【Flash | Sierra Gorda Starts Fourth Grinding Line, Targeting Higher Molybdenum Output from 2030】

Published: Oct 05, 2026 10:10 (GMT+8)

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KGHM Polska Miedź has marked the start of Sierra Gorda’s US$725 million fourth grinding-line expansion in Chile. The project will add crushing, grinding, flotation and associated infrastructure, increasing annual ore-processing capacity from about 48 million tonnes to 60 million tonnes. Completion is scheduled for late 2029, with full production expected in H2 2030. On a 100% mine basis, post-expansion average payable molybdenum production is expected to reach approximately 6,000 tonnes per year. KGHM reported that Sierra Gorda produced more than 8 million lb, or about 3,629 tonnes, of molybdenum in 2025. SMM analysis: the project represents a material medium- to long-term overseas molybdenum supply increment, but it will not add near-term supply.

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