |
TRGM-03 | 23 | 04 | 02 | 01 |
TRGM-04 | 13 | 02 | - | - |
TRGM-05 | 28 | 02 | - | - |
TRGM-06 | 29 | 04 | - | - |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 163
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Geomechanical Drilling | Rock Mechanical Testing | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
| PLT | UCS | Direct Cut | Tri-axial Compression |
TRGM-07 | 33 | 05 | - | - |
TRGM-08 | 28 | 03 | - | - |
TRGM-09 | 15 | 02 | - | - |
Total | 211 | 28 | 03 | 02 |
7.4.2 | Trapiche Component Investigation |
In the 2019 drilling campaign, forty two (42) geotechnical oriented drill holes wells were undertaken by EMV and supervised by KCB on the areas where various components were setup, however, for the PFS level investigation of the geotechnical properties of the foundations only the results of the following thirteen (13) drill holes and thirteen (13) lines of shallow geophysical investigation were assessed (Table 7-6). The results of the remaining drill holes should be used in the next level of study.
Table 7-6: Geotechnical Drilling Summary, Phase 1
Drill hole | WGS 84 coordinates | Elevation (masl) | Total Depth (m) | Dip (°) | Azimuth (°) | Component | Supervision | |
Easting(m) | Northing (m) | |||||||
TRG01-19 | 730 786 | 8 394 697 | 4 647 | 97.5 | -65 | 200 | Heap leach pad | KCB |
TRG02-19 | 730 787 | 8 394 698 | 4 647 | 91.1 | -50 | 20 | KCB | |
TRG03-19 | 730 103 | 8 394 304 | 4 533 | 116.6 | -46.6 | 185.8 | KCB | |
TRG03A-19 | 730 105 | 8 394 304 | 4 533 | 190.65 | -45.3 | 184.3 | KCB | |
TRG04-19 | 729 710 | 8 393 936 | 4 461 | 154.3 | -51.6 | 55.2 | KCB | |
TRG05-19 | 731 578 | 8 394 200 | 4 773 | 90 | -90 | 0 | Oxide Leach Pad | KCB |
TRG06-19 | 730 646 | 8 393 555 | 4 741 | 100 | -90 | 0 | SXEW Plant | KCB |
TRG07-19 | 730 734 | 8 392 813 | 4 619 | 266.2 | -48 | 358.6 | ROM 2 | KCB |
TRG08-19 | 730 232 | 8 392 680 | 4 582 | 335.6 | -46.6 | 311.1 | KCB | |
TRG09-19 | 731 216 | 8 393 109 | 4 634 | 130 | -90 | 0 | KCB | |
TRG10-19 | 730 416 | 8 392 660 | 4 589 | 59.7 | -90 | 0 | KCB | |
TRG11-19 | 729 497 | 8 392 431 | 4 273 | 95.65 | -90 | 0 | DMI | KCB |
TRG14-19 | 731 329 | 8 396 156 | 4 647 | 90 | -90 | 0 | DMO | KCB |
For all drill holes, the following characteristics were logged or calculated based on the observations of the core:
● | Lithology |
● | Rock Quality Designation (RQD) (%) |
● | Weathering |
● | Rock strength |
Additionally, for all discontinuities the following characteristics were recorded:
● | Depth (m) |
● | Type of discontinuity (Joint/Fault/Mechanical break) |
● | Alpha and Beta Angles |
● | Shape |
● | Roughness |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 164
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Fill type |
The following field tests were also performed:
● | Split spoon penetration testing |
● | Constant head permeability testing |
● | Direct injection permeability testing |
The following geophysical investigations were also performed:
● | 08 seismic refraction lines |
● | 04 MASW lines |
● | 01 line of Restivity tomography |
A representative group of samples from the completed drill holes were selected and tested under the relevant ASTM standards, in the laboratories of the Catholic University of Lima (PUCP) and Ingeotest S.A.
The following tests were performed on selected samples (see Table 7-7).
● | Mechanical properties of soils: |
o | Soil Classification (ASTM D2847 / NTP 339.134) |
o | Atterberg Limits (ASTM D4318 / NTP 339.129) |
o | Moisture Content (ASTM D2216 / NTP 339.127) |
o | Granulometria (ASTM D422 / NTP 339.128) |
o | Direct Shear Test (soil) (ASTM D3080 / NTP 339.171) |
o | Physical Properties (ASTM D854 / NTP 339.131) |
● | Mechanical properties of rocks: |
o | Physical Properties (ASTM C97-02) |
o | Uniaxial Compression (ASTM D7012C) |
o | Direct Shear in Rock (ASTM D5607) |
o | Triaxial Compression (ASTM D7012A) |
Drill Hole | Soil Test | ||
---|---|---|---|
| SUCS | Atterberg Limits | Direct Shear |
TRG-09-19 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
TRG-11-19 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
TRG-14-19 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Total | 7 | 7 | 4 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 165
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 7-8: Laboratory Test Summary – Rock
Geomechanical Drilling | Rock Property Testing | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Properties | UCS | Direct Shear | Triaxial Compression |
TRG-01-19 | - | 1 | - | - |
TRG-02-19 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
TRG-03-19 | 4 | 5 | - | - |
TRG-03A-19 | 5 | 6 | - | 4 |
TRG-04-19 | 4 | 4 | - | 3 |
TRG-05-19 | 4 | 3 | - | - |
TRG-06-19 | 4 | 3 | - | - |
TRG-07-19 | 9 | - | 1 | 3 |
TRG-08-19 | - | - | - | - |
TRG-09-19 | 6 | 4 | - | - |
TRG-10-19 | 3 | 2 | - | - |
TRG-11-19 | 1 | 3 | - | - |
TRG-14-19 | 1 | 2 | - | - |
Total | 51 | 34 | 2 | 13 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 166
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
8 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security |
Mining Plus (MP) has been requested by El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV) to perform a verification of the data used in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) performed in 2016-2017 to ensure alignment with best international practices. The effective date of the resource statement contained in this report is 13 December 2016; however, the work was completed in early 2017; therefore, the MRE is referred as the MRE MP17 estimate in this report.
Subsequently, a detailed review of the drilling database and a site visit was completed by MP in 2019. The descriptions and observations in this section are based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP´s), verbal communication with the operational staff, as well as the investigations carried out by MP that are detailed in Section 9.
MP notes that the database supplied by EMV for the 2019 review included the drill holes from TR-M32 to TR-M40 (nine drill holes) that were not supplied with the database on the 13 December 2016, and therefore, were not used in MRE MP17. This means that the review in 2019 was performed on a slightly different database to the MRE MP17 database. The additional nine holes were effectively twins of the original holes that MP used in the MRE MP17, which due to drill hole deviation, reached a maximum of 20 m separation between twin and original hole. MP undertook visual comparisons of the copper grades between the original and twin holes and considered that the twin holes are sufficiently similar to the original hole for them to have no material impact on the grade estimate, and that the holes were sufficiently close for them to have no material impact on the Mineral Resource classification.
8.1 | Sample Preparation |
After the core boxes were logged, delimited and marked with a central longitudinal line by the geologist, they were sent to the cutting area where they were cut longitudinally into two equal halves using a standard core saw. In zones of intensely fractured rock, soft rock or saprolite, samples were split in the core box using a spatula.
In the Trapiche Project, the classic sampling method applied to copper porphyry deposits was used, which consisted of continuous regular sampling at two-meter intervals within the mineralized zone. An additional constraint was that the geological boundaries had to be considered, such that sample boundaries were aligned with geological boundaries as much as possible, but with a minimum sample length of 1.50 m and maximum sample length of 2.50 m according to the protocol SOP´s. MP noted that there is a small proportion of samples (3% of the total samples) less than 1.50 m and greater than 3.00 m, with lengths down to 0.1 m as a minimum and 6.9 m as a maximum for copper grades greater than 0.1%. MP did not detect any correlation between length and grade, so due to the amount of data, these short and long length samples were not considered to have a material impact on the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
Before the sample preparation phase, quality control (QC) samples were inserted at pre-determined intervals representing 15-20% of the total samples following AMEC’s recommendation (March 2013). The control samples inserted in the preparation phase were coarse duplicates, fine duplicates, certified reference materials or standards, coarse blanks, and fine blanks, with the insertion distribution designed by the quality assurance/ quality control (QA/QC) Supervisor in accordance with the protocols established for the project.
8.2 | Analyses and Security |
The SGS laboratory in Peru was the primary laboratory for sampling from all the campaigns (2001-2014). In the 2012-2014 campaign, a sample preparation laboratory was installed at the project, which was run by Laboratorios SGS del Perú (SGS). Samples were prepared on site by crushing, grinding, pulverizing, and splitting to obtain pulp samples of approximately 250 g. The pulps were then sent to SGS in Lima for assay under a documented chain of custody protocol.
The analytical methods that were used in the Trapiche Project and reported in the MRE statement are listed below:
● | Total copper with multi-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) analysis. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 167
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Sequential copper digestion methods with AAS analysis. |
● | Gold by fire assay (30 g sample) with AAS analysis. |
● | Molybdenum and silver by two acid digest (complete) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). |
The following section only examines the total copper assays and associated QA/QC as the current PFS only considers the leaching with solvent extraction and electrowinning (SXEW) processing route, which will not recover gold, silver or molybdenum.
8.3 | Sample Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) |
The main objective of QA/QC is to monitor and assure the accuracy (quality) in the sampling, both in the preparation phase, as well as the accuracy in the assay phase, and to verify, in a continuous manner, the probable errors that could arise through the process. Additionally, it aims to identify any contamination caused by poor or deficient sampling, preparation (crushing and pulverizing) and/or assaying.
During the drilling campaigns (2001-2014), a total of 49,302 core samples were collected including 44,869 core samples from exploration drilling and 4,433 core samples from geometallurgical drilling. The QC control samples (coarse and fine duplicates, certified reference materials (CRMs or standards), coarse and fine blanks) add up to a total of 6,128 samples. A summary of the control samples is provided in Table 8-1 below.
Table 8-1: Summary of Diamond Core Drilling Samples History (2001-2014)
Diamond Drilling Campaigns | Exploration Drill Holes | QA/QC Control Samples | External Lab. Control Recheck 5% | |||||||
| Num. of Drill holes | Length (m) | Lab. SGS Samples | Coarse Duplicates | Fine Duplicates | Twinning | CRMs | Coarse Blanks | Fine Blanks | |
Exploration Drilling-Core Sampling (Au+ICP, CuT and Mo) | ||||||||||
2001-2002 | 6 | 2,192.95 | 1,102 | | | | | | | |
2005 | 9 | 3,788.95 | 1,844 | 62 | | | | | | |
2006 | 18 | 8,493.30 | 4,335 | 199 | | | 85 | 72 | | |
2007 | 13 | 5,646.00 | 2,997 | 76 | | 64 | 54 | 32 | | |
2008-2009 | 27 | 10,914.45 | 5,271 | 106 | 67 | 95 | 190 | | 104 | 195 |
2011 | 3 | 465.60 | | | | | | | | |
2012 | 95 | 22,125.35 | 11,532 | 279 | 250 | | 186 | 176 | 175 | 441 |
2013 | 95 | 26,937.80 | 13,771 | 484 | 418 | | 612 | 261 | 273 | 289 |
2014 | 36 | 8,328.90 | 4,017 | 139 | 139 | | 221 | 80 | 80 | 224 |
Subtotal | 302 | 88,893.30 | 44,869 | 1,345 | 874 | 159 | 1,348 | 621 | 632 | 1,149 |
Metallurgical Drilling-Core Sampling (Au+ICP, CuT and Mo) | ||||||||||
2012-2013 | 32 | 7,552.15 | 3,442 | | | | | | | 300 |
2014 | 9 | 2,630.30 | 991 | | | | | | | 90 |
Subtotal | 41 | 10,182.45 | 4,433 | | | | | | | 390 |
Total | 343 | 99,076 | 49,302 | 1345 | 874 | 159 | 1,348 | 621 | 632 | 1,539 |
From 2006, the sampling QA/QC protocol was initiated by the inclusion of control samples, such as coarse duplicates, standards and coarse blanks. From 2008, additional control samples were added including fine duplicates and fine blanks.
SGS has been the primary laboratory during all drilling campaigns, however since 2008, 5% of the samples have been checked by the external “umpire” laboratories ALS Minerals and CERTIMIN in order to verify and validate SGS assays results. Since the 2012 campaign, QA/QC control annual reports have been completed for all core drill hole sampling.
The summary of the Sampling Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) results is described below by control type.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 168
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
8.3.1 | Coarse Duplicates and Fine Duplicates |
The control assay results of coarse duplicates and fine duplicates in Trapiche have been within the acceptable ranges, indicating that sample preparation procedures were adequate. The evaluation of these controls has been carried out through statistical analysis, using the hyperbola method, where the results must fit within the acceptable ranges. An example of the evaluation graph for 2013 campaign is shown in Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1: Example of Statistical Analysis (hyperbola method) in Coarse Duplicates and Fine Duplicates controls (Trapiche, 2013)
8.3.2 | Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) |
Two types of CRM control samples have been used in Trapiche:
a) OREAS 161, OREAS 162, OREAS 163 standards, which were acquired in the Oreas Research (Canada) Lab., used in the 2013-2014 campaign.
b) STD-1, STD-2 and STD-3 standards, which were prepared in the ACME (Lima) Lab with deposit material in the 2013 campaign.
The results have been plotted with the Best Value ± 2 times the Standard Deviation (MV ± 2DE) as defined by the CRM certificate . The results of the CRM assays were within the acceptable range, indicating that the SGS assays were reliable and of good accuracy. An example of the evaluation graph for 2013 campaign is shown in Figure 8-2.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 169
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 8-2: Example of Statistical Analysis applied to CRM results (OREAS Certificates, Trapiche 2013)
8.3.3 | Coarse and Fine Blank Samples |
Coarse and fine blanks samples have been used in Trapiche. The coarse blank control samples were prepared with unmineralized volcanic material located outside the Project area; while for the fine blank samples, the OREAS 160 material prepared in the Canada OREAS Lab. were used.
MP plotted the blank sample assays versus the previous sample assays. MP considers that there was no contamination during the sample preparation process (coarse blanks), nor during the analysis phase (fine blanks). An example of the evaluation graph for 2013 campaign is shown in Figure 8-3.
Figure 8-3: Example of Statistical Analysis of Control Samples of Coarse Blank, Trapiche 2013
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 170
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
8.3.4 | External Duplicates (5% Control in Umpire Laboratories) |
During the 2008 to 2014 drilling campaigns, a selection of 5% of the total pulps from primary samples was made. These groups were analyzed for total copper in ALS Minerals and CERTIMIN umpire laboratories. The statistical analysis was performed with the Major Axis Reduction method. The results of these campaigns show good correlation, indicating that there is acceptable accuracy in the SGS primary laboratory assays.
The results of the comparative statistical analysis between the primary SGS laboratory and the two umpire laboratories display a high correlation coefficient (> r = 0.99) and a variable bias between +3.0% and -3.0%. The performance of the SGS primary laboratory is considered acceptable and reliable.
Data verification processes reported in previous studies could be improved, however for this level of study (Prefeasibility), these aspects are acceptable. Recommended improvements should be implemented before transitioning to more advanced studies. An example of the evaluation graph for the 2014 campaign is shown in Figure 8-4.
Figure 8-4: Example of the Statistical Comparison Analysis Graph of the Results from the 03 Laboratories (SGS, ALS Minerals and CERTIMIN), Trapiche 2014
8.3.5 | QA/QC Conclusions |
The results of the QA/QC control analysis completed during the 2008-2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 campaigns, both in the preparation and assaying phase (SGS) of core samples, indicate that they are reliable for Mineral Resource Estimation.
EMV has implemented good QA/QC management practices. The objective has been to ensure that the precision and accuracy of sample testing information provides good reliability for the Mineral Resource Estimate.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 171
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The control samples have helped to identify some errors in the sampling, preparation and assay phases of the samples, which have been corrected immediately by continuous monitoring and appropriate statistical analysis, in order to ensure and guarantee the quality of the ordinary samples.
8.3.6 | Mining Plus’s Opinion |
MP considers that there is no evidence of a bias in the geochemical assays, the analytical methods applied were consistent with the mineralization style and were aligned with industry best practice. Sample preparation was improved following recommendations of third-party consultants in 2013 (AMEC).
MP cannot comment with certainty on the sampling practices followed by EMV as it was unable to observe the sampling activity during the site visit. For further details, refer to Section 9.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 172
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
9 | Data Verification |
9.1 | Site Visit |
MP visited the Trapiche Project in September 2018. The main purpose of the site visit was to:
● | Ascertain the geological and geographical setting of the Trapiche Project. |
● | Witness the extent of the exploration work completed to date. |
● | Review the sample preparation methodology. |
● | Inspect core logging and sample storage facilities. |
● | Discuss geological interpretation and inspect drill core with the logging geologists on site. |
MP was unable to observe the drilling and sampling in action during the site visit carried out in September 2018. Therefore, MP cannot comment with certainty on the practices followed by the drilling contractors. However, the majority of drilling during the campaigns (2013-2014) was carried out by Geotecnia Peruana S.A., a well-established drilling company in Peru, who generally observe industry standard practices, and MP is of the opinion that these practices were likely followed on the Trapiche Project.
MP was able to verify the quality of geological, sampling information and geological interpretation, concluding that they were appropriate to use as inputs to the Mineral Resource Estimation.
9.2 | Collar Location and Downhole Survey |
The Trapiche drill holes used in the mineral resource estimate have been surveyed by the EMV topography team with differential GPS. Five drill hole collar locations were checked by MP using a hand-held GPS, which confirmed the collar location.
The drill hole deviation for Trapiche was < 0.10 degrees per meter overall, with 24 measurement points showing hole deviation > 0.10 degrees by meter (see Table 9-1). Those measurements suggest a problem that EMV should review in detail to determine the source of the anomaly. MP notes that some of the anomalous deviation measurements are at depth 0.00 m, which MP interprets to mean that the azimuth and dip were measured with a total station, or the values represent the initial/proposed program design and not real values. If this interpretation is correct, these measurements should be removed from the database as they generate an abrupt change in drill hole orientation and return deviation values > 0.10 degrees per meter.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 173
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 9-1: Holes with Deviation > 0.10 degrees / meter
MP considered that generally, the collar and downhole survey procedures were according to industry best practice. The verification work undertaken by MP shows acceptable precision in the location of the mineralization, while the minor anomalies identified in the downhole survey measurements are not material for the Mineral Resource Estimate.
9.3 | Core Logs and Sampling |
MP cannot comment with certainty on the sampling practices followed by EMV as it was unable to observe the sampling activity during the site visit. However, MP reviewed the sampling procedure entitled: “Procedimientos de Muestreo de Testigos de Perforacion Diamantina.doc” updated to December 2012 and visited the core shed in the project on September 2018. MP considered the procedures were appropriate.
A core logging review was performed in the EMV core shed/warehouse located in Trapiche’s administrative areas. The facility appeared secure. Core boxes, coarse and pulp rejects samples from Trapiche and other project campaigns 2001-2014 are stored in a tidy and organized way, in alignment with best industry practices.
The MP check logging showed that the geology and contacts observed in the archived drill core agreed well with contacts logged by EMV and sample intervals marked on core and core boxes. A visual inspection of the higher-grade mineralized intervals showed good correlation with the high grade zones in the assay spreadsheet. Waste intervals observed in core were reflected in the core logging, and in poor grade assays in the spreadsheet. The core logs were consistent with the established EMV codes, except for TR-01 to TR-08 drill holes.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 174
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
9.4 | Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security |
MP reviewed sample preparation, analysis and security procedures for the 2013-2014 drilling campaign using the documentation available in the report entitled “Reporte de Modelo de Recursos AMEC 2013”.
The AMEC 2013 report (Reporte de Modelo de Recursos AMEC 2013) observed that the sample preparation processes at the time were not aligned with best industry standards.
Samples were analyzed by SGS in Lima following their standard procedures. Samples were routinely analyzed for:
● | AAS42C, Total Copper, multi-acid digestion, atomic absorption with detection limit of 2 ppm. |
● | AAS73B, Sequential Copper (Copper soluble in H2SO4, Copper soluble in NaCN and Residual Copper with detection limit of 0.001%). |
Analytical data results were delivered electronically by the laboratory in EMV format and were entered directly into the company database.
9.5 | Cross-Check with Original Assay Certificates |
MP compiled and reviewed the original laboratory assay certificates (PDF) of 39 drill holes that included the Cu ppm, CuCN, CuSS and CuR. This corresponds to 11% of the total samples that included QA/QC samples (2001-2014).
An amount of 5,120 sample codes (86%) for the original assay certificates were able to be matched with the database entries and minor inconsistencies (1%) were detected between the grades in the certificates and the database. MP suspected that the inconsistencies were due to miss-matched assay certificates and did not consider them material for the Mineral Resource Estimate. The remaining 14% apparently correspond to the control samples.
9.6 | MP QA/QC Review |
The Quality Control (QC) protocol during the 2005 and 2014 Trapiche drilling campaigns included the insertion of the following control samples in the sample batches (Table 9-2):
Table 9-2: 2005-2014 Quality Control Samples Insertion Rates
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 175
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 9-3: Quality Control Samples Insertion Rates by Year
Previous to 2005, EMV did not apply any QA/QC control as it was in a greenfield exploration stage of development. Subsequently, the insertion rates incrementally increased with time, which indicated an improvement in the sampling procedure to align with international best practices.
The QA/QC analysis carried out by MP focused on the total copper (CuT) assays as they have the greatest economic contribution. The following summarizes MP’s conclusions:
● | Coarse Duplicates: The failure rate for CuT was 5%, MP concluded that the EMV coarse duplicate precision for CuT was within acceptable ranges. |
● | Pulp Duplicates: The failure rate for CuT was 3%. MP concluded that SGS pulp sampling precision was within acceptable ranges for CuT. |
● | Check Samples: MP is aware that check samples were submitted; however, it was not provided with this information at the time of writing. |
9.7 | Independent Samples |
No independent samples were collected and submitted by MP.
9.8 | Mining Plus Conclusion |
Aspects of sample preparation, analysis and security could be improved, however, for the prefeasibility level of study these aspects are acceptable. There is no evidence of significant bias within the current database which would materially impact on the estimate.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 176
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The following recommended improvements should be implemented before transitioning to more advanced studies:
● | The QA/QC report must present complete and detailed information, clearly indicating the origin of the control samples (such as CRMs, blanks and duplicates) to support the estimation process. These reports must be made for each drilling campaign and include all the elements to be used in the estimate. |
● | Platform information signs should be updated and refer to all the drill holes drilled in the platform to avoid confusion. Write the code of the drill hole in the cement when it is still wet. |
● | It is necessary to standardize, simplify and apply restricted entry rules to the data recorded in the geological log. |
● | Laboratory sample codes must not be modified under any circumstance with respect to the original sample data so that both the geochemical database and the laboratory certificates are consistent and auditable. |
● | Perform an over limits values assays campaign and update the data base with the obtained results. |
● | Re-survey by an external company 10% of the total drill holes collar in Trapiche and compare with the data obtained by the MV topography team. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 177
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
10 | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
10.1 | Metallurgical Testing |
Preliminary metallurgical leaching tests have been performed by C.H. Plenge & Cia S.A., metallurgical test laboratory, in Lima, Peru. The Plenge work was contracted by EMV. The results of this testwork have been used to develop the process design criteria for the Trapiche Project, utilizing the following general strategy.
All testwork shows fairly low copper grades of under 1% among several ore types. Of the contained copper, approximately 1/10 is mixed and oxide ore and more readily leachable. Though they display higher grades and faster leaching kinetics, oxide ores also consume more acid. Specifically, in Trapiche’s case, the oxide/mixed ore consumes 17 kg/ton vs. 7 kg/ton for the enriched/transitional sulfide ore. As such, project economics dictate that oxide ore leaching must conclude before the cost of additional acid consumption outweighs the value of the remaining unleached copper in the ore. Construction of a dynamic on/off pad allows for operating within these constraints for oxide ores. The timing as to when to stop leaching will primarily be a function of the cost of sulfuric acid and the price of copper. An on-off pad allows the operations team to adjust the leaching times and acid used as current economics dictate. At $2.95 copper price there is $822M in contained copper. Therefore, construction and proper operation of the on-off leach pad should be economical. The initial investment for the on-off pad is approximately $20M. By contrast, sulfide ores that are slower leaching, but not high in acid consumption may be leached for an extended duration on a permanent pad without any such economic constraints.
10.1.1 | Metallurgical Laboratory Review |
M3 visited the Plenge Miraflores Laboratory in Peru in December 2019 and August 2021. M3 found that the testwork was performed by individuals possessing experience, credentials, and training, the condition of the facility was adequate, and standard industry accepted operating procedures/practices were being used. A computer database system was being used to log in and track all samples. The lab has a QA/QC program for each area. Laboratory personnel stated that balances and other equipment are calibrated as appropriate for the equipment and showed current documentation available for review. From the visit, M3 concludes that, after verifying the calibration records, the laboratory has the infrastructure, qualified personnel, and adequate quality controls to ensure the reliability of the results obtained from the different tests. The Plenge laboratory has the support of many mining companies both in Peru and abroad and is trusted for reliable development of metallurgical tests.
10.1.2 | Metallurgical Testing History |
Reports of metallurgical testing were issued in the years 2010, 2015, and 2016. The mine locations that were sampled and the sample identification tag names are shown in Figure 10-1.
In October 2010, report No. 7743-45 was issued describing testwork for three ore composite samples. The samples were identified as enriched porphyry (METP-11E), enriched breccia (METBx-12E) and mixed breccia (METBx-13M). Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4).
Sample material was crushed to reduce the particle size to 100% minus ½-inch for column leach testing. The tests were performed in 6-meter-tall columns operated in closed circuit with copper recovery by solvent extraction. Eighteen closed-circuit column leach tests were performed, six for each of the composite samples. For each sample, three columns were dedicated to leaching with a solution acid concentration of 5, 10, or 15 gpl acid, and three columns were dedicated to leaching after a curing with 3.1, 7.1, or 11.2 kg/t acid addition.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 178
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
In November 2015, report (No. 15961-63) was issued describing testwork for three ore composite samples. The samples were identified as mixed oxide and secondary sulfide in breccia from the southern part of the deposit (18-BS-Mix), oxide located near East Trapiche (19-BS-TE) and, enriched secondary sulfide from the northern part of the deposit (20-TN-Enr).Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4). Three column leach tests were performed for each sample type.
In December 2015, a report (No. 16562) was issued describing testwork for one ore composite sample identified as mixed with a tag number 23-ZT-Mixto. Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4). One column leach test was performed. The test was performed in a 6-meter tall column. Sample material was crushed to reduce the particle size to 100% minus 3/8 inch.
A report (No.16584-85) was issued describing testwork for two ore composite samples identified as enriched breccia with tag numbers BX-2E and BX-3E. Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4). Two column leach tests were performed on these samples, one with 6-meter tall column and one with 4-meter tall column.
A report (No.16632-34) was issued describing testwork for three ore composite samples identified as enriched breccia with tag numbers BX-01 Enr, BX-02 Enr, and BX-03 Enr. Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4). Three column leach tests were performed, one column test for each sample type in 6-meter-tall columns.
In March 2016, a report (No.16928-29) was issued describing testwork for two ore composite samples identified as enriched breccia (Mineral Enriquecido) with tag numbers 21-P Enr and 22-TE Enr. Three bottle roll tests were performed for each sample. One bottle roll test with 4.5 gpl, one with 2.4 gpl, and one with 2.5 gpl acid concentration (H2SO4).
Four column leach tests were performed, two column tests for each sample type with one column operated with acid addition controlled by the pH condition of the column pregnant solution and one column operated with acid addition by “on demand leaching” (titration and calculation such that free acid in the PLS was maintained at 2 g/L). The tests were performed in 6-meter-tall columns. Sample material was crushed to reduce the particle size to 100% minus 3/8-inch. Crushed material was then agglomerated with 3.1 kg/t of acid (H2SO4) (for sample material charges that had leach acid controlled by calculation) or 10 kg/t acid (for sample material that had leach solution acid controlled by pH measurement) and charged to columns. The column tests were performed with closed-circuit copper removal by solvent extraction. Leach solution was applied at 8 gpl acid solution strength (acid by “on demand leaching” method) or 5 gpl (acid by pH measurement). The test results indicated 69.2% copper extraction and a net acid consumption of 0.3 kg/t for 21-P Enr after 161 days of leaching without pH control, and 71.1% copper extraction and a net acid consumption of 6 kg/t for 21-P Enr ore after 148 days of leaching with pH control. For 22-TE Enr material, the test results indicated 70.5% copper extraction and an acid consumption of 0.1 kg/t after 161 days of leaching without pH control, and 73.9% copper extraction and a net acid consumption of 5 kg/t after 148 days of leaching with pH control.
In October 2016, a report (No.17932-33) was issued describing testwork for two ore composite samples identified as mixed mineral (Mineral Mixto) with tag number TRM-30 and oxide mineral (Mineral Óxido) with tag number TRM-31. Two bottle roll tests were performed for each of the composite samples, one at 10 gpl and one at 50 gpl acid (H2SO4). Two column leaching tests were performed, one column test for each sample type in 6-meter tall columns.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 179
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 10-1: Location of Metallurgical Composite Tests
10.1.3 | Test Results |
The metallurgical test results are variable. Though the high number of controlled variables makes it impossible to isolate and quantify their specific effects with this number of trials, the data suggest that typical or favorable leach results may be achieved within the window or parameters tested. Due to this variability, current projections must be based on fairly conservative estimates, though high potential upside for optimization exists in further testwork or through applying data obtained during operations.
Bottle roll test data is compared by ore type in Table 10-2.
Column leach test results are presented in Table 10-3. Column leach test data are compared in Table 10-4.
Design assumptions made from test data for reagent consumption are listed in Table 18-6.
The lowest acid consumption results were obtained when using the “on demand leaching” method (dosing curing acid in agglomeration based on the mineralogy of the sample and adding minimal acid to the leach solution) and scheduling leach solution application “resting times” to minimize the acid consumption. These results alone, however, are not believed to be sufficient for metallurgical design due to the uncertainty surrounding potential incomplete copper extraction, impact of other metals leached in the PLS, and operational complexity surrounding this method.
Conducting multiple parallel column tests in different laboratories is recommended using the “on demand leaching” method and rest times to reconfirm the copper recovery and the acid consumption. Attention must be given to the high concentration of Aluminum (Al) and Arsenic (As) in the PLS solution since the tests show levels of up to 17,382 ppm Aluminum (Al) and 9,946 ppm Arsenic (As) which could produce negative effects in solvent extraction and leaching. These values should be reconfirmed in the column tests developed for the feasibility study. A treatment plant for the reduction of these contaminants from the PLS solution may be required.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 180
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 10-1: Bottle Roll Tests Results
Sample Tag Name | Material Type | Material Size Distribution (mesh) | Leach Solution Acid Strength (gpl) | Head % Copper | Head % Oxide Copper | Copper Extraction (%) | Total Acid Consumption (kg/t) | Net Acid Consumption (kg/t) |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | -10.0 | 10 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 40.7 | 41.8 | 24.5 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry |
| 50 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 45.0 | 135.7 | 42.1 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 43.7 | 44.0 | 27.5 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 45.1 | 138.2 | 49.3 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 33.3 | 47.5 | 31.0 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 36.1 | 141.6 | 50.7 |
18-BS-Mix | South Oxide and mixed | -10.0 | 10 | 0.41 | 0.22 | 57.6 | 29.3 | 25.9 |
18-BS-Mix | South Oxide and mixed | -10.0 | 50 | 0.41 | 0.22 | 58.3 | 46.8 | 43.3 |
19-BS-TE | Oxide and mixed | -10.0 | 10 | 0.34 | 0.24 | 73.3 | 26.5 | 22.8 |
19-BS-TE | Oxide and mixed | -10.0 | 50 | 0.34 | 0.24 | 79.2 | 48.9 | 44.9 |
20-TN-Enr | Enriched | -10.0 | 10 | 0.35 | 0.12 | 46.2 | 9.4 | 6.9 |
20-TN-Enr | Enriched | -10.0 | 50 | 0.35 | 0.12 | 48.0 | 19.7 | 17.1 |
23 ZT Mixto | Mixed | -10.0 | 10 | 0.46 | 0.30 | 66.7 | 30.1 | 25.0 |
23 ZT Mixto | Mixed | -10.0 | 50 | 0.46 | 0.30 | 68.0 | 60.2 | 55.3 |
BX 2E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.52 | 0.10 | 44.3 | 21.8 | 18.0 |
BX 2E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.52 | 0.10 | 47.3 | 41.5 | 37.6 |
BX 3E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.57 | 0.06 | 41.8 | 17.5 | 13.8 |
BX 3E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.57 | 0.06 | 44.6 | 30.6 | 26.5 |
BX 01 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.59 | 0.17 | 53.0 | 36.3 | 31.2 |
BX 01 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.59 | 0.17 | 53.8 | 57.9 | 53.0 |
BX 02 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.55 | 0.11 | 41.8 | 22.2 | 18.7 |
BX 02 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.55 | 0.11 | 46.2 | 36.4 | 32.6 |
BX 03 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 10 | 0.58 | 0.13 | 42.1 | 15.7 | 12.2 |
BX 03 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | -10.0 | 50 | 0.58 | 0.13 | 45.9 | 26.0 | 22.1 |
21-P Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 4.5 (pH1.2) | 0.62 | 0.20 | 40.9 | 14.9 | 11.0 |
21-P Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 2.4 (pH1.5) | 0.62 | 0.20 | 40.8 | 11.9 | 8.0 |
21-P Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 2.5 (pH2.0) | 0.62 | 0.20 | 31.3 | 10.8 | 7.8 |
22-TE Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 5.0 (pH1.2) | 0.69 | 0.27 | 42.4 | 23.0 | 18.4 |
22-TE Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 3.3 (pH1.5) | 0.69 | 0.27 | 42.4 | 18.5 | 14.1 |
22-TE Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | -10.0 | 2.4 (pH2.0) | 0.69 | 0.27 | 38.3 | 9.7 | 5.6 |
TR-M30 | Mixed Mineral | -10.0 | 10 | 0.44 | 0.26 | 71.4 | 28.5 | 23.7 |
TR-M30 | Mixed Mineral | -10.0 | 50 | 0.44 | 0.26 | 76.0 | 51.2 | 46.0 |
TR-M31 | Oxide Mineral | -10.0 | 10 | 0.77 | 0.63 | 78.4 | 28.8 | 19.5 |
TR-M31 | Oxide Mineral | -10.0 | 50 | 0.77 | 0.63 | 85.3 | 66.9 | 56.7 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 181
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 10-2: Bottle Roll Tests Results Material Type
Material Type | Head % Copper | Head % Oxide Copper | Copper Extraction (%) | Total Acid Consumption (kg/t) | Net Acid Consumption (kg/t) |
Enriched | 0.57 | 0.16 | 43.1 | 40.5 | 24.2 |
Oxide and Mixed | 0.484 | 0.33 | 71.4 | 41.7 | 36.3 |
Enriched Porphyry | 0.63 | 0.22 | 40.2 | 33.3 | 16.4 |
Enriched Breccia | 0.56 | 0.13 | 45.8 | 40.7 | 28.5 |
Table 10-3: Column Tests Results
Material Type | Column Diameter x Height (m) | Material Size Distribution (P100, mm) | Agglomeration Acid (kg/t) | Leach Solution Acid Strength (gpl) | Leach Time (Days) | Head % Copper | Head % Oxide Copper | Copper Extraction (%) | Total Acid Consumption (kg/t) | Net Acid Consumption (kg/t) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 5 | 185 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 65.9 | 13.4 | 8.1 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 10 | 98 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 65.8 | 28.5 | 23.1 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 15 | 108 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 55.6 | 38.3 | 33.7 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 3.1 | 10 | 155 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 70.8 | 30.1 | 25.6 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 7.1 | 10 | 110 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 66.0 | 31.2 | 25.8 |
METP−11E | Enriched Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 11.2 | 10 | 110 | 0.54 | 0.17 | 70.0 | 34.6 | 29.0 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 5 | 185 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 66.2 | 14.1 | 8.4 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 10 | 106 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 53.9 | 27.4 | 23.1 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 15 | 97 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 66.0 | 37.3 | 31.8 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 3.1 | 10 | 154 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 69.1 | 28.8 | 23.0 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 7.1 | 10 | 109 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 66.1 | 29.5 | 23.9 |
METBx−12E | Enriched Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 11.2 | 10 | 109 | 0.57 | 0.20 | 68.3 | 32.9 | 27.4 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 5 | 185 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 52.4 | 15.4 | 10.3 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 10 | 96 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 49.2 | 27.6 | 22.7 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | - | 15 | 96 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 54.4 | 34.3 | 28.9 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 3.1 | 10 | 153 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 56.8 | 26.9 | 21.4 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 7.1 | 10 | 108 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 49.3 | 31.7 | 27.2 |
METBx−13M | Enriched Mixed Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 12.7 | 11.2 | 10 | 108 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 53.2 | 31.6 | 26.5 |
18-BS-Mix | South Oxide and mixed | 6 in. X 1.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 5 | 85 | 0.41 | 0.22 | 70.7 | 22.9 | 18.7 |
19-BS-TE | Oxide and mixed | 6 in. X 1.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 5 | 85 | 0.34 | 0.24 | 80.4 | 22.7 | 18.6 |
20-TN-Enr | Enriched | 6 in. X 1.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 5 | 85 | 0.35 | 0.12 | 83.7 | 12.0 | 7.4 |
23 ZT Mixto | Mixed | 6 in. X 1.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 5 | 85 | 0.46 | 0.30 | 89.7 | 28.2 | 21.8 |
BX 2E / BX 3E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 6.1 | 5 | 134 | 0.54 | 0.08 | 72.9 | 13.7 | 7.6 |
BX 2E / BX 3E | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | 6 in. X 4 | 9.5 | 6.1 | 5 | 134 | 0.54 | 0.08 | 72.9 | 14.5 | 8.3 |
BX 01 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 6.4 | 8 | 198 | 0.59 | 0.17 | 81.2 | 15.9 | 8.2 |
BX 02 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 5.7 | 8 | 193 | 0.55 | 0.11 | 78.4 | 15.2 | 8.4 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 182
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Material Type | Column Diameter x Height (m) | Material Size Distribution (P100, mm) | Agglomeration Acid (kg/t) | Leach Solution Acid Strength (gpl) | Leach Time (Days) | Head % Copper | Head % Oxide Copper | Copper Extraction (%) | Total Acid Consumption (kg/t) | Net Acid Consumption (kg/t) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BX 03 Enr | Enriched Sulfide Breccia | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 5.9 | 8 | 193 | 0.58 | 0.13 | 74.8 | 11.5 | 4.5 |
21-P Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 3.1 | 7 | 161 | 0.62 | 0.20 | 69.2 | 6.8 | 0.3 |
21-P Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 8 | 5 | 148 | 0.62 | 0.20 | 71.1 | 12.4 | 5.5 |
22-TE Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 3.2 | 8 | 161 | 0.69 | 0.27 | 70.9 | 7.4 | 0.1 |
22-TE Enr | Enriched Sulfide Porphyry | 6 in. X 6 | 9.5 | 10 | 5 | 148 | 0.69 | 0.27 | 73.9 | 12.7 | 4.9 |
TR-M30 | Mixed Mineral | 6 in. X 6 | 19.0 | 5.9 | 8 | 85 | 0.44 | 0.26 | 80.4 | 8.7 | 3.3 |
TR-M31 | Oxide Mineral | 6 in. X 6 | 19.0 | 13.8 | 8 | 60 | 0.77 | 0.63 | 88.7 | 19.2 | 8.9 |
Table 10-4: Column Tests Results Comparison
Sample Tag Name | Material Type | Leach Time (Days) | Head % Copper | Head % Oxide Copper | Copper Extraction (%) | Total Acid Consumption (kg/t) | Net Acid Consumption (kg/t) |
|
| Average Values | |||||
All Samples | All types | 128 | 0.56 | 0.20 | 68.4 | 22.3 | 16.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Enriched | 137 | 0.58 | 0.17 | 66.0 | 22.7 | 17.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Oxide and Mixed | 80 | 0.48 | 0.33 | 82.0 | 20.3 | 14.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Enriched Porphyry | 138 | 0.59 | 0.20 | 67.9 | 21.5 | 15.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Enriched Breccia | 147 | 0.57 | 0.16 | 70.0 | 21.9 | 15.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Enriched - Agglomerated | 141 | 0.58 | 0.17 | 69.4 | 21.0 | 15.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Samples | Enriched - NOT Agglomerated | 128 | 0.58 | 0.18 | 58.8 | 26.3 | 21.1 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 183
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
As optimal leach solution strengths have not been determined and testwork has not been conducted on ore samples blended as they are to be processed, a small subset of the samples believed to be most representative by the owner were used to generate Cu extraction/acid consumption curves. The assumed Cu extraction/acid consumption curves for secondary sulfide minerals and for mixed minerals are shown in Figure 10-2 and Figure 10-3. Each of these curves reflects the average results of only 2 samples—21-P Enr A/22-TE Enr A and TR-M30/TR-M31. Numerous additional tests should be performed to build a representative geometallurgical model during the feasibility period.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 184
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 10-3: Typical Recovery Curve – Copper Oxides
10.2 | Process Recommendation |
The recommended method to extract copper is a hydrometallurgical process including crushing, agglomeration, leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning unit operations. The selected process includes three separate leaching systems to improve metal recovery across all ore types and add the most value to the project: one for crushed sulfide mineral ores, one for crushed mixed sulfide and oxide mineral ores, and one for uncrushed run of mine mixed mineral ores. A heap leach, SXEW facility is a low-capital cost option for treating low grade and/or slow-leaching ores. The separate leaching systems allow for high copper recovery while also minimizing the cost of acid lost to neutralizing minerals in some of the ore types. A summary process diagram is presented in Figure 10-4.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 185
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 10-4: Process Flow Diagram
10.2.1 | Crushing and Agglomeration |
Two stockpiles should be considered so that different ore types may be leached separately--one to receive the sulfide material and the other to receive the oxide material. The facilities should be designed to crush oxide or sulfide materials to 80% passing 9.4 mm size gradation and then agglomerated for leaching. Crushing circuit simulations have been performed that indicate a three-stage crushing circuit will be required.
10.2.2 | Heap Leaching |
Separate ore-specific leaching is utilized to maximize metal recovery across ore types and add maximum value to the project overall.
The low-grade ROM material should be stacked in a separate 118 ha, 111.24 Mt (maximum capacity) ROM permanent leach pad (see section 15.11).
Sulfide (enriched and transitional) material should be stacked and leached on a separate 269.5 Mt sulfide permanent leach pad (see section 15.9), as the acid consumption is projected to be lower than the acid consumption for the oxide material.
Mixed and oxide material should be treated separately on a 10.3 ha dynamic or “on/off” leach pad (see section 15.10). According to the mining plan, the oxidized ores will be delivered on an intermittent schedule. The oxide material will have a higher acid consumption than the sulfide material proportional to the amount of acid supplied. This consumption continues even after the copper contained in the mineral has been extracted. This situation makes it uneconomical to consider a permanent heap leach system.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 186
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
10.2.3 | Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SXEW) |
In other projects, high PLS copper grades may require multiple aqueous-organic extraction steps in series in order to prevent losing unextracted copper in a high-concentration raffinate stream. Considering the low copper concentration of the leaching solutions anticipated on this project, the use of a single stage of parallel extraction settlers is recommended. The configuration was confirmed through simulations carried out with reagent suppliers. The selected configuration also includes a wash step, as a conservative measure, to mitigate high levels of arsenic, aluminum, or iron that could be transferred to the electrowinning solutions.
It is recommended to perform pilot leach testing at the on-site plant which is nearing completion as of January 2022 to determine whether the deleterious effects of arsenic and aluminum (detected in the leach solution during previous testing) can be mitigated.
The configuration considers a E1 + E1P + E2 + S1 + W1 circuit that allows the treatment of a greater flow of PLS solution which is fed in parallel to the extraction stages E1, E2, and E1P respectively. The organic solution, simulated with different extractant percentages of up to 14%, circulates in series through the equipment of all the decanter mixers making a closed circuit with the respective organic tank. The organic solution transfers the copper in the re-extraction stage to the electrolyte solution that leads to electrowinning.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 187
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11 | Mineral Resource Estimates |
Mining Plus (MP) was engaged by El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV) to update the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Trapiche and Millocucho deposits on the 13 December 2016. The Trapiche Project, subject of this PFS excludes the Millocucho deposit. Planned copper recovery is by leaching and SXEW methods only; therefore, copper sulfides have not been considered in this PFS. Recovery of copper sulfide by flotation may be considered in future studies.
Trapiche is located in the Apurimac Province of southern Peru and forms part of the Cu-Mo-Fe Andahuaylas - Yauri metallogenetic province.
Mineral Resources, excluding Mineral Reserves, contain 4,345 million pounds of copper contained within 617.2 million tonnes at 0.32% Cu and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 255 million pounds of copper contained within 36.6 million tonnes at 0.32% Cu. The PFS considers leaching and SXEW only for copper recovery. The primary sulfide portion has not been considered in the Mineral Reserve Estimate. The mineral resource that can be processed by leaching and SXEW are 145.3 million tonnes at 0.41% Cu for Indicated category and 7 million tonnes at 0.40% Cu for Inferred category. The percentage of indicated resources category represents the 94% and the inferred resources category represents the 6% of the material. The Mineral Resource reported by El Molle Verde has been estimated in conformity with the newly implemented Regulation of S-K §229.1304 as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Details are given in Table 11-21.
MP estimated a pit-constrained Measured + Indicated Mineral Resource of 7,520 million pounds of copper contained within 899.7 million tonnes at 0.38 % Cu and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 255 million pounds of copper contained within 36.6 million tonnes at 0.32 % Cu for the wider Trapiche and Millocucho deposits, including sulfides. 98% of the leachable resource is indicated resource, 428Mt with a copper grade of 0.48%. Details are given in Table 11-22.
The geological block model and MRE supporting the PFS was interpreted from 368 drill holes totaling 102,819 m. The MRE was completed by full time MP employee, Dr. Andrew Fowler, MAusIMM CP(Geo) an appropriate “Qualified Person” as this term is defined by the SEC S-K 1300 Code. The effective date of the mineral resource statement is 13th December 2016; however, the work was completed in early 2017, and therefore the estimate is referred to here as the MP17 estimate. A recent update to the open pit optimization processes was carried out in October 2021, it is considered that these changes in the Measured and Indicated resources category are not significant, likewise there is a relevant variation in the Inferred resources category; however, due to the proportion that it represents, it is not considered material.
This section describes the methodology used to estimate the Mineral Resource and summarizes the key assumptions used by MP. In the opinion of MP, the MRE is a reasonable representation of the global Mineral Resources found in the Trapiche Project based on the current level of study (sampling and geological interpretation).
