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1) South32's Hermosa project in Arizona is making substantial progress with recent updates focusing on construction developments, support for local workforce enhancement, and initiatives towards sustainability and safety. The project's feasibility study for the Taylor deposit remains on schedule for completion by the end of the month, paving the way for a final investment decision in the March 2024 quarter. Significant strides have been made in excavation activities for the main exploration and ventilation shafts, essential for underground access to the zinc resource. The construction aims to establish safe passages underground, with the shafts expected to reach a depth of approxiametly 2,900 ft. Advanced mining methods like tele-remote semi autonomous mucking and other innovative approaches will be employed to enhance safety and sustainability while minimizing surface impact and tailings. Furthermore, South32 is actively engaging in workforce development efforts by forming a task force to identify necessary skills and local training facilities to equip the region's workforce for skilled jobs at Hermosa. Collaboration with local educational experts aims to create opportunities for residents, fostering economic growth within Santa Cruz County. Additionally, the company has partnered with Ramboll, a global consulting firm, to conduct a baseline community health assessment. This assessment will evaluate existing mineral levels in the community and environment, aiding in the implementation of robust health and safety controls before operations commence. Regular monitoring and reporting in collaboration with public health organizations will ensure transparency and ongoing accountability in safeguarding the workforce and local community's health. South32's proactive approach in integrating sustainability, safety, and community development showcases its commitment to responsible mining practices and holistic project management at the Hermosa site in Arizona.
Source: South32 eyes teleremote loading, dry stacking, ore sorting for Hermosa - International Mining (im-mining.com)
2) PT Smelting, an Indonesian copper smelter operated jointly by Mitsubishi Minerals Corp and PT Freeport Indonesia, unveiled an expansion of its smelter facility in East Java. The upgraded capacity now stands at 1.3 million metric tons of copper concentrate, up from the previous 1 million, although the commencement date for production at the expanded facility remains unspecified. The expansion addresses the increasing demand for domestic processing of copper concentrates, aligning with Indonesia's impending ban on exports of the raw material starting next year. President Joko Widodo highlighted that when combined with Freeport's forthcoming US $3 billion smelter in East Java, the nations smelting capacity will reach 3 million tons annually. Encouraging the processing of the country's natural resources stands as a primary economic agenda for Widodo's administration, particularly as his second term in office is set to conclude next year.