KGHM launches production in Chile

Poland’s copper and silver mining giant KGHM has announced the launch of copper production at its Sierra Gorda mine in Chile. The facility is  scheduled to be officially opened in autumn. “We and our partners developed this project remarkably quickly, while at the same time maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards,” said the company’s CEP Herbert Wirth. “It took us only ten years from exploration drills to actual production. This very fast pace could only be achieved because we have the highest managerial standards.” After a ramp-up period that will last until early 2015, the mine will produce 120 thousand metric tons of copper, 50 million pounds of molybdenum and 60 thousand ounces of gold annually.