Mineral Resources were considered potentially mineable by open pit methods. The MRE was reported inside an optimized pit shell and is exclusive of Mineral Reserve. The oxide and mixed Mineral Resource was reported above a cut-off grade of 0.12% and 0.14 total copper (CuT) respectively. The enriched and transition Mineral Resource was reported above a cut-off grade of 0.07% and 0.09% total copper respectively, while the primary sulfide Mineral Resource was reported above a cut-off grade of 0.08% total copper. Parameters and assumptions applied during the open pit optimization processes are presented in Sections 11.10.
A visual inspection of drill hole composite grades with the block model grades showed good correlation. The swath plots also showed good correlation between the drill hole composite grades and the block model grades, with no apparent bias.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 188
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The EMV technical team for the Trapiche Project played a significant role throughout the MRE. MP discussed domain definition and search/estimation parameters with the EMV team at all key decision points.
MP also estimated other elements including As, Ca, S and Fe for use as inputs to metallurgical process design and revenue calculations, however, they were not reported as part of the MRE.
MP followed industry standard practices to develop the Trapiche Resources Estimation in early 2017. The Mineral Resource was estimated using a “multirun” process in MineSight software, which ensures that the MRE is auditable. The statistical and variographic analysis was performed using Snowden Supervisor software.
11.1 | Database |
The MP17 estimate was primarily based on sampling data from diamond drilling, geological logging, and topographic surveys performed by EMV.
The drill hole database provided by EMV on the 13th December 2016 contained 102,819 meters of drilling (Table 11-1). During the course of exploration and resource development drilling at the Trapiche Project, diamond drilling was employed, with approximately 98% of the drilled meters in the Trapiche Project including downhole survey measurements.
Sample assay information shown in the Table 11-2 includes 47,647 samples of total copper (Cupct) and molybdenum (Moppm), 38,279 of soluble samples in sulfuric acid (CuSSppm) and cyanide (CuCNppm), 38,278 of residual copper samples (CuRppm), 47,511 of silver samples (Agppm) and 46,700 of gold samples (Auppm).
MP noted that sequential copper assays were not completed for all samples. The sterile (est), leached (lix) and primary (pri) mineralogical groups had the largest proportion of samples not assayed at 32.1%, 26.5%, and 15% respectively. The lack of sequential copper assays in the sterile mineralogical group was not considered material as it was not part of the MRE, however, the high proportion of samples without sequential copper in the leached mineralogical group should be investigated. The lack of sequential copper assays in the primary mineralogical group was not considered material as they were predominantly at depths where only chalcopyrite is expected. The oxide (ox), enriched (enr), mixed (mix) and transitional (tran) mineralogical groups all had fewer than 3% samples not assayed with the sequential copper method, which MP did not consider material. Samples not assayed were left as absent for the grade estimation.
MP also converted detection limit assay values in the database (e.g. “<0.01”) to half the detection limit (e.g. “0.005”), which was in-line with standard industry practice.
Twinned holes TR-M30, TR-M21, TR-M13, TO-20, TR-M20, TR-M18, M22-TR and TR-M15 were excluded from the estimate.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 189
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-1: Summary of Diamond Drilling Per Year
Table 11-2: Summary of Assay Sampling Per Year
11.2 | Modelling Procedure |
11.2.1 | Previous Work |
In 2012, AMEC reviewed the geological model with EMV site geologists, and it was agreed that the geological interpretation should be improved. At the time, neither the structural component of the geology nor the hydrothermal alteration was considered.
In the 2015 Resource model report, Oscar Retto (ORM15), does not mention if the previous geological model was reviewed.
For the 2017 estimate, MP was provided with the ORM15 lithological, structural and mineralogical wireframes to check that they are suitable for the Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) for the Trapiche Project, and that they are consistent
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 190
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
with CIM Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practice Guidelines, which are referenced in the NI 43-101. Towards this end, MP compared drill hole assay results with logging and the ORM15 wireframes visually in section and in 3D, and prepared statistics, box-and-whisker plots, and ternary plots to compare the logging with the assay data and the ORM15 mineralogical wireframes. Additionally, MP reviewed previous work completed on the Trapiche Project by ORM from 2013 - 2015 and AMEC from 2009 - 2012 (now Wood).
MP’s review of the lithological and structural logging and wireframes showed that for the most part, they were not useful for discriminating grade domains for the purposes of the MRE with the current drill spacing and level of detail that was available at the time. One exception was the post-mineralization dike domain.
11.2.2 | Lithological Model |
The lithological interpretation and modeling of the Trapiche Project has evolved in the last three iterations of the model (2012, 2013, 2016). The lithological model that was used in the previous (ORM15) and current (MP17) estimate presents some inconsistencies derived mainly from historical logs that have not been updated with the current EMV codes, however, these are not considered material for the MRE.
MP finds that in general, for the current geological knowledge of the deposit, the lithological wireframing supports the drilling spacing used for classification used for Trapiche. More drilling should be performed in the Millocucho area.
Table 11-3: ORM15 Lithological code descriptions
MP considered that for the current level of prefeasibility study, the lithological model was acceptable as a basis for MRE. For more advanced studies, MP recommended the following adjustments in the geological model:
● | Document the Implicit Modelling Procedure including the description of the codes and grouping criteria used for the modelling (lithology, alterations, mineralization, structural, geometallurgical, etc.) |
● | Re-log the initial campaigns in such a way to maintain a unique logging code that is consistent with all drilling campaigns. Keep the original logs but do not enter them for the database used for modelling. |
● | Keep the database used for modelling centralized and updated. |
● | Build a structural model and assess potential impacts on mineral resource estimation. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 191
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | For the next level of study (Feasibility), update the statistical study based on logging and assays to verify if the criteria used to group the lithology for modelling is correct. The statistical study should only include samples in the area of interest that will be used in the MRE, as samples outside this area will generate noise. |
● | More drilling should be performed at Millocucho area. |
● | The document titled “Modelamiento geologico Trapiche 2014.doc” should be updated with the actual grouping criteria used for the modelling. |
11.2.3 | Definition of Estimation Domains |
The ORM15 copper estimation domains are presented in Table 11-4. MP reviewed these estimation domains using statistical summaries, box-and-whisker plots, ternary plots and cross sections and found that they were largely suitable for use in the MP17 MRE update, with some changes as noted below.
Table 11-4: ORM15 Trapiche MRE Domain Definitions
Source: ORM15
As shown in Table 11-4, the primary ORM15 wireframes were split into:
● | Primary: PQM, GND (ORM15 domain 16). This has been renamed PRPQMGND in the current report for brevity. |
● | Primary: BXCMP, BXMGT (ORM15 domain 17). This has been renamed PRIMBX in the current report for brevity. |
● | Primary: LIM, ARN (ORM15 domain 18). This has been renamed PRIMSED in the current report for brevity. |
● | Primary: PQD, PGD, DAC-AND (ORM15 domain 19). This has been renamed PRIMDIKE in the current report for brevity. |
Length-weighted drill hole sample statistics are presented by logged mineralogical group and by ORM15 mineralogical wireframe in Table 11-5 and Table 11-6 respectively. Cross section views comparing the mineralogical domain logging with the ORM15 estimation domain wireframes are displayed in Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2. Some examples of ternary plots are presented in Figure 11-3.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 192
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 193
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-6: Drill hole Statistics by ORM Wireframe Mineralogical Group
Figure 11-1: Cross Section at 729000mE: ORM15 Domain Wireframes Compared with Logging
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 194
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 195
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
A. logged mineralogy with B. wireframed mineralogical groups
Figure 11-3: Ternary Plots with all Mineralogical Groups Comparing
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 196
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
MP made the following recommendations regarding the copper estimation domains in future updates:
● | There was good statistical support for the 2015 ORM leached and primary mineralogical wireframes and these wireframes remained unchanged for the MP17 MRE. |
● | The 2015 ORM mixed + oxide wireframe contained significant primary material. Future drilling programs may allow this primary material to be interpreted between sections and wireframed as isolated lenses of primary within the oxide. The 2015 ORM mixed + oxide wireframe remained unchanged for the MP17 MRE. |
● | There was not good statistical support for separating enriched high and enriched low. These wireframes remained as they were in the MP17 MRE, but the domains were combined for the purposes of MRE. |
● | There was statistical support for both separating the transitional from primary and for combining it with primary mineralogical group. The MRE would benefit from having more samples available for estimation and therefore, the transitional was combined with primary mineralogical group in the MP17 MRE. The 2015 ORM transitional wireframes remained as they were for the MP17 MRE. |
● | There was not good statistical support for separating the PQM, GND, BXCMP, BXMGT, LIM, or ARN lithologies for the MRE, as each of these wireframed lithologies had very similar grade and ratio statistics. |
● | There was good statistical support for separating the PQD, PGD, and DAC-AND (post-mineral dike) lithologies from the other lithologies for the MRE due to their significantly lower grades. |
● | The primary wireframes remained as they were. However, the PQD, PGD, and DAC-AND lithologies were treated as a separate domains for the purposes of MRE. |
The ORM15 wireframes for the arsenic and calcium estimation domains were based on grade values. The grade threshold for the arsenic domains appeared to be approximately 100 ppm, while the threshold for the calcium domains appeared to be approximately 1%. MP validated the ORM15 wireframes against the drill hole assays in section and in 3D and considered that they were suitable for constraining the arsenic and calcium estimation. Cross sectional views of the wireframes and drill holes are displayed in Figure 11-4 and Figure 11-5.
Figure 11-4 shows drill holes colored by arsenic grade in ppm and wireframes displayed as a blue line: ≥100 ppm As, and as a pink line: <100 ppm As. Figure 11-5 shows drill holes colored by calcium grade in per cent and wireframes displayed as a grey line: ≥1% Ca, and as a yellow line: <1% Ca.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 197
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 11-4: Cross Section at 729,000mE of ORM15 Arsenic Domain Wireframes
Figure 11-5: Cross Section at 729,000mE of ORM15 Calcium Domain Wireframes
11.3 | Compositing, Statistics and Outliers |
11.3.1 | Composite Length Analysis |
MP selected a composite length of 2 m, which was the median sample length (Figure 11-6) and was also a multiple of the target parent block size of 10 m (in the vertical dimension). The 2 m length is also important to retain the sample interval boundaries between the samples with and without sequential copper assays. This was to avoid spurious results post-estimation when calculating ratios from estimated grades. These sequential copper assay sample boundaries
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 198
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
were honored during the compositing process. Copper, arsenic and calcium domain boundaries were coded into the drill holes before compositing and these boundaries were honored during the compositing process.
Compositing started at the top of the domain, with a target length of 2 m by domain down-the-hole. If shorter length samples were left at the bottom of the domain, they were attached to the end of other composites. No samples were discarded. Composite lengths were between 1 m and 3 m (Figure 11-7).
Figure 11-6: Drill hole Sample Length Histogram
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 199
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 11-7: Composite Length Histograms
11.3.2 | Grade Capping |
In order to determine the optimal grade capping strategy, the following steps were undertaken for each grade cap exercise:
● | The skewness of the grade distribution was evaluated by looking at the grade log histogram, the log probability plot and the coefficient of variation (CV) on a mean-variance plot, where the target CV per domain is <1.8. |
● | The spatial location of the outlier values was visually evaluated in 3D to determine if they are clustered (suggesting the existence of a high-grade zone within the domain), or randomly distributed (suggesting the presence of outliers that may need to be capped). |
● | An appropriate capped grade was interpreted based on the above criteria and in keeping with the surrounding grade distribution. |
Grade caps were applied to the 2 m composites after compositing. For the copper variables, grade caps were selected from the total copper grade distribution per domain and applied to the sequential copper grade variables for consistency. Other variables had grade caps selected independently from total copper. The selected grade caps are summarized in Table 11-7 and Table 11-8. The grade caps affected <5% of samples in all cases and mostly affected <1% of samples.
Table 11-9 and Table 11-10 present grade statistics grouped by domain. Composites were weighted by declustered weights assigned using the grid-declustering method with a 200 mX × 200 mY × 2 mZ grid size. Raw composite and grade capped composite means showed insignificant differences between them.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1100
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-7: Grade Cap Summary Copper Domains
Table 11-8: Grade Cap Summary Arsenic and Calcium Domains
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1101
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1102
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1103
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11.4 | Contact Analysis |
MP prepared contact plots across the contacts that separate estimation domains for the MRE (Figure 11-8). Most of the plots show sharp differences in total copper grade across the contacts with the exception of the contact Oxide/Mixed with Enriched, and the contact Oxide/Mixed with Primary mineralized. The total copper grades at the contact Oxide/Mixed with Enriched were not distinct as these domains were defined on the basis of acid soluble and cyanide soluble copper. The contact Oxide/Mixed with Primary mineralized suggested there could be gradual changes in total copper grades within four meters of the contact; however, the profile was noisy and difficult to interpret. When more samples become available, the relationship might become clearer.
MP chose to treat all contacts as hard contacts for the MP17 MRE.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1104
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11.5 | Variography |
Experimental normal score variograms were generated in a fan at 10° increments in a plane aligned with the approximate orientation of the domain. Grade capped and declustered composites were used as input. The direction showing the best continuity (longest range) and the two perpendicular directions were modelled. Spherical models with a nugget and three structures were manually fit to the directional normal score variograms. Finally, the models were back-transformed to the original grade space and exported to Minesight™ software format. The variogram modelling was completed using Supervisor™ software.
Sequential copper variables used the total copper variogram model for grade estimation to avoid spurious results post-estimation when calculating ratios from the estimated grades. Meaningful variography could not be obtained for the primary barren domain due its lack of sample pairs and irregular geometry.
Summaries of the back-transformed variogram models by domain and variable are presented in Table 11-11 and Table 11-12. An example of the total copper variogram from the enriched domain is presented in Figure 11-9. A perspective view of a 3D ellipsoid representing the variogram ranges from Figure 11-9 is presented in Figure 11-10.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1105
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1106
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 11-9: Total Copper, Enriched Domain Normal Score Variograms
Figure 11-10: Total Copper, Enriched Domain Variogram Ranges Shown as an Ellipsoid
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1107
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11.6 | Bulk Density Analysis |
The density assumed for the Trapiche Project is detailed in Table 11-13. To reach these values, MP carried out an analysis of density data, EMV used two methods of immersion in water, the first without the use of wax 4,498 samples and the second with the use of wax 1,548 samples. MP determined that the two methods returned indistinguishable results.
MP combined the two sets of density data. Water displacement method without wax was given priority as there were significantly more results using this method. Water displacement method with wax was used where there was no measurement by the other method. The combined dataset was called “BDCOMB”. The samples were located in 3D by joining the drill hole table files with BDCOMB. Samples were then selected inside the ORM15 mineralogical and lithological wireframes for further analysis.
MP prepared box-and-whisker plots to compare the bulk density statistics between the various mineralogical and lithological groups. MP has regrouped bulk density data in groups that are significantly different to the grade estimation domains.
The statistics for the new groups showed that there are sufficient samples to derive mean bulk density values for each distinct lithological group outside the leached zone, however, inside the leached zone, there were insufficient samples to separate by lithology. To calculate density in the leached zone, MP used the mean bulk density value for the leached zone of 2.47 t/m3, and outside the leached zone, the mean values per distinct lithology were used as listed in Table 11-13.
Table 11-13: Bulk Density Statistics by Combined Mineralogical and Lithological Groups
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1108
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11.7 | Block Model and Resource Estimation Plan |
The block model parameters are given in Table 11-14.
Table 11-14: Block Model Parameters (UTM PSAD 56 Zone 18S)
Minimum Coordinate (m) | Maximum Coordinate (m) | Block Size (m) | Number | |
X | 727,750 | 730,800 | 10 | 305 |
Y | 8,395,400 | 8,398,310 | 10 | 291 |
Z | 3,520 | 4,810 | 10 | 129 |
Partial percentages were removed after estimation to prepare for open-pit optimization and reporting. This was accomplished using the following procedure:
1. | Densities were coded into the block model according to the lithological and mineralogical groups established in Section 11.6. |
2. | Partial percentages of blocks that were unmineralized and below the topography were assigned grade values of zero. |
3. | Mean densities were calculated and weighted by the volume percentage of each density domain. |
4. | Diluted grades were calculated and weighted by the volume percentage of each estimation domain. |
5. | Grades were not diluted across the topographic surface. |
6. | The dominant value by volume percentage was assigned to each block for categorical variables (e.g. estimation domain, lithology). |
7. | Dominant categorical values, mean densities, and diluted grades were used in pit-optimization and Mineral Resource reporting. |
11.7.1 | Search and Estimation Parameters |
The selection of the estimation parameters was based on quantitative kriging neighbourhood analysis (QKNA) completed by MP. The objective of the analysis was to strike a balance between minimizing conditional bias and minimizing bias in the grade-tonnage curve.
MP notes the following with regards to the search and estimation parameters:
● | Total copper, acid soluble copper, cyanide soluble copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, iron, sulphur, calcium and arsenic were estimated. |
● | Grade estimation was undertaken using Ordinary Kriging (OK) for domains 1, 2, 3 and 4 with hard boundaries between the estimation domains. |
● | Grade was estimated in domain 5 using inverse distance due to a lack of sample pairs for meaningful variography. |
● | Parent blocks were 10mE x 10mN x 10mRL. Subblocks were not used. Estimation domains were defined as partial percentages of parent blocks. |
● | Grade estimation was completed in three passes with the search parameters for each pass provided in Table 11-15 and Table 11-16. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1109
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | A maximum of four composites per drill hole requirement was used. |
● | All cells were estimated after 3 passes. |
● | Octant searching was not used. |
● | Discretization was set to 3 × 3 × 5. |
● | An additional capping at 0.5% copper was applied to two drill holes after early estimation runs showed that high grade intervals at the end of those holes were having undue influence over the local estimate. These drill holes and intervals were TR-07 from 503.9 to 510.6 and TR-74 from 487 to 489 and from 491 to 493. |
● | Back-tagging of estimation domains into drill holes was performed in Minesight software for validation purposes. If more than 50% of a composite was inside a block, it was given the domain code of that block. |
Table 11-15: CuT, CuSS, CuCN, Mo Search and Estimation Parameters
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1110
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-16: Au, Ag, S, Fe Search and Estimation Parameters
11.8 | Validations and Comparison with ORM15 |
The previous Mineral Resource was estimated by Oscar Retto Magellanes in 2015 (ORM15). The drill holes and wireframes used by ORM15 were the exactly the same as used in the current MP study (MP17).
ORM15 presented this MRE tabulation under the following two mutually exclusive scenarios:
1. | All the mineralogical groups, excluding primary, are beneficiated by heap leaching |
2. | All the mineralogical groups are beneficiated by froth flotation |
This resulted in an optimized pit shell and MRE table for each scenario, which are reproduced below in Table 11-17 and Table 11-18. The ORM15 block model with 15 × 15 × 15 m cells and the MP17 block model with 10 × 10 × 10 m cells are displayed in Figure 11-11 to Figure 11-14 for comparison purposes. Swath plots, log-histograms, and Q-Q plots are also presented for comparison purposes in Figure 11-15 to Figure 11-17, respectively.
It is not possible to make a direct comparison with ORM15 MRE tabulation as the economic parameters used in this pit optimization were not clearly described. Also, the ORM15 approach of reporting each mineralogical group twice under different processing scenarios and with different cut-off grades is significantly different to the MP approach of reporting each mineralogical group according to one proposed processing route and associated cut-off grade.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1111
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Nevertheless, MP makes the following observations from comparison of the ORM15 flotation table with the MP17 MRE tabulation, from comparison of the two models in cross section, and from comparison of the graphs:
● | The drill hole composite grades visually correlated well with both the ORM15 and MP17 block model grades. |
● | The swath plots showed good correlation between the drill hole composite grades and both the ORM15 and MP17 block model grades, with no apparent bias in either case. |
● | The log-histogram and Q-Q plots showed the ORM15 and MP17 estimates contained similar amounts of smoothing. Globally, the grade distribution in both models compared well with the drill hole composite grade distribution. |
● | The ORM15 flotation scenario total tonnes of 902 Mt was similar to the total tonnes from the current study of 912 Mt, which was based on both heap leaching and flotation. |
● | The ORM15 flotation scenario total copper grade of 0.398 % Cu was significantly higher than the current study at 0.37 % Cu, which was based on both heap leaching and flotation. |
● | The ORM15 and MP17 block models showed minor local differences in the grade distribution, however, globally they were statistically indistinguishable. Therefore, MP considered the differences in the reported MRE were due to different economic parameters and reporting constraints, rather than differences in the underlying models. |
Table 11-17: ORM15 Heap Leaching Scenario MRE
Source: ORM15
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1112
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1113
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1114
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1115
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1116
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1117
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 11-15: Total Copper Swath Plots Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades (blue) with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1118
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 11-16: Total Copper Log-Histogram Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades (blue) with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black)
Figure 11-17: Total Copper Q-Q Plots Comparing Drill Hole Composite Grades with ORM15 Model (green) and MP17 Model (black)
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1119
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
11.9 | Resource Classification |
AMEC undertook a drill hole spacing study in 2012 that estimated the tonnes, grade and metal risk associated with various drill hole grids (AMEC, 2012). MP agreed with AMEC’s conclusion that a nominal drill hole spacing of <100m x 100m was sufficient to support an Indicated Mineral Resource classification for the Trapiche deposit. MP also classified a portion of the Trapiche primary mineralogical group as a Measured Mineral Resource. The nominal drill spacing in the Measured Mineral Resource is <50 m × 50 m and the primary mineralogical group showed good continuity between drill holes at this spacing.
The Millocucho Deposit was considerably less continuous than Trapiche and the drill holes were not drilled on a regular grid, making geological interpretation difficult. Therefore, MP considered that a nominal drill hole spacing of <75 m x 75 m was appropriate to support an Indicated Mineral Resource classification for the Millocucho deposit.
The AMEC study is reproduced below:
AMEC classifies the mineral resources on the basis of spacing between samples. AMEC has established criteria for determining the spacing thresholds between samples through confidence intervals on different production scenarios. AMEC suggests the following criteria for the determination of spacing in each classification category:
● | The measured mineral resource must have a spacing that ensures that the resources in this category are known in tonnage, grade and metallic content; with a relative accuracy of ± 15% in a 90% confidence interval for quarterly production. That is, the block model must predict tonnage, grade and metal content with a 15% error in nine out of ten quarters of production. |
● | The indicated mineral resource must have a spacing that ensures that the resources in this category are known in tonnage, grade and metallic content; with a relative accuracy of ± 15% in a 90% confidence interval for annual production. That is, the model must predict tonnage, grade and metal content with a 15% error in nine out of ten years of production. |
● | The inferred mineral resource corresponds to the lowest level of confidence. It is suggested that the spacing between drill holes does not exceed 1.5 times or twice the spacing defined for the indicated resource category. The blocks must be informed by at least one drill hole and the extrapolation must be restricted to a reasonable distance with respect to the spatial continuity of the grade (range of variogram associated with 90% of the plateau), excluding areas of extrapolation of high grades. |
The method proposed by AMEC involves the evaluation of the large block estimation variance. This method gives an estimate of global confidence. The method is not dependent on local data. The 90% confidence limits are calculated using the standard deviation of the ordinary kriging (sOK), the coefficient of variation of the composites (CV) and the following formula:
Relative standard error: RSE = sOK x CV
Accuracy at a 90% confidence level in a quarterly panel is defined by:
Q90% = 1.645 x RSE / √3
Precision at a level of 90% confidence in a panel equivalent to one year of production is defined by:
A90% = Q90% / √4
Note: The calculation is based on the assumption that there is independence between quarterly panels and the distribution of the grade is normal.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1120
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
This method was used to determine confidence limits for a number of configurations for drilling at Trapiche.
The following assumptions were used:
● | Mine method: Open pit |
● | Tonnes of ore mined per day: 50,000 |
● | Tonnes of ore mined per month: 1,500,000 |
● | Volume mined per month (SG = 2.67): 561,798 |
● | Volume of a 250 x 170 x 15 m block: 637,500 |
The results of the study of confidence limits were made considering copper as the main product and for a drilling spacing of 100 m x 100 m, which is the current average spacing in Trapiche. Additionally, four more closed meshes were evaluated which are summarized in Table 11-19. According to AMEC, the current grid of 100 m x 100 m indicates that it could be used to classify the indicated resources. These results are similar to those obtained by AMEC for other copper porphyry deposits. For a given deposit, the confidence limit is inversely related to the monthly volume. Therefore, a drill spacing of 100 m x 100 m will support resources indicated for Trapiche at a mine production rate of 50,000 t / day or greater. A narrower spacing will be necessary at a lower production rate.
Table 11-19: AMEC Drill hole Spacing Study Results
Source: AMEC, 2012
MP estimated distance to the three nearest drill holes into the block model and used this a basis for digitizing strings in cross section that define the boundaries between Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. The strings were then linked to form a 3D solid, which was used to code the model.
11.10 | Open Pit Optimization |
EMV provided MP with an optimized pit to determine the extent of the Mineral Resource with reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by open pit mining methods. The pit optimization was physically constrained by an overall slope angle of 43°. Additional costs and economic parameters used in deriving the cut-off grade and pit optimization are presented in Table 11-20. This table corresponds to an update of the optimization parameters in October 2021, which have been applied to report the resources within a new resource pit shell with the MP17 block model.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1121
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-20: Cut-off Grade Calculation
Parameter | Units | Value |
Resource Classification | ||
Included Resources | (na) | Measured, indicated and inferred |
Geotechnical | ||
Inter-ramp | (°) | 45 |
Overall Slope Angle | (°) | 43 |
Processing - Recoveries | ||
Leach | % | 40 |
Oxide/mixed | % | 85 |
Enriched | % | 72 |
Transitional | % | 55 |
Primary | % | 90 |
Operating Costs | ||
Mining Cost | (US$/t moved) | 1.84 |
Processing Cost | ||
Leach | (US$/t) | 4.20 |
Oxide/mixed | (US$/t) | 10.17 |
Enriched | (US$/t) | 4.19 |
Transitional | (US$/t) | 4.19 |
Primary | (US$/t) | 6.53 |
Metal Price |
|
|
Cooper | (US$/lb) | 3.99 |
Cut-off grade | ||
Leach | % | 0.12 |
Oxide/mixed | % | 0.14 |
Enriched | % | 0.07 |
Transitional | % | 0.09 |
Primary | % | 0.08 |
MP noted the following:
● | The model was diluted before optimization and no additional dilution or ore loss was used in the pit optimization. |
● | The pit optimization shell with a revenue factor of 1, corresponding to the maximum undiscounted shell at the metal prices listed in Table 11-20, was selected to report the Mineral Resource potentially mineable by open pit methods. |
11.11 | Resource Tabulation |
MP tabulated the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) constrained by the optimized pit shell. The cut-off grade was calculated and applied on the basis of total copper only as this was the dominant revenue generating metal. The revenue contribution from the other metals was minor and therefore, they were not considered in the cut-off grade calculation for simplicity.
EMV’s internal metallurgical studies have shown that the copper recovery in the oxide/mixed mineralogical group is affected when the calcium content is >1 % (defined as high calcium). Therefore, MP reported “oxide/mixed: high calcium” as a separate line item in the table. MP recommended that the copper recovery behavior of the oxide/mixed: high calcium mineralogical group at Trapiche be studied in preparation for the next Mineral Resource update.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1122
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Further studies might show that a flotation beneficiation process results in a higher net present value for the enriched mineralogical group, and in that case, the molybdenum, silver and gold grades in this group could possibly be included in future MRE tabulations.
Table 11-21 shows the Mineral Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves and are reported within the new resource pit shell described in Section 11.10, the resources are tabulated by the type of material (Mineralogical Group) with their respective cut-off (COG).
The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 13, 2016, and this has not been modified as there were no major modification in the MP17 block model, which have been based on drilling data up to December 2016, except for the new update of optimization parameters. For reference, Table 11-22 shows the detail of the total estimated resources including mineral reserves.
The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 13, 2016, and this has not been modified as there were no major modification in the MP17 block model, which have been based on drilling data up to December 2016, except for the new update of optimization parameters.
Table 11-21: MRE Tabulation Suitable for Reporting in Accordance with SEC S-K 1300 as of December 13, 2016(1-9)
Notes:
1. | The Mineral Resources in this report were estimated and reporting using the regulation S-K §229.1304 of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). |
2. | The mineral resources presented in this table exclude the mineral reserves. |
3. | Qualified Person, Dr. Andrew Fowler P.Geo, has approved the form and context of the reported Mineral Resource Estimate. |
4. | All drill hole data available on 13 December 2016 were used to for the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
5. | The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is 13 December 2016. There are no new geology data provided after the information from 2016. |
6. | The Mineral Resource is based on a copper price of US$3.99/lb equivalent to $8,800/t, provided by BVN (Memorandum 13.08.2021). |
7. | MP is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
8. | Numbers in the table might not add precisely due to rounding. |
9. | The pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate is reported with internal dilution. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1123
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-22: MRE Tabulation of Mineral Resources inclusive Mineral Reserve
Notes:
1. | Mineral Resources inclusive Mineral Reserves. |
2. | All drill hole data available on 13 December 2016 were used to for the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
3. | The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is 13 December 2016. There are no new geology data provided after the information from 2016. |
4. | The Mineral Resource is based on a copper price of US$3.99/lb, equivalent to $8,800/t, provided by BVN (Memorandum 13.08.2021). |
5. | MP is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
6. | Numbers in the table might not add precisely due to rounding. |
7. | The pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate is reported with internal dilution. |
11.11.1 | Comparison between previous Mineral Resource Estimate |
The differences with the mineral resources reported in “TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update” are only the new optimization parameters for a resource pit shell, where the following are highlighted:
● | Price increase. |
● | Increased cost of mining. |
● | The transition material will be sent to the leaching plant instead of the flotation plant. |
● | The variation in the price and cost of mining has caused a change in the cut-off grade. |
● | Slight variation in overall slope angle. |
For an appropriate comparison, the resources have been tabulated with the reserves included, and it is emphasized that these tables should NOT be treated as estimated resources and are only presented here for informational purposes.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1124
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-23 shows previous Mineral Resources Estimate in 2019 inside old pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve and Table 11-24 shows Mineral Resources Estimate in 2021 inside new pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve, and Table 11-25 shows the difference between both tables.
The combination of the new optimization parameters has generated the following changes:
● | An increase in the tonnage of the Measured and Indicated resources by 4%, the Cu grade by 1% and the Cu metal content by 5%; however, the grades and the metal contents of Mo, Ag and Au have decreased. |
● | The tonnage of the Inferred resources has decreased by 18%, the grade has increased by 6% while the metal content has reduced by 13%, as well as the metal content of Mo, Ag and Au have decreased. |
MP considers that the recent update to the optimizations parameters does not present a significant variation in the Measured and Indicated resources category; likewise, there is a relevant variation in the Inferred resources category; however, due to the proportion that it represents, it is not considered material.
Table 11-23: Previous Mineral Resources Estimate in 2019 inside old pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1125
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-24: Mineral Resources Estimate in 2021 inside new pit shell resource inclusive Mineral Reserve
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1126
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 11-25: Comparison of the Mineral Resources Estimate inclusive Mineral Reserve between old and new pit shell resource
11.12 | Conclusions and Recommendations |
MP made the following conclusions:
● | The previous block model completed by Oscar Retto Magallanes in 2015 ORM15 and the current MP block model showed minor local differences in the grade distribution, however, globally they were statistically indistinguishable. This result reinforced the Mineral Resource Estimate and allowed EMV to continue to advance the project with confidence. |
● | The drill hole composite grades visually correlated well with the block model grades. The swath plots also showed good correlation between the drill hole composite grades and the block model grades, with no apparent bias. |
● | The EMV technical team for the Trapiche Project played a significant role throughout the MRE. MP discussed domain definition and search/estimation parameters with the EMV team at all key decision points. |
● | The ORM15 work was completed to a high standard. MP reviewed the work but did not find any fatal flaws. Minor issues were found with the ORM15 estimation domain definition and the MRE tabulation. These issues were improved upon in consultation with EMV as detailed in the body of the report. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1127
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
MP made the following recommendations:
● | The treatment of the post-primary mineralization dikes was a subject of debate during the MRE. They appear to be barren in the primary zone but mineralized in the supergene zone. Further work should be focused on understanding the controls on mineralization of these dikes. |
● | The drill hole spacing study completed by AMEC in 2012 was based on drill hole data with a nominal spacing of 100 × 100 m. This drill hole spacing study was used as the basis for the Mineral Resource classification in the current MRE, however, the grade variability at closer distances is uncertain as there are relatively few drill holes at a spacing <100 m. An infill drill program will provide this information and may result in a significantly different drill hole spacing study conclusion. Therefore, MP recommends an update to the drill hole spacing study if an infill drilling program is completed in the future. |
● | The acid soluble copper/total copper ratios suggested the heap leach copper recovery in the enriched mineralogical group should be similar or worse than the leached mineralogical group (based on standard heap leach chemistry). This was at odds with the metallurgical recovery information provided by EMV which stated the heap leach copper recovery was 40% in the leached mineralogical group and 72% in the enriched mineralogical group. Therefore, the support and justification for the copper recovery of the enriched mineralogical group should be more clearly presented in the next MRE update. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1128
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
12 | Mineral Reserve Estimates |
12.1 | Introduction |
The Mineral Reserves are contained within operational mine design. Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves for Trapiche are estimated to be 283.2 Mt grading 0.51% Cu with a 18-year mine life.
The Mineral Reserve estimates for Trapiche Project are based on block models compiled in Section 11 (Mineral Resource estimates), and the detailed Pit Designs.
The Mineral Resources have been converted to Mineral Reserves based upon the following modifying factors:
● | Only Measured and Indicated Resources are included. |
● | Only Mineral Resources within a pit design that is based on an optimized pit shell are considered. |
● | Mining Dilution and Mining Recovery factors are applied. |
● | Mining of the mineralized rock is considered to be economically and technically feasible. |
Mining Plus developed and update the Mineral Reserves estimate based on a geotechnical report at a PFS level done by Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB).
For the purpose of this Technical Report, a sensitivity analysis of Mineral Reserves was performed with a new copper price of US$3.62/lb and an increase in the cost of operations of 8% (cost related to mining, processing and G&A). The analysis provided results with no material variation between the Mineral Reserves published in the "TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001- 2020 Trapiche PFS Update” and published in the present Technical Report Summary.
12.2 | Block Model |
In June 2017, Mining Plus developed a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Trapiche Project. The block model associated with the MRE was used as the basis for the optimization studies and mine planning presented below. Block model limits are presented in Table 12-1, and the coordinates are reported in PSAD 56.
Table 12-1: Block Model Origin and Limits
Description | East | North | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|
Model Origin | 727,750 | 8,395,400 | 3,520 |
Maximum Extension | 730,800 | 8,398,310 | 4,810 |
Model Framework Dimension (m) | 305 | 291 | 129 |
Cell Size (m) | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Block model variables used in the optimization study are presented in Table 12-2.
Table 12-2: Block Model Variables
Variable | Description |
---|---|
topo | Percentage below topo |
cud | Diluted total copper |
cussd | Diluted acid soluble copper |
cucnd | Diluted cyanide soluble copper |
cad | Diluted calcium |
doman | Domain codes |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1129
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Variable | Description |
---|---|
zone | Deposit Codes (1=Trapiche, 2=Millocucho) |
cat 17 | Category (1=measured, 2= indicated, 3=inferred) |
The Block Model considers 14 categories of mineralization; these were recorded in the “domain” attribute in the block model. Table 12-3 presents the 14 mineralization categories and their ultimate destination in the optimized mine plan, based on geo-metallurgical characteristics.
Table 12-3: Mineralization Categories and Destinations
Number codes | English Description | Spanish Description | Destination |
11 | Leached | Lixiviado | ROM |
12 | Oxide - Mixed | Óxidos / mixtos | Oxide leach |
13 | High Enrichment | Alto enriquecimiento | Sulfide leach |
14 | Low Enrichment | Bajo enriquecimiento | Sulfide leach |
15 | Transition | Transicional | Sulfide leach |
16 | Primary PQM_gnd | Primarios pórfidos Qz monzonítico | ROM |
17 | Primary Bx | Primarios brecha | ROM |
18 | Primary Lim | Primarios limolita | ROM |
19 | Primary PQM_pgd (non mineralized) | Primarios pórfidos Qz monzonítico (no mineralizado) | ROM |
21 | Leached | Lixiviado | ROM |
22 | Oxide - Mixed | Óxidos / mixtos | Oxide pond |
23 | High Enrichment | Alto enriquecimiento | Sulfide leach |
24 | Primary | Primario | ROM |
25 | Primary Low (remain) | Primary Low (remain) | ROM |
All the activities of pit optimization, mine design, mine planning and mineral reserve estimation were carried out using the 2017 block model. Measured and Indicated resources have been evaluated for conversion to mineral reserves whereas Inferred resources have been treated as waste.
12.3 | Material Types (Mineralization) |
The Trapiche Project is a copper oxide, and primary and secondary sulfides deposit. Processing and recovery of high-grade copper ore (oxide & mixed, sulfide and transitional) will be staged: crushing, agglomeration, heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning. The final product will be copper cathodes. Low-grade copper ore (“ROM”) will be trucked to the ROM pile and will not be crushed but will be processed in the same manner as high-grade ore.
12.4 | Assumed Dilution and Recovery |
Considering interaction between waste and ore blocks, the optimization study applied a 2% mineral dilution at the margins of mineralized zones. A mine recovery factor of 98% was considered in the optimization study; this factor is low reflecting the favorable interaction of topography and deposit geometry.
12.5 | Pit Optimization |
The pit optimization was conducted using Geovia Whittle® software. Whittle is a well-known commercial product that uses various geologic, mining, and economic inputs to determine the pit shell with the maximum profit and cash flow. The optimized economic pit shells were selected as the basis of open pit designs which were created using MineSight software.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1130
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The Mineral Reserves are constrained by a pit geometry that has been determined by considering technical, cost, recovery and economic inputs. The list of parameters used for the oxide pits is presented in Table 12-4.
Table 12-4: Parameters Applied to Pit Optimization
Parameter | Units | Value | Basis |
---|---|---|---|
Resource Classification | |||
Included Resources | (N/A) | Measured and Indicated | Provided by EMV |
Geotechnical | |||
Inter-ramp | (°) | 45 | KCB |
Overall Slope Angle | (°) | 43 | Calculated by MP with KCB information |
Mining Parameters | |||
Recovery | 98% | By MP | |
Dilution | 2% | By MP | |
Production | |||
Processing Limit | (ktpd) | 45 sulfides | Provided by EMV after trade-off and completed by M3 |
Processing Limit | (ktpd) | 3 oxides and mixed | Provided by M3 |
Processing | |||
Recovery Cu | % | 85 oxides and mixed | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Recovery Cu | % | 71.7 enriched | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Recovery Cu | % | 0.55 Transitional | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 |
Operating Costs | |||
Mining Cost | (US$/t moved) | 1.7 | Calculated by MP |
Elevation 4710 | (US$/t moved) | 0.021 per bench | Calculated by MP |
Processing Cost | |||
Oxide/mixed | (US$/t ore) | 9.42 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
Enriched | (US$/t ore) | 3.88 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
Transitional | (US$/t ore) | 3.88 | Calculated by MP and provided by M3 |
G&A | |||
45ktpd | (US$/t ore) | 2 | Provided by M3 |
Selling Costs | |||
Copper | (US$/lb) | 0.07 | Provided by M3 |
Payable Cu | % | 100 | Provided by M3 |
Metal Price | |||
Copper | (US$/lb) | 3.17 | Provided by EMV and approved by M3 and MP |
Constraint | % Ca | Over 1% Ca will go to ROM material | Provided by EMV |
12.5.1 | Selection of the Optimal Pit |
Whittle software has been used to create incremental economic pit-shells using the Lerchs-Grossman (LG) algorithm for setting of the optimum pit limit regarding the economic sensitivity. This optimization is based on the blocks NSR value and the economic algorithms whose goal is to find the opportunity for each mining block to have a profit, and finally determine the optimum economic shell which will be used as a mine design guideline.
Pit shell 64 for Trapiche was generated at a 0.83 revenue factor and contains approximately 286.3 Mt of Ore and 112.1 Mt of ROM material. The pit shell captures about 99.0% of the Net Cash flow of the base revenue factor 1 pit shell (See Figure 12-1).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1131
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 12-5 summarizes the characteristics of the mineralized inventory within pit shell 64.
Table 12-5: Optimal Pit Shell Inventory
Mineral | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % |
---|---|---|
Enriched | 216.6 | 0.52 |
Oxide | 31.4 | 0.40 |
Transitional | 38.3 | 0.50 |
Total ore | 286.3 | 0.51 |
ROM | 112.1 | 0.15 |
Total Material | 398.4 |
The optimal pit shell is the base to produce detailed design of the ultimate pit. The Qualified Person for Mineral Reserves considers that the pit design is based on a pit shell, which is within a suitable range of shells to reasonably reflect the copper price used.
12.6 | Mine Design |
A mine design was produced using pit shell 64 as a guide. It considers a ramp width of 12 m for the use of 50 tonne trucks, in accordance with the width requirements stipulated in the Peruvian mining regulations1. Pit ramps have a gradient of 10% for a two-way traffic haul road. The design parameters are summarized in Table 12-6.
1 Peruvian Mine Regulation “Reglamento de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional en minería DS-024-2016-EM”
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1132
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 12-6: Mine Design Parameters (Mining Plus)
Design Parameters | Unit | Value |
Inter Ramp Angle | ° | 45 |
Bench Angle | ° | 65 |
Berm Width | m | 5.34 |
Bench Height | m | 10 |
Ramp Width | m | 12 |
Gradient | % | 10 |
Minimum Mining Width | m | 35 |
The final pit design is presented in Figure 12-2 (plan view), Figure 12-3, Figure 12-4, Figure 12-5 and Figure 12-6. The locations of the cross-section lines are also shown in Figure 12-2.
The final pit design has one exit on the east side of the pit that provides access to the primary crusher and waste dumps. The lowest elevation of the final pit is 4,330 masl in the small pit (170 m average depth) and 4,140 masl in the big pit (560 m average depth).
Figure 12-2: Plan view of Final Pit Design (also showing cross-section locations)
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1133
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1134
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 12-5: Cross section C-C' (looking NE)
Figure 12-6: Cross Section D-D' (looking NW)
The inclusion of ramps and other practical design considerations reduces the contained ore by 1%, but reduces waste by 1%, when compared to the optimal pit (pit shell 64). MP considers these variations to be minimal. The differences are summarized in Table 12-7.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1135
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 12-7: Differences between Optimum Pit Shell and Pit Design
Detail | Economic Envelope Whittle Report | MineSight Operational Design | Variation (%) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mineral | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT |
ENR | 216.6 | 0.52 | 211.1 | 0.53 | 97% | 103% |
OXI | 31.3 | 0.40 | 34.3 | 0.37 | 109% | 91% |
TRA | 38.3 | 0.50 | 37.1 | 0.50 | 97% | 100% |
Total Mineral | 286,3 | 0.51 | 282.5 | 0.51 | 99% | 100% |
ROM | 112.1 | 0.15 | 110.6 | 0.15 | 99% | 101% |
Total Movement | 398.4 | 393.1 | 99% |
Figure 12-7 shows an Isometric View of the Optimal Pit Shell and the Final Mine Design.
Figure 12-7: Isometric View – Optimal Pit Shell (Pit 64) and Mine Design
12.7 | Mineral Reserve Statement |
In order to address the lack of geotechnical data, and to facilitate Mineral Reserves estimation, a geotechnical drilling program was implemented in parallel with the PFS. Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) analysed the new geotechnical drill hole data obtained and updated the geotechnical study. David Willms of KCB also visited the Trapiche site in September 2019.
Based on this analysis and site visit, KCB recommended that two areas of the pit design be updated, as shown in Figure 12-8.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1136
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The recommendations involved a change to the IRA for the pit design in two separate areas of the pit. The recommended IRA for Area 1 was reduced from 45° to 43°, and the recommended IRA for Area 2 was reduced from 45°to 40°.
Implementing these recommendations allowed the geomechanical aspects of the study to be considered at a PFS standard, thus removing the final barrier to disclose a maiden Mineral Reserves estimate for Trapiche.
Note: Indicates the areas where the overall slope angle was changed due to new geotechnical information
Figure 12-8: Updated Final Pit Design
The updated mine design reported a difference of less than 5% (tonnages and grades) compared to the design that was done before the new geotechnical information.
It is concluded that the modification of the final pit design did not result in material changes to the mine plan that was developed during the PFS (Section 13-Mining methods). Therefore, the mining plan is valid to support publishing the Mineral Reserves estimate for the Trapiche project.
Table 12-8 shows the Mineral Reserves estimate for Trapiche.
Table 12-8: Mineral Reserves Tabulation by Material Type for Trapiche
Reserves Category | Material Type | Tonnage (Mt) | Grade Cu (%) |
Probable | Enriched | 211.1 | 0.53 |
Oxide | 34.4 | 0.37 | |
Transitional | 37.7 | 0.50 | |
Total Mineral Reserves | 283.2 | 0.51 |
In view of the current high copper prices and with the purpose to review material changes in the Mineral Reserves, two analyses were developed considering the price increase to $3.62/lb of copper and the 8% increase in mining, processing and administration costs:
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1137
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
1. | Performing a new optimization showed that the optimal pit terms would have a variation of +2%. The details are shown in Table 12-9. |
Table 12-9: Differences between Optimum Pit Shell 2021 and 2019
Detail | Economic Envelope Whittle Report 2021 | Economic Envelope Whittle Report 2019 | ||
Ore | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % |
Enriched | 216.4 | 0.52 | 216.6 | 0.52 |
Oxides | 35.2 | 0.39 | 31.4 | 0.40 |
Transitional | 40.9 | 0.50 | 38.3 | 0.50 |
Total Ore | 292.5 | 0.50 | 286.3 | 0.51 |
ROM | 115.4 | 0.15 | 112.2 | 0.15 |
Total Material | 407.9 | 0.40 | 398.4 | 0.41 |
Description | Tonnes | Fine Cu | ||
Ore variation | 2.2% | 0.33% | ||
Total variation | 2.4% | 0.26% |
2. | The variation of the mineral reserves within the design made in 2019, represents only a variation of -1%, as shown in the details in Table 12-10. |
Table 12-10: Differences within Pit Design 2021 and 2019
Detail | Mineral Reserves 2021 | Mineral Reserves 2019 | ||
Ore | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % |
Enriched | 209.7 | 0.54 | 211.1 | 0.53 |
Oxides | 34.4 | 0.41 | 34.4 | 0.37 |
Transitional | 35.6 | 0.52 | 37.7 | 0.50 |
Total Ore | 279.8 | 0.52 | 283.2 | 0.51 |
ROM | 113.3 | 0.13 | 110.6 | 0.15 |
Total Material | 393.1 | 0.41 | 393.1 | 0.41 |
Description | Tonnes | Fine Cu | ||
Ore Variation | -1.0% | 0.74% |
It is concluded that the 2019 Mineral Reserves shown in the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update will be maintained for this S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary since the differences are minimal in ore tonnage and fine Cu.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1138
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
13 | Mining Methods |
The Trapiche Project is a copper oxide, and primary and secondary sulfides deposit. The geometry of the deposit lends itself to conventional open-pit mining (i.e. drill and blast with excavators and front-end loaders transferring material to trucks for haulage).
