Van AalstTOC AmericasCimbriaViganSailors SocietyTBA Group
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Cimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Van Aalst
  • TOC Americas
  • TMS Awards 2023

Rio Tinto progresses studies for underground mining at Kennecott

Rio Tinto progresses studies for underground mining at Kennecott

(Posted on 26/07/21)

Rio Tinto has approved a $108 million investment in underground development to enable early orebody access and undertake orebody characterisation studies for underground mining at the Kennecott copper operations in the United States.

The investment builds on $25 million approved in early-2020 to complete a pre-feasibility study to determine the viability of underground mining operations at Kennecott. Potential underground mining would occur concurrently with open pit operations and result in increased copper output.

Kennecott holds the potential for a significant and attractive underground development, with declared Mineral Resources of 20 Mt at 3.65% copper and 1.62 g/t gold1 with further upside potential based on drilling.

The feasibility study work will focus on gathering critical geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological data to inform Rio Tinto’s assessment of underground development options and is expected to be completed in 2024. Existing infrastructure from previous underground projects will be extended to access the North Rim Skarn orebody, allowing for the development of crosscuts and further drilling of the resource. The project includes approximately 15,000 feet (4,500 metres) of lateral development, 1,000 feet (300 metres) of vertical development and associated support infrastructure.

The project will also include the trial of underground battery electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions at Kennecott and across Rio Tinto’s global operations. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions will supply a battery electric haul truck and loader to evaluate performance and suitability for future underground mining fleets.

Pre-feasibility studies are also being progressed to extend open pit mining at Kennecott beyond 2032, with a further push back of the North Wall to allow access to Mineral Resources. This follows a $1.5 billion investment in the second phase of the South Wall Pushback project, approved in 2019, to allow open cut mining to continue between 2026 and 2032.

Rio Tinto Copper Chief Executive Bold Baatar said: “Kennecott holds a range of options to extend our supply of copper and other critical materials, to meet the strong demand being driven by electric vehicles and renewable power technologies.

“The operation is uniquely positioned to supply these emerging markets, with one of only two operating smelters in the United States that also processes concentrates from third parties, a long history delivering high quality products and significant resources that are yet to be developed.”

Latest News

Increased copper and iron ore production for BHP

(Posted on 19/10/24)

BHP have released their operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2024.BHP Chief Executive... Read more


Safety a priority as Rio Tinto releases Q3 production results

(Posted on 18/10/24)

Rio Tinto is continuing to prioritise learning from safety incidents to improve the effectiveness of... Read more


IFA and Proba launch global programme for GHG emissions reduction

(Posted on 14/10/24)

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is partnering with supply chain decarbonization startup... Read more


Export Exchange 2024 wraps up as trade teams head across the USA

(Posted on 14/10/24)

Export Exchange 2024, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels... Read more


MPA welcomes UK Government’s commitment to fund CCUS

(Posted on 08/10/24)

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the Government’s pledge to fund the launch... Read more


Glencore’s Stephen Rowland elected Chair of ICA’s Board

(Posted on 08/10/24)

The Board of Directors of the International Copper Association (ICA) has elected Stephen Rowland, Glencore... Read more


NGFA highlights ‘trifecta of transportation trouble’ for US agriculture

(Posted on 01/10/24)

Potential disruptions to the nation’s shipping infrastructure could have a devastating effect... Read more


ADM adds non-GM capabilities in Hungary

(Posted on 01/10/24)

ADM has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Vandamme Hungaria Kft and its related... Read more


Richard Holtum to become Trafigura CEO from 1 January 2025

(Posted on 25/09/24)

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd has announced that Richard Holtum will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO)... Read more


Financial community visit Rio Tinto North American operations

(Posted on 25/09/24)

Rio Tinto is hosting a site visit for the financial community this week to its Aluminium and Iron &... Read more


TMS Awards 2023TelestackBühler GmbHGeneva DryPort of South LouisianaPort of Stockton
  • TBA Group
  • Sailors Society
  • Vigan
  • Geneva Dry

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping