Since acquiring equity at the Caserones Copper Mine in 2006, we have taken a central role in its development, with copper concentrate production beginning in May 2014. We have also invested in some of the world’s largest copper mines, including Los Pelambres and Escondida. The amount of copper produced (total equity base) reached about 190,000 tons in fiscal 2020.
Narui Eiichi
Executive Officer, General Manager Mineral Resources Division, Senior Executive Engineer, Technology Group
JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
For the Caserones Copper Mine, in February 2021 we acquired all of its interests held by joint investors Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. In operations, as measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we expanded our cafeteria facilities to enable social distancing and rearranged operations of personnel transportation; however, the production amount decreased compared to fiscal 2019. In addition to the Caserones Copper Mine, the Los Pelambres Copper Mine and the Escondida Copper Mine in which we are investing, we have also continued with operations while ensuring COVID-19 prevention measures are in place. The facility expansion plan for the Los Pelambres Copper Mine is re-scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2022 based on the impact of the temporary suspension to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Narui Eiichi
Executive Officer, General Manager Mineral Resources Division, Senior Executive Engineer, Technology Group
JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
While continuing with our measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Caserones Copper Mine, we will further improve our profitability by implementing action plans for key issues in operation that could increase operation level and promote cost improvements.
Regarding to the Los Pelambres Copper Mine, we will focus on the completion the expansion plan started in fiscal 2019. Also, with a prospect of starting businesses, we will move forward with the investigation and study of various minerals around the world including minor metals and silicified ore in order to achieve stable supply of raw materials based on future needs in our midstream and downstream businesses.
In February 2021, we acquired a full interest of the Caserones Copper Mine. As a result, we have acquired 100% of the rights for high-grade and clean copper concentrates of the Caserones Copper Mine, which is becoming more valuable as a raw material for smelters because the copper grade in concentrates is decreasing and impurities are increasing worldwide. Increasing the supply of clean copper concentrates will increase the processing capacity of smelters, allowing them to process more materials to recycle. Thus, securing the high quality copper concentrates from Caserones is extremely important for our smelters, and contributes to the competitiveness of our Metals & Recycling Business.
Caserones Copper Mine
