The McEwen Copper division, 81% owned by McEwen Mining (TSX: MUX; NYSE: MUX), is advancing its Los Azules copper undertaking within the San Juan province of Argentina to the pre-feasibility stage.
The very first thing the corporate intends to do is assemble a brand new, low-altitude northern entry street to offer year-round entry to the location. The present exploration street is barely satisfactory about 5 months a yr.
Earlier this month, McEwen held a undertaking growth workshop for its senior administration and representatives from Whittle Consulting (growth eventualities), Bechtel Corp. (feasibility examine for El Pachon undertaking 75 km to the south of Los Azules), Samuel Engineering (undertaking administration, controls metallurgy and mill design), Stantec (geology, sources, mining engineering, tailings administration, and water services), and McLennan Design (inexperienced constructing strategies). Their work suggests there may be appreciable room to enhance the economics of the Los Azules.
The preliminary financial evaluation ready in 2017 for Los Azules put the after-tax internet current worth at US$2.2 billion (at an 8% low cost) and the inner charge of return at 20.1%.
The examine outlined an preliminary capex requirement of US$2.4 billion with payback occurring after 3.6 years. The mine has a lifetime of 36 years and can produce 415 million lb. of copper yearly for the primary 13 years at a money price of US$1.14 per lb. A copper worth of US$3 per lb. was used within the examine.
The objective, says McEwen, is to design a mannequin copper mine for the 21st century. It’ll provide the uncooked materials to allow a greener world, whereas incorporating the usage of renewable power sources to have a low-carbon footprint. Technological innovation will underpin an power environment friendly operation.
There are at the moment about 280 individuals, 85% of whom are from San Juan, on the Los Azules camp to conduct exploration drilling. Two of the ten rigs have been assembled and drilling will begin Jan. 4. Medical companies and emergency rescue groups have been on website since Dec. 1. An airstrip might be constructed to facilitate the motion of individuals through the PFS.
Earlier this yr the company made a US$40-million private placement and introduced a 53,000-metre drill program to improve sources on the undertaking. A second, US$40-million personal placement is because of shut in January, leaving McEwen Mining with a 69% share of McEwen Copper.
McEwen Mining says it intends to take McEwen Copper public in 9 to 12 months.