Processing and recovery of high-grade copper ore (oxide & mixed, sulfide and transitional) will be staged: crushing, agglomeration, heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning. The final product will be copper cathodes. Low-grade copper ore (“ROM”) will be trucked to the ROM pile and will not be crushed but will be processed in the same manner as high-grade ore.
The mine plan presented in this section is based on measured and indicated resources within a pit design that is based on an optimized pit shell. Anticipated mining at Trapiche is based on 10 m benches, and production is anticipated in the range of 45 ktpd, the equivalent of 16.2 Mt/yr at 360 days operation.
13.1 | Geotechnical Inputs and Conditions |
Preliminary geotechnical studies by Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) reported that static and pseudo static safety factors for mine phases exceed minimum limits thus permitting inter-ramp angles at the Trapiche pit of 45° (Table 13-1). Mining Plus recommends that this information should be confirmed or updated after the current drilling program is completed by KCB. Table 13-1 shows inter-ramp angles and their safety factors.
Phase | Description | Angle (in degrees) | Static FoS | Pseudo Static FoS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Porphyry | 45 | 2.16 | 1.64 |
Sedimentary | 45 | 2.67 | 1.99 | |
2 | Porphyry | 45 | 2.05 | 1.56 |
Sedimentary | 45 | 2.51 | 1.98 | |
Global | 1.80 | 1.42 | ||
3 | Porphyry | 45 | 2.29 | 1.70 |
Sedimentary | 45 | 2.15 | 1.69 | |
Global | 1.76 | 1.33 |
For the overall slope angles used in the optimization, four pit ramps were used (based principally on topography) for a vertical offset of 400 m and 45° degrees for batter angles.
The results of the stability analysis at this level indicate that at the given inter-ramp angles, with a water level subject to passive drainage, and considering only the resistance of the rocky massif, there would be FoS greater than the minimum acceptable criteria. Additionally, the results indicate that the strength of the rock mass does not have a major influence on the stability of the pit walls, being the structural control and its strength parameters those that govern its stability, as well as the water table.
At the PFS level, the 65° BFA is confirmed. There are some opportunities for a steeper BFA in sedimentary rock, where the disposition of the main discontinuities is slightly inclined.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1139
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
13.2 | Hydrogeology and Hydrology |
Preliminary studies by AMEC Foster Wheeler (AMEC) in 2020 reported that six (06) hydrogeological units have been identified in the study area. The generalized hydraulic behavior between the different hydrogeological units assume a uniform direction of flow. The differences in the hydraulic gradients and the interconnections between overlying units have the same control related to the morphology and slope of the terrain at the local level. Within the system, groundwater outcrops, either as springs or diffuse upwellings, and preferential flow paths are controlled by structural factors (local faulting system).
Modelling has shown that as the pit descends a change in water level of 70 m is estimated at 70 m near the pit. This value does not take into account local dewatering effort or the effects of changing hydraulic characteristics during the construction of the open pit.
13.3 | Assumed Dilution and Recovery |
As discussed previously (Section 12.4), a 2% mineral dilution at the margins of mineralized zones and a mine recovery factor of 98% were considered in the optimization study.
13.4 | Final Pit Design and Mine Phasing |
The Trapiche Project consists of an open pit mine that will be developed using conventional drill and blast techniques, with an excavator and truck configuration. The planned rate of maximum production is 45 ktpd. However, copper grades are expected to decrease in Year 4, from when production will increase by 10% to maintain overall fine copper production within 10% of the annual average. The mining rate has been determined based on the processing rate, with a maximum crushing capacity of 16.2 Mt/yr. An additional 10% crushing capacity will be available from Year 4 to 11 of the mine plan. The maximum oxide/mixed ore leaching capacity is 3 Mt/yr, where the oxide leach pad will become operational in Year 4. The oxide leach pad will be operated as an on-off pad.
To maximize NPV, higher-grade ore is mined during the first three years of the mine plan, for this reason copper production is greatest in years one to three.
13.4.1 | Design parameters |
Design parameters are based on geotechnical information and mining equipment selected for the Trapiche operations (Table 13-2).
Design Parameters | Unit | Value |
Inter Ramp Angle | ° | 45 |
Bench Angle | ° | 65 |
Berm Width | m | 5.34 |
Bench Height | m | 10 |
Ramp Width | m | 12 |
Gradient | % | 10 |
Minimum Operation Width | m | 30 |
Minimum Operation Width between phases | m | 50 |
Figure 13-1 shows the equipment dimensions and its relation in the configuration to define the minimum mining width.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1140
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 13-1: Minimum Operation Width
13.4.2 | Open Pit Design |
Whittle pit shell 64 was used as the basis for mine design. Access ramp turning circle radius and bench, berm and operational widths are based on the characteristics of Volvo BAS 50-t haulage trucks:
● | Truck width: 2.8 m. |
● | Truck length: 9.52 m. |
● | Internal radius of curvature: 7.6 m. |
● | Operating radius: 12.8 m. |
Final mine designs were compared to the Whittle pit shell to determine compliance with the selected pit shell.
Figure 13-2 displays the final mine design footprint. Cross sections through the final mine design are shown in Figure 13-3 through Figure 13-6. These cross sections demonstrate that the final mine plan deviates only slightly from the optimization pit shell.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1141
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1142
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1143
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 13-6: Cross Section D to D´
MineSight was used to generate a final operational pit design based on the optimized Whittle pit shell. Compared to the optimized pit shell, the final pit designs considered a reduction of 3.7 Mt of high-grade mineral (within approximately 1%) and a reduction of 1.5 Mt of ROM (approximately 1%). Table 13-3 shows an analysis of the pit design vs optimized pit shell.
Table 13-3: Variations Between the Optimal Pit Shell and Mine Design
Whittle Report Variation | ||||||
Detail | Economic Envelope Whittle Report | MineSight Operational Design | Variation (%) | |||
Mineral | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes (Mt) | CuT % | Tonnes | CuT |
ENR | 216.6 | 0.518 | 211.1 | 0.534 | 97% | 103% |
OXI | 31.4 | 0.403 | 34.3 | 0.368 | 109% | 91% |
TRA | 38.3 | 0.5 | 37.1 | 0.501 | 97% | 100% |
Total Mineral | 286.3 | 0.508 | 282.5 | 0.51 | 99% | 100% |
ROM | 112.1 | 0.146 | 110.6 | 0.148 | 99% | 101% |
Total Movement | 398.4 |
| 393.1 |
| 99% |
|
Mining Plus considers that the variations between the optimal pit shell and mine design are acceptable.
13.4.3 | Phase Selection (Pushbacks) |
The principal objective of the mine plan is to maximize NPV to achieve these higher-grade blocks that require the lowest possible waste movement, which should be mined in the initial years of the mine plan. Based on this principle, the Trapiche mine plan considers the following three phases (Table 13-4, Figure 13-8 and Figure 13-9):
● | Phase 1 (East Area) – Phase one has the highest-grade zone (0.616% Cu) and a stripping ratio of 0.41. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1144
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Phase 2 (West Area) – Phase two has an average copper grade of 0.535% and a relatively elevated stripping ratio of 0.46. |
● | Phase 3 (Deepening) – Phase three considers deepening and extension of Phases 1 and 2. Average copper grade is 0.431% and the stripping ratio is low at 0.28. |
Table 13-4: Mine Phases and Copper Content
Phase | Ore (Tonnes) x 1000 | CuT (%) | CuCN (%) | CuSS (%) | Fe (%) | Ca (%) | Waste (Tonnes) x 1000 |
Phase 1 | 36,625 | 0.616 | 0.263 | 0.128 | 3.601 | 0.446 | 15,063 |
Phase 2 | 148,150 | 0.535 | 0.279 | 0.118 | 3.201 | 0.224 | 67,995 |
Phase 3 | 97,731 | 0.431 | 0.169 | 0.124 | 3.299 | 0.404 | 27,580 |
Total | 282,506 | 0.510 | 0.239 | 0.121 | 3.287 | 0.315 | 110,639 |
Figure 13-7 shows the Grade – Tonnage curve development with ore potential (Oxides, enriched and transitional material).
Figure 13-7: Grade – Tonnage Curve
The best value produced by the nested pits mined in sequence is limited by the area required for processing in relation to ore tonnage and fine Cu production. The phase designs also consider a minimum mining width of 50 m for the safe operation of an excavator and two 50-t trucks.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1145
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1146
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 13-10: Cross Section B to B´ - Mining Phases
Figure 13-11, Figure 13-12 and Figure 13-13 shows the three mining phase’s designs.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1147
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1148
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
13.5 | Mine Plan |
MineSight MSSO module was used to prepare the mine plan. The objective of the mine plan is to maximize NPV whilst considering the following restrictions:
● | Maximum crushing capacity is 16.2 Mt/yr. An additional 10% crushing capacity will be available in Year 4 according to the mine plan production. |
● | Maximum oxide/mixed ore leaching capacity is 3 Mt/yr. The oxide leach pad will become operational in Year 4. The oxide leach pad will be operated as an on-off pad. |
● | Fine copper production should be in line with SXEW plant sizing. |
● | Material movement should be as balanced as reasonably possible throughout the mine plan. |
The updated mine plan for this TRS considers 18 years of production. Mine production is based on a 10-metre high operating benches. The equipment fleet is suitable for that bench height, the details are in the Mining Equipment Section.
The mine plan uses conventional open pit mining methods (drilling, blasting, loading, haulage and auxiliary services). A specialist-mining contractor has been considered in the mine plan.
Leachable ore (enriched and transitional) will pass through a crusher to achieve the desired size fraction before being placed on the sulfides leach pad. The oxide ore will be stockpiled until Year 4 as the oxide leach pad is operational. ROM material will be transported to the ROM pad. The PFS considers a new location for the crusher and ROM deposits (Figure 13-14) and the distance to deliver the material from the pit exit to other components (Table 13-5) like Crusher, Oxide Stockpile, ROM 1 and ROM 2. It was envisage that the capacity from ROM 1 will be used on the first 3 years of production then ROM 2 will be used.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1149
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 13-14: Crusher and ROM Location
Table 13-5: Haulage Distances from the Pit Exit
Unloading zone | km |
To Crusher | 0.6 |
To Stockpile | 0.9 |
To ROM 1 | 3.3 |
To ROM 2 | 6.3 |
13.5.1 | Mine Sequence |
Considering the geometry of the deposit, topography and accessibility, mining will advance from east to west. Mineral will be unloaded at a crushing plant (4780 m elevation) which is approximately 0.6 km from the pit exit. The first three years of production will be in transitional and enriched material, which will be sent directly to the crusher. The oxide material will be stockpiled until Year 4 when the oxide leach pad is ready to process ore. The ROM stockpile will be leached with refining solution from the solvent extraction plant. It is expected that the solvents added to the ROM stockpile will promote oxidation reactions that will transform ferrous ions to the ferric state, to promote leaching.
The planned maximum rate of production at Trapiche is 45 ktpd. However, copper grades are expected to decrease in Year 4, from when production will increase by 10% to maintain copper production within 10% of the average annual production.
To maximize NPV, higher-grade ore is mined during the first three years of the mine plan and for this reason, copper production is greatest in years one to three.
Yearly material movement is summarized in Figure 13-15. The mine plan sequencing is summarized in Table 13-6.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1150
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1151
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 13-6: Mine Plan – Sequencing
Year | Ore to Process (Kt) | Cu % | CuCN % | CuSS % | Ca % | Copper Recovered (Kt) | Total ROM (Mt) | Cu % | CuCN % | CuSS % | Ca % | Copper Recovered (Kt) | Total Copper Recovered (Kt) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | 16,090 | 0.55 | 0.26 | 0.13 | 0.21 | 62.9 | 10,767 | 0.12 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.24 | 5.2 | 68.1 |
Year 2 | 16,256 | 0.55 | 0.23 | 0.13 | 0.52 | 61.5 | 9,688 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.50 | 9.7 | 71.2 |
Year 3 | 15,742 | 0.56 | 0.22 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 57.6 | 11,797 | 0.22 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.29 | 10.4 | 68.0 |
Year 4 | 17,564 | 0.40 | 0.19 | 0.09 | 0.34 | 50.6 | 17,934 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.17 | 6.0 | 56.7 |
Year 5 | 16,200 | 0.48 | 0.24 | 0.10 | 0.29 | 56.0 | 10,842 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.17 | 3.7 | 59.7 |
Year 6 | 16,200 | 0.46 | 0.23 | 0.10 | 0.28 | 54.1 | 10,433 | 0.11 | 0.04 | 0.02 | 0.19 | 4.6 | 58.7 |
Year 7 | 16,200 | 0.45 | 0.21 | 0.10 | 0.26 | 52.6 | 7,397 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.17 | 2.6 | 55.1 |
Year 8 | 16,200 | 0.44 | 0.20 | 0.10 | 0.19 | 52.3 | 4,879 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 1.5 | 53.9 |
Year 9 | 16,524 | 0.45 | 0.21 | 0.11 | 0.18 | 54.1 | 3,532 | 0.09 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.16 | 1.3 | 55.4 |
Year 10 | 16,200 | 0.48 | 0.24 | 0.12 | 0.22 | 57.1 | 2,764 | 0.11 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.20 | 1.2 | 58.3 |
Year 11 | 16,200 | 0.48 | 0.23 | 0.12 | 0.26 | 56.7 | 2,498 | 0.18 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.32 | 1.8 | 58.5 |
Year 12 | 14,851 | 0.54 | 0.29 | 0.12 | 0.19 | 58.1 | 2,198 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.8 | 58.8 |
Year 13 | 16,200 | 0.53 | 0.27 | 0.13 | 0.30 | 62.1 | 2,142 | 0.18 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.37 | 1.6 | 63.7 |
Year 14 | 15,496 | 0.58 | 0.27 | 0.13 | 0.28 | 62.1 | 2,705 | 0.22 | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.51 | 2.4 | 64.5 |
Year 15 | 15,185 | 0.60 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 0.37 | 60.2 | 2,582 | 0.30 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.84 | 3.1 | 63.3 |
Year 16 | 16,771 | 0.54 | 0.24 | 0.13 | 0.38 | 61.4 | 2,468 | 0.23 | 0.07 | 0.07 | 0.56 | 2.3 | 63.7 |
Year 17 | 13,701 | 0.61 | 0.31 | 0.18 | 0.47 | 60.0 | 2,960 | 0.29 | 0.11 | 0.14 | 1.05 | 3.5 | 63.5 |
Year 18 | 10,927 | 0.50 | 0.24 | 0.15 | 0.59 | 38.9 | 3,049 | 0.32 | 0.12 | 0.15 | 1.49 | 3.9 | 42.8 |
Total | 282,506 | 0.51 | 0.24 | 0.12 | 0.32 | 1,018 | 110,636 | 0.15 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.32 | 65.5 | 1,084 |
Planned mineral production is sourced from 75% sulfide, 13.2% transitional and 11.7% oxide. The Mine Plan by mineralization is summarized in Figure 13-16. Grades and tonnages for mineral type are summarized in Table 13-7. Transitional ores could reduce the NPV of the project. Upon visual inspection of the mine plan, transitional materials are located near the pit walls and below the enriched material. Removing transitional material would probably not have much effect on waste reduction. Further pit optimization and design work is required to determine if there is value in removing some of the transitional ores from the mine plan.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1152
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 13-7: Mine Plan – Grades and Tonnage by Mineralization Type
Enriched | Transitional | Oxides/Mixed | Total Ore | Total ROM | |
kt | 211,093 | 37,069 | 34,344 | 282,506 | 110,639 |
Cu % | 0.53 | 0.50 | 0.37 | 0.51 | 0.15 |
CuCN % | 0.28 | 0.14 | 0.11 | 0.24 | 0.05 |
CuSS % | 0.12 | 0.07 | 0.18 | 0.12 | 0.04 |
ca % | 0.29 | 0.45 | 0.34 | 0.32 | 0.32 |
The evolving development of the open pit is graphically presented below from Figure 13-17 to Figure 13-20 in 6-year intervals.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1153
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1154
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
At the end of mining at Trapiche (considering only copper production by leaching methods), the open pit will reach an elevation of 4,140 meters above sea level (masl) with a longitudinal extent of 2 km and transverse extent of approximately 0.8 km.
13.6 | Mine Operational Units |
For this PFS, mining equipment estimates were calculated based on a revised/updated location for the ore crusher, leaching pads for oxide, sulfide and ROM material.
The estimated average fleet for the Life Of Mine (LOM) is as follows:
● | Two DM45 drill rigs or similar. |
● | Four CAT 6020 excavators with a 12 m3 bucket or similar. |
● | Average of 56 trucks with 50 tonnes capacity (BAS Volvo FMX-50 equivalent) haulage trucks or similar. |
Figure 13-21 shows the number of trucks and excavators required per year during the LOM.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1155
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 13-21: Excavator and Trucks
13.6.1 | Drilling and Blasting |
Based on the technical drilling parameters provided in Table 13-8, it was determined that three drills (as maximum) will be required to maintain production during the 18 years of operation.
Table 13-8: Technical Drilling Parameter
Parameter | Units | Ore | ROM |
---|---|---|---|
Drilling rate | m/hour | 40 | 40 |
Hole diameter | mm | 171 | 171 |
Burden | m | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Spacing | m | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Bench height | m | 10 | 10 |
Sub drill | m | 1 | 1 |
Yield | bcm/hole | 263 | 263 |
Density | t/bcm | 2.61 | 2.52 |
Yield | t/hole | 687 | 663 |
Drill Productivity | bcm/hr | 957 | 957 |
Drill Productivity | t/hour | 2,497 | 2,410 |
Yield | Hole/hour | 3.64 | 3.64 |
Drill and blast will take place on 10 m high benches using 171 mm diameter blast holes and a powder factor of 0.26 kilograms per material tonne (kg/t). Blasting parameters used to determine powder factors are presented in Table 13-9. To ensure effective blasting control, heavy ANFO 46 (60% emulsion / 40% ANFO) with electronic detonators has been considered.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1156
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 13-9: Technical Blasting Patterns
Parameter | Units | Ore |
Stemming | m | 4.30 |
Column load | m | 5.7 |
Loading height | m | 6.7 |
Explosive charge | kg/hole | 180.8 |
Anfo | kg/hole | 72.3 |
Matrix emulsion | kg/hole | 108.5 |
Petroleum | l/hole | 4.1 |
Ammonium nitrate | kg/hole | 68.7 |
Booster | count/hole | 1 |
Electronic detonator | count/hole | 1 |
Note:
1. | Based on knowledge from comparable operations. |
13.6.2 | Loading and Hauling |
Volvo BAS Mining trucks (50-t) and CAT 6020B type excavators (12 m3 bucket) are considered as the primary earthmoving fleet. Mining Plus’ calculations indicated approximately 3 buckets to fill a truck.
Equipment selection has been based on the proposed bench height and the estimated daily tonnages to be extracted from the mine. This equipment was also selected due to the difficult topography and the number of switchbacks required on the mine design. Mine planning for roads would probably be more complicated if larger trucks were used but needs further investigation in order to confirm it or select a larger equipment size that can handle the tonnage and distances for the haulage.
Operations will require approximately 55 trucks at the commencement of mining. In Year 4, a maximum of 85 trucks and 6 excavators are required due to ROM material movement and to increase enough ore material to not affect copper grade delivery to the process. A maximum of 54 trucks will be required in Year 5 through Year 8.
The schedule requires smoothing the Cu production delivery to have regular material movement and maximizing NPV by increasing the number of trucks from Year 4. With the use of a contractor, this becomes easier and should be considered when entering into any contracts with a contractor to allow this flexibility.
Table 13-10, Table 13-11 and Table 13-12 show the characteristics of the loading and hauling equipment.
Table 13-10: Excavator Parameters
| | |
---|---|---|
Factor | Unit | Value |
Bucket Capacity | m3 | 12 |
Bucket Filling Factor | % | 95 |
Swell Factor | % | 40 |
Loading Cycle | H | 0.0367 |
Availability | % | 90 |
Utilization | % | 90 |
Operational | % | 95 |
Material Factor | % | 95 |
Hours per day | H | 24 |
Operation days | days | 360 |
Density | t/m3 | 1.8 |
Loading Capacity | t/bucket | 20.5 |
Hourly Performance | t/h | 1,635 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1157
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
| | |
---|---|---|
Factor | Unit | Value |
Daily Performance | t/day | 39,240 |
Annual Performance | t/year | 14,126,400 |
Table 13-11: Haulage Speed Parameters
Parameter | Unit | Quantity |
Capacity | t | 50 |
Maximum slope | % | 10 |
Flat speed empty | km/h | 30 |
Speed up empty | km/h | 20 |
Speed down empty | km/h | 22.5 |
Empty curve speed | km/h | 12 |
Flat speed loaded | km/h | 25 |
Speed up loaded | km/h | 12.3 |
Speed down loaded | km/h | 15.8 |
Loaded curve speed | km/h | 8 |
Item | Unit | Value |
---|---|---|
Effective Capacity | t | 50 |
Load Maneuver Time | t | 0.062 |
Unloading Maneuver Time | t | 0.031 |
Time Crosses | t | 0.028 |
Physical Availability | % | 90 |
Utilization | % | 85 |
Operational Factor | % | 100 |
Throughout the life of mine, the maximum haulage distance from the pit to the crusher is 8.3 km, and to the leach pad ROM is 13 km.
The schedule shows a sharp peak in total material movement in Year 4, which implies a potential operational risk. An analysis of the theoretical maximum capacity of the pit ramp was undertaken in an attempt to address this potential operational risk. In the analysis, conservative values were considered in the calculation of the theoretical maximum tonnage that the main ramp could support.
The formula used for the ramp capacity analysis is:
Whereby:
● | S, minimum separation distance between trucks: 40 m |
● | L: truck length: 8 m |
● | V, truck speed: 8 km/h |
● | C, truck payload capacity: 50 tonnes |
● | Q, maximum theoretical ramp capacity: 8,333 tonne/hour |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1158
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Considering 8,208 net working hours per year, the annual ramp capacity calculated was 68.4Mt per year. Therefore, the ramp can theoretically handle the total material to be moved in Year 4 (36,262,000 tonnes). However, there is still some concern with the need to have 85 trucks running through the open pit in Year 4, considering safety and potential traffic congestion. As such, other options to reduce the mining fleet were investigated.
Prior to defining the final main infrastructure crusher and leach pad location, a trade-off study of two alternative hauling methods was carried out for the Trapiche Project to consider a reduced mining fleet. The first alternative considered haulage of all ore (high and low grade) by 50-tonne trucks (Volvo BAS trucks). The second hauling alternative considered transporting high-grade ore to a mobile crusher in the pit by trucks and then the conveyor belts transports the crushed ore to the leach pads, for oxides and sulfides material. For the second alternative, relocation of the mobile crusher will be required to the 4560 level at Year 4 of the mine plan and at Year 11 it will need to be relocated to the 4395 level. The low-grade ore or ROM will be transported directly to ROM pad.
Compared to the trucking only option, the trucking and mobile crusher alternative requires less trucks to sustain mining operations, and this is reflected in reduced haulage costs. Reduced haulage costs are, however, offset by the requirement to purchase, install and operate a mobile crusher and conveyor belt. Estimated costs to install the conveyor system in Year 3 and Year 11 of the mine plan are US $55M and US $35M respectively.
Having considered both options, from an economic point of view, the optimal haulage option for the project makes use of trucks only.
For future feasibility study, Mining Plus recommends investigating in detail the use of larger equipment to increase productivity and reduce truck fleet requirements, especially for production in Year 4, where the movement of ROM and ore increases the usage of trucks only for that period.
Additionally, an improvement on the mine plan to prioritize enriched material over transitional is an option that may also help to reduce the material movement in Year 4.
13.6.3 | Auxiliary Services |
To ensure safe and efficient operations and maintain the mining area in optimum condition with high operational availability, requirements for basic auxiliary mining equipment have been estimated, as shown in Table 13-13. The purpose of this equipment is to maintain the haul roads, construction and maintenance of waste dumps, preparation of the loading zone, the support and cleaning of roads, the maintenance of the mining equipment, maintenance of pre-crusher stockpile areas, water management in the mine and the transportation of personnel.
Table 13-13: Auxiliary Mobile Mining Equipment
Auxiliary Equipment | Quantity |
---|---|
Track Dozer | 3 |
Motor Grader | 2 |
Water Truck | 2 |
Light vehicle | 15 |
Buses (crew transport) | 3 |
Lighting plants | 11 |
Truck-mounted crane | 1 |
Lube truck | 1 |
Low-loader | 1 |
Scissor lift | 1 |
Secondary drill rig | 1 |
Compactor | 1 |
Backhoe | 1 |
Large Front-End Loader | 1 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1159
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
13.6.4 | Mine Staff – Owner |
Staffing requirements to deliver the mine plan are summarized in Table 13-14. The staff would provide oversight and supervision of the contract operator.
Two shifts of 12 hours have been considered with a third shift resting.
Owner Description | Quantity |
---|---|
Mine: | |
Mine Superintendent | 1 |
Mine Chief | 3 |
Shift Supervisor | 3 |
Drilling and Blasting Chief | 1 |
Productivity Engineer | 2 |
Trainee Engineer | 1 |
Mine Supervisor | 3 |
Equipment Controller | 6 |
Blasting Assistant | 1 |
Auxiliary Services - Civil Work | 4 |
Drivers | 4 |
Planning: | |
Planning Superintendent | 1 |
Geology Superintendent | 1 |
Head of Planning | 1 |
Long Term Planning Engineer | 1 |
Short Term Planning Engineer | 3 |
Geomodeler | 1 |
Water Management Engineer | 1 |
Chief of Ore Control | 1 |
Head of Geotechnics | 1 |
Geotechnical Supervisor | 1 |
CAD Technical Drawer | 2 |
Chief of Surveying | 1 |
Surveying Assistant | 3 |
Topography General Assistant | 3 |
Ore Control Technician | 1 |
Ore Control Assistant | 3 |
Drivers | 3 |
Total | 54 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1160
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
14 | Processing and Recovery Methods |
The following items summarize the process operations required to extract copper from Trapiche ores by heap leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning technology:
● | Run of mine ore (ROM) will be used in one of two ways: deposited in the ROM 1 permanent pad for leaching and used as the base of the sulfide Phase 2 and 3 leach pad and deposited in ROM 2 leach pad. |
● | Select grade ore will be crushed by a three-stage crushing circuit (unless later testing indicates oxide ores may be leached at a P80 greater than 9.4 mm without detrimentally impacting acid consumption or copper recovery). |
● | Crushed ore will be agglomerated using leach solution and sulfuric acid. |
● | Crushed and agglomerated oxide and mixed ore will be stacked and leached on a dynamic (on/off) heap leach pad. |
● | Crushed and agglomerated enriched and transition ore will be stacked and leached on a permanent leach pad. |
● | Soluble copper will be extracted from the leach solution by solvent extraction technology. |
● | Copper metal will be produced for sale by electrowinning technology. |
● | Reagents will be stored, prepared, and distributed. |
A summary flow diagram of the overall process is shown in Figure 14-1. A general arrangement plan is shown in Figure 14-2. The SXEW processing facility layout is shown in Figure 14-3.
14.1 | Design Criteria |
The Trapiche key process design criteria are summarized in Table 14-1.
| | | | | |
| ROM | Crushed oxide/mixed ore | Crushed enriched/transition | SXEW | Design |
Total Tonnes | 110.6 M tonnes | 34.3 M tonnes | 248.2 M tonnes | - | 393 M tonnes |
Crushing and Stacking System Throughput | | | | | 16,425,000 MTPY or 45,000 MTPD |
Acid Consumption | 4 kg/t ore | 17 kg/t ore | 7 kg/t ore | | 7 kg/t ore |
Leach Cycle: Total including rest periods/days under active leaching | 265 days (continuous, no rest periods) | 140 days/80 days | 180 days/90 days | | |
PLS Flow for Solvent Extraction | | | | 3,900 m3/hr | 4,900 m3/hr |
Copper Produced, Annual Average | 3,641 | 5,967 | 50,613 | | 60,222 MTPY |
Copper Recovery | 40% | 85% | 69% | 98.6% | |
14.2 | Major Process Equipment |
The major process equipment is summarized in Table 14-2.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1161
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 14-2: Major Process Equipment
Equipment | Number | Description | Key Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Gyratory Crusher | 1 | 2,635 mtph size 50‐65 MK‐III Primary Gyratory Crusher. | 525 kW |
Apron Feeder | 1 | 2,500 mtph 0.5 m/s velocity, 72" wide, 7 m long, electromechanical drive | 45 kW |
Crusher Ore Conveyor to Stockpile | 1 | Primary Crusher Discharge / Stockpile Feed Conveyor (Stacker) | 600 kW |
Sulfide Stockpile Belt Feeder | 3 | Sulfide Stockpile Reclaim Belt Feeder 1,230 t/h A 0.3 m/s velocity, 60" wide, 6 m long, electromechanical drive | 37.5 kW |
Crusher Reclaim Conveyor | 1 | Conveyor from Stock-Pile to Secondary Vibrating Screen,1,513 t/h horizontal length 356 m, lift height 55.8 m band width 42", 3.8 m/s. | 700 kW |
Secondary Screen Feeder | 2 | Secondary Screen Belt Feeder 1,230 t/h A 0.3 m/s velocity, 60" wide, 6 m long, electromechanical drive | 37.5 kW |
Secondary Screen | 2 | 2,500 tph Double deck, 3.6 m x 7.3 m | 67.5 kW |
Secondary Cone Crusher | 2 | Cone Crusher 2110 tph | 750 kW |
Tertiary Feed Bin Feed Conveyor | 1 | Secondary Crushing Feed Conveyor 6,000 mtph x 340 m L x 46m lift, 60" W | 1500 kW |
Tertiary Screen Belt Feeder | 3 | Tertiary Screen Belt Feeder 1,250 t/h A 0.3 m/s velocity, 60" wide, 6m long, electromechanical drive | 37.5 kW |
Tertiary Screen | 3 | 2,500 tph Double deck, size = 3.6 m x 7.3 m | 67.5 kW |
Tertiary Cone Crusher | 3 | Cone Crusher 1,050 tph | 750 kW |
Tertiary Crusher Discharge Conveyor | 1 | 276m L x 5m Lift 48" | 250 kW |
Tertiary Screen Undersize Conveyor | 1 | 48” X 369 m, Inclined conveyor | 600 kW |
Tertiary Transfer Conveyor | 1 | Transfer Conveyor from 260-CV-003 to 220-CV-003 38m L x 5m Lift | 100 kW |
Agglomerator Belt Feeder | 2 | Agglomerator Belt Feeder 1,250 t/h A 0.3 m/s velocity, 60" wide, 6 m long, electromechanical drive | 37.5 kW |
Agglomerator Feed Conveyor | 2 | 1,833 tph 32 m horizontal length, band width 48" | 20 kW |
Agglomerator Discharge Overland Conveyor | 1 | 3,600 mtph, reversible, horizontal length 24 m, band with 48”, 3.28 m/s. | 75 kW |
Overland Conveyor | 1 | 3,600 tph horizontal length 619 m, lift height 73.4 m, band width 48", 3.28 m/s | 1500 kW |
Discharge Conveyor | 2 | 3,600 tph horizontal length 59 m, lift height 10 m, band width 48" | 56.25 kW |
Oxide Transfer Conveyor | 16 | 42” X 125' Horizontal Conveyor | 56.25 kW |
Sulfide Ramp Mobile Conveyor | 12 | 42” X 125' Ramp Portable Conveyor | 93.8 kW |
Standard Portable Conveyor | 20 | 48” X 125' Grasshopper Conveyor | 56.3 kW |
Sulfide Horizontal Feed Conveyor | 2 | 42” X 90' Horizontal Index Conveyor | 150 kW |
Oxide Radial Stacker Conveyor | 1 | 42” X 170' Low Profile TeleStacker® Conveyor | 150 kW |
Radial Stacker Conveyor | 1 | 42” X 140' Low Profile TeleStacker® Conveyor | 150 kW |
E1 Extraction Settler | 1 | 40,250 m W x 44,750 L x 0.6m height SS316L | |
E1P Extraction Settler | 1 | 40,250 m W x 44,750 L x 0.6m height SS316L | |
E2 Extraction Settler | 1 | 40,250 m W x 44,750 L x 0.6m height SS316L | |
S1 Strip Settler | 1 | 40,250 m W x 44,750 L x 0.6m height SS316L | |
W Wash Settler | 1 | 40,250 m W x 44,750 L x 0.6m height SS316L | |
Electrolyte Filters | 3 | | |
Electrolyte Heat Exchanger | 2 | | |
Electrowinning Cells | 186 | Polymer Concrete | |
Rectifiers | 2 | Rectifier output, nominal 216 V, maximum 220 V Rectifier nominal output 38,000 A, maximum output 40,000 A | |
Steam Boiler | 2 | Electric Hot Water Boiler. Dimension: 76 W x 95 D x 111 H | 3000.039 kW |
Cathode Stripper | 1 | Robotic stripping machine package | |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1162
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
14.3 | Crushing and Material Preparation |
The ROM sulfide ore will be sent by truck from the mine and directly dumped into the primary gyratory crusher. The ROM oxide ore will be separately processed in campaigns in the same crushing circuit according to the oxide leaching plan. The mine blasting is designed to produce P80 between 6” to 8” (200 mm), however the crushing system is designed to reduce the ROM size from F100 of 800 m to P80 size of 160 mm. An apron feeder will transfer the ore from the crusher discharge hopper to a coarse ore conveyor belt. The coarse ore conveyor will transport the crushed ore to a covered coarse ore stockpile.
Coarse ore will be processed through secondary and tertiary crushing and screening stages, as depicted in the flowsheet in Figure 14-1. The product of the fine crushing circuit will have a size gradation of 80% passing 9.4 mm.
Crushed material from the tertiary crushing circuit will be combined with raffinate or fresh water and sulfuric acid in the pre-treatment (binding) process as depicted in the flowsheet in Figure 14-1 to ensure proper leach pad permeability.
Eight self-cleaning magnets and eight metal detectors will be installed in the crushing and screening circuit. Dust collectors will be installed on the sulfide ore conveyor, at the stockpile reclaim conveyor, at the secondary crushing circuit and at the tertiary crushing circuit. Three air compressors will be installed for instrument and plant air. Nine conveyor belt scales will be installed to monitor the production rate of the circuit.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1163
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1164
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
14.4 | Heap Leach Pad and Ponds |
Agglomerated ore will be transferred to the heap leach pad by an overland conveyor system. The overland conveyor system will terminate to either an oxide ore stacking system or a sulfide ore stacking system at the respective leach pad. The line to the oxide pad will be installed as part of the sustaining construction as detailed in the project execution plan for the project. The stacking system will be a series of mobile grasshopper type conveyors terminating at a radial stacker conveyor. The grasshopper conveyors will be added or removed as required dependent upon the stacking location on the pad. The radial stacker conveyor will place agglomerated ore in lifts. Leach solution distribution pipes and drip lines will be put in place on newly stacked ores.
Two leach pads will contain agglomerated ore: a dynamic or “on/off” leach pad (ore is placed, leached, and then removed from the pad and the pad re-used) for oxide ore, and a permanent leach pad for sulfide ore. Additionally, a permanent run of mine (ROM 1) pad will be constructed to stack ore directly from the mine for leaching and will be used after leaching in the construction of the sulfide Phase 2 and 3 leach pads. ROM 2 will be constructed to stack ore directly from the mine for leaching.
Barren aqueous solution (raffinate) from the solvent extraction circuit will flow by gravity into the raffinate pond and then be pumped by vertical turbine pumps through the leach pad distribution network. Drip emitters will distribute the leach solution to the surface of the stacked ore pile on the leach pad. The emitters minimize evaporation loss. However, sprays may be used on side slopes or to increase evaporation, if required, to maintain the process water balance.
The leach solution that percolates through the ROM pad will be collected in perforated pipes buried in the drainage layer under the pad and will flow by gravity to the intermediate leach solution (ILS) pond. Solution from the ILS pond will be pumped by vertical turbine pumps to the sulfide ore leach pad and be distributed over freshly stacked material.
Leach solution that percolates through the sulfide material will be collected in perforated pipes buried in the drainage layer under the ore and flow by gravity to the pregnant leach solution (PLS) sulfide pond. PLS will be transferred from the PLS sulfide pond to the PLS pond by gravity to feed the solvent extraction plant.
Leach solution that percolates through the oxide material will be collected in perforated pipes buried in the drainage layer under the ore and flow by gravity to the PLS oxide pond. PLS will be transferred from the PLS oxide pond by two vertical turbine pumps to the PLS pond.
A contact water pond will be installed to handle any excess water that might occur during a large precipitation event. The PLS sulfide pond and ILS pond will be designed to overflow to the raffinate pond and ILS event pond. The excess water from ILS event pond will be transferred by two pumps to the raffinate pond and the overflow from the raffinate pond will be transferred by gravity to contact water pond. Water that may accumulate in these ponds will be periodically pumped by vertical pumps to the raffinate solution pond to make up process water or to the treatment water plant. The PLS oxide pond will be designed to overflow to the oxide event pond and pumping the excess to the contact water pond.
Following 80 days total leach time, the oxide material will be drained for 3 days, then rinsed for 10 days with process water. The ore will be drained after rinsing, and the leach solution distribution pipelines will be removed. The material will be removed from the pad by mobile equipment and transferred to a storage area. The leach pad will then be reloaded with fresh material and the leach process will begin again.
14.5 | Solvent Extraction |
The solvent extraction (SX) process uses a liquid ion-exchange reagent that transfers dissolved copper values from the PLS (aqueous phase) solution to the strip solution (organic phase) as an organo-metallic chelate. The phase transfer takes place because of the affinity of the organic reagent for copper is greater than the affinity for copper by
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1165
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
the weak acidic PLS. Currently available copper extractants are very selective for copper and against other metallic ions such as iron and manganese. Other ions are co-extracted from the PLS but only to an extent several orders of magnitude less than copper.
The solvent extraction process consists of two basic steps. In the first step, the PLS is mixed with the organic phase. This organic phase is a mixture of a copper specific extraction reagent, called the extractant, and an organic carrier, called the diluent. The aqueous and organic phases are immiscible liquids and therefore must be well mixed to maximize the extraction of copper from the PLS. Once the organic extractant is loaded with copper (copper mass that transfers from the aqueous phase to the organic phase is maximized), the organic and aqueous phases separate in a settler. The organic phase has a much lower specific gravity than the aqueous phase, which allows for gravity separation between the two immiscible phases.
The PLS, minus the copper, is now called the raffinate. The raffinate, which now contains the acid released during extraction, is recycled back to the leaching process.
The loaded organic from extraction is pumped to the second step of the process where the copper is stripped (copper mass transfer from the organic phase back to an aqueous phase) from the organic into another aqueous phase, which becomes the feed to the electrowinning stage. The initial aqueous strip solution is called “lean electrolyte” and after picking up copper from the organic phase it is called the “rich electrolyte”. By controlling the acidity and flow ratios in the stripping step, a very pure, high-grade copper containing solution can be produced. The stripped organic discharging from the stripping stage returns to the extraction stage to take up copper again.
The mixing and the gravity separation of the aqueous and the organic solutions are performed in what are called mixer-settlers. The process of producing copper with this technology is named solvent extraction and electrowinning (SXEW).
14.5.1 | Extraction |
Aqueous and organic streams will flow counter-current to each other in extraction. Pregnant leach solution will enter the first stage extraction (E-1 and E-1P) primary mix tanks and be mixed in two mix stages with partially loaded organic solution advancing from the E-1P extraction stage to the E-1 stage and partially loaded organic from the E-2 extraction stage to the E-1P stage. After the two phases have been mixed, the resulting mixture will be discharged into the E-1 and E-1P settlers to allow the two phases to separate by gravity. The two phases will be separated by a weir system at the discharge end of the settler. Loaded organic solution leaving these settlers advances to stripping, while the aqueous phase undergoes additional extraction.
The aqueous solution from the first stage extraction E-1 will flow to second stage extraction E-2 where it will be mixed with lean organic solution from the stripping stage. After the two phases have been mixed, the resulting mixture will be discharged into the E-2 settler to allow the two phases to separate by gravity. Aqueous solution from the E-2 settler will join aqueous solution from the E-1P settler and flow by gravity to the raffinate pond.
The aqueous solution discharged from the extraction settlers, called raffinate, will be low in copper concentration. Sulfuric acid (98%) will be added to the raffinate which will then flow by gravity to the Raffinate Pond and be pumped back to the heap leach pad.
14.5.2 | Stripping |
The loaded organic solution will flow by gravity to the S-1 primary mix tank where it will be mixed with lean electrolyte and recycled electrolyte solutions. The resulting mixture will then discharge to the strip stage settler for phase separation. The rich electrolyte solution will then flow to the electrolyte filter feed tank and the stripped organic solution will return to the extraction mixer settlers.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1166
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Ancillary tanks and equipment are also used to precisely control the composition of the electrowinning feed, remove harmful impurities, recover organic, and conserve/provide necessary heating.
14.6 | Electrowinning |
In the electrowinning (EW) process, copper will be plated in electrowinning cells onto stainless-steel cathode blanks utilizing an electro-chemical reaction.
14.7 | Reagents |
Reagents requiring handling, mixing, and distribution systems include:
● | Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) – leaches metals from host rock |
● | Diluent (Kerosene) – organic solution used to carry extractant and targeted metals |
● | Extractant (Acorga M5774) or similar – selectively transfers dissolved metals from pregnant leach solution to organic solution |
● | Cobalt Sulfate (CoSO4) – improves plating quality, consistency, and surface finish during electrowinning |
● | Guar – improves plating quality, consistency, and surface finish during electrowinning |
● | Diatomaceous Earth – filtration media for cleaning electrolyte of entrained organic |
● | Mist Suppressor (FC-1100) – prevents fugitive emissions |
14.8 | Sampling |
Samples will be taken at the following locations:
● | Pregnant Leach Solution to E1 settler |
● | Raffinate from E2 settler |
● | Loaded Organic from E1 settler |
● | Stripped Organic from S1 settler |
● | Lean Electrolyte to S1 settler |
● | Rich Electrolyte from S1 settler |
● | Rich Electrolyte from Lean Electrolyte Heat Exchanger |
● | Lean Electrolyte to Lean Electrolyte Heat Exchanger |
● | Cathode Sampler |
14.9 | Water Systems |
Based on the results of the water balance, the sources of make-up water for the process are, in order of precedence: 1.- Surplus of contact water collected in the Contact Water Pond, 2.- Water from the pit (previously treated in the Mine Water Treatment Plant if necessary), 3.- Surplus of the fresh water from the precipitation collected in the Fresh Water Pond, 4.- Fresh water pumped from the Seguiña River (43 L/s as maximum).
The results of the Water Balance indicate that after Year 8 of operation, no water from the river will be required. Further water balance update in the next stage of study should confirm this conclusion.
Fresh water will be distributed to:
● | Raffinate Pond for use in leach operation |
● | Water treatment system for water treatment before use in the hot water system and in the steam boiler |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1167
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Electrolyte recirculation tank for use as make-up water to the electrowinning circuit |
● | Guar mix tank |
Potable water will be piped to eyewash/safety shower units that will be located at the Crushing, Agglomeration, Solvent Extraction, Tank Farm, Reagents and Electrowinning areas.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1168
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1169
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1170
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15 | Infrastructure |
15.1 | Mine Access |
Two access roads are being considered for the access to the mine site from Chunchumayo. One is termed the East Access Road begins in Chunchumayo and ends in the township of Mollocco. The other road is termed the West Access Road and begins in Chunchumayo and eventually ties into the road to Mollebamba. The main access will be built as a coordination between the Regional Government and the Federal Government of Peru.
The East Access Road (depicted below) will connect existing Regional Route AP-111 at the township of Chunchumayo to Regional Route AP-110 at the township of Mollocco. The West Access road also starts at the township of Chunchumayo and ties into AP-856. Each road will have an effective width of 5 meters, and the gradient of the road will be improved to not exceed 10%.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1171
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.2 | Power Supply |
The power supply to the Trapiche Project will be provided from the Cotaruse substation via the 220 kV transmission line. In the Cotaruse substation, there will be a 220 kV bay extension which will consist of three circuit breakers and two main buses. A new 220 kV transmission line will be built with metal lattice structures. The length of this transmission line will be about 51.5km. The transmission line will connect to a new Trapiche substation in 220 kV (see Figure 15-2). The Trapiche substation will have a transformer of 75-100/100/30 MVA (ONAN-ONAF) of 220/22.9/10 kV. From the Trapiche substation in 22.9 kV, the distribution of power within the Trapiche plant will be by 22.9 kV distribution lines. Approximately twelve circuits will be required, these will distribute to the plant’s oil-filled transformers of 22.9/4.16kV and 22.9/0.48kV. The total connect load for the Trapiche Project is estimated at approximately 82 MW and the Maximum Estimated Load is 52 MW. Table 15-1 presents the summary of the Connected Load, Demand Load and Estimated Load.
