Mining Intelligence and News
United States

Carlota Mine

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Categories

Overview

Mine TypeOpen Pit
StatusActive
Commodities
  • Copper
Mining Method
  • Truck & Shovel / Loader
Production Start2008
Mine Life2027
SnapshotCopper ore extraction by the Carlota mine is by conventional methods typical for open-pit metals mines, i.e. the ore is mined by blasting and then is transported by haulage trucks. In 2023, access to the Cactus open pit - Phase III was launched, enabling the extension of the mine life to 2027.

As part of the 2023 process, the disposal of the Carlota mine was not finalised. As at 31 December 2023, the Carlota mine remains in KGHM's portfolio, conducts regular operations and is currently not classified as an asset held for sale.

Owners

SourceSource
CompanyInterestOwnership
KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. 100 % Indirect
Carlota Copper Company (operator) 100 % Direct

Contractors

ContractorContractDescriptionRef. DateSource
Empire Southwest Equipment procurement or fabrication Carlota has developed a strong relationship with the dealer, Empire Cat, who supplied the Cat 6015B. Sep 30, 2023

Deposit type

  • Porphyry

Summary:

The Miami-Globe mining district in eastern Arizona is known for economically large-scale porphyry Cu, Au, and Mo deposits, such as the Miami-Inspiration and the Cu Resolution.

The area is built of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks of various ages from the early Proterozoic to the Tertiary.

The Carlota deposit is formed by the surface mineralization of copper oxides in the proterozoic Pinal Schist. Chrysocolla is a dominant ore mineral and usually occurs as coatings, crusts and filling in fractures and heavily desintegrated rock masses.

Reserves at December 31, 2014

CategoryTonnage CommodityGradeContained Metal
Measured 1,230 kt Copper 0.53 % 6,521 t
Indicated 3,657 kt Copper 0.42 % 15,358 t
Measured & Indicated 4,887 kt Copper 0.45 % 21,879 t
Inferred 159 kt Copper 0.47 % 751 t

Mining Methods

  • Truck & Shovel / Loader

Summary:

Copper ore extraction by the Carlota mine is by conventional methods typical for open-pit metals mines, i.e. the ore is mined by blasting and then is transported by haulage trucks.

In 2023, access to the Cactus open pit - Phase III was launched, enabling the extension of the mine life to 2027.

Comminution

Crushers and Mills

Milling equipment has not been reported.

Processing

  • Sulfuric acid (reagent)
  • Heap leach
  • Solvent Extraction & Electrowinning

Summary:

Due to the nature of the ore, it is processed using the heap leach, the solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) method which involves subjecting the ore to sulphuric acid. The pregnant leach solution (PLS) is pumped out of the heap and after the initial mechanical cleaning is subjected to the SX process, followed by the EW electrowinning process. The end product is electrolytic copper in the form of cathodes.

Water Supply

Summary:

Carlota mine do not release water to the environment at all. Carlota`s engineering solutions ensure separation of contaminated water from clean water. Rainwater that has been in contact with the mine is captured and then used in technological processes.

Production

CommodityUnits202320222021202020192018
Copper kt 3.94.15.454.43.2
All production numbers are expressed as cathode.

Production Costs

Commodity production costs have not been reported.

Financials

Units2021
Revenue M PLN 209  
Pre-tax Income M PLN 93  
After-tax Income M PLN 93  
Operating Cash Flow M PLN 11  

Heavy Mobile Equipment

Ref. Date: September 20, 2023

SourceSource
HME TypeModel
Excavator Caterpillar 6015B
Truck (haul) Caterpillar 785

Personnel

Mine Management

Job TitleNameProfileRef. Date
Environmental Manager Mauricio Acevedo Vidal LinkedIn Sep 2, 2024
General Manager Brock Johnston LinkedIn Sep 2, 2024
Sr. General Manger / Head of Operations John Haynes LinkedIn Sep 2, 2024

EmployeesYear
62 2023
65 2022
66 2021
69 2020
64 2019
56 2018

Aerial view: