South32 Gets Final Approval for Sierra Gorda Copper Mine Expansion Project

Published: Jul 1, 2026 21:14

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Diversified mining company South32 announced that the fourth grinding line project at the Sierra Gorda open-pit copper mine has received final investment approval following completion of a feasibility study. The study confirmed that this brownfield plant expansion project is expected to deliver attractive returns. By installing a fourth grinding line, expanding crushing and flotation capacity and associated process infrastructure, the project is expected to increase Sierra Gorda mine’s annual processing capacity from 48 million mt to 60 million mt. Sierra Gorda is a large-scale conventional open-pit copper mine located in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile. South32 holds a 45% stake in the mine, with KGHM holding the remaining 55%. The project is expected to achieve first production in FY2030 and reach full capacity in FY2031.

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