Table 15-1: Electrical Load Summary
CONNECTED LOAD | DEMAND LOAD | ESTIMATED LOAD |
| |||||||||
ELECTRICAL LOAD | KW | KVAR | KVA | % | KW | KVAR | KVA | % | KW | KVAR | KVA | LOAD FACTOR |
Area 050 Mine General | 515 | 382 | 641 | 66 | 341 | 314 | 464 | 100 | 341 | 314 | 464 | 0.72 |
Area 100 Primary Crushing | 1,602 | 853 | 1,815 | 73 | 1,162 | 657 | 1,335 | 78 | 906 | 513 | 1,041 | 0.57 |
Area 200 Coarse Ore Stockpile | 946 | 511 | 1,075 | 78 | 739 | 400 | 840 | 78 | 576 | 312 | 655 | 0.54 |
Area 220 Secondary Crushing & Screening | 3,412 | 1,709 | 3,816 | 79 | 2,690 | 1,358 | 3,013 | 85 | 2,287 | 1,154 | 2,561 | 0.67 |
Area 240 Tertiary Crushing | 2,518 | 1,259 | 2,815 | 79 | 1,995 | 1,005 | 2,234 | 85 | 1,696 | 854 | 1,899 | 0.67 |
Area 260 Tertiary Screening | 1,542 | 858 | 1,765 | 65 | 1,000 | 638 | 1,187 | 85 | 850 | 542 | 1,009 | 0.57 |
Area 310 Agglomeration | 2,650 | 1,325 | 2,963 | 78 | 2,056 | 1,046 | 2,306 | 85 | 1,747 | 889 | 1,960 | 0.66 |
Area 320 Oxide Leach Pad | 1,273 | 821 | 1,515 | 80 | 1,019 | 657 | 1,212 | 60 | 611 | 394 | 727 | 0.48 |
Area 330 Sulfide Leach Pad | 3,206 | 1,944 | 3,750 | 79 | 2,530 | 1,545 | 2,965 | 70 | 1,771 | 1,081 | 2,075 | 0.55 |
Area 350 Raffinate System | 11,628 | 5,635 | 12,921 | 70 | 8,139 | 4,172 | 9,146 | 80 | 6,511 | 3,338 | 7,317 | 0.57 |
Area 360 ILS System | 5,968 | 2,890 | 6,631 | 70 | 4,178 | 2,140 | 4,694 | 65 | 2,715 | 1,391 | 3,051 | 0.46 |
Area 370 PLS System | 1,579 | 765 | 1,754 | 70 | 1,105 | 566 | 1,242 | 50 | 553 | 283 | 621 | 0.35 |
Area 410 Solvent Extraction | 775 | 505 | 925 | 70 | 543 | 367 | 655 | 95 | 515 | 349 | 622 | 0.67 |
Area 420 Tank Farm | 7,142 | 3,572 | 7,986 | 70 | 4,995 | 2,640 | 5,650 | 85 | 4,246 | 2,244 | 4,802 | 0.60 |
Area 500 Electrowinning | 20,022 | 9,874 | 22,325 | 94 | 18,725 | 9,249 | 20,885 | 93 | 17,496 | 8,600 | 19,496 | 0.87 |
Area 620 Water Treatment Plant | 800 | 600 | 1,000 | 90 | 720 | 540 | 900 | 75 | 540 | 405 | 675 | 0.68 |
Area 650 Fresh Water System | 5,221 | 2,544 | 5,808 | 70 | 3,655 | 1,864 | 4,102 | 37 | 1,365 | 701 | 1,534 | 0.26 |
Area 800 Reagents | 5 | 5 | 7 | 70 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 85 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0.61 |
Area 840 Sulfuric Acid Unloading and Storage | 180 | 135 | 225 | 80 | 144 | 108 | 180 | 100 | 144 | 108 | 180 | 0.80 |
Areas 900, 901, 902, 904, 908, 909, 911, 912 | 2,778 | 2,052 | 3,454 | 76 | 2,117 | 1,571 | 2,636 | 97 | 2,051 | 1,528 | 2,557 | 0.74 |
Areas 903, 905, 910, 914 (HLC) | 4,325 | 3,243 | 5,406 | 55 | 2,366 | 1,774 | 2,957 | 100 | 2,366 | 1,774 | 2,957 | 0.55 |
Area 920 (BISA) | 3,769 | 2,827 | 4,712 | 83 | 3,128 | 2,346 | 3,911 | 80 | 2,503 | 1,877 | 3,128 | 0.66 |
TOTAL | 81,917 | 44,355 | 93,154 | 77 | 63,398 | 34,997 | 72,416 | 82 | 51,842 | 28,690 | 59,251 | 0.64 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1172
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1173
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.3 | Architectural Design Criteria |
This design criteria outlines the architectural requirements for the Trapiche Project. Table 15-2 describes the building components. The areas indicated below are only platforms, not the total area affected.
Table 15-2: Building Components
Description | Units | Area | Easting | Northing | Circuit | Type of Construction |
Primary Crushing | m2 | 2400 | 730756 | 8395821 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Coarse Ore Stockpile & Feed | m2 | 15500 | 730963 | 8395745 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Secondary Crushing & Screening | m2 | 1640 | 731398 | 8395586 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Tertiary Crushing | m2 | 1660 | 731051 | 8395662 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Tertiary Screening | m2 | 1430 | 730061 | 8395690 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Agglomeration | m2 | 1850 | 731519 | 8395537 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Solvent Extraction | m2 | 1140 | 730507 | 8394268 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Tank Area | m2 | 16720 | 730419 | 8394050 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Electrowinning | m2 | 14300 | 730580 | 8394095 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Water Treatment Plant (acid) | m2 | 8630 | 729951 | 8394009 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Electrical Substation (main substation by others) | m2 | 3900 | 730200 | 8393423 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Sulfuric Acid Unloading and Feed (SXEW) | m2 | 2000 | 730726 | 8394047 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Sulfuric Acid Unloading and Storage (Agglomerator) | m2 | 2000 | 731205 | 8395703 | Leach Plant | Site erected |
Guard House (East Access) | m2 | 1400 | 731569 | 8395960 | Site | Modular Buildings |
Guard House (West Access) | m2 | 1400 | 728822 | 8392124 | Site | Modular Buildings |
Truck Scale (Crushing Plant) | m2 | 100 | 731370 | 8395663 | Site | Site erected |
Truck Scale (SXEW Area) | m2 | 100 | 730641 | 8394176 | Site | Site erected |
Administration Building and Mine Operations Building | m2 | 5600 | 730165 | 8393823 | Site | Modular Buildings |
Laboratory Building (EMV Provided) | m2 | 1000 | 731130 | 8395493 | Site | Site erected |
Truck Shop/Wash/Warehouse | m2 | 600 | 731390 | 8395323 | Site | Site erected |
Core Storage (Lab Area) | m2 | 3620 | 731380 | 8395357 | Site | Site erected |
Warehouse |
| 5000 | 731025 | 8395884 | Site | Site erected |
Security/Medical & Emergency Services | m2 | 3750 | 728891 | 8392466 | Site | Modular Buildings |
Plant Maintenance Building | m2 | 170 | 731276 | 8395677 | Site | Site erected |
Core Storage (Admin Area) | m2 | 5600 | 730108 | 8393792 | Site | Site erected |
Explosives Storage Area | m2 | 18000 | 729640 | 8397338 | Site | Site erected |
Permanent Camp & Dining Hall | m2 | 130000 | 728202 | 8393379 | Site | Modular Buildings |
Peru Law No. 29973 “General Law on Persons with Disabilities” compliant entrance and restroom is required for public places such as dining, offices, and laboratories or other facilities where physically disabled persons may be employed. Standard ambulatory toilet facilities will be used in shop, process buildings, and maintenance type facilities where only non-physically disabled persons will use the spaces, unless otherwise indicated on drawings.
Design, materials and construction shall be in accordance with local codes and regulations and shall meet ICC (International code COUNCIL) standards as required.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1174
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.3.1 | Process Buildings |
Process building shall generally be custom designed steel structures with metal wall and roof panels. Exterior walls will be comprised of 22 ga. metal wall panels. The roof will be comprised of 22 ga. metal roof panels. Spans and loads will determine the thickness of the panels. Exposed wall, roof and steel within the Electrowinning building will be coated with an Epoxy Phenolic Coating. Doors shall be constructed of hollow metal doors and frame. Exterior doors shall be insulated. Entry vestibules will be utilized on main entries for workers. They will not be utilized on large roll-up door truck or equipment entries. Ice protection canopies shall be provided over doors for workers. Offices and Control rooms will be insulated with R-22 insulation in the walls and R-35 insulation on roof/ceiling envelope. Windows, generally only on office spaces within the process building will be triple pane, with safety glazing for hazardous locations. Natural light for the process buildings shall be by translucent panels where practical.
The process includes the Heap Leach Circuit:
● | Primary Crushing |
● | Coarse Ore Stockpile & Feed |
● | Secondary Crushing & Screening |
● | Tertiary Crushing & Screening |
● | Agglomeration |
● | Solvent Extraction |
● | Tank Farm Area |
● | Electrowinning |
● | Water Treatment Plant |
● | Electrical Substation |
● | Reagents |
15.3.2 | Stockpile Cover |
The stockpile cover will be a vendor-engineered geodesic dome. The structure of the dome (tubes, purlins, hubs) shall be mill galvanized on both interior and exterior surfaces and powder coated. The exterior layer of the dome shall be powder coated galvanized steel panels, or powder coated aluminum panels. The Dome shall rest upon a 6-meter high concrete pier with an 800 mm concrete ring atop the pier. The Dome shall have both natural lighting and artificial lighting. Dust control within the dome will be handled through water spray nozzles. The Reclaim tunnel under the stockpile will be cast in place concrete. It will have a multi-plate constructed emergency exit. Dust control in the reclaim tunnel will be handled through a cartridge type dust collector located outside the stockpile and ducted back to the reclaim conveyor.
15.3.3 | Ancillary Structures |
Ancillary structures shall be a combination of pre-engineered metal buildings and modular buildings. Modular buildings will be utilized to the greatest extent possible. The complexity of the ancillary buildings is not as great as the process structures. Exterior walls on the metal buildings will be comprised of R-22 (approximately 75 mm insulated metal wall panels. The roof of the metal building structures shall be R-35 (approximately 125 mm) insulated roof panels. All doors shall be made of hollow metal and have hollow metal frames. Exterior doors shall be insulated with visibility panels. Entry vestibules will be utilized on main entries for workers. Ice protection canopies shall be provided over doors for workers. Windows shall be Triple pane. Entry vestibules shall have safety shoe cleaning capacity.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1175
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The ancillary structures include: The Gate/Security building, the Medical and Emergency Building, Mine Operations building, Warehouse, Truck Wash Facility, Plant Maintenance Building, Chemical Lab, and the Fuel Station. The Explosive Storage Buildings, and if there are compressor buildings that are not within other structures, will be block structures. MCC Electrical Room required at process buildings and structures shall be modular pre-engineered type on piers 1.5 meters above adjacent grade with metal stairs. The Truck Shop Facility will be provided through Contract Mining.
15.3.4 | Housing for Workers |
The modular workforce housing manufacturer shall be responsible for the design, supply, manufacture and delivery of a modular workforce housing Camp. The furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, painting, transportation, shop drawings and services required to deliver, erect and install on site, several modular buildings will be included. The modular buildings must be manufactured in a manner so that they can be shipped in sections and ready to be erected at the site. Building shall be complete with all exterior and interior doors, door hardware, tie-downs, skirting material and windows. This also includes interior walls and ceilings, interior and exterior finishes, heating and cooling, plumbing and plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring with electrical equipment and fixtures, WiFi wiring for Internet and cable television. ALL modules and utilidors shall have enough extinguishers. ALL units shall meet local, and Country Codes for modular housing. Civil and Concrete work required for the modular Housing units will be provided by a separate contractor.
The total number of people on site in years of operation is estimated at 865. However, considering the 14x7 rotation system of the mining workers in Peru, the total people hired is 1,150 distributed as shown in Table 15-3. A permanent camp was designed by BISA S.A. to provide housing to 1,674 people considering a contingency of 45% at this level of study. The housing buildings would consist of ten three-story dormitories with 48 beds per floor (1,440 beds) for workers, plus the five three-story dormitories with 16 beds per floor (10 beds for managers and 224 for supervisors). At the next stage, the total capacity of the permanent camp should be optimized.
The waste treatment plant facility and the potable water treatment facility for the camp shall be modular structures designed by their suppliers, sized for the camp. The potable water demand is estimated at 150 liters per day/person and a 35% contingency for people (from 865 to 1,200) was used to obtain a demand of 2 liters per second (7.3 m3/hr). The potable water plant was designed by Agua Clear with a capacity of 9.5 m3/hr. The waste treatment plant was designed for Agua Clear with an average capacity of 12.50 m3/hr. The capacities should be optimized at the next stage of design.
For the construction stage, the permanent camp area is capable of supporting the installation of modular tents to increase the accommodation capacity to a maximum of 3,274 people, which provides a contingency of 10% compared to the estimated number of beds required of 2,974 for Year -1 (construction peak).
The total area of the camp, designed by BISA S.A, includes buildings for staff accommodation, dining room and kitchen, recreation area, laundry, medical building, drinking water treatment facility, waste treatment facility, vehicle parking areas, and internal accesses.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1176
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 15-3: Trapiche Staff Summary
15.4 | Unsuitable Material Stockpile (DMI) |
15.4.1 | Introduction |
As part of the Prefeasibility Study for Trapiche, the unsuitable material stockpile (DMI, for its acronym in Spanish) was designed with the purpose of storing the overburden material not considered suitable for other purposes generated during the excavation to reach the surface foundation for all the mine components.
15.4.2 | Component Description |
The DMI is planned for an area southwest of the ROM pad, located at coordinates WGS 84 UTM 18S 8392375 N and 729514 E. An area of 15.71 hectares, including the berm, is considered in the design.
Source: KCB, 2020
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1177
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.4.3 | Civil Design |
15.4.3.1 | Configuration |
The deposit is designed to have a storage capacity of 2.05 million m3 of unsuitable material and will be placed forming slopes 7H:1V. According to the geochemical information provided, the unsuitable material is potentially acid generating, so the design should include the placement of a 1.5 mm HDPE textured geomembrane. Prior to geomembrane placement, surface materials that could damage the geomembrane should be removed.
Source: KCB, 2020
Figure 15-4: Typical DMI Section
15.4.3.2 | Construction |
The construction of the DMI will be in two stages with slopes of 2H:1V and the crest at 4,260 m, eventually reaching an elevation of 4,273 m. It is planned to construct the secondary berm using fill material generated from cutting foundation material.
15.4.3.3 | Water Management |
The sub-drainage system includes a network of perforated pipes buried in excavated trenches backfilled with drainage gravel. In areas where it is not possible to install the sub-drain piping, drainage gravel or crushed rock may be placed on the foundation. Drainage is designed to pass to a collection pond located immediately downstream of the berm for sedimentation control and monitoring.
As part of the surface water management plan, two-channel (CD-06 and CD-07) perimeter derivation will be constructed to divert noncontact water from adjacent areas to natural streams. During construction, a temporary detour diversion will channel contact water towards sedimentation ponds.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1178
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Source: KCB, 2020
Figure 15-5: DMI Sub-Drainage System
15.4.3.4 | Stability Analysis |
The safety factors obtained for the DMI, for a failure through the deposit, the dam and the subgrade meet both static and pseudo-static physical stability criteria.
Table 15-4: DMI Physical Stability Results
Section | Stability Analyzed | Security factor | ||
| | | Static | Pseudo-static |
DMI | 5-5' | Unsuitable material body, Initial Phase | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 5-5' | Subgrade, Berm, Initial Phase | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| 5-5' | Unsuitable material body, Final Phase | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 5-5' | Subgrade, Berm, Final Phase | 1.5 | 1.1 |
15.4.4 | Operation |
It is planned that the DMI will go into operation during the construction phase before the massive sitework begins.
15.5 | Organic Material Deposit (DMO) |
15.5.1 | Introduction |
The construction of a topsoil material stockpile (DMO, for its acronym in Spanish) has-been planned as part of the auxiliary facilities for the Trapiche Project, with the aim of stockpiling and saving organic soil (topsoil) recovered during the construction phase of the project for use during progressive and final closures.
15.5.2 | Component Description |
The DMO will be built northeast of the sulfide leach pad, at 83994707 N and 730273 E (WGS 84 UTM). The final surface area of the deposit is 7.7 hectares, including the containment berm.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1179
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
This component is designed to have a storage capacity of 0.52 Mm3 of organic soil. Organic material storage is expected to be constantly accessed as part of the continuous closure plan.
15.5.3 | Civil Design |
15.5.3.1 | General Arrangement |
The design presented here includes the construction of a containment berm to stabilize the materials placed in the DMO. Berm construction will be carried out during the preparation of the foundation, followed by the construction of the drainage ditches and completed by the construction of the platform.
The containment berm is designed to be between the elevations of 4526 m and 4558 m, with an average height of 14 m for which 0.15 Mm3 of compacted fill is required. Figure 15-6 shows the overall arrangement of the DMO. It is important to mention that the DMO is within the boundaries of Trapiche's existing area of influence.
The DMO platform will be constructed up to a height of 28 m. According to the section shown in the section below (Figure 15-7), the maximum elevation will be 4558 m. As designed, the DMO platform will occupy an area of 7.7 ha, having a capacity of 0.52 Mm3.
Source: KCB, 2020
Figure 15-6: DMO General Arrangement
Source: KCB, 2020
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1180
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.5.3.2 | Water Management |
As part of the surface water management plan, two perimeter diversion channels (CD-04 and CD-05) will be built to divert non-contact water from the basins adjacent to the DMO. Temporary diversion canals will also be built throughout the construction stage to divert contact water to sedimentation ponds before being discharged to the environment.
Source: KCB, 2020
Figure 15-8: DMO Sub-Drainage System
15.5.3.3 | Stability Analysis |
For the stability analysis, the limit equilibrium method was used, Morgerstern and Price (1966), using the Slope / W program (Geostudio 2019, version 10.0), from the firm GEO-SLOPE International Ltd., which allows determining the minimum safety factor based on the balance of forces and moments. Stability analyzes were carried out under static and pseudo-static conditions. To estimate the safety factor with seismic load, the coefficient equivalent to 50% of the design earthquake (0.21 g) was used, which is associated with a return period of 100 years, according to the seismic hazard study developed for the Trapiche Project by AMEC (AMEC, 2014). It is important to indicate that an analysis of the risks and consequences associated with the construction and operation of the DMO has not been carried out, which must be reviewed in the next stage of the project.
To carry out the stability analysis, a critical section was selected, considering the final configuration of the structure. Stability analysis of intermediate stages has not been carried out.
Sections considered to be the most critical from the point of view of stability were selected and analyzed. The minimum safety factors were adopted in accordance with the recommendations established in the Environmental Guide for the stability of slopes of solid waste deposits from the mine by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and industry standards for this type of structures.
In addition to that indicated above for the stability analysis, a water level through the containment berm and organic material was assumed. Failures were evaluated through the body of the organic material and the body of the containment berm (including quaternary deposits), both under static and pseudo-static conditions.
The safety factors obtained for a failure through the body of the material, the containment berm and the foundation for the final stage of the deposit meet both static and pseudo-static physical stability criteria. Table 15-5 shows the results obtained from the stability analysis.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1181
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 15-5: DMO Physical Stability Results
Section | Stability Analyzed | Security factor | |
| | Static | Pseudo static |
4-4’ | Berm/Foundation | 1.52 | 1.15 |
The DMO will go into operation during the construction phase and will remain in use until project closure.
15.6 | Fresh Water Dam |
15.6.1 | Component Description |
The fresh water dam location is planned for 200 m upstream of the confluence of the Quebrada Cuatro and the Rio Seguiña with a reference coordinate of UTM 18S 728616E and 8393068N. It is designed with a nominal capacity of 229,050 m3. Table 15-6 presents the principal characteristics of the fresh water dam.
Table 15-6: Fresh Water Dam Characteristics
Characteristic | Value |
---|---|
Dam Height | 60.3 m |
Crest Elevation | 4,060.3 masl |
Downstream Elevation | 4,000 masl |
Landfill Grade Elevation | 4055.9 masl |
Dam Slope (Downstream) | 0.75H:1V |
Dam Slope (Upstream) | 0.05H:1V |
Storage Volume | 231,388 m3 |
The water from this dam is predicted to supply the following:
● | Fresh water demand from the camp and facilities (construction and operation stages) |
● | Fresh water for siteworks (construction of the pads, internal access, etc.) |
● | Dust suppression for the primary crusher and conveyor system |
● | Fresh water needed for the electrolysis process |
● | Fresh water for cleaning the electrolysis process area |
● | Fresh water for cleaning the solvent extraction area |
● | Fresh water for cleaning of service areas |
● | Fresh water for make-up water for process (Years 1 to 8 according the water balance) |
The water to be stored in this structure comes from two sources:
● | Run-off from the undisturbed parts of the Pucamachay and Cuatro watersheds, and; |
● | Water pumped from the Rio Seguiña to satisfy additional demand in the construction stage and first 8 years of the operations stage. |
15.7 | Contact Water Dam |
A contact water storage is planned for the Cuatro watershed, downstream of the DMO, with reference coordinates of UTM 18S 729896E and 8394119N. The location of the dam was determined after updating the general arrangement of the mine components and an evaluation of alternatives where technical aspects were considered.
The impoundment will collect and store contact water in the wet season, which will serve to supply part of the process water demand during the dry season.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1182
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 15-7 lists the main characteristics of the hydraulic design and geotechnical stability of the contact water dam.
Table 15-7: Contact Water Dam Characteristics
Characteristic | Value |
Total Dam Height | 82.0 m |
Crest Elevation | 4 521 masl |
Downstream Elevation | 4 472 masl |
Dam Slope (Downstream) | 0.75H:1V |
Dam Slope (Upstream) | 0.05H:1V |
Storage Volume | 603,974 m3 |
Volume Available to Store the Design Flood (200 Year Return) | 102,493 m3 |
Net Volume | 501,481 m3 |
15.8 | Fresh Water Intake |
As result of the project’s Water Balance, fresh water from the Seguiña River is required for the project in the years of construction and the first 8 years of operation in amounts of 20 and 43 liters per second, respectively. For the years of construction, the calculation results in a requirement of 11 liters but a contingency of 80% was assumed which should be optimized in the next level of study. For operation years, the dry season scenario was assumed to include contingency in the estimation. After Year 8, the water coming from the pit (superficial and underground) will be enough to supply the requirement of the process in the dry months of the years.
15.9 | Sulfide Leach Pad |
15.9.1 | Introduction |
The proposed sulfide leach pad (PLS, for its acronym in Spanish) will be constructed in the upper reaches of the Quebrada Puccacocha, north of the planned SXEW plant and Quebrada Cuatro, contiguous with the ROM leaching platform. The total occupied area presented in this design is 211 ha, with central coordinates at 8 394 328 N and 731 378 E with a total capacity of 269.5 Mt, based on a designed volume of 158.5 Mm3 of agglomerated material with a density of 1.7 t/m3. This component was designed with an extra 21.5 Mt of capacity compared to the 248 Mt indicated in the mining plan to accommodate any possible variation at this level of study.
15.9.2 | Component Description |
The sulfide leach pad has been designed to be constructed in 3 phases:
● | Phase 1 in the upper valley of the Quebrada Puccacocha using a combination of cut and fill techniques to produce an average leachable area of 62.3 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 66.5 Mt of agglomerated material, loaded over a period of approximately 50.5 months based on the current mine plan. The initial 62.3 Ha platform was designed to allow all the ore to reach its complete leaching cycle, 180 days for sulfides, considering the lift height of 8 meters. |
● | Phase 2 in the upper valley of the Quebrada Cuatro overlying leached ROM, with an average leachable area of 56.6 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 58.8 Mt of agglomerated material loaded over a period of 56.5 months based on the current mine plan. |
● | Phase 3 overlying the previously placed agglomerated material, with an average leachable area of 82.9 hectares and sufficient volume to contain 144.2 Mt of agglomerated material loaded over a period of ten (10) years based on the current mine plan. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1183
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The approximate development of these phases of the PLS is shown in Figure 15-9.
The sulfide leach pad will include a solution collection system connected to the Solution Extraction/Electrowinning (SXEW) plant to produce copper cathodes. Excess flow due to storm events should be directed to the contact water pond which also supplies additional water used in cathode production.
Figure 15-9: Leach Pad Development Stage- Years 0, 4, 8 and 18
15.9.3 | Civil Design |
15.9.3.1 | Configuration |
The configuration of the proposed sulfide leach pad is from 4670 to 4850 masl, with a total height along the front slope (composite slope) estimated at 180 m at completion of the third phase. A summary of the characteristics of the geometry is found in Table 15-8.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1184
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 15-8: Summary of the Main Feature of the PLS
Description | Value | Source |
Sulfide Leaching Platform | ||
Minimum Elevation Phase 2 | 4670 masl | KCB, 2020 |
Maximum Elevation Phase 3 | 4850 masl | KCB, 2020 |
Layer Thickness | 8 m | EMV |
Storage Capacity (Sulfides) | 269.5 Mt | KCB, 2020 |
Maximum Storage Slope | 2.5H:1V | KCB, 2020 |
Mineral Density | 1.7 t/m3 | KCB, 2020 |
Surface Grade | ||
Minimum Slope | 6% | KCB, 2020 |
Maximum Slope | 2.5H:1V | KCB, 2020 |
Process Ponds | ||
Process Pond Volume – Phase 1 | 3,903 m3 | KCB, 2020 |
Process Pond Volume – Phase 2 | 3,340 m3 | KCB, 2020 |
The design presented in this report considers that the second phase of the sulfide leach pad will be built on a layer of structural fill and geomesh overt the ROM (massive leached ROM fill). This design is considered to contain some inherent risks associated with the behavior of the ROM after leaching and the effect of the loading from the agglomerated material. An attempt has been made to assess these risks at a level appropriate for this study using numerical simulations based on assumed and possible characteristics of the leached ROM and other materials.
15.9.3.2 | Foundation Conditions |
The area is formed by outcrops of rocks of sedimentary and volcanic origin, of which sandstone and volcanic rocks are predominate, except in the lower areas of the drainages. Here, quaternary deposits can be observed (colluvial deposits), and in some cases soft soil deposits (wetlands) in the vicinity of Puccacocha Lake. The slopes vary from moderately flat at the base to steeply inclined.
The depth of the foundations were estimated according to the information provided by EMV of geotechnical research campaigns (through test pits within the boundaries of the project area) carried out by BISA (2011) and additional drilling data was available from the 2019 geotechnical drilling campaign.
The foundation surface was estimated based on the geotechnical characteristics of the project area. In general, the characteristics are considered favorable because of the presence of rock outcroppings in much of the area.
15.9.3.3 | Site Preparation |
Before the start of construction, the proposed area must be surveyed to establish the limits of the initial stage, including associated infrastructure. The surface grade should be developed using fill within the limits of the proposed foundation. The existing surface soil layer (organic material) should be removed and stored in an area designated for this purpose (DMO for its Spanish acronym). Unsuitable material, mainly composed of soft and saturated soils, should be removed until an adequate foundation is reached, especially at the bottom of the valley. This material should be removed and stored in an area designated for this purpose (DMI for its Spanish acronym). Subsurface water that may seep through the foundation is considered under the design of the sub-drainage system.
15.9.3.4 | Solution Collection System |
The solution collection system will be placed above a protection layer to allow the pregnant leach solution to be captured and transported out of the platform for processing. The solution collection system consists of a network of
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1185
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
perforated HDPE collector pipes that facilitate drainage of the leached solution and rainwater that percolates through the ore pile.
The solution collection system in Phase 1 is assumed to use gravity to move leach solution through perforated pipes into the operating pond. For Phase 2, the solution collection system transports leach solution via gravity to the Phase 2 sulfide leach pad pond, then will report to the Phase 1 sulfide leach pad pond, and afterward enter the process system. The solution collection system was designed using the Hooghdoudt Equation (Hooghdoudt, 1954) to support a leaching rate of 6 l/h/m2, a design storm with a 100 year return period and maintain phreatic level of less than 1 m within the sulfide leach pad. At this level of study, the solution collection system does not explicitly account for changes in permeability of the material due to compaction and settlement of agglomerated material over the life of the pad.
15.9.3.5 | Underdrain System |
The underdrain system is designed with the objective of intercepting subsurface water that can potentially emerge from the foundation surface. The sub-drainage system will consist of central collection drains located at the bottom of the main valley and secondary collection pipes conveniently located laterally to the central collection drains. These drains are made up of geotextile covered pipes buried in gravel filled trenches, with the size of the trench and piping sized appropriately for the area that reports to the drain. As Phase 2 of the sulfide leach pad is constructed over the ROM leach pad, the sub-drainage of the sulfide leach pad is considered in the design for those facilities in Quebrada Cuatro.
The general layout of the sub-drainage system for both the PLS and ROM is shown below in Figure 15-10.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1186
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.9.3.6 | Liner System |
The liner system of the sulfide leach pad was designed with a compacted 300 mm thick layer of low permeability soil, on which a 2.0 mm thick, textured, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) geomembrane is to be placed. The geomembrane should be covered by a 300 mm thick layer of well graded silty sandy gravel layer in order to ballast and protect the geomembrane from damage during the placement of the drainage layer and during the loading of the first mineral layer on the leaching platform. It is assumed that the material for the protective layer can be obtained from crushing and/or sorting operations. The minimum thickness of the protective layer should be analyzed when the details of the equipment used to place and spread the components of the stockpile is known.
In addition to the geomembrane and soil layers, a contingency for the use of a geocell layer in place of the protection layer above the geomembrane has been included in the calculation of capital costs associated with construction of the sulfide leach pad. Figure 15-11 presents two schemes of the proposed liner system for the sulfide leach pad: 1.- Interface between foundation and phase 1; and 2.- Interface between ROM phase 1 and phase 2 sulfide leach pad.
Source: KCB, 2020
Figure 15-11: Scheme of the Proposed Liner System for the PLS
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1187
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.9.4 | Stability Analysis |
As part of the design of the Trapiche project, KCB carried out a slope stability analysis of the sulfide leach pad based on critical sections both under static conditions and under seismic load.
Assumed Foundation Conditions
It is important to emphasize that the stability analysis assumes the absence of geohazards, such as faults, landslides, mass movement, etc., within the area of the Sulphide Leach Pad that may affect the integrity of the structure. The geological fault "Cabeza de Puma" crosses the sulphide phase 1 footprint (see TPC-PFS-MEM-330-CI-102- Appendix V – “Sulfide Pad Memo” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3) but it is considered as non-active. These conditions have been reviewed with the available geotechnical and geological information collected at this level of study, but these need to be confirmed in the following stages of the project.
To perform the stability analysis of the Sulphide Leach Pad, the following was assumed:
● | The depths of the Sulphide Leach Pad foundation have been estimated considering information from geotechnical investigations carried out by BISA in 2011 and generated during geological mapping and excavations of test pits supervised by KCB in 2018, and the drilling investigation of 2019 (see TPC-PFS-ESD-000-GT-101- Appendix F – “Reporte Final Modelo Geotécnico” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3). |
● | For slope stability, geotechnical parameters of the foundation were updated by KCB from those used in the conceptual level design of the sulphide leaching platform carried out by KP (KP, 2018), to include the additional 2018 and 2019 geotechnical investigations. |
● | The interface shear strength properties between the ore and soil-geomembrane interface, among the most important parameters in the stability analysis and have been assumed because of lack of data associated with these materials. These design parameters shall be confirmed in the following stages of the project through laboratory testing. |
● | The stability analysis does not consider the presence of an interlift liner. This has been included as a contingency but requires an additional evaluation that should be confirmed in the following stages of the project. |
Methodology
For the stability analysis, the limit equilibrium methodology was implemented using the rigorous method of Morgenstern and Price (1966) and the software Slope/W (Geostudio 2019, version 10.0), from GEO-SLOPE International Ltd. Slope/W allows for the determination of the minimum safety factor based on the balance of forces and moments, and the stability analyses were carried out under static and pseudo-static conditions. For the estimate of the safety factor with seismic load, the coefficient equivalent to 50% of the design earthquake (0.21 g) was used in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineers approach (Hynes-Griffin and Franklin, 1984). The design earthquake is associated with an annual exceedance probability (AEP) of 100 years, according to the seismic hazard study developed for the Trapiche project by AMEC (AMEC, 2014).
As part of the stability analysis update, the critical sections were assessed, considering the final configuration of the structure. No intermediate stage stability analysis has been carried out. If necessary and depending on the operating conditions adopted by EMV, the stability analysis of intermediate stages should be carried out during the following stages of the project.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1188
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Material Properties
Most of the materials properties in the stability analysis were adopted from previous studies; however, the properties of the foundation material (quaternary deposits) have been estimated based on the geotechnical investigations mentioned above. A full description of the material properties estimation is included in TPC-PFS-MEM-330-CI-102- Appendix V – “Sulfide Pad Memo” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3. Table 15-9 shows the summary of the materials properties assumed for the sulfide leach pad stability evaluation.
Table 15-9: Summary of the Sulfide Leach Pad Materials Properties
Material | Property | Value | Source |
Rocky basement | - | impenetrable material | KCB, 2020 |
Quaternary Deposits | wet unit weight | 18 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| friction angle | 36° | |
Rocky ROM mineral | wet unit weight | 21.0 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| friction angle | 35° | |
Compacted common fill Rocky basement | wet unit weight | 20.2 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| Resistance | Type II mineral function | |
ROM mineral | wet unit weight | 21.0 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| Resistance | Type II mineral function | |
Sulfide Ore | wet unit weight | 21.0 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| friction angle | 35° | |
Soil Liner/ geomembrane interface | unit weight | 18.5 (kN/m3) | KCB, 2020 |
| Resistance | Resistance function/Interface Type I | |
Analyzed Conditions
To perform the stability analyses three critical sections were assessed under static and pseudo-static conditions for the final configuration.
The minimum safety factors were adopted in accordance with the recommendations established in the Environmental Guide for the slope stability of solid waste deposits of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and industry standards for such structures. However, an evaluation of the risks and consequences associated with the construction and operation of this structure was not carried out, nor was a classification applied. It is recommended to classify the consequences of a failure in the following stages of the project.
Table 15-10 shows the details of the minimum safety factors.
Table 15-10: Minimum Safety Factors Adopted for Physical Stability
Analysis | Value | Source | Comments |
Minimum permissible safety factor in static condition, period of operation | ≥ 1.3 | MINEM/KP/EMV | Table 3.1 of the Trapiche Project Components Review document Rev.1/chapter 4, section 4.5 Environmental guide for the slope stability of solid mine waste deposits, prepared for the MINEM of Peru (S. Miller Inc., 1997) |
Minimum permissible safety factor in pseudo-static condition, period of operation | ≥ 1.0 | | |
For the stability analysis, a water level of 3.0 m was used to represent the solution on the liner system of the sulfide leach pad as a product of the leach solution irrigation and possible rainfall, taking into consideration that the sulfide ore
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1189
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
is assumed to be a drained material with no excess pressure, as a result of the assumed granular characteristics of the material.
It is also assumed that the massive fill (ROM) to be used in the base and lower part of the leaching platform during Phase 2 will not generate excessive sediments that modify the gradient line for the solution flow to the associated ponds.
Failures were evaluated through the sulfide leach pad liner system and through the foundation (massive fill and quaternary deposits) both in static and pseudo-static conditions.
Results
Details of the analyses carried out are described below:
● | Potential failure surfaces were estimated through the liner system (low-permeability geomembrane soil-liner interface) and through the foundation, including massive fill and quaternary deposits. |
● | The Type I Interface was used as per continuation of previous studies. |
● | To comply with the established minimum safety factors, especially in pseudo-static conditions, the use of shear keys was required. These were located on the starting platforms of Phases 1 and 2, spaced approximately every 50 m to model their effect on resistance to sliding through the liner system. |
Table 15-11 shows the safety factors obtained according to the conditions analyzed.
Table 15-11: Results of the PLS Physical Stability Analysis
Section | Type of Failure | Factor of Safety (FoS) | |
---|---|---|---|
| | Static | Pseudo-static |
A-A | Global – block | 1.56 | 1.07 |
B-B | Global – block | 1.55 | 1.00 |
C-C | Global – block | 2.72 | 1.95 |
As can be seen in the above table, the safety factor associated with current design of the sulfide leach pad under static conditions meets the established minimum.
15.10 | Oxide On/Off Leach Pad |
15.10.1 | Introduction |
The Oxide On/Off Pad will leach the oxide ore bearing material.
The proposed Oxide On/Off Leaching Platform is located immediately north of the Crushing Pad with central coordinates of 8,396,079 N and 713,212 E (UTM WGS84). The Oxide On/Off Pad will be underlain with an impermeable composite geomembrane liner system and will have a total area of approximately 16 ha.
The facility will have a total seven leaching cells of an approximate area of 10.36 ha and a total one lift capacity of 1,050,000 tonnes additive of all the seven cells. Additionally, it will have a storage capacity of 33 Mt of leached oxides immediately west/southwest of the ROM pad – Phase I after it has completed leaching.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1190
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 15-12: Oxide On-Off Leach Pad Location
15.10.2 | Civil Design |
15.10.2.1 | Configuration |
The proposed Oxide On/Off Leach Pad will be roughly rectangular, including the Oxide PLS Pond and the Oxide Event Pond. There will be seven cells of 120 m by 123 m each. The cells will be lined with a geomembrane and a 2 to 3.2-meter rock drainage layer. The bottom of the drainage layer slopes to a collection trench which drains to the Oxide PLS Pond. The site slopes from west to east at 1%. The pads will be laid out in a 2 + 2 + 2 with a 1.2-meter step in the upper surface of the pad between each two-pad grouping. The final single cell slopes back to the low point of the final set of two cells.
15.10.2.2 | Underdrain System |
The sub-drainage system consists of a network of perforated pipes wrapped with a geotextile installed in excavated trenches, which are then filled with drainage gravel. The sub-drainage system is designed with main collection pipes located in a trench that runs to the PLS Pond.
The drainage layers should have a thickness of 300 m and be placed on the collection pipes. This material is designed to facilitate drainage of the leached solution into the collection pipes, protect the pipes during the initial mineral placement, and provide support to the pipes to distribute the pressure from the ore pile.
15.10.2.3 | Liner System |
The leaching platform will be placed on a composite liner system, consisting (from the bottom up) of 30 cm of low permeability soil (soil liner) and a 2.0 mm LLDPE geomembrane liner. In addition, a 30 cm protective layer (typically sand) should be incorporated over the geomembrane liner to protect it from possible damage during the ore placing process as well as avoid damage by puncture by mineral particles. A 2.5 cm friction layer of sand is designed to be placed on the low permeability liner layer in a limited area and associated with the first stages of development of the PLR2 with the aim of increasing the shear resistance of the low permeability liner.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1191
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.10.2.4 | Solution Collection System |
A solution collection system will be implemented above the protection layer with the objective of collecting and directing solution towards the Oxide On/Off PLS pond. It is designed as a network of perforated pipes arranged in a herring bone fashion. The collection system consists of main pipes located in a trench that runs to the Oxide On/Off PLS pond. The solution-collection system will be surrounded by a gravel drainage layer that will facilitate the collection of the solution from the infiltration of leached ore.
The leached solution or excess water from storm events will flow to the Oxide On/Off PLS pond. In the case of a storm event, the water from the PLS Pond may overflow and report to the Oxide On/Off Pad Event Pond. From there, the solution will be pumped to the Contact Water Pond for reuse in the SXEW process or treated and released.
15.10.3 | Water Management |
15.10.3.1 | Contact Water Management |
The Oxide On/Off pad has a PLS Pond and an Event Pond. The Oxide On/Off Event Pond captures runoff contact water from the immediate area and the overflow, in the case on a storm event, from the PLS pond. The PLS Pond collects the Pregnant Leach Solution from the Oxide On/Off Pad and it is pumper to the PLS Feed Pond.
15.10.3.2 | Non-Contact Water Management |
Two (02) perimeter canals are proposed for non-contact water management, referred to as Cuneta 3 and Cuneta 4. The canals will have a trapezoidal section and will be coated with concrete embedded in geocells.
15.11 | ROM Leach Pad |
15.11.1 | Introduction |
KCB has developed the prefeasibility level design of a low-grade material (ROM) leach pad (PLR, for its acronym in Spanish) as part of the Trapiche Project. In the development of the open pit to access sulfide material to be placed on the Sulfide Leach Pad, ROM material is produced. According to TPC-PFS-MEM-340-CI-101- Appendix V – “ROM Description” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3, this material has sufficient copper content to make leaching economically viable.
15.11.2 | Component Description |
The proposed ROM leach pad is located southwest of the sulfide leach pad with central coordinates of 8 393 216 N and 731 118 E (UTM WGS84).
The ROM leach pad has been designed to be completely underlain with an impermeable liner with a total extension of 118 ha, and a total capacity of 111.24 Mt to store and leach low grade ore (ROM). Additionally, it is planned to store 34.3 Mt leached oxides in the northeast sector of the ROM leach pad footprint. This material is extracted from the open pit starting around Year 4 of operation. The PFS-level design of the ROM leach pad has been developed based on the information provided by EMV and the data obtained from a program of test pits, drilling and geophysical investigations carried out by KCB.
The proposed ROM leach pad development is comprised of two (2) phases.
The configuration of the Phase 1 platform is made up of a massive fill with ROM, has two lifts of 45 m average thickness and with downstream slopes of 2.5H:1V up to 4,671 masl. This material comes from the pit blasting and end-dumps;
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1192
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
and is mostly composed of granular materials with a maximum size of 12''. The platform has approximately an area of 59 ha. On the Phase 1 platform, the agglomerated mineral of the sulfide leach pad will be placed up to 4,850 masl.
The Phase 2 platform, located downstream of the Phase 1 Platform, has been divided into two sectors. The downstream sector is made up of a massive fill with ROM, composed of five banks 45 m thickness and with downstream slopes of 1.4H:1V. The configuration of the proposed platform varies from 4,510 m to 4,780 m.
The upstream sector is conformed of a massive oxides fill composed of four banks 45 m thickness and a downstream slope of 2.5H:1V, which will progressively grow along with the adjacent ROM. The configuration of the proposed platform ranges from 4,555 m to 4,780 m.
These materials present very similar characteristics to each other, being mostly made up of granular materials with a maximum size of 12''. These should be separated by an impermeable layer at the interface to minimize the effect on recovery due to the interaction of the ROM/oxide minerals with the leachate in the pad.
15.11.3 | Design Criteria and Assumptions |
As part of the prefeasibility level design of the ROM leach pad, the design basis was defined considering the requirements of EMV, industry standards and KCB experience with this type of structure. The design basis includes operational data, weather, storm events, seismic conditions, geotechnical conditions, and minimum safety factors associated with the stability requirements of the structure. Additionally, it includes design criteria for associated structures, such as perimeter accesses, bypass channels, liner system, sub-drainage system, etc.
The following was assumed for the design of the ROM leach pad:
● | The results of the geotechnical investigations at this level show the absence of geohazards, such as faults, landslides, mass movement, etc., within the area of the sulfide leach pad that may affect the integrity of the structure. These conditions have to be confirmed at the next level of study. |
● | The resistance properties of the ore to be deposited, soil-geomembrane interface and compacted common fill, among the most important parameters in the analysis of stability, were taken from those used in the conceptual level design of the sulfide leaching platform carried out by KP (KP, 2018) because of the lack of data associated with these materials, however, the 2019 drilling campaign monitored by KCB and lab results indicate that the parameters are in the correct range. These design parameters are to be confirmed in the following stages of the project through laboratory investigations. |
● | No specific water balance has been carried out for the sizing of the intermediate solution pond (ILS) and storm events. It is assumed that the required capacity of the storm event pond of PLR will be the same as that of the sulfide leaching platform. In accordance with the requirements of EMV, the inclusion of an ILS pond has been considered. This pond is designed with the same capacity as the ponds of the sulfide leaching platform (PLS). It is recommended to develop an internal water balance for PLR to confirm the capacities of event ponds storm and ILS. |
● | It is assumed that the ROM mineral is a well-drained granular material and that the leaching process of the ROM mineral will not cause an amount of degradation that will affect its geotechnical characteristics. |
● | It is assumed that a water table within the PLR above the maximum level assumed in the stability analyses detailed below will not be generated as a result of irrigation and precipitation on the stacked ROM. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1193
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.11.4 | Civil Design |
15.11.4.1 | General Configuration |
The proposed ROM leach pad is planned for the bottom of the valley with an approximate extension of 118 ha, including the ponds. The installation is designed to provide a storage capacity of 145.5 Mt of ROM and oxides for leaching. The ROM and Oxide waste materials shall be separated by a waterproof liner at the interface to minimize the effect on recovery due to interaction of the spent ore with the leachate in the PLR. The configuration of the proposed stack varies from 4,510 m to 4,780 m. A summary of the characteristics of the geometry is found in Table 15-12.
Table 15-12: Summary of the ROM Leach Pad Main Features
Description | Value | Source |
Minimum Elevation (Phase 1) | 4,590 m | KCB |
Maximum Elevation (Phase 1) | 4,671 m | KCB |
Minimum Elevation (Phase 2) | 4,510 m | KCB |
Maximum Elevation (Phase 2) | 4,780 m | KCB |
Layer Thickness | 45 m | EMV |
Layer Rest Slope | 1.4H:1V | EMV |
Grading Surface Extension | 1,188,900 m2 | KCB |
Storage Capacity | 82.0 Mm3 | KCB |
Maximum Slope Foundation | 2.5H:1V | KCB |
Mineral Density | 1.8 t/m3 | EMV |
Storage Capacity (Includes ROM and Oxide Waste) | 145.5 Mt | KCB |
Grading Surface | ||
Initial Area (Start) | 60 ha | KCB |
Minimum Slope of Grading Surface | 3.00% | KCB |
Maximum Slope of The Grading Surface | 3.0H:1V | KCB |
Maximum Slope of the Grading Surface in Localized Areas | 2.5H:1V | KCB |
Source: KCB, 2020
The ROM will be developed in stages, starting from the lowest elevations (including associated ponds) to the final stage, and is to be located near the final footprint and immediately downstream of where the oxide ore is to be stacked. The PLR includes an intermediate solution pond (ILS Collection Ponds) and ILS Event Pond located immediately downstream of the leaching platform. The objectives of the ponds are to temporarily store the intermediate leach solution (ILS) before being pumped to the sulphide leach pad and store the overflow water before it is pumped to the raffinate pond that is connected to the contact water pond. A summary of the pond characteristics can be found in Table 15-13.
Table 15-13: ROM Leach Pad Pond Characteristics
Description | Value | Source |
ILS Event Pond volume | 52,200 m3 | KCB |
ILS Collection Pond volume | 5,000 m3 | KCB |
Source: KCB/M3, 2020
15.11.4.2 | Foundation Conditions |
The area is formed by rock outcrops of volcanic and sedimentary origin, of which volcanic and residual rocks predominate in most of the area, except in the lower areas or bottom of the creek, where the presence of quaternary deposits can be observed (colluvial and alluvial deposits), and in some cases soft soil deposits in proximity to the main valley. The slopes within the valley vary from relatively flat at the base to pronounced in certain sectors.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1194
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
15.11.4.3 | Site Preparation |
Before the beginning of construction, the proposed area should be surveyed to establish the limits of the initial stage, including associated infrastructure. The grading surface should be developed by executing cuts and fills within the limits of the proposed foundation surface. The existing topsoil layer (organic material) will be removed and stored in the area designated for this purpose (DMO for its acronym in Spanish). Unsuitable material, mainly composed of soft and saturated soils, should also be removed until a suitable foundation is reached, especially in the lower parts of the valley. The subsurface water that is expected to seep through the foundation is planned to be managed through the sub-drainage system.
15.11.4.4 | Sub-drainage System |
The sub-drainage system consists of a network of perforated pipes wrapped with a geotextile to be installed in excavated trenches, which are then filled with drainage gravel. The sub-drainage system is designed to consist of main collection pipes located at the bottom of the main creek. Secondary collection pipes are located laterally to the main pipes, which are connected to the main collection pipes with the objective of intercepting subsurface water that can potentially emerge from the foundation surface. The collected water is to be directed to the contact water collection pond, immediately downstream of the ILS pond.
