The Yauli unit region shows mineralization related to polymetallic epithermal systems, replacement bodies and polymetallic vein systems, as well as porphyry mineralization and skarns, thus indicating the great potential of the area.

The newly found Ticlio Cu-Au porphyry prospect is a single granodiorite intrusion showing a pronounced zonation pattern with respect to mineralization and alteration. Its central part is characterized by the occurrence of high density quartz-magnetite±K-feldspar stockwork. The zone rimming the core shows strong K feldspar alteration with low-density magnetite and quartzmagnetite veining. This zone hosts small amounts of chalcopyrite and bornite as disseminations and in veinlets. Native Au is observed as small inclusions in chalcopyrite. The peripheral parts of the system show weak biotite, K-feldspar and actinolite alteration, as well as weak chalcopyrite and pyrite mineralization. The most distal part of the porphyry system is characterized by weak propylitic alteration.

In the central part of the Ticlio porphyry the alteration is represented by strong silicification with moderate to strong magnetite veining. This core zone is rimed by strong K-feldspar alteration grading towards an outer zone of secondary biotite and Kfeldspar.

Ticlio is an underground mine, a part of Yauli unit, which is located between altitudes of 4,000 and 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the region of Junin, 40 km from the city of La Oroya and 170 km from Lima. The unit is made up of four underground mines and an open pit, whose mineral is treated in three concentration plants, with an installed capacity of 11,400 TPD.

In 2014 the Ticlio Mine achieved production of 1,200 tpd, thanks to an increase in preparation of the Ramal Techo vein, where 50% of the production was obtained through long-hole drilling. In addition, improvements were made to pumping systems in the lower levels of the mine and six raise borer chimneys were built for the ventilation and services systems. Ore extraction was resumed at the Ariana body using the ascending cut-and-fill method, which allowed for better control of the stability of limestone rock.

During 2019, production was mainly from the Ramal Techo Vein, specially from Stopes located at Deep areas of the mine, 61% of production came from using the sublevel stopping method in structures such as Ramal Techo East and West, Julissa, Kelly and Reemplazamiento Veins.

This impact was the result of not having the mine prepared for 2019, mainly in the west area of Ramal Techo (highgrade zinc), and there were also failures of the pumping system during the process, which restricted the progress of the deepening ramp. Another important contributing factor was low availability of mine equipment fleet, as well as the long adaptation and learning curve that resulted from the change in Contractor Company.

The communication project for underground and surface operations (Tetra radios) was also completed, meaning that the mine is 100% integrated in radio communication.

Currently, the extracted ore is treated in three concentrator plants: Victoria, Mahr Tunel and Andaychagua, with a total installed capacity of 11,400 tpd.

Victoria concentrator plant
The operation of the Victoria concentrator plant is automated, including Courier online analysis systems and a control system that regulates the ratio of water to ore during the milling process. It is worth highlighting that the Victoria concentrator plant can separate low-grade lead and copper concentrates by flotation.

During 2019, the capacity of the Victoria concentrator plant to process 5,200 tpd was maintained. As a result, production from the Victoria plant represented 42% of treated tonnage for the Yauli UEA.

Selective zinc flotation was implemented, eliminating 100% of the use of lime in the flotation process, thereby lowering the flotation costs, lowering the ratios of the main reagents (CuSO4 from 0.38 to 0.34).

Copper flotation in the bulk circui ........