Huaron Mine, Peru (100%)
The Huaron silver-zinc underground polymettalic mine is located 320 km northeast of Lima in the heart of the Cerro de Pasco district, one of Peru's most important mining districts, which accounts for over half of Peru's silver production.
History: Huaron is a primary silver mine that historically produced more than 220 million ounces of silver from 70 known veins since operations began in 1912. In April 1998, Huaron's production ceased after its underground workings were flooded due to an accident at a neighbouring mine. Pan American acquired a majority interest in the Huaron mine in March 2000 and fast-tracked the project through feasibility, financing and construction to begin full-scale operation in April 2001 and subsequently acquired the remaining interest.
Operating Statistics:
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
Tonnes Milled |
750,799 |
693,285 |
639,849 |
|
|
|
|
Silver ounces |
3,827,000 |
3,664,660 |
3,690,786 |
Zinc tonnes |
12,064 |
11,735 |
11,701 |
Lead tonnes |
6,985 |
6,858 |
6,774 |
Copper tonnes |
1,658 |
1,603 |
1,689 |
Gold ounces |
3,496 |
1,832 |
1,113 |
| Cash cost per ounce |
$2.78 |
$2.41 |
$5.08 |
Mineral Reserves:
|
Tonnes |
Silver Grade
(g/tonne) |
Contained Silver
(ounces)
|
Proven |
5,604,000 |
189 |
34,038,000 |
Probable |
4,007,000 |
192 |
24,788,000 |
Total |
9,611,000 |
190 |
58,826,000 |
Calculated as at December 31, 2007 using a silver price of US$11.00.
Mineral reserve estimates for Huaron were prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Sr. VP Geology and Exploration, and Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., VP of Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101.
2006 Summary:
Approximately 77 stopes were active at any time in 2006, which are together host to 32 different veins (averaging 2.38 metres wide). During 2006, the mine mechanized some of the stopes by introducing small scoop trams. This had the effect of increasing productivity and, by the end of the year, only 35 stopes were required to maintain full production. The mining method is 100% cut-and-fill using mill tailings as the backfill material. During 2006, the mine started the development of a new conveyorway ramp from the current bottom of the mine (250 level) to the 180 level in the north zone. This work will deepen the north zone of the mine by 70 metres and provide access to known vein extensions that have not been previously mined.
Photos & Maps
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