KGHM and South32 kick off $725m Sierra Gorda copper expansion in Chile
KGHM (55%) and South32 (45%) have formally launched a $725 million expansion of the Sierra Gorda copper-molybdenum mine in Chile's Antofagasta region. A fourth grinding line will raise ore-processing capacity 26%, from about 131,000 to 165,000 tonnes per day, targeting average annual payable copper output of about 195,000 tonnes with roughly 10% lower average operating unit costs. Construction starts in January 2027 with full capacity expected in the second half of 2030; the project is funded from operating cash flow and joint-venture debt.
KGHM (55%) and South32 (45%) have formally launched a $725 million expansion of the Sierra Gorda copper-molybdenum mine in Chile's Antofagasta region. A fourth grinding line will raise ore-processing capacity 26%, from about 131,000 to 165,000 tonnes per day, targeting average annual payable copper output of about 195,000 tonnes with roughly 10% lower average operating unit costs. Construction starts in January 2027 with full capacity expected in the second half of 2030; the project is funded from operating cash flow and joint-venture debt.
Research completed: 2026-10-04T12:01:15.000Z.
Received by Insights: 2026-10-06T06:39:10.257Z.
Source publication date: 2026-10-02.
Sources:
2026-10-02 — https://www.mining.com/kghm-south32-kick-off-725m-sierra-gorda-expansion/
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Source: Mecuvo upstream research · mining.com