Peru's Volcan readies useful life extension of concentrator plant

Peruvian polymetallic miner Volcan is preparing modifications to its Andaychagua concentrator plant, part of the Yauli mine complex in Junín region.

The company plans to invest around US$8 million in works around the Andaychagua tailings deposit that will take around one year. The 3,450t/d plant is one of three in the complex, made up of four underground mines and one open pit.

In a fifth sustaining technical report filed with environmental review agency Senace and prepared by consulting firm JCI, Volcan said the changes will not affect communities, archaeological zones, water bodies or protected areas.

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MODIFICATIONS

Volcan wants to enlarge the tailings deposit to increase storage capacity by 2.20 million cubic meters, which “will require waterproofing 5,218m2 on the slope upstream of the dam. Likewise, the construction of two containment structures will be required in order to ensure the [enlargement] of the tailings basin,” the report said.  

Other works involve improvement of the reservoir foundation, inclusion of a cyclone system, reduction of the deposit's edge to 1m and expansion of the operations schedule.

Improvements in the foundation and enlargement work will require US$7.39mn and take about six months. Inclusion of a cyclone system will require US$440,840 and take about nine months. The extension of the schedule and reduction of the deposit edge do not imply costs, and will be implemented once the other activities are completed.

With the measure, the concentrator plant's useful life will be extended by 49 months, starting in 2026.