Peru's Zafranal Copper Mine Plans to Add 469 Drilling Platforms

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 21, Peruvian mining company Compañía Minera Zafranal disclosed a new round of exploration expansion plans for the Zafranal copper mine project, proposing to add 469 drilling platforms in the Arequipa Region to conduct diamond drilling, reverse circulation drilling, and sonic drilling, and to apply for an extension of the project implementation period by 68 months. The new platforms will be used for copper mineralization exploration, geotechnical investigations, and hydrogeological studies, with approximately 197.75 km of access roads planned as supporting infrastructure.

According to the exploration plan, of the 469 platforms, 330 will be used for mineral exploration employing diamond drilling and reverse circulation drilling techniques; 25 for geotechnical investigations, 94 for hydrogeological drilling, and another 20 for sonic drilling studies. Within the project's existing valid area, there are also 231 platforms that have been constructed but not yet restored; once the new plan is implemented, the total number of relevant platforms will reach 700.

The road works will utilize some existing access routes and add approximately 197.75 km of access roads with a planned effective width of 6 to 10 meters. The roads will connect different exploration areas, drilling platforms, and auxiliary facilities, providing access for drilling rigs and construction vehicles. During the construction phase, sedimentation ponds, water supply facilities, and other exploration auxiliary facilities will also be built.

Under this plan, industrial water demand during the construction phase is estimated at approximately 983,700 cubic meters, mainly for road construction, drilling platform construction, sedimentation ponds, and other supporting works. The construction phase is expected to require approximately 118 personnel, mainly engaged in platform construction, road works, and auxiliary facility installation.

The mining rights involved in the exploration activities are held by Compañía Minera Zafranal, and the plan covers 49 mining concession areas. The project land involves land belonging to the Autonomous Authority of Majes in the Arequipa Region; the company signed a 30-year land use agreement with the authority in 2022. The company intends to use the 68-month extension of the exploration implementation period for construction, exploration operations, closure, and post-closure management.