Capstone
Capstone Copper is a mining company that produced 164,000 tonnes of copper in 2023 and plans to increase annual production to 260,000 tonnes after the Mantoverde Development Project ramp-up. The company operates several mines in the Americas and is committed to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Capstone Copper's Production Statistics
In 2023, Capstone produced 164,000 tonnes of copper. The company plans to increase its annual production to 260,000 tonnes following the ramp-up of the Mantoverde Development Project (MVDP). Approximately 96% of Capstone's revenue is derived from copper, highlighting the company's focus on this key mineral.
Capstone Copper's Mining Operations
Capstone operates several significant mining sites across the Americas. The Pinto Valley mine in Arizona, USA, is an open-pit copper mine permitted to operate until 2039. In Zacatecas, Mexico, the Cozamin mine is an underground copper-silver mine with a daily capacity of 4,400 tonnes, utilizing longhole stoping and cut-and-fill mining techniques. In Chile, Capstone operates the Mantos Blancos open-pit copper-silver mine, featuring a concentrator plant with a throughput of 7.3 million tonnes per annum. Additionally, the Mantoverde mine in Atacama, Chile, is undergoing a high-grade sulphide expansion. Another notable project is the Santo Domingo project in Atacama, Chile, which focuses on copper-iron-gold with potential for a battery-grade cobalt business.
Mantoverde Development Project (MVDP)
The Mantoverde Development Project (MVDP) is a substantial investment for Capstone, valued at $870 million. Expected to achieve nameplate production levels by Q3/2024, this project aims to process sulphide ore through a copper concentrator. The MVDP is anticipated to boost production to approximately 120,000 tonnes of copper in the second half of 2024. The Mantoverde mine, part of this project, also houses a desalination plant that supplies 380 liters per second of water.
Capstone Copper's Sustainability Initiatives
Capstone is dedicated to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact. The company aims to lessen greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fuel and power by 30% by 2030. Additionally, Capstone plans to decrease freshwater consumption intensity and implement the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management by year-end 2028. By 2025, Capstone intends to establish a Biodiversity Standard and assess all sites, alongside developing a Social Performance Standard to manage social risks and stakeholder engagement effectively.
Capstone Copper's Exploration and Development Strategy
Capstone Copper's exploration team has a strong track record of creating net asset value through successful exploration efforts. The company's portfolio includes long-life copper operations in prolific copper-producing regions. Notably, Capstone's operations include a fully permitted development project in one of the world's most significant copper-producing districts. This strategic focus on exploration and development underpins Capstone's long-term growth and profitability in the copper sector.