15.11.4.5 | Liner System |
The leaching platform was designed to be placed on a composite liner system, consisting (from the bottom up) of 30 cm of low permeability soil (soil liner) and a 2.0 mm LLDPE geomembrane liner. In addition, a 30 cm protective layer (typically sand) should be incorporated over the geomembrane liner to protect it from possible damage during the ore discharge process as well as avoid damage by puncture by mineral particles. A 2.5 cm friction layer of sand is designed to be placed on the low permeability liner layer in a limited area and associated with the first stages of development of the ROM leach pad with the aim of increasing the shear resistance of the low permeability liner.
Figure 15-13 presents a scheme of the proposed liner system for ROM leach pad.
Figure 15-13: Proposed Liner System for PLR
15.11.4.6 | Solution Collection System |
A solution collection system will be placed above the protection layer with the objective of collecting and directing solution towards the ILS pond. It is designed as a network of perforated pipes in a fish-bone shape. The planned system consists of main pipes located in the lower zones and a system of secondary collection pipes that should cover most
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1195
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
of the area to collect and direct the solution to the main pipes. The solution-collection system will be surrounded by a gravel drainage layer that will facilitate the collection of the solution from the infiltration of leached ore.
The leached solution or excess water from storm events is designed to be directed through a solution management system that is to be located downstream the foot of the leached material stack and connected to the intermediate solution ponds and storm events. This facility should include Parshall flumes or another appropriate system to measure the flow rate and a pipe network with a series of valve systems to control movement of the solution to the ILS well or storm event pond.
15.11.5 | Stability Analysis |
As part of the ROM leach pad design, a slope stability analysis has been carried out based on selected sections considered as critical, both in static and pseudo-static (with seismic load).
15.11.5.1 | Assumed Foundation Conditions |
Details assumed for the conditions are included above, however, it is important to emphasize that the results of the geotechnical investigations at this level shows the absence of geohazards, such as faults, landslides, mass movement, etc., within the area of the sulfide leach pad that may affect the integrity of the structure. These conditions have to be confirmed at the next level of study.
15.11.5.2 | Methodology |
For stability analysis in ROM leach Pad, the methodology was the same described above for Sulphide Leach Pad. In order to carry out the stability analyses, the critical sections were assessed considering the final configuration of the structure. No intermediate stage stability analysis has been carried out. If necessary and depending on the operating conditions adopted by EMV, the stability analysis of intermediate stages should be carried out during the following stages of the project.
15.11.5.3 | Material Properties |
The material properties for the stability analysis were estimated at the prefeasibility level according to the information provided by EMV and laboratory tests carried out as part of the geotechnical research program. A full description of the material properties estimation is included in TPC-PFS-MEM-340-CI-101- Appendix V – “ROM Description” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3. Table 15-14 shows the summary of material properties assumed for the evaluation of the ROM leach pad stability.
Table 15-14: Summary of ROM Leach Pad Material Properties
Material | Unit Weight (kN/m3) | Friction Angle (°) | Cohesion (C) | Source |
ROM material | 21.0 | Function of Resistance | KCB/EMV | |
Oxide material | 21.0 | Function of Resistance | KCB/EMV | |
Compacted Common Fill | 20.2 | 37 | 0 | KCB/EMV |
Soil-liner interface | Function of Resistance / Interface Type I | KP/EMV | ||
Rock | Impenetrable | - |
15.11.5.4 | Analyzed Conditions |
To carry out the analyses, a section considered as most critical from the point of view of stability was selected. Stability analyses were evaluated under static and pseudo-static conditions for the final configuration of ROM leach pad; no intermediate stage stability analyses were carried out.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1196
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The minimum safety factors were adopted in accordance with the recommendations established in the Environmental Guide for the slope stability of solid mine waste deposits by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and industry standards for this type of structures; however, an evaluation of the risks and consequences associated with the construction and operation of this structure was not carried out in order to classify it. It is recommended to carry out a classification of the consequences in the following stages of the project, especially since plans include a water pond immediately downstream of this structure.
The minimum safety factors are included in the design bases; Table 15-15 shows the details.
Table 15-15: Minimum Safety Factors for Physical Stability (MINEM)
Analysis | Value | Source | Comments |
Minimum permissible safety factor in static condition, period of operation | ≥ 1.3 | MINEM/Knight Piésold/EMV | Table 3.1 of the Trapiche Project Components Review document Rev.1/chapter 4, section 4.5 Environmental guide for the slope stability of solid mine waste deposits, prepared for the MINEM of Peru (S. Miller Inc., 1997). |
Minimum permissible safety factor in pseudo-static condition, period of operation | ≥ 1.0 | | |
In addition to the above, for the stability analysis, a minimum solution level of 3.0 m was assumed on the liner system of the ROM leach pad as a product of the leaching solution irrigation, taking into consideration that the ROM mineral is a draining material (assumed) and that, because of its assumed granulometric characteristics, it will not produce excess pore pressure throughout the operation of the ROM leach pad.
Stability analyses were evaluated considering two analysis scenarios:
● | Scenario 1: ROM leach pad, Phase 1, failure surface through the interface foundation/ geomembrane (block type). |
● | Scenario 2: ROM leach pad, Phase 2, including the sulfide leach pad located above Phase 1 and massive oxide, with a failure surface through the interface foundation/geomembrane (circular type). |
15.11.5.5 | Results |
Details of the analyses carried out are described below:
● | To comply with the minimum established safety factors the use of shear keys spaced at approximately every 50.0 m were included in order to increase the safety factors and shear resistance through the liner system, especially in pseudo-static conditions. |
● | Haul roads have not been included in the stacking configuration of the analysis section as this is the more conservative case. |
Table 15-16 shows the safety factors obtained according to the conditions and cases analyzed.
Table 15-16: Results of Physical Stability Analysis of ROM Leach Pad
Scenario | Failure Type | Factor of Safety (FoS) | |
---|---|---|---|
| | Static | Pseudo-static |
Scenario 1 | Block | 2.2 | 1.1 |
Scenario 2 | Circular | 1.6 | 1.1 |
As can be seen in Table 15-16, the safety factors in static conditions exceed the minimum established safety factors. An estimation of permanent deformations through simplified methodologies has not been carried out because the
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1197
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
safety factors in pseudo-static conditions comply with the minimums established in the design bases, although this analysis should be considered as the design process advances.
15.12 | Water Management |
15.12.1 | Non-contact Water Management Plan |
As part of this study, KCB elaborated the project water management and designed the non-contact bypass channels associated with the planned components for integration into the surface water management scheme. Seven (07) non-contact water diversion channels were designed (CD-01 to CD-07) to capture and conduct runoff water to sedimentation ponds where the fines entrained will be reduced to adequate limits before discharging to natural streams. An extra diversion channel was designed by BISA for managing the runoff water in the camp area and more several local channels were designed for specific areas for KCB, BISA and HLC. The purpose of this system is to capture and conduct runoff water before it comes into contact with mineralization or mineral deposit areas.
The eight main diversion channels (CD-01 to CD-07 and the diversion channel of the camp area) will be built between the Year -4 and -1 of the construction stage to avoid the increase in contact water and other implications environmental. The local channels will be built before the construction of each component.
The channels are designed at this level of study with a trapezoidal section and coated with concrete embedded geocells and pass through a sedimentation/monitoring pond at the end of each canal. TPC-PFS-INF-000-GA-101- Appendix M – “Water Management Memo” of TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3 includes the design of the Non-contact Water Management Plan.
15.12.2 | Contact Water Management Plan |
During the operation, the contact water from the pit will be treated in the Mine Water Treatment Plant, with a starting capacity of 60 liters per second in year -1 and 180 liters per second in Year 18. This water will be led to the contact water tank in dry months to be used in the process according to the water balance and will be discharged to the authorized point once it is verified that it complies with the permitted environmental limits.
Surplus contact water from the sulfide leach pad, ROM pad, oxide pad, or other areas will be conducted to the contact water pond where it will be stored for reuse in the process. If this water needed some treatment to return to the process or to discharge to the authorized point, in the event of an extreme event, a Contact Water Treatment Plant was designed with a capacity of 25 liters per second.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1198
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
16 | Market Studies and Contracts |
16.1 | Copper Market and Projected Supply and Demand |
CRU prepared a market study for BVN/EMV for the Trapiche Project and the price forecast as of April 2021 are discussed below.
Between 2015 and 2018, the refined copper market moved consistently from a surplus into a deficit, with 2019 being a balanced year. As a result, prices moved from US$5,497 to US$6,523 per tonne between 2015 and 2018, dropping to US$6,000/t in 2019. As the market became broadly balanced, copper prices started to be dominated by investor positioning in the paper market rather than the buying and selling of metal and intermediate products in the physical market.
Since Covid-19 had a stronger impact on demand than in supply, 2020 was a year with a ~100kt of surplus. However, the annual average prices increased to US$6,181/t as speculative activity pushed prices up considerably by the end of the year.
With the lead times of new copper mines, a five-year understanding of supply and demand of refined copper is possible. As such, price forecasts in the medium term are predominantly constructed by assessment of the supply and demand of refined copper, and the resulting market balance expected. However, prices have rallied against a positive macroeconomic environment coupled with a selective focus on industry specifics such as visible inventories (which have been rising but remain low in absolute terms) and intermittent disruptions to supply. In this context, market fundamentals such as the small, refined copper deficit of ~30kt expected for 2021 and the move towards a surplus the following year as new projects come on stream are not the main drivers for price at the moment. Consequently, the price is susceptible to further sharp increases in the short term, but ultimately approaching an inflexion point.
Overall, prices are expected to average US$9,348/t in 2021, moving down to US$7,980/t in 2023 as new projects come on stream and the market goes into a surplus. From 2023 onwards, prices are expected to start moving up as demand contuse to grow at a stronger pace than supply and the market starts moving into a deficit.
In the long term, CRU expects smelting capacity will be able to support the demand for refined copper. In case new smelting capacity is needed, smelters and refineries can be built in only a few years if the economics make sense. Therefore, mined copper supply will be the bottleneck to global copper market growth, and prices will need to adjust in order to incentivize investment into new mining capacity. Based on the supply-demand gap expected at a mine level, new mining projects will be needed as soon as by 2024.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1199
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
In the long term, CRU expects there will be around ~5.2 Mt deficit in the copper market by 2031, which will push the incentive price to reach US$6,955/t in real 2020 terms. Beyond 2031, prices in real terms are expected to show small annual increases of 0.25% to reflect increases in production costs.
Source: CRU
Figure 16-2: 2015 – 2045 Copper Prices
Table 16-1: 2015 – 2045 Copper LME Cash Prices (US$/t)
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
Nominal | 5,497 | 4,862 | 6,166 | 6,523 | 6,000 | 6,181 | 9,348 | 8,680 | 7,980 | 8,480 | 8,990 |
Real 2020 | 5,968 | 5,224 | 6,500 | 6,717 | 6,068 | 6,181 | 9,164 | 8,339 | 7,515 | 7,829 | 8,139 |
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 | 2033 | 2034 | 2035 | 2036 |
Nominal | 8,884 | 8,778 | 8,672 | 8,566 | 8,460 | 8,649 | 8,845 | 9,044 | 9,248 | 9,457 | 9,670 |
Real 2020 | 7,886 | 7,640 | 7,400 | 7,166 | 6,939 | 6,955 | 6,972 | 6,990 | 7,008 | 7,025 | 7,043 |
| 2037 | 2038 | 2039 | 2040 | 2041 | 2042 | 2043 | 2044 | 2045 | | |
Nominal | 9,888 | 10,111 | 10,339 | 10,572 | 10,811 | 11,055 | 11,304 | 11,559 | 11,819 | | |
Real 2020 | 7,060 | 7,078 | 7,096 | 7,113 | 7,131 | 7,149 | 7,167 | 7,185 | 7,203 | | |
Data: CRU
16.2 | Transportation |
16.2.1 | Sulfuric Acid/Cathode Transport |
The following provides the basis for cathode and sulfuric acid delivery costs used in the OPEX:
1. | Sulfuric Acid Price: Sulfuric acid (average: 150 tons / year) will be delivered by ship to San Juan de Marcona Port and then transported overland by 30-ton tanker trucks to Trapiche via route 02 (490 km approx.). The CIF price to the port of San Juan de Marcona is $80/ton (Assumption based in Cochilco´s Dec-2019 Report* forecast considering that Peruvian demand for sulfuric acid would not vary greatly from the projections). The above price includes port fees. |
* December 2019 study performed by the Comisión Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco) entitled “Mercado chileno del ácido sulfúrico al año 2028”.
2. | Port of San Juan de Marcona: "Terminal Multiboyas" in San Juan de Marcona is under construction. It is expected to be in operation prior to the first year of operation of the Trapiche project. This port will specialize |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1200
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
in the management of sulfuric acid off-loading from ships for Mina Justa project and EMV assumes that an agreement will be reached with the port operator similarly for the Trapiche project. |
3. | Sulfuric Acid Overland Delivery: EMV obtained a quote for overland shipping of sulfuric acid from Transportes Enrique Carcamo SAC. The following details their cost: |
Unit Price of Sulfuric Acid Transportation | |||||
Item | Description | Unit | Cost | S/. | Cost/ton |
1 | Sulfuric Acid Transportation (30 Ton) (*) | Ton | 29 | 7000 | 241.38 |
2 | Light truck (security of 13 tankers (**) | Ton | 377 | 3000 | 7.96 |
3 | Stand by of Tanker (Acid) (***) | Ton | 29 | 700 | 24.14 |
4 | Stand by of Light Truck (***) | Ton | 377 | 400 | 1.06 |
Total (S/.) | 274.54 | ||||
Soles/$US | 3.60 | ||||
Total $US | 76.26 |
4. | Cathode Delivery: Cathodes will be transported overland from Trapiche to "Terminal Portuario General San Martin" via route 01 (647 Km), and then shipped out of this port during the early years of the project. Transportation charges will be assumed $0.055/ton according BVN´s financial department. |
5. | Potential for Combined Shipments: EMV requested a trade-off study from M3 to review shipping options to address the shipment of sulfuric acid to site as well as the shipment of copper cathodes off-site. Specifically, EMV requested that M3 review shipping vehicle options that would allow a backhaul of copper cathode by the same vehicle that brought sulfuric acid to site. The distance to site is very long so savings from a combined haul could be significant. Since the trailer hauling sulfuric acid is a tanker and the trailer hauling cathodes is a flatbed, this means the resulting arrangement will need to be customized to the Trapiche Project. One of the primary concerns is that of safety and making sure that any proposed backhaul arrangement can be done safely to protect driver and the environment. It should be assured that any proposed customized transport vehicle meets all Peruvian transportation laws. Also, at this time the cathodes and sulfuric acid are going to or coming from different ports. Due to this complexity, the PFS assumes that separate vehicles will be used to transport cathodes and sulfuric acid. |
However, there is a future opportunity to use the same port (San Juan de Marcona) for the sulfuric acid and the shipment of cathodes. A combined vehicle could lead to a reduction in overall combined transport cost and a reduced social effect due to the reduction of vehicles on route 02. This should be considered in future studies.
6. | Summary: |
● | Copper Cathode Transport, shipping from Trapiche to San Martin: $0.055 pound of copper. |
● | Sulfuric Acid Overland Transport, shipping from San Juan de Marcona to Trapiche: $76.26/ton of acid. |
● | Sulfuric Acid Purchase, delivered to San Juan de Marcona inclusive of port fees: $80/ton of acid. |
● | Total Delivered Sulfuric Acid Cost: $80/ton + $76.26/ton = $156.26/ton. |
16.3 | Metal Price |
The price of copper used in the Financial Model for this study is $8,000/ tonne, or approximately $3.63/lb. This number is in the high end of the CRU International Ltd “Market input for S-K 1300: Trapiche” and has been provided by EMV.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1201
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17 | Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact |
17.1 | Environmental Studies and Permitting |
Due to the pre-feasibility level of engineering considered in this document, the list of permits described below is general. There are aspects of the project (additional studies, permits, procurement/negotiations) that depend on the feasibility level of design of the components, their size or areas of influence, supplies and materials to be used, both for construction and operation. The following is a description of what was identified at pre-feasibility level considered in this document.
17.1.1 | Legal Requirements and Permitting |
In accordance with Peruvian environmental regulations, the licenses and permits necessary to construct and operate mines are related to the stage and scope of the project. For this mining project, the following legal requirements and permits for the construction, operation and closure stages must be obtained based on the laws currently in force in Peru:
● | Legal |
o | Mining and beneficiation concessions |
o | Surface land ownership |
● | Environmental |
o | Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, including |
◾ | Socio-environmental Baseline |
◾ | Certificate of Non-Existence of Archaeological Remains (CIRA) |
◾ | Archeological Rescue Plans (if necessary) |
◾ | Deforestation Authorization (if necessary) |
o | License for use and disposal of domestic and industrial waters |
◾ | license for use for domestic purposes (e.g. camps) |
◾ | licenses for mining and industrial purposes (surface) |
◾ | industrial and domestic wastewater disposal authorizations |
o | Authorizations for closure/closure plan at a feasibility level of design (must be submitted within one year after the EIA is approved) |
● | Mining Operation |
o | Authorization for construction and operation of mine and process plant |
◾ | authorization to start development activities, preparation, and exploitation (includes mining plan and landfills) |
◾ | authorization for construction and operation of beneficiation concession |
o | Construction authorization and operating license for explosives and blasting accessories storage |
o | Direct consumer authorization for fuel |
◾ | Authorization for fuel tanks storage |
◾ | Authorization for operation of fuel stations |
o | Others |
◾ | IQPF user certificate |
◾ | Special record of entry and use of IQPF |
◾ | Project location certificate with respect to protected natural areas and buffer zones |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1202
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
◾ | Social license (social licenses are the authorizations for the use of surface land, community agreements, usufruct agreements, among others) |
17.1.1.1 | Legal |
17.1.1.1.1 | Mining Concessions |
The Single Revised Text (TUO) of the General Mining Law2, Article 9, indicates that "the mining concession gives its owner the right to exploration and exploitation of the mineral resources allocated, which are within a solid with an indefinite depth, limited by vertical planes corresponding to the sides of a closed square, rectangle or polygonal, whose vertices are referred to as Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM) coordinates. The mining concession is a different property and separate from the property where it is located." The mining concession — involving exploration and exploitation activities (granted by INGEMENT) — is the key permit for the mineral extraction.
Thus, the rights to the mining concessions are required for mining exploration and/or exploitation. Currently, El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV) has seven mining concessions issued by INGEMMET over the project area, with an expansion of 7,600 ha according to Table 17-1.
Table 17-1: Trapiche Project Mining Concessions Area
Concession Name | Mining Registry Code | Available Expansion (Ha) |
Acumulación Trapiche | 010000102L | 1900 |
Trapiche 4 | 010677795 | 700 |
Trapiche 9 | 010124900 | 1000 |
Trapiche 10 | 010015507 | 1000 |
Trapiche 22 | 010032508 | 1000 |
Trapiche 7 | 010243697 | 1000 |
Trapiche 26 | 010161108 | 1000 |
Source: Ingemmet, January 2019.
Note: The mining concessions mentioned above are under the name of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., owner of MVSAC
17.1.1.1.2 | Beneficiation Concession |
The beneficiation concession gives its owner the right to extract or concentrate the valuable parts of an aggregate of minerals and/or to melt, purify or refine metals, either through a set of physical, chemical or physicochemical processes3. The beneficiation concession is an activity different from an extraction activity (exploitation) 4.
For the beneficiation of the mined minerals, a beneficiation concession is required, issued by the DGM, which can be processed once the following are obtained: i) the environmental certification (EIAd approved), ii) the water use permits for both consumption and effluent discharge, and iii) the CIRA or the archaeological rescue plan.
In accordance with the Single Text of Administrative Procedures (TUPA) of the MINEM, in order to be granted the beneficiation concession (specifically, case A of item No. 40), the following requirements must be completed, in three phases:
2 See the Single Revised Text (TUO) of the General Mining Law and amendments, this TUO was approved by the Supreme Decree 014-92-EM and published on 04-06-92.
3 See chapter II, TUO of the General Mining Law for Beneficiation Concession.
4 The beneficiation is one of the activities that is developed under the concession scheme (it is not free, it is a concession subject). The beneficiation concession activity is an activity other than extractive.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1203
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | Phase A: Evaluation of request and authorization for publication of the signs (containing the coordinates where the project will be carried out). In this phase, the main requirements are i) descriptive report of the process plant and its main, ancillary and complementary facilities according to the format established by the MEM's general mining management (detailed engineering of the project facilities), ii) EMI that supports the project, and iii) document that proves that the applicant owns or is authorized by the owner(s) of 100% of the shares and property rights to use the land where the process activity is carried out, in accordance with the provisions of article 35 of DS-018-92-EM (Mining Procedures Regulation). |
● | Phase B: Construction Authorization for this stage requires: i) a water use license for mining issued by the National Water Authority, ii) Certificate of Non-Existence of Archaeological Remains (CIRA) or Archaeological Monitoring Plan, as applicable, and iii) authorization from the competent authority, as applicable, if the project affects roads and other right of way roads. |
● | Phase C: Verification inspection, title granting and operation authorization. This phase requires: i) water use license for mining issued by the National Water Authority, ii) authorization for the discharge of treated wastewater, issued by the National Water Authority, if applicable, iii) Mine closure plan approved5, iv) certificate of quality assurance of construction and/or facilities (CQA), v) final work report, and vi) drawings of work and facilities completed (as built). |
Also, as part of this procedure, the mining authority may require detailed studies and construction records in order to verify and compare the technical information provided.
It is important to mention that, if applicable, the State, through the General Office of Social Management, will consult in advance with the indigenous or native people whose collective rights may be directly affected, before the authorization of the construction. The General Mining Department and the Mining Environmental Affairs Department are those that support the General Office of Social Management in the prior consultation procedure. MVSAC must coordinate with these institutions. In addition, according to the standard, in the case that the beneficiation concession, the authorization for mining operations or the transport concession are part of a single project, a single prior consultation process will be carried out, if the indigenous people were directly affected.
17.1.1.1.3 | Surface Land Property |
For both mining concession and beneficiation concession, surface land rights or use permit are required. That is, must have the authorization from 100% of the owners of the property to use the land where the project is developed (both for mining activities and for beneficiation activities). This is in accordance with the regulations mentioned in the previous section (DS-018-92-EM, Article 35).
As indicated, MVSAC has the permit to use the surface lands belonging to the Mollebamba6 village community, it was granted for a period of 30 years7. Thus, by means of an easement agreement, it is established that MVSAC's titles are authorizations from the owners (the village community) for the mining operations on surface land, on the easement area and in the beneficiation concessions for mineral exploration, mining and/or beneficiation.
5 It is the mine closure plan that must be submitted up to one year after the EMI is approved and subsequently approved by DGM.
6 The Mollebamba village community is located geopolitically circumscribed in the Juan Espinoza Medrano district; Antabamba province, Apurímac region.
7 This easement grant for surface land use, granted by the Mollebamba village, in favor of MVSAC, was executed in Abancay city on 30-06-11 (stat date of the time granted).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1204
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The total easement area granted to MVSAC by the Mollebamba village community, for a period of 30 years, is 2,300 ha. It is important to note that, for future expansions, it should be considered that the right of use does not give the right of ownership.
17.1.1.2 | Environmental Aspect |
MVSAC has been conducting mining exploration work in the project area. In order to carry out this exploration phase work, environmental studies such as environmental impact declarations (DIA) and semi-detailed environmental impact studies (EIA-sd) were previously completed; also, for schedule modifications within these DIA or EIA-sd, supporting technical reports (ITSs) were approved, which are listed in Section 17.2.
17.1.1.2.1 | Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAd) |
The primary environmental instrument – to begin mineral exploitation activities (construction and operation) – is a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAd). The authority in charge of participating during the elaboration process of the EIAd, as well as evaluations and approvals is the National Environmental Certification Service for Sustainable Investments (Servicio Nacional de Certificación Ambiental para las Inversiones Sostenibles, SENACE) 8, the autonomous authority of MINAM; who, depending on the project scope, determines which other authorities must participate with their binding or nonbinding technical opinions. The exploitation and beneficiation of minerals requires an approved EIAd by the mentioned authority.
According to the Peruvian Environmental Regulation, the evaluation process is based on a degree of certainty in relation to the defined scope of the project and description of what is expected; therefore, it is generally performed when enough technical information is available to prepare a feasibility study (FS). Often, the EIAd and the FS are developed simultaneously with the purpose of including design measurements for environmental protection (i.e. construction of a water treatment plant and a containment system among others).
The Peruvian environmental regulation provides guidelines9 for preparing this type of study. Likewise, common reference terms (RT)10 exist for the mining sector, specifically (RM-116-2015-MEM/DM); and common RTs11 from the ANA for preparing environmental studies (RJ-090-2016-ANA). It is important to note that the standard of the mining sector points out that “EIAds or their modifications that do not meet the content and structure of the common RTs, will not be considered, unless the competent environmental authority approved the specific corresponding RTs”.
Generally, the EIAd shall include the following contents:
● | Characterization of actual conditions of the environment, by developing a consistent environmental and social baseline, classifying the study area in its four fundamental topics: Physical component, biological component, social component, and human-interest component. |
8 Currently, environmental studies for mining exploration are approved by the General Mining Environmental Affairs Department from the Ministries of Energy and Mines (DGAAM-MEM); and for the mining stage, they must be approved by the Agency of Environmental Certification for Sustainable Investment (SENACE) of the Ministry of the Environment.
9 Ministerial Resolution No.455-2018-MINAM, approves the guide for the development of the Baseline and the Guide for the Identification and Characterization of Environmental Impacts, within the framework of the National Environmental Impact Assessment System – SEIA.
10 Ministerial Resolution No.116-2015-MEM/DM approve common terms of reference for the development of detailed and semi-detailed environmental impact studies for exploration, beneficiation, general work, transport and mining storage activities and others, in compliance with Supreme Decree No. 040-2014-EM.
11 Administrative Decree No.090-2016-ANA, Common Water Content Reference Terms to be complied in the development of environmental studies.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1205
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | A project description at a feasibility level, in such a way that its dimension and scope can be understood, as well as the procedures and design measures that will be employed. |
● | Identification and evaluation of the environmental and social impacts that will directly and indirectly influence environmental and social components during the various stages of the project (construction, operation, closure, and post-closure). Predictive models are required for the evaluation, according to common RTs. |
● | Specific environmental and social management measures based on identified impacts in various stages of the project, integrating along with the standard requirements, corporate policies and commitments. |
● | Economic evaluation of the impacts based on applicable Peruvian legislation requirements. |
● | Tools and mechanisms for the provision of consultation services to the community, that include community workshops and public hearings, as well as the development of a Community Relations Plan. |
The conceptual closure plan for the project shall be included as part of the EIA, which shall identify and describe the estimated measures to carry out the closure of the mining project’s components and facilities. Then, this plan must be developed and evaluated at a feasibility level, in accordance with the provisions in Law No. 28090; law that regulates mine closures.
In addition to being an environmental management instrument and a requirement for other permits, the EIAd allows the construction and operation of certain facilities that do not have a specific construction and operation permit (i.e. camps, offices).
With regards to the preparation of the study, the first stage of the EIAd is gathering proper data from the project site and other areas that could potentially be altered.
Currently, MVSAC has contracted the consulting firm AMEC Foster Wheeler – Wood Group (Wood) to prepare an EIAd for the Trapiche Project, which will be the environmental management instrument (EMI) that will allow other permits to be obtained to begin the construction and operation of the project. Wood is in the process of elaborating the physical, biological, and social baseline, in accordance with the EIAd’s Peruvian regulations accompanied by SENACE. The following stage in the development of the EIAd is the identification and analysis of socio-environmental impacts by using mathematical and conceptual models; and the development of an integrated socio-environmental management strategy. Wood will prepare the documents required for the EIAd to obtain an approval by SENACE, the designated approval authority.
The approval of this EMI is one of the most important milestones for the project’s implementation, this EMI includes two phases of the project (exploitation and beneficiation of oxides and of sulfides).
According to TUPA12 from SENACE, the standard duration for approval of the EIA is 156 working days from the submission to the authority. It considers the time required for SENACE to request further clarifications (opinions, observations, complementary information) if they were to be necessary and for the applicant to respond. However, in practice, the approval time varies and could take between seven and twelve months.
According to Article 38 of Law No. 30327 – Investment Promotion for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development – and D.S. No. 040-2014-MEM, during the process of obtaining environmental permits for the execution of projects of
12 According to Peruvian standard, TUPA is a document for public management that compiles administrative procedures and exclusive services regulated and delivered by a public entity in Peru. According to the law, this document must be available to the citizens in order for them to make the necessary arrangements that they deemed pertinent on equal terms and with sufficient information.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1206
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
great importance, the specialized team of assessors sent by the authority is required to perform a proactive support and follow-up in all the stages of the project.
Since the approval of the DS-040-2015-EM and conclusion of function transfer process in mining and environmental certification, from DGAAM-MEM to SENACE (26-12-2015), the environmental authority (SENACE) actively participates in the elaboration process of the EIAd, for which a work plan shall be presented that specifies, to the authority, the activities planned for field data survey, such information includes:
● | Area of study13 |
● | UTM coordinates and maps with sampling/monitoring points |
● | Sampling/monitoring procedure |
● | Maps with points |
● | Responsible technical team (specialists) |
● | Required permits, authorizations according to standards |
● | Work Timeline |
● | Other related information |
Based on such standard and as part of the support process, MVSAC shall foresee the authority’s involvement on site included in the work plan, and in the environmental baseline survey during the application of mechanisms for civil participation; as well as meetings with the evaluating authority (and other binding authorities) to present results and key topics of the project. This accompanying report (generated by SENACE) shall be attached to the EIAd file.
EVA, SENACE’s digital platform, will be used during the EIAd’s entire elaboration and evaluation process.
The Certificate of Non-Existence of Archaeological Remains (CIRA) is a regulatory requirement that should be included. It is not an environmental permit; however, it is highly recommended that a CIRA is acquired from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture (MC), in order to provide proof that there will be no archeological sites or remains affected as a result of the construction components of the project. Generally, in addition to the approved EIAd, the CIRA is required prior to starting project construction.
The CIRA is generally acquired at the same time as the EIAd permit is processed.
The process for acquiring the CIRA begins with a site evaluation by a licensed archeologist and the preparation of the technical document that is presented to the Ministry of Culture (MC) or local branch14 thereof; the involvement of MC officials at site ends with the evaluation and issuance of the CIRA. The archeological reference report could indicate that archeological remains were discovered, which requires confirmations from MC officials.
If there is evidence of the existence of archeological remains, an archeological rescue plan should be submitted to the MC (to acquire a construction permit); then an archeological monitoring plan (during the construction stage).
13 Environmental or Social Study Area shall be understood as the area that has been indirectly affected by construction and operation of the project.
14 For this project, the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Apurímac applies
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1207
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
According to the Forestry and Wildlife Law (LFFS)15, holders of mining operations contracts operating within the scope of forests or forested areas require prior authorization from SERFOR or the regional forestry and wildlife authority to carry out deforestation in these areas. This permit request for deforestation from SERFOR could also be processed as part of the comprehensive environmental certification (IntegrAmbiente, see description below) by SENACE.
Although the majority of the area of the project occurs above the tree-line, it is possible that there may be trees in the region of the Rio Seguiña that will need to be removed for the construction of rock control measures or the water take-off structure. In this case, there must be an evaluation that demonstrates that the proposed activity cannot be carried out elsewhere and that the proposed alternative technique guarantees the compliance with the legally required environmental standards. Similarly, it ensures that the material area for deforestation is the minimum required and that it will be carried out with the best practices and existing methods. This process also requires a visual inspection prior to obtaining an authorization.
IntegrAmbiente is an opportunity that could be considered to reduce the time it takes to acquire permits prior to the construction of its components. According to SENACE, this allows saving a considerable amount of time in permit processing by using the one-stop shop that is managed by SENACE, that ensures the only entrance and exit for obtaining permits that require replicated information in the EIA. IntegrAmbiente allows the evaluation and approval of the EIAd be made concurrently acquiring operating permits issued by entities such as ANA, SERFOR, DIGESA, and OSINERMING – ex.: i) certification of water availability, which meets the approval studies of water management for acquiring a water use license; ii) authorization for execution of water management work; iii) water use permitting to perform studies; iv) authorization for industrial and domestic wastewater disposal; v) deforestation authorization; vi) sanitary approval of treatment system and final disposition of domestic wastewater with ground infiltration; vii) risks studies; and viii) contingency plan.
The incorporation of permits, as part of IntegrAmbiente, must be communicated to the authorities to convene and negotiate operating permits.
17.1.1.2.2 | Domestic and Industrial Water Use Permit and Disposal Authorizations |
According to the existing Peruvian regulation16, the National Water Authority (ANA17), and its eclectic agencies, is the governing entity in Perú that serves to determine standards and establish procedures to ensure the integral and viable management of water resources by hydrographic basins; also, it is responsible of performing the necessary actions for the multisectoral and sustainable use of this resource.
The water use permits are documents granted by the National Water Authority, through the Water Management Authorities, at the request of the party, authorizing the use of water for an activity of permanent nature, with a purpose and at a specific location.
15 Law 27308 and its regulations (DS-014-2001-AG).
16 Law 29338, Water Resources Law.
17 ANA is an independent organization and is affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG).
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1208
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The following permits for the project (based on the feasibility level study information) should be requested separately to the Water Management Authority (AAA18):
● | Surface water use license for demographic purposes (e.g. for camps, offices) |
● | Surface water use license for mining purposes (e.g. for mining, ore beneficiation)19 |
All of these license requests could be included as part of the comprehensive environmental certification, provided that the required information is included in each of the license requests.
As part of the license requests, water use studies should be carried out in advance; similarly, prior authorizations are required for executing water availability studies for the project.20
Additionally, for the construction stage, it should be foreseen that licensing should be acquired for executing work on natural water resources, since the construction of a freshwater reservoir is foreseen.
According to the administrative procedures regulation for the issuance of water use rights, administrative procedures for water areas are initiated with the submission of the request before the local water administration (ALA), for the area where the water will be used. If the natural water resource and the possible collection point are found within other ALA scope, their opinion will be requested. The request should fulfill the requirements mentioned in Articles 9 and 10 (Title II) of the aforementioned regulation.21
In accordance to current regulations, special documents and attachments that should be included for each procedure are mentioned as per each type of license.
The Surface Water Use Permit authorizes the holder to use water for a permanent activity, for a purpose and a specific location. It is granted once the execution of water use work and easement is verified.
The type of water use indicated in the permit allows the holder to use a water volume to develop the main activity and other work to fulfill the purpose of the water.
To obtain this license, whether it be for mining or demographic use (camps and offices), a license request should be submitted for surface water for demographic purposes and another for mining purposes. Both should be accompanied with the following attachments:
● | Copy of the resolution that authorized the execution of water use work22. |
18 The water administrative authorities become the authorities that direct and implement the water resources management at the level of management basins; through these, water use rights and authorizations for the reuse of treated wastewater and the execution of work, among others are granted. In the case of this project, the administrative water authority is XI AAA – Pampas – Apurímac; and the local water administration that applies is ALA - Alto Apurímac – Velille with administrative headquarters in Yauri-Espinar (according to the ANA, the Mollebamba river basin is located in the Alto Apurímac basin, which belongs to the Amazon hydrographic region).
19 As of the date of preparation of this section, permitting for groundwater use (for either mining or population purposes) has not been considered. However, the procedures are similar to obtaining surface water permits.
20 According to the Administrative Decree No. 007-2015-ANA, which approves the Regulations of Administrative Procedures for Water Use Rights and Authorization for work execution on Natural Water Resources.
21 Title II, single procedure for administrative water procedures. Article 9, request content; article 10, request attachments.
22 In order to obtain the execution authorization for water use work, the water use study must be approved (this includes the hydrological study and plan of use). Additionally, to carry out a water use study, the authorization to execute water use studies will be required (water resource and point of interest). For more details, refer to the Regulations of Administrative Procedure for the issuance of water use rights.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1209
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | The compliance document for projects that allows the effective use of water resources, issued by the appropriate sector (when applicable). |
● | Document that guarantees the water capacity for demographic use, granted by the Health Ministry or corresponding accredited entity; and the competent sector in the case of its productive uses. In this case, MINEM. |
The water use permit request should indicate the wastewater disposal system, when applicable.
The order that grants the water use permit will record an annual and disaggregated volume in monthly periods, determined based on the approved availability.
When water studies demonstrate the existence of available volume that is annually present during flood seasons for an equal or greater period of three months, below the monthly lifespan curve, at a 75% persistence; this volume could be granted by the license. The applicants are required to perform regulation work for the development of their allocations during deficit periods. For the issuance of these licenses, the Water Management Authority should consider current and projected demands in the Basin Water Resources Management Plan.
According to the applicable Peruvian regulations for this sector23, liquid effluents24 from mining and metallurgical operations should be treated and fulfill the maximum limits permitted (LMP) before its discharge to the environment. Similarly, they should comply with the Water ECA or Base Line in the receiving body. In other words:
● | Contact waters, upon being discharged to the environment, should comply with the LMP (mining/domestic effluents). |
● | After its respective mixing zone, they should comply with the ECA water category and the one they belong to (the State keeps a registry of the quality standard that should be fulfilled in their specific basins or sub-basins). |
● | In the case of non-acidic waters and non-leaching metals, sediments (sedimentation pond, prior to its management and discharge to the environment) will probably be the only ones that need management. However, they should comply with the LMP prior to its environmental discharge. |
In order to be able to support before the authority, regarding the presence of natural waters with high acid content and/or heavy metals characteristics, it is important that this characterization is presented as part of the baseline of the environmental impact study. This is done in order to maintain the conditions prior to the project; it is important that the water that is characterized and identified is: i) of natural origin, or ii) the one they intend to discharge.
In the construction stage, water with completely dissolved solids content is likely to be generated, depending on the frequency and duration. These could be considered as minor impacts since they should take place in a temporary manner.
23 DS-010-2010-MINAM, maximum permissible limits are approved for liquid waste disposal from mining and metallurgical activities.
24 According to current regulation (Article 3 from DS-010-2010-MINAM), liquid effluent (waste) from mining and metallurgical activities is “any regular or seasonal flow of liquid substance discharged to receiving bodies that comes from a) any task, excavation or earthwork carried out on the property whose purpose is the development of mining activities or related activities, including exploration, drilling, mining, transportation and mine closures, as well as camps, water or energy supply systems, shops, storage, access roads for industrial use (except public use), and others; b) Any mineral processing plant, including crushing, milling, flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, amalgamation, reduction, heating, sintering, smelting, refining, leaching, solvent extraction, electroplating processes and others; c) Any waste water treatment plant and domestic waste; d) Any mining waste storage, including tailing deposits, waste rock, slag and others; e) Any related ancillary infrastructure related to the development of mining activities; and f) Any combination of the previously mentions”.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1210
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.1.1.2.3 | Closure Authorizations – Closure Plan (CP) |
A feasibility-level closure plan should be developed and evaluated; and it must be presented within one year of EIAd approval. Its elaboration will be based on the provisions of Law No. 2809025, a law that regulates mine closures and its complementary standards.
The approval of the CP includes establishing financial guarantees by which the State ensures that the owner of the mining activity complies with the closure obligations stipulated in the CP.
17.1.1.3 | Mining Operation |
17.1.1.3.1 | Authorization for Mine and Plant Construction and Operation |
As mentioned in Section 17.1 (legal aspect), authorizations are required for the construction and operation of the mine and plant by obtaining the permits for:
● | Mining concession |
● | Beneficiation concession |
Thus, for the approval of the mining plan, authorization of development and preparation activities; as well as for the authorization to start operating activities the following should be considered:
MVSAC should obtain the authorization to start mining exploration activities through a directorate resolution issued by the general mining bureau (DGM) of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM). This resolution should approve the mining plan and authorize operation activities in the Trapiche stages. Additionally, through that same resolution, authorization for the development activities and preparation of the waste rock facility and ancillary services; furthermore, for the operation of other components related to the mine extraction activity. In summary, authorization should be obtained for:
● | Mining Plan |
● | Mining operation in stages |
● | Mine development activities and |
● | Preparation activities for the waste rock facility and ancillary services not considered in the permit to obtain a beneficiation concession. |
A beneficiation concession allows the owner to process, purify and refine minerals through the use of chemical and/or physical procedures in processing plants. The procedure to obtain a beneficiation concession is primarily divided in two stages:
25 The objective of Law No. 28090 is to regulate the obligations and procedures that mining activity holders should comply with for the development, submission and implementation of the Mine Closure Plan and the establishment of corresponding environmental guarantees, that ensure the compliance with the investments, subject to the protection principals, preservation and recuperation of the environment and with the purpose of minimizing negative impacts to public health, the surrounding ecosystem and the property.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1211
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | The concession contract (construction stage). Through an issued resolution by the DGM a construction authorization should be obtained for the processing plants (SXEW), including the water supply systems, leaching pads. For the second stage of the project, said permits should be requested with required anticipation. The submission of the petition should take place according to TUPA from MINEM and according to the regulation requirements (e.g. detailed engineering study). |
● | Licensing stage for beneficiation concession (in other words, the granting of the operating license), requested once the construction of the processing plant has been finalized. After the construction of the first phase of the project: SXEW processing plant, leaching pads, other facilities; the relevant operation permit shall be acquired from the directorate resolution of the General Mining Bureau of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This resolution will allow MVSAC to operate the SXEW processing plant up to its determined capacity and operate the leach pads. When it is required to operate the Phase II of the Project (the TSF plant, tailings deposit, water management system Phase II), the appropriate procedure must be followed. |
The permit requests for mining and beneficiation are submitted through the MEM Extranet platform.
The construction and operation stages of the project require an EIAd approved by SENACE and will need additional sectoral permits that will be required throughout the mine life.
17.1.1.3.2 | Construction permit and powder magazines operating license for storage and blasting accessories |
According to Law No. 30299, firearms, ammunition, explosives, pyrotechnic products and related materials of civil use, the Superintendencia Nacional de Control de Servicios de Seguridad, Armas, Municiones y Explosivos de Uso Civil (SUCAMEC) is the entity in charge of issuing the following interest authorizations:
● | Handling of explosives and related materials |
● | Procurement and use of explosives and related materials |
● | Storage of explosives and related materials |
● | Transport of explosives and related materials |
National standards for the transportation and storage of explosives are strict. Thus, to be able to request a permit for the procurement and use of explosives and related materials from SUCAMEC, a Mining Operations Certificate (COM)26, 27 must first be obtained.
In accordance with the standard, powder magazines or storages shall be built according to the current law that controls explosives for civil use and shall have an authorization for storage of explosives and related materials from the SUCAMEC28.
To obtain the permit for the storage of explosives and related materials, MVSAC shall submit an application in accordance with TUPA (Order No. 20, Permit for Storage of Explosives and Related Materials) along with the requirements mentioned herein. The annual application of COM should be submitted as of November 1st of each year, for operations for the following year, by MEM extranet.
26 Per Article 278 of the Mine Safety and Health Administration Standards (DS No. 024-2016-EM). The procedure to acquire the COM is found in TUPA from MEM (Order No. 50 – Mining Operation Certificate/metal and non-metal mining operations.
27 Per the Decree Law No. 25707 stating that in the event of an emergency the use of explosives for civil use and related matters; Article 5 indicates that the MEM takes responsibility for 1) issuing a mining operation certificate, for the overall authorization for the use of explosives, and 2) issuing an opinion for the acquisition of explosives and/or related matters by legal persons dedicated to the mining activity.
28 It should be considered that the directive No. 223-2014-SUCAMEC regulates the classification and compatibility of the explosives and related material. Additionally, according to the SSO mining regulations, the accessories of the explosives should be stored in a different deposit than the explosives.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1212
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.1.1.3.3 | Direct consumer permit for fuel |
According to the Supreme Decree No. 004-2010-EM, decree that transfers the Hydrocarbon Registry to the Osinergmin; the Peruvian governmental institution that currently issues the required permits for handling hydrocarbon fuels is the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining or Osinergmin29; in other words, within its functions and responsibilities is to evaluate related files with the installation, expansion and/or modification authorization processes, hydrocarbon processing activities registry, storage, fuel transportation and commercialization and other hydrocarbon derived products.
For the Trapiche Project, it is expected to obtain direct consumer authorization for fuel that considers the fuel tanks storage and fuel station operation from Osinergmin:
● | Permit for storage of fuel tanks |
● | Permit for fuel station operation |
The requirements are found in the TUPA of this entity30 and the Osinergmin31, Hydrocarbon Registry Regulation, valid as of November 2011.
Osinergmin shall issue a registry file as a registration statement in the Hydrocarbon Registry for “liquid fuel direct consumer with a capacity of five million barrels” 32.
These requirements should be adjusted to the applicable current standard, such as the Organic Hydrocarbons Law (Law 26221), its Commerce Regulation for Liquid Fuel and other products derived from Hydrocarbons (Supreme Decree No. C030-98-EM and Supreme Decree No. 045-2001-EM).
It is important to establish that for the fuel station operation, an Osinergmin certificate is required, proof of registration in the DREM (direct consumer with fixed facilities) and the operation license from the corresponding municipality. Similarly, during operation, these facilities shall be submitted to unannounced inspections on behalf of the regulatory authorities (e.g. Osinergmin).
17.1.1.3.4 | Other required permits for the construction and/or operation stage |
The Peruvian standard also requires that other certifications and registrations for construction and/or operations, these are:
● | IQPF User Certificate |
● | Special record for entry and use of IQPF |
● | Project Location Certificate regarding the protected natural areas and buffer zones |
17.1.1.3.5 | Risks regarding titles and permits |
MVSAC has secured all legal rights for the mineral concessions of the project; and these rights have been registered in the Public Records. MVSAC does not foresee any risk in losing its legal rights for mineral concessions. The surface
29 Osinergmin is the regulating entity in charge of ensuring the electric, fuel and mining companies comply with the legal standards of their activities.
30 See the resolution from the Osinergmin Governing Board No. 095-2017-OS/CD.
31 See the resolution from the Osinergmin Governing Board No. 191-2011-OS/CD; also, the resolution from the Osinergmin Governing Board No. 245-2013-OS/CD.
32 Per applicable standard, currently: DS-052-93-EM, DS-045-2001-EM, DS-045-2005, DS-054-99-EM,RDC-191-2011-OS/CD.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1213
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
rights for exploration and drilling have also been secured up to a 30-year period, which will have to be updated, once the mine life has been established.
MVSAC is required to sign a long-term agreement and to establish agreements with the property owners required for off-site infrastructure (if any).
Aside from those identified in this report, no other significant factors or risks are known that may affect the access, title or right or the ability to perform work on the property.
