Mine eyeing top-class copper

Wafi-Golpu mine will be able to safely and efficiently process 17 million tonnes per annum (mpta) of crushed ore to produce a high grade copper concentrate, according to the just-released updated feasibility study report.
The report said the proposed Watut processing plant was a compact copper concentrator.
“The facility comprises a semi-autogenous grinding mill, two ball mills and a recycle crushing configuration, flotation, thickening, concentrate pumping and tailings pumping systems,” the report said.
“The facility is designed to recover copper and gold on average over the life of the mine at 95 per cent and 68 per cent respectively.
“Concentrate grade average over the life of mine is assessed to be 29 per cent copper and 15g/t gold.
“The Watut plant is designed to treat approximately 8.4mtpa of ore for the first three years of operation.
“The slow mine production ramp-up will necessitate intermittent operation, particularly during the first two years of mine life.
“The inclusion of an additional ball mill and additional flotation cells in the fourth year is designed to enable the Watut process plant to ramp up to approximately 17mtpa.”