en.Wedoany.com Reported - DMC Mining Services Chile has officially commenced drift development operations at the Candelaria mine, operated by Lundin Mining Chile, located in the Atacama Region.

The start of operations followed the completion of the first blast at the site. This milestone marks a critical phase for the underground mining contractor, a subsidiary of KGHM International, part of KGHM Polska Miedź SA.

The drift development and ground reinforcement contract awarded by Lundin Mining Chile has significantly expanded DMC's operations in Chile's major mining jurisdiction. The scope of work encompasses a full range of drift development activities and comprehensive ground support installation across various sections of the mine.

Michal Marcin Jezioro, CEO of DMC Mining Services, stated that when DMC entered Chile seven years ago, the vision was to establish a leading underground mining contractor in one of the world's most important mining jurisdictions. Today, DMC Mining Services Chile has grown to 1,600 employees and has become a reliable partner for major operators in the mining sector.

The Candelaria mine operates as an open-pit and underground combined mining complex, supplying ore to a processing plant with a capacity of approximately 80,000 tonnes per day. Underground mining is expected to produce a combined daily output of 14,000 tonnes from the North and South zones, with peak production sustainable until 2046 and an average copper grade of 0.78% over the mine life.

Underground mining employs the sublevel stoping method, suitable for large, vertical, and thick ore bodies with favorable and stable surrounding rock. Stope heights can reach up to 180 meters, with sublevel intervals ranging from 20 to 60 meters, optimizing ore recovery through downward drilling and controlled blasting.

The contract reflects DMC's consolidated position after seven years of operations in the Chilean mining market, establishing it as a specialized contractor focused on underground mining.