Sierra Gorda Molybdenum Plant

900 ppm

(Moly ore feed grade) higher than industry average in first 4 years

110 ktpd

of ore throughput for Phase I

790 ktpa

of collective concentrate

190 ktpd

of ore throughput for Phase 2

Challenges

Ensure the mine-and-concentrator activity met a very steep ramp-up curve and a very aggressive engineering and construction schedule.
Adjust for molybdenum feed grade of 900 ppm initially and lower grades in later years of operation.
In its first four years, the 110-ktpd-ore-throughput copper-and-molybdenum concentrator will produce 450 ktpa of collective concentrate, of which 7% is molybdenum concentrate.
For the remainder of its 22-year life, process 190 ktpd of ore, generating 790 ktpa of collective concentrate with 1.5% molybdenum concentrate.

Solutions

Provided all detailed engineering to enable the molybdenum flotation plant to integrate smoothly into the main concentrator plant.
Ensured design is flexible enough to operate from year one to the end of the mine lifespan.
Only minor piping changes are needed to process different throughputs from main concentrator.
Integrated pre-commissioning and commissioning data with existing schedules to demonstrate progress, identify potential risks, and advise on developments to minimize start-up delays.

Highlights

In the first five years, the very high-grade molybdenum concentrate will produce significant revenue.
Awarded additional work to support ongoing field engineering for the moly plant, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and operational readiness for entire Cu-Mo concentrator.
Supported further development of detailed schedules and checklists, enabling efficient pre-commissioning turnover and execution of the commissioning work.
Assisted Sierra Gorda to audit spares, develop health-and-safety standards and isolation procedures, and facilitate overall plant operational-readiness activities.

”Thanks to Hatch we will have in Chile the largest molybdenum plant, with the best technology and a high standard.”
Cecilia Gonzalez | Process Manager, Sierra Gorda SCM