Operation Phase II Mina Doña Elba

Description: Minera Las Cenizas SA (MLC) currently operates the Doña Elba Mine, with environmental approval given by Environmental Qualification Resolution No. 59 of 2008 (RCA No. 59/2008). This operation consists of the open-pit exploitation of copper minerals of the oxides type, and corresponds to what MLC has called Phase I of Exploitation. The ore extracted in Phase I is transported to the MLC Taltal Oxide Plant. The Phase II Exploitation Project considers, initially, to continue with the exploitation of oxidized minerals found in the upper levels of the mine, subsequently incorporating the sulphide minerals that are found at greater depth. This project will not introduce changes in the type of mining that is currently being carried out. The method will continue to be open pit, but it will be necessary to expand the pit in the upper levels of the mine to create the necessary infrastructure for access to the lower levels. In summary, the Project has the following scope: Total extraction of oxidized and sulphured copper ores, of high and low grade, in approximate amounts of 2,024,000 and 875,000 tons, which will be transported to the Taltal Oxides Plant and Las Lights respectively. Total extraction of sterile material, of the order of 10,700,000 tons, which will be available by expanding the existing dump, and will also be used to build mineral stock platforms. Total extraction of a smaller amount of oxidized and sulphured minerals from marginal laws, of the order of 175,000 tons, which will be collected in the mine area, in a sterile dump sector. The project will take advantage of existing works and service facilities used in the execution of the Exploitation Phase I, to which new ones that are part of the Phase II Exploitation Project will be incorporated. Objective The general objective of the Project is to continue with the extraction of oxidized minerals from Doña Elba Mine, in order to maintain the feed to the Taltal Oxides Plant and incorporate the extraction of sulphide minerals to feed the Las Luces Plant.