17.2 | Environmental Management Instrument (EMI) |
The Trapiche project is currently in the exploration phase, and therefore only requires environmental management instruments approved by the competent authority for this exploration phase of the Project (see Table 17-2). These studies are being considered; however, as mentioned in the previous section, EMV has hired Wood for the preparation of the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAd) for the project, who is currently working on socio-environmental baseline studies in order to prepare the study required by SENACE, the regulatory agency that reviews and approves EIAs.
Table 17-2: Environmental Certificates Approved during the Exploration Phase
Environmental Certification for Exploration Phase | Directorate Resolution (approval date) |
Trapiche Exploration Project Affidavit - Category B | RD N.o 401- 2005-MEM/AAM (09-11-2005) |
Environmental Assessment for Trapiche Mining Exploration Project- 1st Campaign - Category C | RD N.o 002- 2007-MEM/AAM (04-01-2007) |
Environmental Assessment for Trapiche Mining Exploration Project -2nd Campaign - Category C | RD N.o 221- 2008-MEM/AAM (09-09-2008) |
Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study for the Trapiche Mining Exploration Project – Schedule Modification – Category II | RD N.o 306- 2011-MEM/AAM (03-10-2011) |
Modification of the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study for the Trapiche Mining Exploration Project – 3rd Campaign – Category II | RD N.o 214- 2012-MEM-AAM (04-05-2012) |
Modification of the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study of the Fourth Modification of the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study – Category II | RD N.o 404- 2013-MEM-AAM (29-10-2013) |
Supporting Technical Report for the EIAd of the First Supporting Technical Report (ITS) of the fourth modification to the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study | RD N.o 237- 2016/MEM-DGAAM (02-08-2016) |
Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study of the Fifth Modification of the EIAd Trapiche Exploration Project - Category II | RD N.o 148- 2019/MINEM-DGAAM (28-08-2019) |
Supporting Technical Report for the EIAd of the First Supporting Technical Report (ITS) of the Fifth modification to the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study | IN ASSESSMENT (submitted on 10-08-2020) |
Source: MVSAC, 2020
17.3 | Conceptual Closure Plan |
EMV requested Klohn Crippen Berger S.A. (KCB), to prepare a Conceptual Closure Plan (CCP) as part of the Prefeasibility Study for the Trapiche Project.
This CCP has been prepared in accordance with subsection 6.h of Annex 1 of the Ministerial Resolution No. 116-2015 MEM "Common terms of reference for detailed environmental impact studies (Category III) for mining, process, and general labor projects for metal mining at feasibility level."
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1214
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The Trapiche CCP includes the rehabilitation strategies during the stages of progressive closure, final closure and post-closure of the areas that could be affected by the project activities. The following closure activities were considered:
● | Decommissioning |
● | Demolition, reclamation and disposal |
● | Physical stability |
● | Geochemical stability |
● | Hydrological stability |
● | Landform establishment |
● | Revegetation |
● | Post-closure maintenance and monitoring |
17.3.1 | Closure Objectives |
The objectives of the project's conceptual closure plan are described below:
● | Mitigate to acceptable levels the environmental and social impact generated by mining activities. |
● | Comply with the current regulatory environmental requirements of Peruvian legislation. |
● | Establish or execute activities so that the soils can have a sustainable and compatible use, as far as possible, with future uses. |
● | Ensure public safety and health during closure activities, recovering the initial environmental quality and developing the corresponding rehabilitation work, when technically and economically feasible. |
● | Reduce the potential for erosion of long-term land structures, which could have direct consequences on the stability of structures and subsequent environmental consequences. |
● | Design encapsulating covers for contaminating and/or hazardous materials that will remain on site. These covers must be compatible with the landscape, which favors the surface establishment of native species in the area to avoid exposure of the materials to the environment. |
● | Maintain the balance of the micro-basins, preserving the water quantity and quality in the project environment, using an adequate water management system. |
● | Minimize the need to perform active care and maintenance of the site in the long term. |
17.3.2 | Closure Criteria |
The closure criteria presented in the CCP are in accordance with the legal and technical requirements of current Peruvian regulations, which may be updated according to project variations and changes in the applicable regulatory framework, with respect to both Peruvian regulations and good international practices. Likewise, in order to comply with the objectives set for the closure of the project components, the general closure criteria are defined below, which will allow to design the closure strategies in such a way that will verify the technical, economical, and environmental feasibility of closure.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1215
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.3.2.1 | Decommissioning |
All surface infrastructure that has no designated use in the future will be decommissioned, and all elements such as machinery, equipment and metal structures will be removed for salvage, resale or disposal as waste. Similarly, any remaining material will be removed from the site and hazardous waste will be disposed of in accordance with Peruvian regulations.
17.3.2.2 | Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal |
In general, the structures that are above the surface will be demolished. Superficial slabs, foundations and structures below the surface will stay in place. In the case of platforms or concrete slabs that have had contact with hazardous waste, these will be washed, before proceeding with covering them with neutral material.
17.3.2.3 | Physical Stability |
To assess the physical stability of the facilities at closure, factors of safety that facilitate long-term geotechnical stability will be used, in accordance with the provisions of Peruvian regulations and those considered in good international practices.
The Maximum Horizontal Equivalent Acceleration (MHEA) and the seismic coefficient that will be used for the evaluation of the pseudo-static stability of the facilities, such as heap leach pads and waste deposit, will be based on a seismic risk assessment, using a return period of at least 500 years or more for high-risk structures.
The slopes of the heap leach pad, the inadequate material deposit and the open pit will have a minimum pseudo-static safety factor of 1.0 when subject to the peak ground acceleration (PGA) and a horizontal seismic coefficient equal to 0.5 of the PGA (California Department of Mines and Geology, CDMG, 1997).
The open pit slopes are designed to meet the minimum static factor of safety required, FoS = 1.2, for the long term.
The slopes of the heap leach pad and the inadequate material deposit will be reconfigured until a global slope of 2.5H: 1.0V is achieved, which ensures its physical stability.
17.3.2.4 | Geochemical Stability |
All the surfaces of the components that warrant to be rehabilitated and covered with organic soil and/or low permeability cover systems, will be re-leveled (before the cover is placed) until reaching stable and constructively viable slopes.
Low permeability covers will be placed on those components to minimize infiltration. The types of covers considered for the closure activities are described in Table 17-3.
The affected water will be intercepted and treated, if necessary, so that the quality of water discharged at the authorized dumping points is kept within the maximum permissible limits established in the current legislation.
Type | Description | Main Use |
Type A | ● Low permeability soil layer with an average thickness of 0.50 m. ● Topsoil layer with 0.30 m thickness | To cover materials with potential to generate acid |
Type B | ● Neutral soil layer with an average thickness of 0.30 m. ● Topsoil layer with 0.30 m thickness. | For general use and to cover materials that do not generate acidity |
Prepared by section Author
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1216
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.3.2.5 | Hydrological Stability |
The procedures for closure that will be developed to achieve hydrological stability will consider as design criteria the maximum event of 24 hours with a return period of at least 200 years.
17.3.2.6 | Landform Establishment |
Cutting, re-leveling and rehabilitation activities will be carried out in areas that have been occupied by the operating facilities, with the purpose of restoring the natural slope in accordance with the surrounding landscape conditions.
17.3.2.7 | Revegetation |
The feasible areas will be re-vegetated with a topsoil cover from the organic material deposit (DMO), which in the medium-long term will facilitate the natural revegetation with species from the area, due to the aeolian (wind) transport of seeds, and in that way, reduce erosion and create a reclaimed land surface with native species of the area.
17.3.2.8 | Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring |
The criteria assumed for the post-closure stage are listed below:
● | Implementation of surface and underground water monitoring programs. |
● | Implementation of monitoring activities of the physical, geochemical and hydrological stability of the closure components. |
● | Surveillance and supervision of the study area during the monitoring and maintenance period. |
● | Social monitoring of the surrounding communities and the area of influence. |
● | Evaluation of environmental quality results in water streams and soils after the first year of remediation of environmental impacts. |
17.3.3 | Trapiche Project Components |
Mine
● | Pit – including haul roads |
Process Facilities
● | Crushing system (primary, secondary, tertiary), classification (secondary and tertiary) and agglomeration |
● | Sulfur heap leach pad and ROM 1 |
● | Collection pond – process ponds (PLS and ILS) |
● | Major event pond |
● | Heap leach pad ROM 2 |
● | Oxide heap leach pad |
● | Solvent extraction and electrowinning (SXEW) plant |
Waste Management Facilities
● | Inadequate material deposit (DMI) |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1217
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Water Management Facilities
● | Potable water plant |
● | Domestic wastewater treatment plant |
● | Acid water treatment plant – contact water |
● | Contact water pond |
● | Fresh water intake |
● | Fresh water pond (Pucaccocha) |
● | Non-contact water management system |
● | Contact water management system |
Borrow Material Areas
● | Borrow pit |
● | Aggregate quarry |
● | Material quarry for backfill |
Other facilities related to the project
● | Power substation (S.E. Trapiche) |
● | Distribution substation |
● | Power line |
● | Organic material deposit (DMO) |
● | Access gatehouse (includes truck weighing and medical center) |
● | Camps |
● | Offices |
● | Laboratories (chemical and metallurgical) |
● | Truck shop (mine maintenance) |
● | Plant shop (plant equipment maintenance) |
● | Hazardous materials storage |
● | Operation warehouses |
● | Logging room and core storage |
● | Magazines |
● | Diesel fueling station |
● | External and internal access |
● | Nursery |
● | Concrete plant |
● | Construction shops (welding, mechanical, formwork and prefabricated) |
● | Construction warehouses |
● | Construction equipment maintenance shops |
● | Construction camps |
● | Construction offices |
● | Helipad |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1218
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.3.4 | Closure Activities |
17.3.4.1 | Temporary Closure |
The temporary closure constitutes an unscheduled event caused by various circumstances, from which the activities of the mining unit or part of it are suspended or shutdown with the express authorization of the competent authority.
Therefore, if required as a consequence of economic and political conditions or social reasons, EMV may temporarily suspend exploitation activities. The operation of care and maintenance programs necessary to protect the health, public safety and the receiving environment will continue for the duration of said suspension or shutdown.
In case of a possible temporary closure, the following preliminary measures can be considered during the shutdown period:
● | Inform the General Mining Department of the Ministry of Energy and Mines by submitting the request supported by the temporary closure program, indicating the causes. |
● | Leave personnel responsible for the safety and maintenance of equipment and machinery, and for cleaning of the mining unit facilities. |
● | Establish a regular maintenance schedule for mining unit facilities. |
● | Label all areas that are potentially hazardous by placing signs and symbols indicating their hazardous level as safety measures. |
● | The temporary suspension may not exceed the term of three years, if this occurs, the final closure activities will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Mine Closure Regulations, Article 34 approved by D.S. No. 033-2005-EM. |
17.3.4.2 | Progressive Closure |
The progressive closure work will be implemented for those facilities that will be closed during mine operation.
Table 17-4 below shows the components that will be part of the mining unit progressive closure and describes the activities that will be carried out in this phase.
Table 17-4: Components Considered in the Progressive Closure Scenario
Component Type | Mining Component |
---|---|
Waste management facilities | Inadequate Material Deposit (DMI) |
Areas for borrow material | Borrow pit |
Aggregate Quarry | |
Material Quarry for backfill | |
Other facilities associated with the project | Concrete Plant |
Construction shops (welding, mechanical, formwork and prefabricated) | |
Construction warehouses | |
Construction equipment maintenance shops | |
Construction Camps | |
Construction Offices |
Prepared by section author
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1219
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.3.4.2.1 | Decommissioning |
Prior to the start of decommissioning activities during closure, EMV will remove all hazardous materials from each work and operation site. According to the specific procedures of each work, each of these materials will be collected and segregated in a safe manner. Waste that cannot be neutralized on site will be relocated in appropriate transport containers and shipped off-site for final disposal at authorized locations.
This activity is understood as the removal or dismantling of equipment and minor facilities in part or in their entirety to be recycled (which can be reused by third parties) or disposed in authorized locations.
Table 17-5 describes the decommissioning and dismantling activities of the components during the progressive closure phase.
Table 17-5: Decommissioning Activities of the Progressive Closure Components
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
---|---|---|
Waste management facilities | Inadequate material deposit (DMI) | Not applicable |
Areas for borrow material | Borrow Pit | ● Decommissioning and dismantling of all existing equipment and fixed or mobile facilities in quarries. |
Aggregate Quarry | ||
Material Quarry for backfill | ||
Other facilities associated with the project | Concrete Plant | ● General de-energizing and removal of power lines. ● Cleaning. ● Decommissioning and dismantling of metal structures. ● Removal and inventory of reusable equipment and materials for recycling or selling. |
Construction shops (welding, mechanical, formwork and prefabricated) | ● General de-energizing and removal of power lines. ● Cleaning and removal of hazardous and/or reactive substances for final disposal in an authorized solid waste operating company (empresa operadora de residuos sólidos (EO-RS)). ● Decommissioning and dismantling of infrastructure. ● Removal and inventory of reusable equipment and materials for recycling or selling. | |
Construction warehouses | ||
Construction equipment maintenance shops | ||
Construction Camps | ● General de-energizing and removal of power lines. ● Removal and inventory of office supplies, materials, equipment and furniture for reuse/recycling or selling. ● Removal and dismantling of metal structures. | |
Construction Offices |
Source: Prepared by section author
17.3.4.2.2 | Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal |
Reinforced concrete and masonry structures that do not have definite use in the future will be demolished. The demolition work will specifically consist of the removal of reinforced concrete structures that served as support for the metal structures.
The concrete structures that are above ground will be demolished. Once the demolished material is removed, the area will be profiled and leveled with neutral material; while the foundations below the surface will be buried in-situ.
The demolition activities of the mining unit components during the progressive closure are described in Table 17-6.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1220
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 17-6: Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal Activities of Progressive Closure Components
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
Waste management facilities | Inadequate material deposit (DMI) | Not applicable |
Areas for borrow material | Borrow Pit | Not applicable |
Aggregate Quarry | ||
Material Quarry for backfill | ||
Other facilities associated with the project | Concrete Plant | ● Demolition of reinforced concrete structures that are above ground. ● Surface levelling. ● Disposal of debris in authorized locations. |
Construction shops (welding, mechanical, formwork and prefabricated) | ||
Construction warehouses | ||
Construction equipment maintenance shops | ||
Construction Camps | ● Demolition of reinforced concrete structures such as columns, beams, mezzanine concrete slabs. ● Surface levelling. ● Disposal of debris in authorized locations. | |
Construction Offices |
Source: Prepared by section author
17.3.4.2.3 | Physical Stability |
Inadequate Material Deposit (DMI)
Regarding the inadequate material deposit, the physical stability activities are described below:
● | Warning signs installation. |
● | Reconfiguration of slopes to achieve a global slope of 2.5H:1.0V, per the physical stability criteria. |
● | Levelling of flat surfaces. |
Borrow pit, aggregate quarry and material quarry for backfill
The activities for the physical stability of the quarries are described below:
● | Rubble removal and elimination of the loose rocks from banks and slopes will be carried out for the material quarry for backfill, to be arranged in the DMI. |
● | Reconfiguration and profiling of slopes to achieve a global slope of 6H:1V will be performed for the borrow pit and aggregate quarry. |
17.3.4.2.4 | Geochemical Stability |
Inadequate Material Deposit (DMI)
The DMI presents materials that may potentially generate acidity (PGA), therefore, a type A cover will be placed in order to encapsulate the deposit to reduce the infiltration of rainfall and oxygen intake and thus reduce the generation of acid drainage.
Borrow pit, aggregate quarry and material quarry for backfill
Geochemical tests will be carried out to evaluate the generation potential of acid drainage from quarry material.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1221
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Concrete plant, construction shops and warehouses, equipment maintenance shops, construction camps and offices
Once the structures of the area have been demolished and removed, the land will be leveled and then covered with neutral and topsoil material (type B cover), which will follow the conditions of the natural terrain according to the topographic configuration of the surroundings.
17.3.4.2.5 | Hydrological Stability |
Inadequate Material Deposit (DMI)
For the hydrological stability of the DMI, ditches will be built in the DMI benches in order to drive the surface runoff waters to a collection pond located downstream from the DMI, where the monitoring will be carried out to evaluate the quality of the water. Based on the results obtained, its treatment will be considered as contact water in the Acid Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) or bypassed to the non-contact water management system for its discharge to the environment.
17.3.4.2.6 | Landform Establishment |
In a progressive closure plan, activities pertaining to land reclamation shall be associated with the closure of components, that in some cases shall include configuration of covers to achieve a landscape compatible with the natural surroundings.
17.3.4.2.7 | Revegetation |
The components under the progressive closure will be revegetated on a topsoil cover originating from the organic material deposit, that will promote medium to long term natural revegetation with native species due to wind dispersal of seeds.
17.3.4.2.8 | Social Component of Progressive Closure |
The activities considered in the progressive closure phase correspond to the social programs and projects mentioned in the Community Relations Plan (CRP) of BNV generated during the operation of the mine.
17.3.4.3 | Final Closure |
The final closure will begin once the operation’s mineral resources have been exhausted consequently ending all mining activities and processing, as established in the Guide for The Elaboration of Mine Closure Plans (Guía para la Elaboración de Planes de Cierre de Minas de la DGAA, 2016). The proposed period for final closure of the components will be five (05) years.
In order to close the leach pads (sulfides, ROM 1, ROM 2, and oxides) and the open pit, it will be necessary to stabilize the slopes and place a cover (low permeability material and topsoil), as well as capturing, collecting and routing contact and noncontact water; and treat contact water if it were the case until these facilities reach their geochemical and hydrological stability at final closure.
The closure of facilities connected to the contact and non-contact water system (i.e. ponds, channels, treatment plants), will take place once the water quality results are within the maximum permissible limits, established by the current legislation, before being discharged into the environment.
Roadways existing during the operation phase will also be used to facilitate access to the closed facilities during closure.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1222
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 17-7 below describes the components that will be part of the mine closure plan and the activities that will be carried out at each phase.
Table 17-7: Components Considered for Final Closure
Component Type | Mining Component |
---|---|
Mine | Pit – including haul roads |
Process Facilities | Crushing system (primary, secondary, tertiary), classification (secondary and tertiary) and agglomeration |
Sulfur heap leach pad and ROM 1 | |
Heap leach pad ROM 2 | |
Oxide heap leach pad | |
Collection pond – process ponds (PLS and ILS) | |
Major event pond | |
Solvent extraction and electrowinning (SXEW) plant | |
Water Management Facilities | Potable Water Plant |
Water treatment Plant for domestic wastewater | |
Acid water – contact water treatment plant | |
Contact water pond | |
Fresh water intake | |
Fresh water pond (Pucaccocha) | |
non-contact water management system | |
contact water management system | |
Other facilities associated with the project | Electrical substation (S.E. Trapiche) |
Distribution Substation | |
Power Line | |
Organic material Deposit (DMO) | |
Access Gate (includes weighing of trucks and medical center) | |
Camps | |
Offices | |
Laboratory (chemical and metallurgical) | |
Truck Shop (mine maintenance) | |
Plant shop (maintenance of plant equipment) | |
Hazardous Material Warehouse | |
Operations Warehouse | |
Logging room and core storage | |
Magazines | |
Diesel fueling station | |
External and Internal Access | |
Nursery |
Prepared by section author
17.3.4.3.1 | Decommissioning |
Table 17-8 shows decommissioning and dismantling activities of primary facilities during the final closure phase.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1223
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 17-8: Decommissioning of Components for Final Closure
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
---|---|---|
Mine | Pit – including haul roads | Not applicable |
Processing Facilities | Crushing System (primary, secondary and tertiary), classification (secondary and tertiary) and agglomeration | · Inventory of existing structures, machines and equipment to be removed. · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines. · Cleaning and removal of hazardous and/or reactive material for final disposal by an authorized solid waste operating company. · Decommissioning and dismantling of infrastructure and facilities. |
Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning Plant (SXEW) | ||
Sulfur leach pad and ROM 1 | · Removal of piping and pumps that make up the distribution system and fluid transport. These pipes and pumps will be purged before being decommissioned. | |
Leach pad ROM 2 | ||
Oxide Leach Pad | ||
Collection Ponds – Process Ponds (PLS and ILS) | · Final disposal of sediments in authorized locations. · Removal and dismantling of geosynthetics. · Removal of piping and pumps that conform the distribution system and fluid transport and pumps will be purged before being decommissioned. | |
Major Event Pond | ||
Water Management Facilities | Potable Water Plant | · Inventory of existing structures and equipment to be removed. · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines. · Cleaning and removal of hazardous and/or reactive material for final disposal by an authorized solid waste operating company. · Removal of piping, tanks and pumps that make up the distribution system and fluid transport. These pipes and pumps will be purged before they are decommissioned. · Decommissioning and dismantling of infrastructure and facilities. |
| Water Treatment Plant for Domestic Wastewater | |
| Acid Water – Contact Water Treatment Plant | |
| Contact Water Pond | · Final disposal of sediments in authorized locations. · Removal and dismantling of geosynthetics. · Removal of piping, tanks and pumps that make up the distribution system and fluid transport. These pipes and pumps will be purged before they are decommissioned. |
| Fresh Water Intake | · Removal of piping, tanks and pumps that make up the distribution system and fluid transport. |
| Fresh Water Pond (Pucaccocha) | · Final disposal of sediments in authorized locations. · Removal and dismantling of geosynthetics. |
| Non-contact Water Management System | Not applicable |
| Contact Water Management System | |
| Electrical Substation (S.E. Trapiche) | |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1224
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
| Distribution Substation | · Inventory of existing structures and equipment to be removed. · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines. · Decommissioning and dismantling of infrastructure and facilities. |
| Electrical Lines | |
| Organic Material Deposit (DMO) | Not applicable |
| Access Gate (includes truck weighing and medical center) | · Inventory of existing materials, equipment and shelving to be removed. · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines. · Decommissioning and dismantling of metal structures, wooden structures, etc. |
| Camps | |
Other facilities associated with the project | Offices | |
| Laboratory (chemical and metallurgical) | · Inventory of existing structures, machines and equipment to be removed; · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines; · Cleaning and removal of hazardous and/or reactive material for final disposal by an authorized solid waste operating company. · Decommissioning and dismantling of metal structures. |
| Truck shop (mine maintenance) | |
| Plant shop (plant equipment maintenance) | |
| Hazardous material Warehouse | |
| Operation Warehouse | |
| Logging room and core storage | · Decommissioning and dismantling of metal structures. |
| Magazines | |
| Diesel fueling station | · Inventory of existing equipment to be removed; · General de-energization and removal of electrical lines; · Cleaning and removal of hazardous and/or reactive material for final disposal by an authorized solid waste operating company. · Decommissioning and dismantling of metal structures. |
| Internal and External Access | Not applicable |
| Nursery | Not applicable |
Prepared by section author
17.3.4.3.2 | Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal |
Table 17-9 describes the demolition, reclamation and disposal of components that are part of the final closure.
Table 17-9: Demolition, Reclamation and Disposal of Components for Final Closure
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
Mine | Pit – including haul roads | Not applicable |
Processing Facilities | Crushing System (primary, secondary and tertiary), classification (secondary and tertiary) and agglomeration | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures above the surface. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris in authorized locations. |
Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning Plant (SXEW) | ||
Sulfur Leach Pad and ROM 1 | Not applicable | |
Leach Pad ROM 2 | ||
Oxide Leach Pad |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1225
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Type of Component | Mining Component | Closure Activities |
Collection Ponds – Process Ponds (PLS and ILS) | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures above the surface. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris in authorized locations. | |
Major Event Ponds | ||
Water Management Facilities | Potable Water Plant | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures above the surface. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris in authorized locations. |
Water Treatment Plant for Domestic Wastewater | ||
Acid Water – Contact Water Treatment Plant | ||
Contact Water Pond | ||
Fresh Water Intake | ||
Fresh Water Pond (Pucaccocha) | ||
Non-contact Water Management System | ||
Contact Water Management System | ||
Other facilities associated with the project | Electrical Substation (S.E. Trapiche) | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures above the surface. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris inside the pit. |
Distribution Substation | ||
Electrical Lines | ||
Organic Material Deposit (DMO) | Not applicable | |
Access Gate (includes truck weighing and medical center) | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures like columns, beams, mezzanine concrete slabs. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris inside the pit. | |
Camps | ||
Offices | ||
Laboratory (chemical and metallurgical) | · Demolition of reinforced concrete structures above the surface. · Surface levelling. · Disposal of debris inside the pit. | |
Truck shop (mine maintenance) | ||
Plant shop (Plant equipment maintenance) | ||
Hazardous Material Warehouse | ||
Operation Warehouse | ||
Logging room and core storage | ||
Magazines | ||
Diesel fueling station | ||
External and Internal Access | Not applicable | |
Nursery | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by section author
17.3.4.3.3 | Physical Stability |
The components mentioned below require physical stability activities:
Pit – Including Haul Roads
The following are physical activities for the open pit:
● | Installation of warning signs. |
● | Monitoring of displacements, if any. |
● | Monitoring of pit water quality. |
● | Profile slopes until a permanent stable angle of inclination is achieved. |
Sulfur Leach Pad and ROM 1, ROM 2 Leach Pad and Oxide Leach Pad
The physical stability activities for the leach pads (Sulfur, ROM, ROM 2 and oxides) are described below:
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1226
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | When recirculation of the leach pad solution concludes, reconfiguration of slopes will proceed until a global slope of 2.5H:1.0V is achieved, according to the physical stability criteria. |
● | The upper platform of the pad will be relevelled with the minimum slope of 2% to establish a positive drain towards the slopes. |
● | Additionally, ditches will be constructed on the benches to direct runoff water from the surface towards the collection pond to monitor the quality of the water. |
17.3.4.3.4 | Geochemical Stability |
Pit – Including Haul Roads
Hydrological and geochemical studies will be conducted for the geochemical stability of the pit to verify whether the pit’s materials generate acidity and the existence of possible filtrations in the pit.
Sulfur Leach Pad and ROM 1, ROM 2 Leach Pad and Oxide Leach Pad
For geochemical stability of the leach pads, after the configuration of slopes, a Type A cover will be placed in order to isolate the leached ore from the runoff, which will minimize infiltration through the pad.
Collection Ponds – Process Ponds (PLS and ILS), Major Events Pond, Contact Water Pond and Fresh Water Pond (Pucaccocha)
These ponds will be closed once the pads and the open pit are geochemically stable. The following activities will be carried out for the geochemical stability of the ponds:
● | The slurry stored in the ponds will be removed to be disposed of in authorized locations. |
● | The geosynthetic material in the pond will be removed and disposed of in a storage zone defined by EMV. |
● | A neutral cover of material will be placed in the pond up to the surface and it will be relevelled according to the surroundings. |
Crushing System (primary, secondary and tertiary), classification (secondary and tertiary) and agglomeration, SXEW Plant, Treatment Plants (PTAP, PTAA, PTARD) and other infrastructures associated with the project
Once the structures in the zone are demolished and removed, the land will be levelled and subsequently covered with neutral material and topsoil (Type B cover) that will follow the conditions of the natural landscape according to the topographic configuration of the surroundings.
17.3.4.3.5 | Hydrological Stability |
Pit – including haul roads
Superficial runoff water generated in the pit will be directed through ditches constructed on the benches of the pit, towards a collection pond where the quality of the water will be evaluated to determine its derivation to the water management system of non-contact water for discharge into the environment or to the Acid water treatment plant as contact water.
Leach Pad Sulfur and ROM 1, ROM 2 Leach Pad and Oxide Leach Pad
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1227
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
For hydrological stability of the pads, ditches will be constructed on the pad benches in order to direct runoff water from the surface towards a collection pond located downstream of the pad, where water quality will be evaluated, and based on the results obtained, it will be treated as contact water at the Acid Water Treatment Plant or it will be directed towards the non-contact water management system to be discharged into the environment.
Contact and Non-contact Water Management System
In the non-contact water management system, runoff waters from the surface will be captured and directed through perimeter derivation channels of the main facilities (leach pads and pit) designed to carry the peak flow produced to be discharged in the environment. Also, at closure, rainwater that runs down the pad slopes and the pit will be carried to the collection ponds for water quality control and diversion to the perimeter channels for the discharge into the environment, provided that they meet the water quality according to current legislation.
For contact water management, sedimentation ponds will be constructed to store contact water that is to be treated at the acid water plant and subsequent discharge into the environment.
17.3.4.3.6 | Landform Establishment |
Activities corresponding to the establishment of the landform for mining facilities that require these activities are mentioned in section 17.3.4.3.4 – Geochemical Stability.
17.3.4.3.7 | Revegetation |
The components under progressive closure will be revegetated on a cover of topsoil originating from the organic material deposit, that will promote medium to long term natural revegetation with native species due to wind dispersal of seeds.
17.3.4.3.8 | Social Component of Final Closure |
Social activities in the closure process are focused in preventing and minimizing its potential negative impact by implementing the social programs described in the Community Relations Plan (CRP). These programs will focus on addressing the social and economic repercussions arising from the closure of the mine operations.
17.3.5 | Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring |
This section describes maintenance and monitoring activities that apply after implementing closure procedures.
Proposed measures will be defined during closure plan updates, bearing in mind that as the operation activities go on, there will be more clarity with regards to critical points and parameters that must monitored following the closure.
The following describes the activities for maintenance and monitoring considered for the post-closure phase.
17.3.5.1 | Post-Closure Maintenance |
These activities refer to the maintenance of component areas that have been rehabilitated and closed; and that will remain at the location.
Post-closure maintenance of the project facilities includes passive care of the closed components, whose purpose is to ensure the safety of persons and the environment through general safety inspections performed periodically.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1228
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Activities intended to verify and ensure long-term function and management of system operations will be carried out during this stage, for example, fault repairs of equipment and rehabilitated facilities, to ensure the condition, water treatment and discharge of treated effluents discharged to the environment.
17.3.5.1.1 | Physical Maintenance |
The following is proposed in order to ensure the physical stability of the open pit, inadequate material deposit and leach pads:
● | Perform visual inspections in order to identify the general integrity of the components that may put the expected physical conditions that may affect stability, at risk, they will include: detection of cracks, wearing, erosion or any physical damage of the surfaces. |
● | Isolate the affected zone and inform specialized personnel to perform the necessary maintenance work, if cracks and/or broken areas are detected. This work could include reconfiguration and/or regrading of the component. Additionally, traffic will be avoided in affected areas and topographic instrumentation facility will be evaluated for permanent monitoring, thus controlling possible displacement, collapses and fissures. |
● | Perform maintenance of access road surfaces. |
● | Carryout scheduled or visits for inspections or extraordinary in case of a significant seismic event occurrence or after extreme rain events that may affect the stability of the closed components in any way. These inspections will include structures, slopes and access roads that may have been affected by these events. If any damage occurs to these structures, an evaluation and any necessary action will be performed as soon as feasible to restore the structures back to their original design. |
17.3.5.1.2 | Geochemical Maintenance |
Maintenance focuses on carrying out activities for the control of covers and mining components that may potentially generate drainage and acidity. This activity will be developed by means of a general inspection program and a maintenance program.
The inspections program will be in charge of a professional, who will observe the integrity of the covers placed over the mining components; as well as the drainage systems, controlling the quantity and quality of possible acid water drains that could be produced and other activities when necessary.
This program will be carried out within the program development framework of the general inspection of the components. Cover inspection focuses on carrying out control activities in the works and closure measures of mining components that could potentially generate drainage and acidity.
The development includes site visits and inspection tour of the closure work that may be affected and determine which need maintenance or repair. Any damages, faults, or ruptures are detected, will be immediately communicated to begin maintenance, restoring or reinstallation activities.
During inspection activities, the integrity of the cover systems will be evaluated according to their ability to prevent wind erosion and infiltration. If necessary, maintenance will consist of replacement or reconfiguration of the cover if settlement, sinking, or material loss is observed, which would hinder the proper function of the cover to prevent wind erosion or water entry.
17.3.5.1.3 | Hydrological Maintenance |
Hydrological maintenance includes an inspection schedule, the execution of maintenance of gutters and drainage conduction, guard channels and drainage areas with coverage before and after the avenues.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1229
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The inspection schedule includes a technical visit to observe and identify possible cracks, fissures or gutter collapses, drain ditches of different components, in order to carry out post-closure maintenance activities.
If any damages, faults, ruptures, collapses are detected, they will immediately be communicated to begin maintenance, restoring and reinstallation activities.
In the case of repairing or patching gutters or drain ditches, it is required to carry out maintenance to 10% of the length of the gutters, internal channels, collection boxes, masonry beds of different components for five years.
17.3.5.1.4 | Biological Maintenance |
The biological maintenance of the revegetated areas is related to the development of a n inspection schedule with intention to execute, if necessary, activities to promote growth of the natural vegetation, restoration of vegetable units that suffered damages due to low performance of the sown species or by improper traffic of people and/or animals, previously identified on the field.
Biological maintenance includes inspections of fields and vegetable covers verifying growth, state of the ground crops and live cover capacity to stabilize slopes.
The frequency of biological maintenance will be annual.
17.3.5.2 | Post-Closure Monitoring |
Post-closure monitoring will focus primarily on inspecting, monitoring and evaluating to make sure the environmental conditions are similar to the natural conditions of the area, as well as verifying, in this phase, the result of closure activities established for the progressive closure plan and final closure.
Monitoring will begin immediately after the conclusion of the closure activities applied to each component and will continue active during a period of no less than five years. Likewise, it will be subject to continuous improvements and it may change during the execution, in other words, the parameters that are being monitored may be modified based on the results, depending on their efficacy to measure rehabilitation success by the mine closure management.
17.3.5.2.1 | Physical Stability Monitoring |
Geotechnical monitoring will be performed in the pit, inadequate material deposit and leach pads. These inspections will be carried out by a professional engineer who will submit a report of findings from the inspection. Any remediation measure deemed necessary like the result of the inspection, will be carried out as soon as practicable. After the occurrence of an extreme major event (extreme rain or seism), in which damages to the infrastructure are reported, a visit to the site will be scheduled within a short timeframe. This visit will include detailed inspections of all structures, access roads, etc. that may have been impacted by the event. The damage to these structures will be preliminarily evaluated during this visit to schedule a specialized technical evaluation afterwards which must specify the actions taken to repair the affected structures as soon as possible.
17.3.5.2.2 | Geochemical Stability Monitoring |
Geochemical stability monitoring will allow us to observe the efficiency of the closure works that were implemented, correction of problems and/or reduction of risks. The geochemical monitoring schedule for mining activities is geared towards the prevention of the generation of metal leaching and acid drainage of rock.
Additionally, this monitoring schedule for geochemical stability consists in measuring and evaluating the quality of surface water, after the geochemical stabilization work has been performed to verify the efficacy of the works installed.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1230
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
In the case that contact water is present in closed components, treatment for these waters in an acid water plant (PTAA) will be provided before discharging them into the environment.
Geochemical monitoring activities are scheduled technical inspections for control and measurement of surface waters.
17.3.5.2.3 | Hydrological Stability Monitoring |
The hydrological monitoring program consists in observing component drainage works that are part of the current closure plan. Technical inspections will be scheduled for monitoring activities of hydraulic works employed for component closure to identify possible erosions, settlement, collapsing and siltation.
17.3.5.2.4 | Biological Monitoring |
Post-closure biological monitoring considers the following:
The biological monitoring program is the tool that through what is called adaptive management, it highlights environmental responses and modifies activities to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Its purpose is to perform periodic evaluations of the ecosystems that allow the collection of data for the different biological components, that after being analyzed and evaluated will allow to propose and improve the proposed measures to allow control and monitoring.
The following monitoring is proposed with respect to biological components:
● | Monitoring and revegetation, |
● | Monitoring of land habitats and |
● | Monitoring of aquatic habitats. |
Monitoring of Revegetation
A monitoring program will be introduced during the first five years, in order to monitor the advance of the revegetation and re-sowing barren areas. The monitoring of revegetated sites will take place during the closure and post-closure annually, at which point all revegetated sites will be visited and evaluated to observe the success of the revegetation.
Monitoring Land Environments
Post-closure monitoring of the abundance and diversity of the species will be carried out annually during the first five years, primarily during the transition period between dry and wet seasons, to register demographic variations (blooming period in the case of flora, and reproduction periods in the case of fauna).
Monitoring Aquatic Environments
An annual monitoring program will be implemented during the post-closure phase in the first five years, and subsequent monitoring only, when necessary, in the receiving bodies of the effluents that remain in the post-closure phase.
17.3.5.2.5 | Social Monitoring |
At the social level, a population informed about the implications of the project facility closure is foreseen. Likewise, activities implemented during the final closure phase, that refer to the social programs and communications, are expected to be effective.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1231
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The action lines proposed as part of social monitoring correspond to the evaluation of the results of the communication program, implemented by EMV as part of the mine closure activities.
17.3.6 | Timeline |
The general timeline for mine closure is structured in the following way:
● | Progressive closure: from the year 2023 until the year 2040. |
● | Final Closure: from the year 2041 until the year 2045. |
● | Post-closure: from the year 2046 until the year 2050. |
17.4 | Social and Community Impacts |
17.4.1 | Mollebamba Community |
The Trapiche Project is located in the Mollebamba Community land. The Mollebamba village has existed since before the arrival of the Spaniards to Peru and was known as Mollepampa due to the large amount of Molle trees that existed in the area. It is said that the original name of this town was Quechua Wanca, although there are those who doubt this claim. The original settlers would be the Inti Utkas, the Aqo Punkus and the Mauk' Allaqtas.
After the Spaniards settled in the early 17th century, the name of the village was established as Mollebamba and the Spanish village began to grow with the typical grid pattern.
The village was dominated by Spanish civilians and the catholic church and mining was the most important activity for them, as evidenced by the metal smelting site of the area and the old gold and silver mines located above the village.
The distribution and borders between the current communities’ dates from the arrival of Mariano Ignacio Zola de Castilla, in charge of making the division of villages in Antabamba. The distribution of Aymaraes land was towards the beginning of the Republican era (when Apurimac still belonged to Cusco).
The foundation of the Juan Espinoza Medrano district, with Mollebamba as a capital, took place on December 12, 1942. The town decided to celebrate its anniversary since June 24, 1943 to coincide with the Intirraymi (sun festival), the day of Saint John the Baptist and the Farmers day.
The Land Reform given by President Velasco Alvarado released the lands from the private farms and gave them to the community. After the Land Reform, no cooperatives were built in Mollebamba, instead, the lands were handed over directly to the community.
Mollebamba was strongly affected by political violence. The "Sendero Luminoso" terrorist group reached the populated community of Mollebamba on June 7, 1987. By the 1990s, the situation began to improve.
Milestones or important events for the town include the beginning of construction of the access road in 1959, the foundation of the primary school in 1914, and the creation of the secondary school in 1980.
Currently the C.C. Mollebamba is characterized by being a mainly agricultural town, with other minor economic activities. It has basic, educational and health services and is the most populated area of the district. A few years ago, a new economic activity started emerging, mining, which is positively changing some social and community patterns, attracting local and external labor and increasing the purchasing power of some residents.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1232
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.4.2 | Demographics |
The population distribution according to gender shows a symmetrical distribution. In total, the survey indicated 245 men and 244 women, observing that the population is divided into 50.1% of men and 49.9% of women.
Table 17-10: Mollebamba Population by Gender
Categories | C.C. Mollebamba | |
No. | % | |
Population surveyed | 489 | 100.0 |
Men | 245 | 50.1 |
Women | 244 | 49.9 |
Source: AMEC Foster Wheeler, Trabajo de Campo 2018.
The Mollebamba community has urban and rural residence areas. It is observed that Mollebamba concentrates 82.6% of its population in urban areas, while 17.4% is in rural areas.
The most numerous population groups are in the early years of life. The group with the highest percentage is 10 to 14 years (14.5%), followed by 5 to 9 years (9.1%) and the group of 0 to 4 (7.7%). 31.4% of the total population is between 0 and 14 years old.
For adulthood, some of the age ranges that can be highlighted are those from 30 to 34 (7.9%), from 40 to 44 (6.8%), and 35 to 39 (6.0%). In the case of adults from 50 years of age, the population is gradually reducing its number.
Table 17-11: Mollebamba Population by Age Group
Categories | Total | |
---|---|---|
C.C. Mollebamba | ||
No. | % | |
Population surveyed | 483 | 100.0 |
0-4 | 37 | 7.7 |
5-9 | 44 | 9.1 |
10-14 | 70 | 14.5 |
15-19 | 33 | 6.8 |
20-24 | 19 | 3.9 |
25-29 | 23 | 4.8 |
30-34 | 38 | 7.9 |
35-39 | 29 | 6.0 |
40-44 | 33 | 6.8 |
45-49 | 32 | 6.6 |
50-54 | 27 | 5.6 |
55-59 | 18 | 3.7 |
60-64 | 25 | 5.2 |
65-69 | 14 | 2.9 |
70-74 | 11 | 2.3 |
75-79 | 17 | 3.5 |
80-84 | 6 | 1.2 |
85-89 | 4 | 0.8 |
90-94 | 3 | 0.6 |
Source: AMEC Foster Wheeler, Trabajo de Campo 2018.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1233
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
17.4.3 | Education |
The Illiteracy Rate is 10.2%, and based on gender, the rate for men is 3.1%, while for women it is 25.4%. Hence, a third of the total of women of age 15 and older are illiterate. The differences between the genders are significant, which requires attention in women's access to education.
The Mollebamba community has three educational centers, one for each level, so that students can complete Regular Basic Education in this area. The initial level has the Initial Educational Institution Nº 28 “Cecilio Antonio Guerrero Mallma”, the Primary Educational Institution is Nº 54261 and the Secondary Educational Institution is called “José María Arguedas”.
17.4.4 | Health |
The Mollebamba Health Center is located in the community. The health center has a significant number of health professionals. Complying with current regulations, this establishment provides the services of general medicine, dentistry, obstetrics, nursing and laboratory. They also have areas for triage and pharmacy with the necessary equipment to provide such services.
The health center is divided into four offices, a hygienic service and a laboratory.
The patients treated in the health center come from Mollebamba and other towns such as Silco, Vito and Calcauso. When the health center is not able to handle a case, the patient is sent to the Abancay hospital.
17.4.5 | Economics |
The main economic activity is agriculture (38.4%). More than 87.0% of registered households have agricultural land, being one of the main sources of economic support.
In addition, the second preferred economic activity is livestock, with a percentage as high as agriculture (19.2%). According to the results presented, more than 87.0% of registered households have animals. In most homes, both activities are carried out at the same time, complementing the household income and diet.
In third place is trade with 10.3% of registered cases, while mining is 4.6% at the time that this study was conducted. It is important to point out that the Trapiche Mining Project is located in the Community of Mollebamba, which absorbs a significant portion of the population employed in that community, especially in unskilled jobs or in activities indirectly related to mining. Currently, the majority of the working population in Mollebamba is directly or indirectly within the economic activities of the Trapiche Project.
The provision of general services also has a significant group of cases, reaching 7.8%. Other activities that can be listed are teaching (4.3%) and construction (3.9%).
17.4.6 | Land Use Agreement |
El Molle Verde S.A.C. (EMV) signed a Land Use agreement with the community of Mollebamba in 2011, due to the agreement it was possible to complete 100,000 meters of diamond drilling.
In 2014, the Mollebamba community made a series of claims requesting greater economic benefits, which is the reason that the project was stopped until 2018.
After several meetings between the Community and EMV, on October 29, 2018, the Extrajudicial Transaction was signed within the legal framework and in compliance with the 2011 agreement to resolve any controversies and in order
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1234
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
to ensure the feasibility, the development, the optimal and uninterrupted continuity of the Trapiche Project, as well as promote the economic development and sustainable growth of the Community.
The restart of activities and work on the project took place in May 2019. The Land Use Agreement has a duration of 30 years and is automatically renewable for a similar period of time through a negotiation of the new fee for the land use.
In return, the community authorizes to carry out all the mineral production work, according to the detail and extension that is approved in the Detailed Environmental Impact Study and its modifications. It also includes all reclaiming work.
17.4.7 | Surrounding Communities |
An intensive stage of relations with the neighboring communities of Calcauso, Silco, Vito, Antabamba and Mollocco has begun in order to inform the concept and scope of the Project.
In this scenario, the Social Affairs team is participating in activities and meetings with the community members and with their authorities. Visits to the project are also scheduled so that the population knows technical and environmental details of the future operation. Quick impact development projects in the communities are also going to be prepared. They will allow to demonstrate the contributions that the mining industry can generate for the growth and development of these communities and their environment.
On the other hand, there have been arrangements with the Mayors of Antabamba and Juan Espinoza Medrano districts, to generate tripartite agreements with the participation of communities, municipalities and private companies for the construction of roads that allow commercial connection to the southern zone of their territories.
17.4.8 | Employment and Local Services |
The Local Employment System (SEL) will work with the community authorities and committee to allow proper operation, taking into account the origin, relationship with the community, and technical specialization of the employee.
The Local Services and Purchasing System (SISCOL) will work in a similar way, in order to guarantee the preference of contracting local services that these communities can provide to the Trapiche Project.
Both the employment system and local services are part of the Company's corporate policy to generate local development and allow the future operation to be socially sustainable. To achieve an adequate development of these systems, it is necessary to have training programs for the communities. These trainings will be carried out with prestigious technical training institutions, which guarantee the correct training of workers and businesses in the communities.
Regarding the type of services that the communities can provide, EMV has been considering the creation of the Mollebamba Community Company, called Ecosem Mollebamba so that local enterprises services can be channeled through it. The Community Company may also provide services directly to EMV with the provision of services of roads maintenance, civil works, rental of light and heavy equipment, remediation work, pollution control through the watering of roads, among other activities.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1235
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
18 | Capital and Operating Costs |
18.1 | Operating Costs |
The new economic analysis completed for this TRS, dated November 2021, used an escalation of 10% for the Capital Cost and the Operating Cost. An analysis of the ENR Cost Index Summary indicated that the cost of construction increased by 8.4%, the cost of labor increased by 1.8%, and the cost of Material increased by 37.5%. It was decided to average the increase of the OPEX by 10%. The cost of Power and Sulfuric Acid was not increased for this period as these costs were confirmed to hold their 2020 estimated cost.
18.1.1 | Overall Operating Cost |
Table 18-1 below represents the life of mine operating cost which includes mining, process plant, water treatment plant, site & services, G&A, and treatment & refining charges.
