Peru's Caraveli readies up to US$300mn investment to expand gold mine

Peru’s Minera Caraveli (CMC) is preparing to invest up to US$300mn to expand the processing plant, along with other modifications, at its Esperanza underground gold mine in Arequipa region.

The company, which also has deposits in La Libertad and Ica regions, plans to increase the capacity of the processing plant from 800t/d to 1,200t/d, according to a document CMC sent to environmental certifier Senace. 

CMC is currently working on the documentation prior to obtaining what is the second modification of the environmental impact study (II MEIA) for the Esperanza plan, including approval of the citizen participation plan.

“CMC presents this new proposal following the incorporation of the Huayuri Molino community in its direct area of influence, due to the intersection between the preliminary social area of influence of the project and the communal area, proposed by the community,” the report says.

According to information submitted to Senace, the II MEIA also involves unifying the Capitana and Tambojasa mining areas.

The report – prepared by consultancy Consultea– states the main works are:

• Opening and enabling mine entrances
• Construction and adaptation of waste dumps
• Construction of a tailings dam
• Opening and enabling ventilation chimneys
• Complementary infrastructure for integration between both areas: compressors, electric generators and hydrocarbon storage, among others.

No schedule has been set for the expansion. According to a document sent to the energy and mines ministry, CMC plans to extend the useful life of Esperanza until 2039 and then begin the gradual closure of the mine that would end in 2044.

The CMC report can be downloaded from the Documents box in the top-right corner of the screen.