MVC has been in operation since 1992 and produces copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrates by reprocessing tailings produced by the El Teniente mine. Sources of mill feed include the fresh tailings from El Teniente and the tailings from the Cauquenes historic tailings deposit and Colihues historic tailings deposit.
MVC has valid contracts with Codelco’s El Teniente Division (DET) to process Fresh Tailings, the Colihues deposit and the Cauquenes deposit. MVC has the right to process tailings up to 2037.
Currently, feed to the plant is derived from two sources: fresh rougher tailings from the Codelco’s El Teniente concentrator and hydraulically recovered tails from the Cauquenes tailings impoundment.
El Teniente Tailings
The Fresh Tailings are transported via gravity to MVC via a 36 km long concrete open channel launder. The target fresh tailings concentrator throughput is 140,000 tpd. The term of the Fresh Tailings Agreement was extended from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2037.
Colihues Tailings
In 2003, MVC commenced production from the Colihues deposit, and, in 2015, suspended operations from Colihues. The total tonnage of material extracted from the Colihues deposit, up to the end of December 2016 was 72,742,245 tonnes. The total quantity of copper produced from Colihues, up to the end of December 2016 was approximately 55,975 tonnes. Extraction of material from the Colihues deposit is planned to recommence in ........