Table 18-1: Overall Operating Cost
Area | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | LOM |
Mining Operating Cost | $50,428 | $50,867 | $53,197 | $65,527 | $55,037 | $908,954 |
SXEW Plant | $68,177 | $69,658 | $68,728 | $71,699 | $68,941 | $1,148,728 |
Water Treatment Plant | $357 | $527 | $658 | $771 | $911 | $35,943 |
Site & Services | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $396,000 |
General Administration | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $118,800 |
Treatment & Refining Charges | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $8,263 | $131,439 |
Total | $155,826 | $157,915 | $159,447 | $174,861 | $161,753 | $2,739,864 |
$/t processed | $5.80 | $6.09 | $5.79 | $4.93 | $5.98 | $6.97 |
18.1.2 | Mining Operating Cost |
For the purposes of this Study, it is assumed that the responsibility for mining will be assumed by a contractor; therefore, an additional 10% is considered in projected OPEX related to account for contractor profit above the built-up mining costs.
To calculate the mining cost, Mining Plus used the following parameters from internal databases:
● | Drilling: Includes production cost and maintenance cost. |
● | Blasting: It was assumed supplies cost required for the activity, also costs for preparation, loading, blasting initiation and explosives truck rental. |
● | Loading: Includes all operation costs for the main loading equipment like maintenance, operator and fuel. |
● | Hauling: Includes the operations costs for the main haulage equipment, also cost related to maintenance and tires replacement. |
● | Auxiliary Equipment: Includes operational costs for the main auxiliary equipment, used for maintenance of haul roads, waste dumps, load material, tires replacement and staff transportation. |
● | The estimate is based on mining operating cost of the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update costs with a 10% escalation. |
Table 18-2 shows the average mining unit cost per activity for the LOM, and Figure 18-1 shows percentage per area for the mining cost calculated for the Trapiche Project.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1236
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 18-2: Mine Operating Unit Cost
Activity | US$ / t | % |
Drilling | 0.16 | 7.1 |
Blasting | 0.22 | 9.5 |
Loading | 0.24 | 10.4 |
Hauling | 1.19 | 51.7 |
Maintenance | 0.19 | 8.2 |
Mine Management | 0.09 | 4.1 |
Contractor's Profit | 0.21 | 9.1 |
Total | 2.31 | 100% |
Notes:
1. | In the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update, the cost of mines was estimated at US$2.1/t. |
Figure 18-1: Mine Operating Cost Distribution
18.1.3 | Process Plant Operating Cost |
Table 18-3 below represents the life of mine operating cost for the process plant. The annual production of the crushing system is 16,425,000 tonnes (45 ktpd) on average with a mine life of 18 years.
Table 18-3: Life of Mine Process Plant Operating Cost ($000)
Operating & Maintenance | Average Annual Cost | $/t processed | LOM Operating Cost | % |
Labor | $4,554 | $0.21 | $81,972 | 7.1% |
Sulfuric Acid | $23,990 | $1.10 | $431,828 | 37.6% |
Electrical Power | $21,922 | $1.00 | $394,596 | 34.4% |
Reagents | $3,432 | $0.16 | $61,769 | 5.4% |
Liners | $1,334 | $0.06 | $24,018 | 2.1% |
Maintenance Parts | $7,540 | $0.35 | $135,720 | 11.8% |
Water Charges | $53 | $0.00 | $958 | 0.1% |
Supplies and Services | $993 | $0.05 | $17,866 | 1.6% |
Total | $63,818 | $2.92 | $1,148,728 | 100.0% |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1237
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
18.1.3.1 | Labor |
The process plants’ staffing has been estimated to have 150 employees (operations 105 employees and maintenance 45 employees). The laboratory staffing is included in the process plants’ staffing. There is an average annual wage of $30,360 which includes fringe benefits. Annual plant labor costs are estimated to be $4.6 million, which is 4.5% of the process plant operating cost. Table 18-4 represents a typical year.
| Staff | Salary/Person | Annual Cost ($000) |
Administration | 19 | $56,413 | $1,072 |
Operations | 86 | $24,220 | $2,083 |
Maintenance | 45 | $31,093 | $1,399 |
Total | 150 | $30,360 | $4,554 |
18.1.3.2 | Electrical Power |
The electrical power consumption was based on an equipment list with connected kW, discounted for operating time per day and anticipated operating load level. Power costs were provided by EMV using a unit price of $0.065 per kWh. Annual plant power costs are estimated to be approximately $25.0 million (384,815,253 kWh * $0.065). Table 18-5 shows a typical year of consumption, which includes sustaining capital in the later years.
Table 18-5: Power Consumption Summary (Year 3)
Area | Annual kWh |
---|---|
Area 100 PRIMARY CRUSHER | 7,575,513 |
Area 200 ORE STOCKPILING, CRUSHING AND CONVEYING | 4,732,233 |
Area 220 SECONDARY CRUSHING AND SCREENING | 20,787,954 |
Area 240 TERTIARY CRUSHING | 14,936,516 |
Area 260 TERTIARY SCREENING | 9,321,796 |
Area 310 AGGLOMERATION | 16,085,118 |
Area 320 OXIDE LEACH PAD | 7,668,709 |
Area 330 SULFIDE LEACH PAD | 19,363,491 |
Area 340 ROM 2* | 0* |
Area 350 RAFFINATE SYSTEM | 54,177,035 |
Area 360 ILS SYSTEM | 24,923,305 |
Area 410 SOLVENT EXTRACTION | 4,337,614 |
Area 420 TANK FARM | 14,538,864 |
Area 500 ELECTROWINNING | 159,459,308 |
Area 620 WATER TREATMENT PLANT | 5,325,493 |
Area 650 FRESH WATER SYSTEM | 18,892,185 |
Area 800 REAGENTS | 26,627 |
Area 900 ANCILLARY | 798,824 |
Area 905 TRUCK SHOP/TRUCK WASH/WAREHOUSE | 1,864,668 |
Total | 384,815,253 |
*Associated equipment is in Area 360 – ILS SYSTEM | |
18.1.3.2.1 | Emergency Backup Power |
There are (4) 2,500 kW emergency generators located at the Trapiche main substation that tie into the main bus; therefore, emergency power is effectively distributed everywhere. It will be up to operations to prioritize how it is used.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1238
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The intent is that a small portion is used for trickle power to the rectifiers to keep the plated copper from re-dissolving back into solution. A major portion of the emergency power will be used to keep camp operations up and running.
18.1.3.3 | Reagents |
Reagents for the process plant include sulfuric acid, extractant, diluent, cobalt sulfate, guar, FC1100 and diatomaceous earth. Consumption rates were determined from the metallurgical test data or industry practice. Budget quotations were obtained for reagents where available or from other M3 projects with an allowance for freight to site, as shown in Table 18-6.
Reagents | Kilograms per tonne | LOM Consumption | Dollars per kilogram | LOM Cost |
SXEW Process - Agglomeration | ||||
Sulfuric Acid Oxide | 9.7 | 333,138,690 | $0.156 | $52,056,252 |
Sulfuric Acid Enriched | 2.9 | 612,168,271 | $0.156 | $95,657,414 |
Sulfuric Acid Transitional | 2.9 | 107,499,672 | $0.156 | $16,797,899 |
| Liter per kg of Cu |
| Dollars per liter |
|
Extractant | 0.002 | 2,167,986 | $11.88 | $25,755,668 |
Diluent | 0.0099 | 10,731,528 | $1.21 | $12,985,149 |
| Kilograms per MT of Cu |
| Dollars per kilogram |
|
Cobalt Sulfate | 0.34 | 368,558 | $3.35 | $1,235,497 |
Guar | 1.52 | 1,647,669 | $2.50 | $4,126,917 |
FC1100 | 0.03 | 32,520 | $16.57 | $538,902 |
DE | 17.11 | 18,547,116 | $0.92 | $17,127,334 |
Heap Leach - Raffinate | ||||
Sulfuric Acid ROM | 4.0 | 442,542,676 | $0.156 | $69,151,719 |
Sulfuric Acid Oxide | 7.3 | 250,712,622 | $0.156 | $39,176,354 |
Sulfuric Acid Enriched | 4.1 | 865,479,280 | $0.156 | $135,239,792 |
Sulfuric Acid Transitional | 4.1 | 151,982,294 | $0.156 | $23,748,753 |
18.1.3.4 | Liners |
Liner consumption was based on industry practice or other M3 projects. Budget quotations were obtained for liners where available or from other M3 projects with an allowance for freight to site, as shown in Table 18-7.
Wear Items | Kilograms per tonne | LOM Consumption | Dollars per kilogram | LOM Cost |
Liners | ||||
Primary Crusher | 0.0020 | 571,088 | $4.51 | $2,575,607 |
Secondary Crushers | 0.0067 | 1,901,492 | $4.51 | $8,575,731 |
Tertiary Crushers | 0.0101 | 2,852,917 | $4.51 | $12,866,658 |
18.1.3.5 | Maintenance Parts and Supplies |
An allowance was made to cover the cost of maintenance parts based on the capital cost of equipment using a factor of 5%. In addition, an assumption is made that 10% of repairs will need to be made offsite at twice the cost of onsite repairs. This has the effect of increasing the maintenance factor from 5% of the capital cost of equipment to 5.5%. The annual allowance for both maintenance parts and offsite repairs is estimated to be $7.0 million (5%/design Cu
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1239
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
production 160.9 million)*annual Cu production 132.8 million*capital cost of equipment $170.8 million = $7.0 million) + $7.0 million * 10% = $0.7 million = total $7.7 million).
18.1.3.6 | Supplies and Services |
An allowance for operating supplies such as water, safety items, tools, lubricants and office supplies were made using data from other M3 projects. The estimated average annual cost for plant supplies and services is $1.0 million.
18.1.3.7 | Site and Services/Main Office G&A |
The Site and Services is estimated to be $22.0 million annually with an estimated staff of 180 employees (includes 1 site manager, 59 supervisors and 120 workers which includes 52 workers are for camp support). The Main Office G&A is estimated to be $6.6 million.
18.1.3.8 | Water Treatment Plants |
Two water treatment plants are considered under the PFS, a Pit Water Treatment Plant (PTAAM) and a Process Water Treatment Plant (PTAAC). The water treatment plant unit cost per cubic meter of water is estimated to be $2.31 /m3 for both plants.
The water treatment rate for the PTAAM is estimated to be 279,000 cubic meters annually for the first five years at a cost of $0.65 million per year. Volumes are expected to increase to 395,000 annually after Year 5 with LOM PTAAM water treatment estimated to be 6.5 million cubic meters, according the hydrogeological model by AMEC 2020 and the Water Balance.
For the PTAAC, the water balance shows no surplus of contact water will be treated in the PTAAC, however, considering any contingency, the treatment rates are assumed at 695,000 cubic meters annually and 9 million cubic meters LOM.
LOM water treatment volumes are estimated to be 15.6 million cubic meters at a cost of $35.9.
18.2 | Capital Costs |
The estimated capital expenditure or capital costs (CAPEX) for the Trapiche Project consists of four components: (1) the initial CAPEX to design, permit, pre-strip, construct, and commission the mine, plant facilities, ancillary facilities, utilities, and operations camp; (2) the sustaining CAPEX for facilities expansions, expected replacements of process equipment and ongoing environmental mitigation activities; (3) the closure and reclamation CAPEX to close and rehabilitate components of the Project; and (4) working capital to cover delays in the receipts from sales and payments for accounts payable and financial resources tied up in inventory.
The new economic analysis completed for this TRS, dated November 2021, used an escalation of 10% for the Capital Cost and the Operating Cost. An analysis of the ENR Cost Index Summary indicated that the cost of construction increased by 8.4%, the cost of labor increased by 1.8%, and the cost of Material increased by 37.5%. It was decided to average the increase of the CAPEX by 10%. The cost of Power and Sulfuric Acid was not increased for this period as these costs were confirmed to hold their 2020 estimated costs.
Table 18-8 summarizes the initial CAPEX for the Project. Table 18-11 summarizes sustaining costs, and Table 18-12 summarizes closure costs. Table 18-8 includes process plant costs, on-site infrastructure such as on-site roads, the leach pads, the operations camp, and off-site infrastructure such as the power transmission line, and the mine access road costs. DMO and DMI facilities are in the Direct Costs. It does not include direct mining equipment costs as the
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1240
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
project is based on use of contract mining services. The initial CAPEX also includes indirect costs for engineering, procurement, construction management, vendor support during construction, spares and other costs.
Initial CAPEX also includes an estimate of contingency based on the accuracy and level of detail of the cost estimate and the rules of the Security and Exchange Commission (SK-1300). The purpose of the contingency provision is to make allowance for uncertain cost elements which are predicted to occur but are not included in the cost estimate. These cost elements include uncertainties concerning completeness and accuracy of material takeoffs, accuracy of labor and material rates, accuracy of labor productivity expectations, and accuracy of equipment pricing. The CAPEX for the Trapiche Prefeasibility Study is considered by M3 to be a Class 4 estimate used for development of a preliminary capital budgets and the viability of this project. The CAPEX has an accuracy range of +20% to -20%. Contingency used is 20%.
Table 18-8: Trapiche Capital Cost Estimate Summary
Item | Base Cost (US$) |
---|---|
Subtotal Direct Cost, without Mining | $647,422,193 |
Freight | $32,737,980 |
Mobilization | $12,927,640 |
Concrete Batching Mob & Demob | $563,200 |
Camp Costs | In Direct Cost |
Camp Operating Costs | In Direct Cost |
Temporary Construction Facilities | In Direct Cost |
Temporary Construction Power | $680,130 |
Fee - Contractor | In Direct Cost |
Total Constructed Cost | $694,331,143 |
|
|
Management & Accounting | $5,207,510 |
Engineering | $41,659,860 |
Project Services | $6,943,310 |
Project Control | $5,207,510 |
Construction Management | $45,131,570 |
EPCM Fee | $10,415,020 |
EPCM Construction Trailers | $2,082,960 |
EPCM Subtotal | $116,647,740 |
|
|
Commissioning & Programming | $550,000 |
Travel Lodging & Bussing | In Direct Cost |
Vendor Supervision Of Specialty Const. | $2,821,753 |
Vendor Pre-commissioning | $940,588 |
Vendor Commissioning | $940,588 |
Client / Construction Commissioning Teams | $0 |
Capital Spares | $3,762,330 |
Commissioning Spares | $940,588 |
Total Contracted Cost | $820,934,730 |
|
|
Contingency | $123,140,160 |
Transmission Line & Substation (CONENHUA) | $45,631,190 |
External Road | $16,500,000 |
First Fills | $2,530,000 |
Owner's Cost | $29,672,000 |
Total Contracted and Owner's Cost | $1,038,408,080 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1241
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 18-9: Initial Direct Costs by WBS Area
WBS | Area Name | Costs (US$) |
0 | General | $4,388,189 |
1 | DMI | $6,568,138 |
2 | DMO | $1,238,244 |
3 | Quarries | $0 |
10 | Mine Haul Roads (Outside of Pit) | $12,957,470 |
15 | Internal Access | $6,607,163 |
50 | Mine General | $4,735,500 |
60 | Rock-Fall Protection | $2,266,000 |
100 | Primary Crushing | $37,663,561 |
200 | Ore Stockpiling, Crushing & Conveying | $14,381,940 |
220 | Secondary Crushing & Screening | $22,172,353 |
240 | Tertiary Crushing | $18,508,627 |
260 | Tertiary Screening | $12,325,453 |
300 | Leach Pads & Ponds | $0 |
310 | Agglomeration | $19,312,015 |
320 | Oxide Leach Pad | $0 |
330 | Sulfide Leach Pad | $110,750,197 |
340 | ROM Leach Pad | $26,700.898 |
350 | Raffinate System | $31,846,334 |
360 | ILS System | $18,413,432 |
370 | PLS System | $227,508 |
400 | Mineral Recovery | $0 |
410 | Solvent Extraction | $46,650,000 |
420 | Tank Farm | $16,729,786 |
500 | Electrowinning | $50,307,792 |
600 | Water System | $0 |
620 | Water Treatment Plant | $39,871,052 |
650 | Freshwater System | $20,269,320 |
619 | Tailings Storage Facility 01 | $0 |
621 | Tailings Storage Facility 02 | $0 |
622 | Tailings Storage Facility 03 | $0 |
670 | Wells | $0 |
760 | Power Substation & Distribution | $2,921,527 |
800 | Reagents | $1,270,342 |
840 | Sulfuric Acid & Unloading | $5,276,861 |
900 | Ancillaries General (incl Area 913) | $1,655,139 |
901 | Guard House | $43,551 |
902 | Truck Scale | $133,528 |
903 | Administration / Mine Ops Building | $3,682,194 |
904 | Laboratory Building | $256,940 |
905 | Truck Shop / Truck Wash | $36,875,455 |
908 | Fuel Storage | $1,683,000 |
909 | Fuel Station | $99,000 |
910 | Warehouse | $3,200,083 |
911 | Security, Medical & Emergency Services | $276,450 |
912 | Plant Maintenance Building | $1,202,186 |
913 | SXEW Maintenance Building | $0 |
914 | Core Storage (Lab Area) | $3,383,982 |
914 | Core Storage (Admin Office Area) | $0 |
915 | Waste Transfer Area | $1,116,120 |
916 | Heli Pad | $107,608 |
918 | Explosive Storage | $5,092,115 |
920 | Permanent Camp & Dining Hall | $36,381,374 |
940 | Temporary Construction Facilities | $17,873,765 |
| Total | $647,422,193 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1242
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
The primary assumptions used to develop the CAPEX are provided below:
● | The estimate is based on 4th quarter 2020 costs with a 10% escalation. |
● | All cost estimates were developed and are reported in United States of America (US) dollars. |
● | Qualified and experienced construction contractors will be available at the time of Project execution. |
● | Borrow sources are available within the Project boundary or nearby. |
● | Weather related delays in construction are not accounted for in the estimate. |
● | No provision has been made for currency fluctuations. |
18.2.1 | Owner’s Capital Cost |
The owner’s capital cost is shown below as submitted by the Owner.
Table 18-10: Owner’s Capital Cost
Cost (US$) | |
Geological & Metallurgical Testing | 3,600,000 |
Permits & Monitoring | 0 |
Permits | 0 |
EIA Monitoring | 1,800,000 |
Rights | 1,200,000 |
External Roads Maintenance | 2,000,000 |
Support and Consultants | 960,000 |
Owner´s Operations Staff | 8,448,000 |
Owner´s Project Staff | 3,456,000 |
Surveying | 1,260,000 |
Security During Construction | 672,000 |
First Aid and Medical during Construction | 1,056,000 |
Owner´s Insurance | 3,780,000 |
Communications | 1,440,000 |
Land Purchasing | 0 |
Social Responsibility (Gasto Social) | 0 |
Total Owner Cost | 29,672,000 |
18.2.2 | Sustaining Capital |
The following components are expected to be constructed after initial plant start-up and are included as sustaining capital projects.
Table 18-11: Sustaining Capital
Item | US$ |
Sulfide Leach Pad Phase 2 & 3 (Area 330) | $52,860,621 |
ROM Phase 2 (Area 340) | $25,657,486 |
Phase 2 Ponds (Areas 350 and 370) | $20,754,210 |
Pit Water Treatment Plant - Capacity Increasing (Area 620) | $23,362,339 |
Oxide On/Off Pad (Area 320) | $23,104,002 |
Total Sustaining Capital | $145,738,658 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1243
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 18-12: Closure Cost ($000)
| Progressive Closure Cost | Final Closure Cost | Post Closure Cost |
Year 1 | $0 |
|
|
Year 2 | $0 |
|
|
Year 3 | $551 |
|
|
Year 4 | $551 |
|
|
Year 5 | $551 |
|
|
Year 6 | $780 |
|
|
Year 7 | $780 |
|
|
Year 8 | $780 |
|
|
Year 9 | $780 |
|
|
Year 10 | $780 |
|
|
Year 11 | $780 |
|
|
Year 12 | $780 |
|
|
Year 13 | $780 |
|
|
Year 14 | $780 |
|
|
Year 15 | $780 |
|
|
Year 16 | $780 |
|
|
Year 17 | $780 |
|
|
Year 18 |
| $110,025 |
|
Year 19 |
|
| $6,028 |
Year 20 |
|
| $6,028 |
Year 21 |
|
| $6,028 |
Year 22 |
|
| $6,028 |
Year 23 |
|
| $6,028 |
Total | $11,012 | $110,025 | $30,140 |
18.2.3 | Mining Capital Cost |
Mining activities will be performed under a contract mining methodology. As such, no mining equipment costs are included in the CAPEX. Costs are carried by the mining contractor and are included in the Mine OPEX.
Life of mine capital costs are broken down as follows:
● | 5% related to Mine Communication. |
● | 37% related to Dispatch system. |
● | 58% related to Dewatering system. |
Sustaining capital costs include communication equipment renewal, major upgrades every 4 years for the Dispatch System up to the end of LOM, and US$2.2M every 3 years for dewatering and water management infrastructure for the open pit, such as sumps and diversion channels.
The mining initial capital cost is based on the estimated cost in the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update with a 10% escalation.
Mining Initial Capital costs by category are summarized in Table 18-13.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1244
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Table 18-13: Mining Initial Capital Cost
Description | US$ |
Mine Communication | $253,000 |
Dispatch (US$) | $1,210,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Truck (US$) | $302,500 |
Dispatch Hardware - Shovel / Loader (US$) | $110,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Drill (US$) | $55,000 |
Dispatch Hardware - Aux (US$) | $55,000 |
Dewatering system | $2,750,000 |
Total | $4,735,500 |
Notes:
1. | In the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update, the Initial Mining Capital cost was estimated at US$4.305M. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1245
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
19 | Economic Analysis |
19.1 | Introduction |
The financial evaluation presents the determination of the Net Present Value (NPV) and sensitivities for the project. Annual cash flow projections were estimated over the life of the mine based on the estimates of capital expenditures, production cost and sales revenue. The sales revenue is based on the production of copper cathode. The estimates of capital expenditures and site production costs have been developed specifically for this project and have been presented in earlier sections of this report.
19.2 | Plant Capacity Analysis |
Mining production will range between 40,000 to 97,000 tonnes per day (peak is in the Year 4) with an average of 75,000 tonnes per day. The crushing system will operate at 45,000 metric tonnes of ore per day on average over the 18-year Life of Mine (LOM), with the capacity to support 50,000 metric tonnes per day.
These capacities were selected as the optimal system to process the extracted mineral due to the two constraints: the “mining intensity” that limit the mining production to an average of 85,000 tonnes per day, even for larger mine equipment, and the leaching started platform of phase 1 of the sulfide leach pad. For a leaching cycle of 180 days and 8 m of height lift only 45,000 tpd to 50,000 tpd on average is possible to process. Further studies will consider solutions to increase the production, but at this stage the ranges described are considered the optimal.
19.2.1 | Mining Intensity |
The first restriction to overcome is Mining Intensity. Currently, the mine plan indicates an average of 74,000 tpd of mine production (excluding Year 4) during the first 6 years. Year 4 mine production is 97,000 tpd (see Figure 19-1). These production rates include the 45,000 tpd going to the crushing plant for the sulfide leach operation. As indicated by Mining Plus, increasing the size of the mining fleet (to CAT 777 or similar), while maintaining a single ramp, could increase the mine's production from 75,000 tpd to 85,000 tpd (a 13% increase). The current design capacity of the crushing system and SXEW plant is 45,000 tpd. Applying this 13% increase to the crushing system implies a potential increase of ore going to the crushing plant to 51,000 tpd from 45,000 tpd.
Figure 19-1: Total Daily Mine Production (Excel line 4)
19.2.2 | Sufficient Leaching Surface Area |
The second restriction is the leach area for the sulfide leach pad starter platform. Currently, for this PFS, the required area is estimated at 60 ha based on the assumptions of 8 m lift height and a 180-day leach cycle for enriched ore. Increasing that area to 80 ha (which is possible with a relatively low initial capex increase) coupled with a reduction of the leaching time to 170 days (see note below) could move the project’s crushing and leaching capability from 45,000 tpd to 50,000 tpd and provide improved economic results.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1246
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Note: El Molle Verde is currently exploring the use of chlorides for leaching. Chloride leaching has the potential to achieve recovery of copper in a shorter leach cycle. Chloride leaching test work is ongoing and no conclusions are able to be drawn at this time.
19.2.3 | Summary |
Economic results are better for larger operations such as 75,000 tpd of crushed material, however, it appears to be difficult to reach more than 50,000 tpd of crushing when also taking into account the waste material that must be moved in addition to the crusher bound ore. This is something that must be analyzed in more detail at the feasibility stage when the assumptions of lift height, leaching cycle, optimization of the capex of the starter pad are confirmed.
19.3 | Mine Production Statistics |
Mine production is reported as ore and ROM from the mining operation. The annual production figures were obtained from the mine plan as reported earlier in this report.
The life of mine ore and ROM quantities and ore grade are presented in Table 19-1.
Table 19-1: Life of Mine Ore, ROM and Metal Grades
| Tonnes (000's) | Copper Grade % | Contained Copper (klbs) |
Oxide & Mixed Ore | 34,344 | 0.37% | 278,615 |
Enriched Ore | 211,093 | 0.53% | 2,486,889 |
Transitional Ore | 37,069 | 0.50% | 409,774 |
ROM | 110,636 | 0.15% | 361,236 |
Total | 393,141 | 0.41% | 3,536,514 |
19.4 | Plant Production Statistics |
Ore will be processed using crushing & agglomeration, heap leach and solvent extraction/electrowinning to produce a copper cathode.
The estimated metal recoveries for these ore types are presented in Table 19-2.
Table 19-2: Metal Recovery Factors
Enriched % | Oxide/Mixed % | Transitional % | ROM % | |
Ore & ROM | 71.7% | 85.0% | 55.0% | 40.0% |
Estimated life of mine production is presented in Table 19-3 with the approximate metal recovered.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1247
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
19.4.1 | Smelter Return Factors |
Copper cathodes are shipped to various refineries and the terms are negotiable at the time of the agreement. The refinery terms and payable metals calculated in the financial evaluation are presented in Table 19-4.
Table 19-4: Smelter Return Factors
Copper Cathode | |
Payable copper | 100.0% |
Transportation Charges ($/Cu lb) | $0.055 |
19.5 | Capital Expenditure |
19.5.1 | Initial and Sustaining Capital |
The financial indicators have been determined with 100% equity financing. The total capital carried in the financial model for the initial capital and sustaining capital is shown in Table 19-5.
Table 19-5: Initial and Sustaining Capital Summary
Period | Initial Capital ($000) | Sustaining Capital ($000) |
Year -4 | $157,507 |
|
Year -3 | $142,853 |
|
Year -2 | $273,820 |
|
Year -1 | $464,227 |
|
Year 1 |
| $0 |
Year 2 |
| $2,931 |
Year 3 |
| $122,376 |
Year 4 |
| $0 |
Year 5 |
| $9,651 |
Year 6 |
| $0 |
Year 7 |
| $0 |
Year 8 |
| $11,681 |
Year 9 |
| $8,772 |
Year 10 |
| $0 |
Year 11 |
| $0 |
Year 12 |
| $0 |
Year 13 |
| $9,046 |
Year 14 |
| $0 |
Year 15 |
| $0 |
Year 16 |
| $0 |
Year 17 |
| $3,846 |
Year 18 |
| $11,681 |
Year 19 |
| $0 |
Year 20 |
| $0 |
Total | $1,038,408 | $179,985 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1248
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 19-2: Initial Capital Distribution
19.5.2 | Working Capital |
A 10-day delay of receipt of revenue from sales is used for accounts receivable. A delay of payment for accounts payable of 30 days is also incorporated into the financial model. In addition, working capital allowance of approximately $15.8 million for plant consumable inventory is estimated in Year -1 and Year 3. All the working capital is recaptured at the end of the mine life and the final value of these accounts is zero.
19.5.3 | Salvage Value |
No salvage value has been included in the cash flow analysis.
19.6 | Revenue |
Annual revenue is determined by applying estimated metal prices to the annual payable metal estimated for each operating year. Sales prices have been applied to all life of mine production without escalation or hedging. The revenue is the gross value of payable metals sold before treatment and transportation charges.
The copper price was provided by EMV commercial department and it is anticipated to update the copper price in the coming months. M3’s standard method of calculating the price of copper for use in a prefeasibility technical report is to use a 60/40 weighting of 36 months of historic copper prices (60%) and 24 months of consensus estimates for futures prices (40%). This methodology calculates a copper price of $3.53/lb. EMV has requested that a price of $3.63/lb be used in the project. M3 finds the price of $3.63/lb acceptable for project use. The financial model has a copper price sensitivity of ±5% and ±10%. Copper sales price used in the evaluation are as follows:
Copper $8,000/tonne or approximately $3.63/lb
19.7 | Operating Cost |
Life of mine cash operating costs include mine operations, process plant operations, site support and main office overhead costs, treatment and refining charges. Table 19-6 shows the estimated operating cost by area per metric tonne of ore processed.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1249
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Operating Cost | $/ore tonne |
Mine | $2.31 |
Process Plant | $2.92 |
Water Treatment | $0.09 |
Site Support/Main Office Overhead | $1.31 |
Treatment/Refining Charges | $0.33 |
Total Operating Cost | $6.97 |
19.7.1 | Total Cash Cost |
The average total cash cost over the life of the mine is estimated to be $7.45/t of ore processed. Total cash cost is the total cash operating cost in addition to reclamation and closure and social costs. Table 19-7 shows the estimated total cash cost per metric tonne of ore processed.
| $/ore tonne |
Total Operating Cost | $6.97 |
Reclamation & Closure | $0.38 |
Social Costs | $0.10 |
Total Cash Cost | $7.45 |
19.7.1.1 | Reclamation & Closure and Social Costs |
An allowance for the cost of final reclamation and closure of the property has been estimated at $151.2 million for the mine life. Concurrent reclamation is estimated to be $11.0 million and expended in Years 3 thru Year 17 and the final closure cost is estimated to be $140.2 million and expended five years after the end of operations. The social cost is estimated to be $39.4 million for the life of the mine.
19.7.1.2 | Depreciation |
Depreciation is calculated taking the capital expenditure and dividing it by the operating years starting with first year of production for the initial capital. In the year that the sustaining capital is expended, this amount is divided by the remaining operating years to calculate the depreciation for the sustaining capital expenditures.
19.8 | Taxation |
The Trapiche Project is evaluated with the following taxes:
● | Special Tax which is based on net income after depreciation at the average rate of 4.0%. |
● | Mining Royalty which is based on net income after depreciation at the average rate of 3.5%. |
● | Other Taxes which is based on net income after depreciation less the special tax and mining royalty at a rate of 8.0%. |
● | Income Taxes which is based on net income after depreciation less the excise tax, mining royalty and other taxes at a rate of 29.5%. |
Total taxes are estimated to be $1.9 billion for the life of the mine. The estimated taxes were verified by the EMV Accounting office.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1250
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
19.9 | Project Financing |
For the purposes of this PFS, it is assumed that investment in the Trapiche Project will be financed with equity.
19.10 | Net Income After-Tax |
Net Income after-tax is approximately $2.6 billion for the life of the mine; this value is shown in the detailed financial model shown in Table 19-9.
19.11 | NPV, IRR and Payback (Years) |
The base case economic analysis indicates that the project has an after tax NPV at 7% discount rate of $785 million, IRR of 15.9% and a payback of 5.0 years. Sensitivity analysis is presented in Table 19-8.
19.12 | Sensitivity |
Sensitivity analyses are presented in Table 19-8.
Table 19-8: Sensitivity Analysis After-Taxes (in Thousands of US$)
Change in Metal Price | Copper Price | NPV @ 7% | IRR % | Payback (yrs) |
10% | $3.99 | $1,016,795 | 18.1% | 4.4 |
5% | $3.81 | $901,021 | 17.0% | 4.7 |
0% | $3.63 | $784,968 | 15.9% | 5.0 |
-5% | $3.45 | $668,652 | 14.7% | 5.4 |
-10% | $3.27 | $551,843 | 13.5% | 5.9 |
Change in Operating Cost | Operating Cost $/t ore | NPV @ 7% | IRR % | Payback (yrs) |
20% | $8.36 | $643,218 | 14.5% | 5.5 |
10% | $7.67 | $714,427 | 15.2% | 5.3 |
0% | $6.97 | $784,968 | 15.9% | 5.0 |
-10% | $6.27 | $854,942 | 16.5% | 4.8 |
-20% | $5.58 | $924,255 | 17.2% | 4.6 |
Change in Initial Capital | Initial Capital | NPV @ 7% | IRR % | Payback (yrs) |
20% | $1,246,090 | $648,925 | 13.4% | 5.9 |
10% | $1,142,249 | $716,992 | 14.6% | 5.5 |
0% | $1,038,408 | $784,968 | 15.9% | 5.0 |
-10% | $934,567 | $852,879 | 17.4% | 4.6 |
-20% | $830,726 | $920,740 | 19.2% | 4.2 |
Change in Recovery | Recovery % | NPV @ 7% | IRR % | Payback (yrs) |
20% | 83.2% | $1,211,716 | 19.9% | 4.0 |
10% | 76.3% | $998,686 | 17.9% | 4.4 |
0% | 69.3% | $784,968 | 15.9% | 5.0 |
-10% | 62.4% | $570,404 | 13.7% | 5.8 |
-20% | 55.5% | $354,567 | 11.4% | 6.8 |
Change in Power Price | Power Price | NPV @ 7% | IRR % | Payback (yrs) |
46% | $0.095 / kWh | $738,279 | 15.4% | 5.2 |
31% | $0.085 / kWh | $753,849 | 15.6% | 5.1 |
15% | $0.075 / kWh | $769,437 | 15.7% | 5.1 |
0% | $0.065 / kWh | $784,968 | 15.9% | 5.0 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1251
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Figure 19-3: Sensitivity Analysis After-Taxes
19.13 | Financial Model |
Table 19-9 shows the financial model for the Trapiche Project.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1252
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Total | Year -5 | Year -4 | Year -3 | Year -2 | Year -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mining Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oxide & Mixed Ore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Inventory(kt) | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,306 | 33,873 | 32,953 | 31,004 | 28,004 | 25,004 | 22,004 | 19,004 | 16,004 | 13,004 | 10,004 | 9,317 | 6,930 | 5,479 | 4,515 | 3,691 | 1,365 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Mined (kt) | 34,344 | - | - | - | - | - | 38 | 433 | 920 | 1,949 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 687 | 2,387 | 1,451 | 964 | 824 | 2,326 | 1,365 | - | - | - | - | - |
Ending Inventory (kt) | - | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,344 | 34,306 | 33,873 | 32,953 | 31,004 | 28,004 | 25,004 | 22,004 | 19,004 | 16,004 | 13,004 | 10,004 | 9,317 | 6,930 | 5,479 | 4,515 | 3,691 | 1,365 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Copper Grade (%) | 0.368% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.295% | 0.265% | 0.279% | 0.285% | 0.281% | 0.274% | 0.270% | 0.296% | 0.324% | 0.349% | 0.352% | 0.637% | 0.400% | 0.541% | 0.602% | 0.603% | 0.545% | 0.540% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 278,615 | - | - | 249 | 2,532 | 5,659 | 12,266 | 18,604 | 18,101 | 17,869 | 19,586 | 21,406 | 23,101 | 23,307 | 9,647 | 21,037 | 17,298 | 12,790 | 10,967 | 27,956 | 16,242 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
24,681 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enriched Ore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Inventory(kt) | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 195,196 | 181,097 | 168,660 | 155,669 | 143,917 | 131,934 | 120,152 | 107,260 | 93,958 | 81,304 | 69,052 | 55,483 | 43,149 | 33,787 | 26,841 | 17,908 | 8,440 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Mined (kt) | 211,093 | - | - | - | - | - | 15,896 | 14,099 | 12,437 | 12,991 | 11,752 | 11,983 | 11,782 | 12,892 | 13,302 | 12,654 | 12,253 | 13,568 | 12,334 | 9,362 | 6,946 | 8,934 | 9,468 | 8,440 | - | - | - | - | - |
Ending Inventory (kt) | - | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 211,093 | 195,196 | 181,097 | 168,660 | 155,669 | 143,917 | 131,934 | 120,152 | 107,260 | 93,958 | 81,304 | 69,052 | 55,483 | 43,149 | 33,787 | 26,841 | 17,908 | 8,440 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Copper Grade (%) | 0.534% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.549% | 0.542% | 0.446% | 0.459% | 0.547% | 0.514% | 0.509% | 0.478% | 0.476% | 0.516% | 0.518% | 0.543% | 0.566% | 0.667% | 0.711% | 0.584% | 0.645% | 0.490% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 2,486,889 | - | - | - | - | - | 192,276 | 168,353 | 122,243 | 131,457 | 141,599 | 135,850 | 132,240 | 135,811 | 139,618 | 143,898 | 139,960 | 162,307 | 153,977 | 137,618 | 108,827 | 115,067 | 134,542 | 91,247 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transitional Ore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Inventory(kt) | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 36,875 | 34,719 | 31,414 | 28,790 | 27,342 | 26,126 | 24,708 | 24,400 | 24,177 | 23,631 | 22,684 | 22,088 | 20,609 | 15,927 | 8,652 | 3,030 | 1,123 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Mined (kt) | 37,069 | - | - | - | - | - | 194 | 2,156 | 3,305 | 2,623 | 1,448 | 1,217 | 1,418 | 308 | 222 | 546 | 947 | 596 | 1,479 | 4,683 | 7,275 | 5,622 | 1,907 | 1,123 | - | - | - | - | - |
Ending Inventory (kt) | - | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 37,069 | 36,875 | 34,719 | 31,414 | 28,790 | 27,342 | 26,126 | 24,708 | 24,400 | 24,177 | 23,631 | 22,684 | 22,088 | 20,609 | 15,927 | 8,652 | 3,030 | 1,123 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Copper Grade (%) | 0.501% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.386% | 0.571% | 0.981% | 0.219% | 0.355% | 0.440% | 0.342% | 0.362% | 0.358% | 0.452% | 0.422% | 0.481% | 0.481% | 0.415% | 0.496% | 0.535% | 0.526% | 0.481% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 409,774 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,648 | 27,161 | 71,470 | 12,642 | 11,316 | 11,798 | 10,688 | 2,458 | 1,754 | 5,446 | 8,819 | 6,312 | 15,679 | 42,848 | 79,476 | 66,263 | 22,091 | 11,904 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ROM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Inventory(kt) | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 99,868 | 90,180 | 78,384 | 60,450 | 49,608 | 39,175 | 31,777 | 26,898 | 23,366 | 20,602 | 18,104 | 15,906 | 13,764 | 11,059 | 8,477 | 6,010 | 3,049 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Mined (kt) | 110,636 | - | - | - | - | - | 10,767 | 9,688 | 11,797 | 17,934 | 10,842 | 10,433 | 7,397 | 4,879 | 3,532 | 2,764 | 2,498 | 2,198 | 2,142 | 2,705 | 2,582 | 2,468 | 2,960 | 3,049 | - | - | - | - | - |
Ending Inventory (kt) | - | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 110,636 | 99,868 | 90,180 | 78,384 | 60,450 | 49,608 | 39,175 | 31,777 | 26,898 | 23,366 | 20,602 | 18,104 | 15,906 | 13,764 | 11,059 | 8,477 | 6,010 | 3,049 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Copper Grade (%) | 0.148% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.121% | 0.250% | 0.220% | 0.084% | 0.085% | 0.110% | 0.087% | 0.079% | 0.090% | 0.112% | 0.184% | 0.086% | 0.182% | 0.222% | 0.303% | 0.232% | 0.292% | 0.322% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 361,236 | - | - | - | - | - | 28,685 | 53,339 | 57,249 | 33,192 | 20,390 | 25,297 | 14,139 | 8,470 | 6,989 | 6,807 | 10,115 | 4,187 | 8,589 | 13,259 | 17,235 | 12,601 | 19,055 | 21,639 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Mine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Inventory(kt) | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 366,245 | 339,869 | 311,411 | 275,913 | 248,871 | 222,238 | 198,641 | 177,561 | 157,505 | 138,541 | 119,844 | 102,795 | 84,453 | 66,252 | 48,486 | 30,638 | 13,977 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Mined (kt) | 393,141 | - | - | - | - | - | 26,896 | 26,376 | 28,458 | 35,498 | 27,042 | 26,633 | 23,597 | 21,079 | 20,056 | 18,964 | 18,698 | 17,048 | 18,342 | 18,201 | 17,767 | 17,848 | 16,661 | 13,977 | - | - | - | - | - |
Ending Inventory (kt) | - | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 393,141 | 366,245 | 339,869 | 311,411 | 275,913 | 248,871 | 222,238 | 198,641 | 177,561 | 157,505 | 138,541 | 119,844 | 102,795 | 84,453 | 66,252 | 48,486 | 30,638 | 13,977 | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) | (0) |
Copper Grade (%) | 0.408% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.376% | 0.432% | 0.409% | 0.242% | 0.322% | 0.325% | 0.336% | 0.358% | 0.384% | 0.429% | 0.442% | 0.485% | 0.493% | 0.526% | 0.557% | 0.521% | 0.554% | 0.458% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 3,536,514 | - | - | - | - | - | 222,857 | 251,385 | 256,620 | 189,557 | 191,908 | 191,045 | 174,937 | 166,325 | 169,767 | 179,252 | 182,201 | 182,453 | 199,282 | 211,023 | 218,328 | 204,899 | 203,644 | 141,032 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Process Plant Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leach Pad Stacking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oxide & Mixed Ore to Heap Leach (kt) | 34,344 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,949 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 687 | 2,387 | 1,451 | 964 | 2,215 | 2,326 | 1,365 | - | - | - | - | - |
Copper Grade Processed (%) | 0.368% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.285% | 0.281% | 0.274% | 0.270% | 0.296% | 0.324% | 0.349% | 0.352% | 0.637% | 0.400% | 0.541% | 0.602% | 0.397% | 0.545% | 0.540% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 278,615 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12,266 | 18,604 | 18,101 | 17,869 | 19,586 | 21,406 | 23,101 | 23,307 | 9,647 | 21,037 | 17,298 | 12,790 | 19,407 | 27,956 | 16,242 | - | - | - | - | - |
Recovery Copper (%) | 85.0% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% |
Recovered Copper Cathode (klbs) | 236,822 | - | - | - | - | 10,426 | 15,813 | 15,386 | 15,189 | 16,648 | 18,195 | 19,636 | 19,811 | 8,200 | 17,882 | 14,703 | 10,871 | 16,496 | 23,762 | 13,806 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
Enriched Ore to Heap Leach (kt) | 211,093 | - | - | - | - | - | 15,896 | 14,099 | 12,437 | 12,991 | 11,752 | 11,983 | 11,782 | 12,892 | 13,302 | 12,654 | 12,253 | 13,568 | 12,334 | 9,362 | 6,946 | 8,934 | 9,468 | 8,440 | - | - | - | - | - |
Copper Grade Processed (%) | 0.534% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.549% | 0.542% | 0.446% | 0.459% | 0.547% | 0.514% | 0.509% | 0.478% | 0.476% | 0.516% | 0.518% | 0.543% | 0.566% | 0.667% | 0.711% | 0.584% | 0.645% | 0.490% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 2,486,889 | - | - | - | - | - | 192,276 | 168,353 | 122,243 | 131,457 | 141,599 | 135,850 | 132,240 | 135,811 | 139,618 | 143,898 | 139,960 | 162,307 | 153,977 | 137,618 | 108,827 | 115,067 | 134,542 | 91,247 | - | - | - | - | - |
Recovery Copper (%) | 71.7% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% | 71.70% |
Recovered Copper Cathode (klbs) | 1,783,099 | - | - | - | - | - | 137,862 | 120,709 | 87,648 | 94,255 | 101,526 | 97,404 | 94,816 | 97,376 | 100,106 | 103,175 | 100,351 | 116,374 | 110,401 | 98,672 | 78,029 | 82,503 | 96,467 | 65,424 | - | - | - | - | - |
Transitional Ore to Heap Leach (kt) | 37,069 | - | - | - | - | - | 194 | 2,156 | 3,305 | 2,623 | 1,448 | 1,217 | 1,418 | 308 | 222 | 546 | 947 | 596 | 1,479 | 4,683 | 7,275 | 5,622 | 1,907 | 1,123 | - | - | - | - | - |
Copper Grade Processed (%) | 0.501% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.386% | 0.571% | 0.981% | 0.219% | 0.355% | 0.440% | 0.342% | 0.362% | 0.358% | 0.452% | 0.422% | 0.481% | 0.481% | 0.415% | 0.496% | 0.535% | 0.526% | 0.481% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 409,774 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,648 | 27,161 | 71,470 | 12,642 | 11,316 | 11,798 | 10,688 | 2,458 | 1,754 | 5,446 | 8,819 | 6,312 | 15,679 | 42,848 | 79,476 | 66,263 | 22,091 | 11,904 | - | - | - | - | - |
Recovery Copper (%) | 55.0% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% | 55.00% |
Recovered Copper Cathode (klbs) | 225,376 | - | - | - | - | - | 906 | 14,938 | 39,308 | 6,953 | 6,224 | 6,489 | 5,878 | 1,352 | 965 | 2,995 | 4,851 | 3,472 | 8,623 | 23,566 | 43,712 | 36,445 | 12,150 | 6,547 | - | - | - | - | - |
ROM to Heap Leach (kt) | 110,636 | - | - | - | - | - | 10,767 | 9,688 | 11,797 | 17,934 | 10,842 | 10,433 | 7,397 | 4,879 | 3,532 | 2,764 | 2,498 | 2,198 | 2,142 | 2,705 | 2,582 | 2,468 | 2,960 | 3,049 | - | - | - | - | - |
Copper Grade Processed (%) | 0.148% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.121% | 0.250% | 0.220% | 0.084% | 0.085% | 0.110% | 0.087% | 0.079% | 0.090% | 0.112% | 0.184% | 0.086% | 0.182% | 0.222% | 0.303% | 0.232% | 0.292% | 0.322% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 361,236 | - | - | - | - | - | 28,685 | 53,339 | 57,249 | 33,192 | 20,390 | 25,297 | 14,139 | 8,470 | 6,989 | 6,807 | 10,115 | 4,187 | 8,589 | 13,259 | 17,235 | 12,601 | 19,055 | 21,639 | - | - | - | - | - |
Recovery Copper (%) | 40.0% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% |
Recovered Copper Cathode (klbs) | 144,495 | - | - | - | - | - | 11,474 | 21,336 | 22,900 | 13,277 | 8,156 | 10,119 | 5,656 | 3,388 | 2,795 | 2,723 | 4,046 | 1,675 | 3,436 | 5,304 | 6,894 | 5,041 | 7,622 | 8,656 | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Ore to Heap Leach (kt) | 393,141 | - | - | - | - | - | 26,857 | 25,943 | 27,539 | 35,498 | 27,042 | 26,633 | 23,597 | 21,079 | 20,056 | 18,964 | 18,698 | 17,048 | 18,342 | 18,201 | 17,767 | 19,239 | 16,661 | 13,977 | - | - | - | - | - |
Copper Grade Processed (%) | 0.408% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.376% | 0.435% | 0.413% | 0.242% | 0.322% | 0.325% | 0.336% | 0.358% | 0.384% | 0.429% | 0.442% | 0.485% | 0.493% | 0.526% | 0.557% | 0.503% | 0.554% | 0.458% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% | 0.000% |
Contained Copper (klbs) | 3,536,514 | - | - | - | - | - | 222,609 | 248,853 | 250,961 | 189,557 | 191,908 | 191,045 | 174,937 | 166,325 | 169,767 | 179,252 | 182,201 | 182,453 | 199,282 | 211,023 | 218,328 | 213,338 | 203,644 | 141,032 | - | - | - | - | - |
Recovery Copper (%) | 67.57% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 67.49% | 63.08% | 59.71% | 65.90% | 68.64% | 67.73% | 69.48% | 71.41% | 71.90% | 71.70% | 70.83% | 71.10% | 70.42% | 67.41% | 63.90% | 65.85% | 68.75% | 66.96% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Recovered Copper Cathode (klbs) | 2,389,792 | - | - | - | - | - | 150,242 | 156,983 | 149,856 | 124,910 | 131,719 | 129,398 | 121,539 | 118,764 | 122,061 | 128,529 | 129,059 | 129,720 | 140,342 | 142,245 | 139,506 | 140,484 | 140,001 | 94,432 | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Copper Production Schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cathode Production | 2,389,792 | - | - | - | - | - | 150,242 | 156,983 | 149,856 | 124,910 | 131,719 | 129,398 | 121,539 | 118,764 | 122,061 | 128,529 | 129,059 | 129,720 | 140,342 | 142,245 | 139,506 | 140,484 | 140,001 | 94,432 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payable Metals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copper Payable Metal (klbs) | 2,389,792 | - | - | - | - | - | 150,242 | 156,983 | 149,856 | 124,910 | 131,719 | 129,398 | 121,539 | 118,764 | 122,061 | 128,529 | 129,059 | 129,720 | 140,342 | 142,245 | 139,506 | 140,484 | 140,001 | 94,432 | - | - | - | - | - |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Statement ($000) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copper ($/lb.) | $3.63 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 | $3.63 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copper Cathode | $8,674,945 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $545,380 | $569,849 | $543,977 | $453,425 | $478,141 | $469,713 | $441,187 | $431,115 | $443,082 | $466,559 | $468,483 | $470,884 | $509,442 | $516,350 | $506,407 | $509,957 | $508,205 | $342,789 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Revenues | $8,674,945 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $545,380 | $569,849 | $543,977 | $453,425 | $478,141 | $469,713 | $441,187 | $431,115 | $443,082 | $466,559 | $468,483 | $470,884 | $509,442 | $516,350 | $506,407 | $509,957 | $508,205 | $342,789 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mining | $908,954 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50,428 | $50,867 | $53,197 | $65,527 | $55,037 | $54,990 | $51,391 | $50,906 | $46,722 | $46,741 | $50,167 | $49,358 | $50,286 | $49,581 | $49,396 | $49,755 | $46,507 | $38,096 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1253
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Total | Year -5 | Year -4 | Year -3 | Year -2 | Year -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SXEW Plant | $1,148,728 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $68,177 | $69,658 | $68,728 | $71,699 | $68,941 | $68,118 | $64,296 | $62,040 | $62,202 | $62,916 | $62,879 | $57,643 | $64,455 | $62,978 | $61,102 | $65,103 | $61,828 | $45,966 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Water Treatment Plant | $35,943 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $357 | $527 | $658 | $771 | $911 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $2,517 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Site & Services | $396,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
General Administration | $118,800 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Treatment & Refining Charges | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copper Cathode | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling & Transportation | $131,439 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $8,263 | $8,634 | $8,242 | $6,870 | $7,245 | $7,117 | $6,685 | $6,532 | $6,713 | $7,069 | $7,098 | $7,135 | $7,719 | $7,823 | $7,673 | $7,727 | $7,700 | $5,194 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Operating Cost | $2,739,864 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $155,826 | $158,286 | $159,426 | $173,468 | $160,734 | $161,341 | $153,488 | $150,595 | $146,754 | $147,843 | $151,261 | $145,252 | $153,577 | $151,499 | $149,288 | $153,701 | $147,152 | $120,372 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Property Tax (Included in G&A) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Salvage Value | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Gastos Sociales | $39,350 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,230 | $1,730 | $1,540 | $1,560 | $1,570 | $1,580 | $1,600 | $1,610 | $1,630 | $1,640 | $1,660 | $1,670 | $1,680 | $1,700 | $1,710 | $1,730 | $1,740 | $1,760 | $1,770 | $1,790 | $1,800 | $1,820 | $1,830 |
Total Production Cost | $2,779,214 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $158,056 | $160,016 | $160,966 | $175,028 | $162,304 | $162,921 | $155,088 | $152,205 | $148,384 | $149,483 | $152,921 | $146,922 | $155,257 | $153,199 | $150,998 | $155,431 | $148,892 | $122,132 | $1,770 | $1,790 | $1,800 | $1,820 | $1,830 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $5,895,731 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $387,324 | $409,833 | $383,011 | $278,397 | $315,837 | $306,792 | $286,099 | $278,910 | $294,698 | $317,076 | $315,562 | $323,962 | $354,185 | $363,151 | $355,409 | $354,526 | $359,312 | $220,658 | -$1,770 | -$1,790 | -$1,800 | -$1,820 | -$1,830 |
Non-capitalized Owners Cost | $29,672 | $0 | $5,903 | $8,243 | $7,763 | $7,763 | $0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Initial Capital Depreciation | $1,008,736 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $56,041 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||||
Sustaining Capital Depreciation | $179,985 | $0 | $172 | $7,821 | $7,821 | $8,510 | $8,510 | $8,510 | $9,572 | $10,449 | $10,449 | $10,449 | $10,449 | $11,957 | $11,957 | $11,957 | $11,957 | $13,880 | $25,561 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||||
Total Depreciation | $1,218,393 | $0 | $5,903 | $8,243 | $7,763 | $7,763 | $56,041 | $56,213 | $63,862 | $63,862 | $64,551 | $64,551 | $64,551 | $65,613 | $66,490 | $66,490 | $66,490 | $66,490 | $67,998 | $67,998 | $67,998 | $67,998 | $69,921 | $81,602 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income After Depreciation | $4,677,338 | $0 | -$5,903 | -$8,243 | -$7,763 | -$7,763 | $331,283 | $353,620 | $319,149 | $214,535 | $251,285 | $242,241 | $221,548 | $213,297 | $228,208 | $250,585 | $249,072 | $257,472 | $286,187 | $295,153 | $287,411 | $286,528 | $289,392 | $139,055 | -$1,770 | -$1,790 | -$1,800 | -$1,820 | -$1,830 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxable Income | $4,677,338 | $0 | -$5,903 | -$8,243 | -$7,763 | -$7,763 | $331,283 | $353,620 | $319,149 | $214,535 | $251,285 | $242,241 | $221,548 | $213,297 | $228,208 | $250,585 | $249,072 | $257,472 | $286,187 | $295,153 | $287,411 | $286,528 | $289,392 | $139,055 | -$1,770 | -$1,790 | -$1,800 | -$1,820 | -$1,830 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Tax | $191,405 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,895 | $16,254 | $13,868 | $7,535 | $9,791 | $9,262 | $8,237 | $7,818 | $8,713 | $9,973 | $9,817 | $10,419 | $11,909 | $12,502 | $12,085 | $11,925 | $12,210 | $4,192 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mining Royalty | $171,251 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,803 | $13,855 | $12,077 | $7,165 | $8,908 | $8,492 | $7,642 | $7,298 | $7,994 | $8,994 | $8,889 | $9,333 | $10,549 | $10,996 | $10,661 | $10,563 | $10,756 | $4,275 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other Taxes (Profit Sharing) | $348,269 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $24,287 | $25,881 | $23,456 | $15,987 | $18,607 | $17,959 | $16,454 | $15,854 | $16,920 | $18,529 | $18,429 | $19,018 | $21,098 | $21,732 | $21,173 | $21,123 | $21,314 | $10,447 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Income Tax | $1,181,503 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $82,393 | $87,801 | $79,575 | $54,235 | $63,124 | $60,926 | $55,819 | $53,786 | $57,401 | $62,861 | $62,521 | $64,517 | $71,576 | $73,727 | $71,830 | $71,660 | $72,308 | $35,442 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Net Income After Taxes | $2,784,910 | $0 | -$5,903 | -$8,243 | -$7,763 | -$7,763 | $196,906 | $209,829 | $190,172 | $129,613 | $150,856 | $145,602 | $133,397 | $128,540 | $137,180 | $150,228 | $149,415 | $154,185 | $171,055 | $176,195 | $171,662 | $171,256 | $172,803 | $84,699 | -$1,770 | -$1,790 | -$1,800 | -$1,820 | -$1,830 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $5,895,731 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $387,324 | $409,833 | $383,011 | $278,397 | $315,837 | $306,792 | $286,099 | $278,910 | $294,698 | $317,076 | $315,562 | $323,962 | $354,185 | $363,151 | $355,409 | $354,526 | $359,312 | $220,658 | -$1,770 | -$1,790 | -$1,800 | -$1,820 | -$1,830 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Working Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Account Receivable (10 days) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | -$14,942 | -$670 | $709 | $2,481 | -$677 | $231 | $782 | $276 | -$328 | -$643 | -$53 | -$66 | -$1,056 | -$189 | $272 | -$97 | $48 | $4,532 | $9,391 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Accounts Payable (30 days) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,808 | $202 | $94 | $1,154 | -$1,047 | $50 | -$645 | -$238 | -$316 | $90 | $281 | -$494 | $684 | -$171 | -$182 | $363 | -$538 | -$2,201 | -$9,894 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Inventory - Parts, Supplies | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | -$10,500 | $0 | $0 | -$5,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Working Capital | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | -$10,500 | -$2,134 | -$468 | -$4,448 | $3,635 | -$1,724 | $281 | $136 | $38 | -$644 | -$554 | $228 | -$560 | -$372 | -$360 | $91 | $265 | -$490 | $18,081 | -$502 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initial Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mine | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
SXEW Plant | $1,008,736 | $0 | $151,604 | $134,610 | $266,057 | $456,464 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Owners Cost | $29,672 | $0 | $5,903 | $8,243 | $7,763 | $7,763 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Reclamation & Closure ($000) | $151,177 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $551 | $551 | $551 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $110,025 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 |
Sustaining Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mine | $34,246 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,931 | $0 | $0 | $9,651 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $8,772 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $9,046 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $3,846 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Process Plant | $145,739 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $122,376 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $11,681 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $11,681 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Capital Expenditures | $1,369,570 | $0 | $157,507 | $142,853 | $273,820 | $464,227 | $0 | $2,931 | $122,927 | $551 | $10,202 | $780 | $780 | $12,461 | $9,552 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $9,826 | $780 | $780 | $780 | $4,626 | $121,706 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 | $6,028 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow before Taxes | $4,526,162 | $0 | -$157,507 | -$142,853 | -$273,820 | -$474,727 | $385,190 | $406,434 | $255,637 | $281,482 | $303,911 | $306,293 | $285,455 | $266,487 | $284,502 | $315,742 | $315,010 | $322,622 | $343,987 | $362,011 | $354,719 | $354,011 | $354,197 | $117,033 | -$8,300 | -$7,818 | -$7,828 | -$7,848 | -$7,858 |
Cumulative Cash Flow before Taxes | $0 | -$157,507 | -$300,360 | -$574,181 | -$1,048,908 | -$663,719 | -$257,285 | -$1,648 | $279,834 | $583,745 | $890,037 | $1,175,492 | $1,441,979 | $1,726,482 | $2,042,224 | $2,357,234 | $2,679,856 | $3,023,843 | $3,385,854 | $3,740,573 | $4,094,585 | $4,448,781 | $4,565,814 | $4,557,514 | $4,549,696 | $4,541,868 | $4,534,020 | $4,526,162 | |
1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
Taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes/Profit Sharing | $1,892,429 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $134,378 | $143,791 | $128,977 | $84,923 | $100,430 | $96,639 | $88,151 | $84,757 | $91,028 | $100,358 | $99,656 | $103,287 | $115,132 | $118,958 | $115,749 | $115,272 | $116,588 | $54,356 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow after Taxes | $2,633,733 | $0 | -$157,507 | -$142,853 | -$273,820 | -$474,727 | $250,812 | $262,643 | $126,659 | $196,559 | $203,481 | $209,654 | $197,304 | $181,730 | $193,474 | $215,385 | $215,354 | $219,336 | $228,854 | $243,053 | $238,970 | $238,740 | $237,608 | $62,676 | -$8,300 | -$7,818 | -$7,828 | -$7,848 | -$7,858 |
Cumulative Cash Flow after Taxes | $0 | -$157,507 | -$300,360 | -$574,181 | -$1,048,908 | -$798,096 | -$535,453 | -$408,794 | -$212,235 | -$8,754 | $200,900 | $398,205 | $579,935 | $773,409 | $988,793 | $1,204,147 | $1,423,483 | $1,652,337 | $1,895,391 | $2,134,361 | $2,373,101 | $2,610,709 | $2,673,385 | $2,665,085 | $2,657,267 | $2,649,439 | $2,641,591 | $2,633,733 | |
| 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Economic Indicators before Taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 0% | 0% | $4,526,162 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 5% | 5% | $2,214,670 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 7% | 7% | $1,669,109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 10% | 10% | $1,083,844 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 12% | 12% | $802,477 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IRR | 24.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payback | Years | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Economic Indicators after Taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 0% | 0% | $2,633,733 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 5% | 5% | $1,135,179 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 7% | 7% | $784,968 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 10% | 10% | $412,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NPV @ 12% | 12% | $236,284 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IRR | 15.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payback | Years | 5.0 |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1254
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
20 | Adjacent Properties |
There are several mining concessions around Trapiche, including the "Antillas" project located 25 km away. This deposit is of the Cu-Mo porphyry type, largely located in the sandstones. Chuquibambilla and a monzonitic porphyry, owned by the PANORO MINERALS company, was partially explored in the 2000s.
HOCHSCHILD MINING properties are located on the south end (30-50 km south), with its Selene, Pallancata and Inmaculada mines, which are epithermal Au and Ag deposits located in volcanic environments; another portion corresponds to the buffer zone of Cotahuasi.
Towards the east and northeast (Antabamba zone) ends, there are several properties of small artisanal miners, some of which are currently active. To the west is an old mine called "San Diego" (a Hochschild Mining PLC property), which are skarn layers and bodies with polymetallic mineralization of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, currently abandoned and owned by the project "Lahuani”.
Figure 20-1 shows the Trapiche Project mining properties.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1255
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1256
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
21 | Other Relevant Data and Information |
21.1 | Project Execution Plan |
M3 prepared a Prefeasibility Level Project Execution Plan (PEP) for EMV and the Trapiche Copper Leach Project. The purpose of the PEP at the Prefeasibility Stage is to assist the gathering and acquisition of the necessary information required at the end of the Feasibility Stage as the project enters into the EPCM stage. At that time, the Project Execution Plan will assist the Designer, the Contractors and the Client in developing the design documents and in Construction and Development of the Trapiche Project. The document is considered a “Living Document” and will be revised and updated throughout Detail Design and Construction. Refer to “TPC-PFS-PEP-000-GA-001- Appendix L - Project Execution Plan_Rev B” of “TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update_Rev 3”.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1257
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
22 | Interpretations and Conclusions |
22.1 | Exploration |
The exploration methods and practiced used to explore Trapiche are industry standard for the exploration of Porphyry deposits.
22.2 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security |
Mining Plus concludes that:
● | Aspects of sample preparation, analysis and security can be improved but for this level of study (Prefeasibility), these aspects are acceptable. |
● | Trapiche has implemented good QA/QC management practices. The objective has been to ensure that the precision and accuracy of sample testing information provides good reliability for the Mineral Resource Estimate. |
22.3 | Data Verification |
Mining Plus concludes that:
● | The results of the comparative statistical analysis between the primary Laboratory and the two secondary laboratories have registered a high correlation coefficient (> r = 0.99) and a variable bias between 3.0% to -3.0%. The performance of the SGS primary laboratory is therefore considered acceptable and reliable. |
● | Data verification processes reported in previous studies can be improved but for this level of study (Prefeasibility) these aspects are acceptable. |
● | The results of the QA-QC control analysis completed during the 2008-2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014 campaigns, both in the preparation and assaying phase (SGS Lab) of core samples, indicate that they are reliable for estimating resources. |
● | Trapiche has implemented good "Quality Assurance and Quality Control" management practices. |
● | The use of control samples has helped to identify some errors in the preparation and assay phases of the sampling process. These errors have been corrected by continuous monitoring and through appropriate statistical analysis in order to ensure and guarantee the quality of the ordinary samples. |
● | Aspects of sample preparation, analysis and security can be improved but for this level of study (Prefeasibility) these aspects are acceptable. |
22.4 | Metallurgical Test Work |
The metallurgical test work completed to date established that heap leaching followed by SXEW is a viable process to produce copper cathode from the mineral resource. The process would include crushing the ore, agglomeration, heap leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning technology. Some of the material can also be processed by run of mine heap leaching. The pregnant leach solution from oxide and sulfide leaching systems can be combined and sent to solvent extraction.
The processing design selected for Trapiche includes well known, proven technology that has been used successfully by the mining industry for many years.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1258
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
After review of the metallurgical test data, it was concluded that additional testing should be completed to supplement the design criteria for the process. Design criteria includes the leach recovery rate for copper, the PLS grade for the SXEW plant, and the acid consumption in the leach operation. For this current report, the data indicates that the sulfuric acid consumption in the leach process (before the electrowinning acid credit) would be 2.6 pounds of acid per pound of recovered copper, the PLS grade would be 1.95 g/l, and 68% of the overall copper would report to copper cathode.
Additional testing should be completed to: 1) identify monitoring parameters, 2) investigate use of inter-lift liners should ore compaction cause a heap permeability problem, 3) determine the optimal size of material particles and agglomerates to control acid consumption and maximize copper recovery, and 4) determine the ferric iron concentration required for run of mine leaching.
Column test results using “on demand leaching” are inconclusive if there will be a benefit in a multi-lift leach pad without inter-lift liners. If there are no inter-lift liners, tests completed to date indicate that there will be an increased acid consumption and copper loss. Additional testing and investigation should be completed, including composite samples representative of the ore body to determine if copper recovery and acid consumption results are repeatable.
It was also noted that there were high concentrations of aluminum (17,832 ppm) and arsenic (9,946 ppm) in some leach solutions obtained in the test work. All leach test work going forward should also be monitored for these elements. An addition to the process circuit may be required to remove the aluminum and arsenic from the leach solution system; high aluminum concentration can affect the physical condition of the PLS and affect the SX operation, and the high arsenic levels affect the electrowinning process.
22.5 | Mineral Resource Estimate |
According to the new disclosure requirements for mining registrants promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in accordance with the requirements contained in the S-K §229.1300 to S-K §229.1305 regulations, a Preliminary Feasibility Study is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the “Modifying Factors” and the evaluation of any other relevant factors that are sufficient for a Qualified Person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the Mineral Resource may be converted to a Mineral Reserve at the time of reporting. A Preliminary Feasibility Study is at a lower confidence level than a Feasibility Study. Modifying Factors are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves; these include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
The Trapiche Mineral Resources Model is suitable to be used for this study.
Mining Plus concludes that:
● | Overall, the Trapiche Mineral Resources Model is considered to be suitable to be used in in this Technical Report Summary. |
● | Lithological interpretation has evolved appropriately over the course of the last three geological modelling iterations (during 2012, 2013 and 2016). |
● | “As logged” information does not entirely match with codes used for 2016 geological model wireframing. |
● | Solid construction or wireframing, as it is, is of a sufficient standard to support the Mineral Resource classification criteria used for the 2016 resource model. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1259
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | The geological modelling procedure outlined in “Modelamiento Geologico Trapiche 2014.doc” was not updated with the actual codes and grouping criteria used for modelling. |
● | Lithologies were grouped in order to simplify the Leapfrog geological modelling process. Nevertheless, some of them were not grouped in a correct manner. |
22.6 | Mineral Reserves |
Mining Plus concludes that:
● | The initial phase of the PFS is based on Mineral Resources that initially could not be converted to Mineral Reserves because of inadequate geotechnical data. The Mine Design was based on a globally applied inter-ramp angle (IRA) of 45 degrees. |
● | Geotechnical drilling has been completed and adequate geotechnical data is available to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves and maiden Mineral Reserve estimate has been completed for Trapiche. |
● | The difference between the Mineral Resource used in the initial phase of the TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001 - 2020 Trapiche PFS Update and the Maiden Mineral Reserve is less than 2%. Mining Plus considers that this difference does not materially affect mine planning and economic modelling applied to the PFS and it is therefore not necessary to adjust these parameters. |
● | The Trapiche Mineral Reserves were estimated at 283.2 Mt with an average grade of 0.51% Cu to be extracted during a LOM of 18 years with an average production rate of 16.2 Mt per year. The average cut-off grade is 0.13% Cu. |
22.7 | Mining Methods |
Mining Plus concludes that:
● | Planned mineral production is sourced from 75% enriched, 13% transitional and 12% oxide. |
● | Average Ca content in the reserves is 0.315%. |
● | Stripping ratio is 0.4. |
● | During the LOM, it will produce 1,084 kt of copper. |
● | The mining will be carried out in 3 phases, which allow prioritize and balancing copper production. The first mining phase contains 36.6 Mt of ore with an average grade of 0.62% Cu, the second mining phase contains 148 Mt of ore with an average grade of 0.54% Cu, and the third mining phase contains 97.7 Mt of ore with an average grade of 0.43% Cu. |
● | The mine plan was developed considering the following restrictions: |
o | Crusher maximum capacity of 16.2 Mt per year. |
o | Oxide maximum capacity to process is 3 Mt per year, which start to operate at Year 4. |
● | Due to the characteristics of the mineralized body and the progress of the Trapiche mining, in Year 4 there was a substantial reduction in copper grade. In order to counteract the loss of Cu production, it is required to send an additional 10% of ore, which also produces the extraction of greater ROM tonnage. For that reason, during that period, more equipment is required for ore and ROM extraction. |
● | It has been considered that the mining extraction will be carried out by a Contractor, who should consider expanding its mining fleet in Year 4. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1260
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | It has been considered that the loading is with an excavator that allows filling the truck with a maximum of 3 passes to give if fluidity in the loading areas due to the estimated number of trucks. |
● | The mining CAPEX considers the minimum equipment necessary to be acquire directly by EMV, which includes the mining control fleet, mine communications and for initial drainage system. The initial capex was estimated in US$4.7 M and the capital contingency considers the investment of US$2.2 M mainly in drainage infrastructure to operate safely. No investment in mining equipment is assumed by EMV because Trapiche will be operated by mining contractors that will provide their own equipment. |
● | The average mine operating cost throughout the life of the mine is $2.31/t and considers the following activities: Drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, auxiliary services and G&A, and an additional 10% is being assumed as the contractor's profit. 52% of the cost is for haulage. |
● | The comparison between owner miner vs third party (contractor) does not show a big difference in mining cost. The main advantage to using a contractor is the flexibility to vary the mining rate over shorter periods, and also the potential capital cost savings due to equipment acquisition and faster delivery time from the vendors. |
22.8 | Project Economics |
The financial analysis presented in Section 19 demonstrates that the Trapiche Project is technically viable and has the potential to generate positive economic returns based on the assumptions and conditions set out in this Report and this conclusion warrants continued work to advance the Project to the next level of study, which is a Feasibility Study.
The base case economic analysis indicates that the project has an after tax NPV at 7% discount rate of $785 million, IRR of 15.9% and a payback of 5.0 years.
22.9 | Risks and Opportunities |
Several workshops were held by the project team (EMV, M3, Mining Plus and KCB) to identify new risks and opportunities as well as update the evaluation of the old ones identified in the conceptual study (Worley Parsons, 2015). The results are 31 risks and 24 opportunities, the most important of which are restated below:
22.9.1 | Risks |
● | Extreme Risks |
o | No extreme risks were identified in the project at this stage. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1261
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | High Risks |
o | MINE: Current mine plan requires the production of 90,000 MTPD in Year 4. This is complicated because the limit was established on 85,000 MTPD for the “mining intensity” statement by Mining Plus. In the next stage, the mining plan should be optimized using larger mining equipment. |
o | METALLURGY: Recoveries and leaching cycles by mineralization are assumptions with few evidence available to date that could change beyond the acceptable range at the next level of study. Column testing in PLENGE laboratory (Lima) is ongoing at the time of the closure of this report . A new on-site laboratory is being constructed to allow on-site column testing programs at the end of 2021 by third party commercial laboratories (PLENGE and TRANSMIN) using the information obtained from the 2019 drilling campaign (4,545.80 m of geometallurgical drill holes). |
o | SOCIAL: Agreement for Right of Way Easements. Negative response from the communities for right of way easements for power line could impact the commissioning stage. EMV is working in achieve well agreements with Communities for 2021. |
o | SOCIAL: Agreement for Right of Way Easements. Negative response from the communities for right of way easements for external access road could impact the project execution plan (reduce productivity or delay the construction stage). EMV is working in achieve well agreements with Communities for 2021. |
o | SOCIAL: More requests by Antabamba community could delay the approval of the "Consulta Previa" (Peruvian government requirement to obtain the EIA approval). EMV is working to implement a better social strategy that includes improving relations with local authorities. |
It does not appear that the Trapiche Project has any serious fatal flaws; however, there are some tasks that need to be addressed to achieve the next stage of study. The most glaring are:
● | Perform the geometallurgical and geotechnical testing on-site to verify that an 8-meter lift height is achievable as is planned in the project execution plan. |
● | Verify that the arsenic and aluminum can be managed so as not to affect leaching (aluminum can interfere with the copper transfer from aqueous to organic). |
● | Update the mining plan exploring the potential usage of larger mine equipment that fits on a 10 m bench (like CAT 785D for 130 ton) to reduce truck fleet. |
● | Perform the next drilling and laboratory campaign to update the geotechnical model for all the components as is planned in the project execution plan. |
● | Complete the next infill drilling program to upgrade resources from the indicated to measured category as is planned in the project execution plan. |
22.9.2 | Opportunities |
● | Extreme Opportunity |
o | None were identified at this stage. |
● | High Opportunity |
o | METALLURGY: Use of chlorides for leaching to improve recovery. There is a trend in leaching stemming from the use of salt water for leaching indicating that chlorides may improve copper recoveries. Preliminary test work is ongoing in 2021. After that, a detailed trade-off study will be required to understand both the upside and negative effects of chloride use. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1262
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
o | GEOLOGY: Fully integrate the geological, geometallurgical and geotechnical information obtained in a single database (update the block model) to reduce bias in the interpretation of geological models as well as improve the definition of the boundaries of different geological domains. Improve the separation between oxide and mixed ore and transitional definition should help to improve the mine plan and the loading/discharge plan of the sulfide leach pad. EMV is working on that and it is expected to be completed in 2021. |
o | MINE: Upgrading the haul truck size from a capacity of 50 tonnes to 100 tonnes or higher (CAT 777, CAT 793 or similar) is absolutely possible and should reduce the mining fleet and OPEX helping to avoid the risk of the mining intensity at the same time. The optimization of the mine plan including delaying the oxide production and smoothing the ROM will be performed at the next stage. |
Some other tasks need to be addressed to achieve the next stage of study. The most glaring are:
● | Ore Stacking: Improve stacking system cost by looking at relocatable overland conveyors to replace some of the grasshopper conveyors. |
● | Water Treatment: The possibility of using areas of the pit as a temporary storage of contact water to control the costs associated with water treatment may present an opportunity to optimize water treatment costs. There is an opportunity to optimize the timing and cost of construction associated with the contact water storage through comparison with the cost of acid water treatment over the life of the mine. |
● | Siteworks MTOs: A significant amount of blasting has been assumed in developing the civil costs. As the project advances, optimization of the earthworks associated with the different components present an opportunity for significant savings. |
● | Water Infrastructure: The current PFS assumes contingency in the estimation of capacity for the Fresh Water Intake, the Contact Water Treatment Plant and the Mine Water Treatment Plant considering the Fresh Water Ponds and the Contact Water Pond as established size. In the next stage, a size optimization and a trade-off must be carried out to obtain the best combination and sizing of the components for the best economic result of the project. |
● | Permanent Camp: The current PFS assumes contingency in the estimation of capacity for the permanent camp area. In the next stage, a size optimization must be carried out. |
● | Mine Plan and Process Plant Size: One of the requirements of an SXEW project is the need for consistent copper production from the mine. An electrowinning facility can only produce copper at a very specific rate. The current PFS design includes a processing facility capable of producing 70,000 MTPY of cathode copper (average of the first two years of production). So, for example, delivering ore with 75,000 tonnes of recovered copper annually to the leach pad when the EW facility can only produce 70,000 MTPY means that the excess copper will remain in the pad or in solution until it can be processed. Therefore, the mine plan must be “smoothed” to remove the copper spikes and assure it does not exceed the 70,000 MTPY the EW facility can manage. The current mine plan averages 58,440 MTPY of recovered copper between Years 3 to 18. This is significantly lower than the plant’s capacity. Therefore, an opportunity exists to adjust the mine plan scheduling to completely utilize the plant’s full capacity in those years in order to reduce the discounting effects in the financial model. Getting to the full 70,000 MTPY may be a challenge, but it can probably be optimized. To get more copper production depends on the grade location within the pit and how much ROM needs to be moved, which could limit the ability to obtain the full 70,000 MTPY. If it proves too costly for the mine to deliver the grade, then it may make sense to downsize the plant to save capital. However, there are not significant savings to downsizing the plant (maybe only $10M to $15M); therefore, improving the grade delivered would be the first best option. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1263
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
22.10 | Project Infrastructure Conclusions |
22.10.1 | Water Management |
● | The limited availability of water storage options within the concession area affects the flexibility in water management options for the operation. |
● | Construction of the fresh water pond and the fresh water intake is considered necessary before the start of main construction and operations. |
● | Supplementary flow from the fresh water intake is necessary under all scenarios contemplated in this study for the construction stage and the first eight years of operation. |
● | The fresh water requirement of the Seguiña River was estimated assuming a dry year scenario, then the environmental flow is not affected according to the estimates. The next level of study should confirm this. |
22.10.2 | Water Treatment |
● | Reducing the area of the leach pad exposed to precipitation is fundamental to management of contact water at the site and associated water treatment. All scenarios regarding production of contact water considered in this study rely on having a maximum of 62 ha and 31 ha of exposed leach pad during operation and closure stage respectively. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1264
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
23 | Recommendations |
23.1 | Exploration |
Superficial exploration, including mapping and geochemical sampling has been utilized across most of the Property and has been effective at identifying centers of economic interest. Further zones of non-outcropping zones of economic interest may exist undercover. Consideration should be given to extending coverage of the geophysical techniques used to explore the Trapiche deposit across the Property and in particular over then Mollebamba Fault.
23.2 | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security |
Mining Plus recommends that:
● | Improvements to sample preparation, analysis and security should be implemented before transitioning to more advanced studies. |
23.3 | Data Verification |
Mining Plus recommends that:
● | Improvements to data verification processes should be implemented before transitioning to more advanced studies. |
23.4 | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
M3 Engineering & Technology Corp. recommends that metallurgical process test work should be continued.
Additional testing is required to develop process data to include in a geo-metallurgical model for the orebody. The geo-metallurgical model, when correlated to the mining plan, will be used to predict the acid consumption, leach watering cycle, and metal extraction rates for the full-scale plant operation. Test work will include:
● | Small scale test work on drill hole interval composite samples for each geologic material type. |
● | Small scale test work on drill hole interval samples annual mine plans for the first 5 years of production. |
● | Test work completed in bottle rolls and mini-columns. |
● | Column tests completed in duplicate. |
● | Column tests monitored for concentration of aluminum and arsenic in the leach solutions in addition to the normal conditions. |
● | A bottle roll test completed for each column test. |
● | Bottle roll tests run for 96 hours, with sample particle size of 100% minus 10 mesh, and with sample intervals of 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. |
● | Additional small-scale column testing is required to substantiate the leach process design criteria. Test work will include: |
o | Determination of the optimal size of material particles and agglomerates to control acid consumption and maximize copper recovery. |
o | Column tests completed in duplicate. |
o | Column tests feed and discharge solutions monitored for concentrations of copper, free acid, iron (ferrous and ferric), aluminum, arsenic, pH, and oxidation reduction potential (ORP). |
o | Column tests completed on material designated as run of mine (ROM) to investigate the characteristics of the leach solution (ferric concentration) required. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1265
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Additional small-scale column testing is required to investigate potential leach process operation problems and improvements. Test work will include:
● | Column series-leaching test (fresh ore column and a leached ore column leached in series flow of leach solution) with monitoring copper, free acid, iron (ferrous and ferric), aluminum, arsenic, pH, and ORP in the feed and discharge solution for each column. |
● | Investigating the technique of “on demand leaching” by conducting parallel column tests in different laboratories to confirm copper recovery and acid consumption. |
● | Investigating if inter-lift liners are required to mitigate the build-up of aluminum and arsenic in the leach solution and if ore compaction will cause a heap permeability problem. |
A pilot plant leach and recovery test should be performed. In this case, the solvent extraction process would be tested with pregnant solution to determine the effect of aluminum and arsenic in the leach solution. (An addition to the process circuit may be required to remove the aluminum and arsenic from the leach solution system.)
High concentrations of aluminum (17,832 ppm) and arsenic (9,946 ppm) were noted in some of the previous leach solution test work. All leach test work going forward should also monitor for these elements.
Ore Stacking Systems: Review additional methodologies such as mobile stacking conveyors and other tracked type stackers. Should the lift height increase dramatically such as to 12 m, the grasshopper type conveyors may not be the most cost effective solution.
Rectifier Type (Thyristor vs. Chopper): A Thyristor style rectifier is currently considered as the most cost effective rectifier type. However, thyristor style rectifiers create harmonics that must be mitigated with filters. The cost for Harmonic Filters is included in the CAPEX. However, the Harmonic Filter costs could grow even higher than the $1M included in the estimate. A Harmonics Study should be performed. If additional filters are required, it may indicate that a chopper style rectifier system could be a better choice. In addition to eliminating the needs for the filters, there may be other advantages to the chopper style rectifiers worth considering.
Table 23-1: Test work Completed and Recommended by Study for Trapiche
| Type of Study | |||||
Type of Test | Scoping | Pre-feasibility | Feasibility | Basic Engineering | ||
Comminution | ||||||
Bond Abrasion Index | C | C | C | C | ||
Bond Work Index (Crushing) | C | C | C | C | ||
Process Design Criteria | - | - | C | C | ||
Leaching | ||||||
No. | ||||||
6 | Bottle Roll (Variability) | C | C (34) | R(3) | R | |
7,8 | Small Diameter Column (Variability) | C | C(5) | R(3) | R | |
Intermediate Diameter Columns | C | C(1) | C | C | ||
13 | Large Diameter Column | C | C(28) | R(4) | ||
* | Rom Leach Pad (Pilot Test) | - | - | R(1) | R | |
7,8 | Small Diameter Column in Series (Two Columns) | - | - | R(1) | R | |
Final Process Design Criteria | - | - | R(1) | R | ||
Note: C=Complete, R= Required, (#) No. Test, *Recommended to be done in the field |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1266
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
23.5 | Trade-off Studies and Optimization |
The following Trade-off Studies and Optimization should be considered during the Feasibility Study:
a. | Optimization of the mine plan to eliminate transitional sulfide ore and/or convert to enriched ore. |
b. | Optimization of the oxide / mixed ore characterization in order to seek for avoid the dynamic pad. |
c. | Optimization of leach pad lift height. This will require additional test work as described above. |
d. | Optimization of the particle size distribution (P80) vs recovery vs capital cost vs geotechnical issues. |
e. | Optimize the storage capacity of the leach pads. |
f. | Optimize the irrigation cycle of the initial lifts of the pad before more material are put on top. This may provide more time for irrigation and improve recoveries. |
g. | Study on reducing the Contact Water Dam and reservoir size vs increase Water Treatment Plant capacity. |
h. | Optimize characterization of the construction materials and quarry volumes in order to confirm availability of all suitable materials required for constructions of dams, leach pads, access and roads, platforms, etc. |
i. | Optimization of Pit ponds for the contact water in the mine. |
j. | Trade-off to evaluate the potential usage of larger trucks that can still fit on the 10 m bench configuration, such as the CAT 785D (130 ton) or CAT 793F (230 ton), in order to reduce the number of trucks and traffic congestion (“mining intensity”). |
23.6 | Mineral Resource Estimate |
Mining Plus recommends:
● | Document the Implicit Modelling Procedure used for the Resource Model, including the description of the codes and grouping criteria used for the modelling (lithology, alterations, mineralization, structural, geometallurgical, etc.). |
● | Complete the re-logging of drill core from the initial campaigns, such that a consistent logging code is applied to all drilling campaigns. Retain the original logs but do not enter these into the database used for modelling. |
● | Centralize and regularly update the database that is used for modelling (i.e. implement and maintain “single source of the truth” for the geological database). |
● | Build a structural model and assess potential impacts on mineral resource estimation. |
● | For the next level of study (Feasibility), update the statistical study based on logging and assays to verify whether or not the criteria used to group the lithology for modelling is correct (Table 11-3). Take into account that an envelope must be generated in the area of interest, as the information outside the area of interest will only generate noise. |
● | Update the geological modelling procedure document (“Modelamiento geológico Trapiche 2014.doc”) to include the actual grouping criteria used for the modelling. |
● | The following recommendations must be implemented prior to commencing Feasibility Studies: |
o | Update the geological database with the 2019 Drilling Campaign results. |
o | Update the Geological Model with the 2019 drilling campaign logging information (lithological, alteration, mineralization, structural). |
o | Review and update the Estimation Domains, if necessary, after the Geological Model is updated. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1267
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
o | Review the Density Domains after 2019 drilling campaign database is updated. |
o | Estimate the Density Domains using Simple Kriging Interpolation method. |
23.7 | Mineral Reserves |
Mining Plus recommends that a program of infill drilling is undertaken, this will:
● | Allow the geological model can be updated. |
● | Facilitate an updated Mineral Resource estimate and reclassification of a portion of indicated resources as measured. Measured resources can be converted to Proven reserves and this will reduce Project risk. |
23.8 | Mining Methods |
Mining Plus recommends:
● | Characterize the different types of ROM material in order to differentiate those that have high sulfuric acid content and/or low recovery in order to be able to have greater precision in their location as well as their final use. |
● | Evaluate the usage of larger size equipment to reduce the number of trucks considering possible queues in crushing, as well as taking into account the restrictions in the topography and the number of switchbacks necessary in the pit design. |
● | Carry out further studies on the rock hardness and their lithological characterization to better estimate the drilling and blasting parameters described in this study. |
● | For the next stage of the study, it is recommended to request formal proposals from at least three bidders to become the potential mining contractor for the project, in order to update the mining costs of the project based on their proposals. |
● | The mining plan of the updated PFS does not take into account the new opportunities of the current pad configuration in terms of optimizing the copper production. In other words, the mining plan has not had substantial changes compared to the first PFS. It is an opportunity to take the new restrictions of the process area for the mine plan to the next stage of the project. |
● | It is necessary to finish the geotechnical studies as well as update the geological model and the resource estimation at feasibility level for the next stage of the Trapiche Project. |
● | It is recommended to complete the geometallurgical model prior to the feasibility study in order to better specify the copper recoveries according to its mineralogy and lithology and consider it from the open pit optimization stage prior to any mine design. |
23.9 | Project Infrastructure |
23.9.1 | Sulfide Leach Pad Recommendations |
● | It is recommended to assess the potential liquefaction, because the material, usually granular, can become contractive and accompanied by the leaching solution, could increase the potential for liquefaction. |
● | The agglomeration of fine grained, low permeable ore, and the various conditions that may arise within the pad are critical factors for stability of the pad; therefore, it is recommended to geotechnically characterize this material. In this regard, a pilot plant accompanied by laboratory tests on representative samples would be appropriate to determine the properties of the agglomerate before and after mineral leaching. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1268
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
● | With new studies and new results of geological drilling, further study is recommended in Orco Arpa fault found at the toe of the leach pad; since it could jeopardize the stability of the component. |
23.9.2 | ROM Leach Pad Recommendations |
● | It is recommended to adequately characterize the ROM for the various scenarios that may arise within the pad, since it could affect its stability through the process of leaching and degradation over time. |
● | The interface is the weakest point involved in the slope stability analysis; therefore, it is recommended to conduct direct shear testing on a large scale for geomembrane interface resistance using both smooth and textured geomembrane. |
● | It is recommended to develop a detailed surface geology map and complete a risk assessment of surface land to define the types of surface material, types of rocks, fault locations and other geological risks, including natural slopes. |
● | It is recommended to develop hydrological and hydrogeological models for the Trapiche Project location. |
● | It is recommended to install monitoring wells for water quality monitoring both upstream and downstream of the project in the next stage of development. |
● | It is recommended to conduct load tests to evaluate geomembrane resistance. |
● | It is recommended to conduct a settlement analysis to evaluate and confirm the dimensions of collection systems and drainage for the solution pond and storm events pond. |
23.10 | Financial Model Opportunities |
23.10.1 | Results |
The results of this PFS are as follows:
Economic Indicators after Taxes | ($000) |
NPV @ 0% | $2,633,733 |
NPV @ 5% | $1,135,179 |
NPV @ 7% | $784,968 |
NPV @ 10% | $412,892 |
NPV @ 12% | $236,284 |
IRR | 15.9% |
Payback | 5.0 |
These results are based on an initial CAPEX of $1.04B and a sustaining capital estimate of $180.0M.
23.10.2 | Financial Opportunities |
23.10.2.1 | Recovery Improvement |
As discussed in section 22.9.2 Opportunities.
23.10.2.2 | Reduced Indirect Costs Opportunities |
EPCM costs based on a percentage of the Total Constructed Cost (excludes contingency, spares, commissioning, vendor supervision, Owner’s costs, and in this case the 220-kV transmission line and mine access road). The
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1269
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
percentage used is 15% plus a 10% fee, so 16.5% overall. For this estimate the EPCM cost is $116.6M. The Trapiche Project is dominated by heavy civil work. Heavy civil EPCM does not come with a 16.5% price tag. There may be an opportunity to reduce the EPCM due to the amount of heavy civil work involved on the Trapiche Project.
Removing $20M in indirects, increases the NPV @ 7% by $15.0M and the IRR by 0.3%.
23.10.2.3 | Mine Plan |
Optimize mine plan and plant size as discussed in section 22.9.2 Opportunities.
23.10.2.4 | Reduced OPEX Costs |
38% of the Process Plant OPEX costs are for purchase and delivery of sulfuric acid. Current undiscounted life of mine acid cost is $432M. Securing the best possible acid supply contract as well as the best possible delivery contract will be very important for the project. An Owner operated delivery fleet may be worth exploring to see if it would be cost beneficial.
23.10.3 | Summary |
Improvements to the financials could come from:
● | Reducing indirect costs, primarily estimated EPCM costs. |
● | Optimizing the mine plan to move grade forward in order to maximize the process plant’s capacity. |
● | Continued metallurgical drilling and testing (ongoing) to better understand the ore body’s acid consuming character. Without test work it is not clear at this time whether this could improve or worsen, but the information is necessary none-the-less. |
● | Explore means of reducing operating costs. |
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1270
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
24 | References |
AMEC Perú S.A. 2012. Estudio Conceptual – Proyecto Trapiche. Perú.
AMEC Perú S.A. 2013. Estudio de Peligro Sísmico del Proyecto Trapiche. Perú.
AMEC Perú S.A. 2013. Actualización del Modelo de Recursos. Perú.
AMEC Perú S.A. 2013. Estudio de Línea Base Ambiental y Social del Proyecto Trapiche. Perú.
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A. 2012. Evaluación Geológica – Geotécnica e Hidrológica para el Proyecto Trapiche. Perú.
CRU Consulting. 2021. Market input for S-K 1300: Trapiche. Prepared for Buenaventura. 06 June 2021.
Fernández, Miguel P. “Fwd: Trapiche – Conferencia sobre Logística.” Message to Lee Becker. Copied to Ruben Fernández Soto, Timothy Burns, Dante Garcia Suclla, Silvia Cordova Ampuero, Cecilia Puga. 26 June 2019. E-mail.
General Mining Law and amendments, this TUO was approved by the Supreme Decree 014-92-EM and published on 04-06-92.
General Mining Law for Beneficiation Concession, Chapter II.
Géosciences Montpellier. 2015. Structural constraints and model of formation of the Cu-Mo Trapiche porphyry, Apurimac Province, Peru. Perú.
Knight Piésold Consultores S.A. Revisión de Componentes del Proyecto Trapiche. Preparado para EL Molle Verde S.A.C. 23 July 2018.
M3 Engineering & Technology, Klohn Crippen Berger, Mining Plus. 2020. Trapiche Project Preliminary Feasibility Study Update. Prepared for El Molle Verde. TPC-PFS-REP-000-GA-001. Revision 3. 11 December 2020.
Magallanes, Oscar R. Actualización del Modelo de Recursos Proyecto Trapiche. Prepared for El Molle Verde SAC. March 2015.
Mining Plus. Mineral Resource Estimate, Trapiche Project, Peru. Prepared for Compañía de Minas Buenaventura. MP-4677-GSDR-Buenaventura-r1-170627. Revisión 1. 27 June 2017.
Montgomery Watson Harza. 2015. Development of the Regional Watershed, Stormwater Assessment and Hydrological Investigations for Seguiña Creek. Perú.
Suclla, Dante G. “Re: Trapiche – Transmittal – Form 0007 TR-TPC-M3-046.” Message to Miguel Pérez Fernández. Copied Lee Becker, Ruben Valer Cruces. 21 June 2019. Email.
Worley Parsons. Informe Taller de Riesgos, Estudio Conceptual EL Trapiche. Prepared for El Molle Verde. 14 September 2015.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1271
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
25 | Reliance on information supplied by registrant |
Reports received from other experts who are not authors of this technical report have been reviewed for factual errors by the authors. Any changes made as a result of these reviews did not involve any alteration to the conclusions made. Hence, the statements and opinions expressed in these documents are given in good faith and in the belief that such statements and opinions are not false or misleading at the date of this report.
Wood Group (AMEC Perú S.A.) developed the geometallurgical drilling plan and it was approved and performed by EMV in 2019.
PLENGE laboratory, in Lima, performed all the metallurgical tests that was used at this stage.
Wood Group (AMEC Perú S.A.) developed the Seismic Hazard Analysis of the project that was used at this stage.
Wood Group (AMEC Perú S.A.) developed the precipitation estimates that was used at this stage.
KCB and EMV developed the geotechnical drilling plan for the feasibility stage.
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1272
Trapiche Project
S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary
Appendix A: Consents of Qualified Third-Party Firm
M3-PN200186.004
19 November 2021
Revision 1273