Jul. 29, 2020
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Minera San Cristóbal Project Awarded High Commendations in Operations by CEEC for Grade Engineering® Technology
Contacts:
Ms. Jewelle Yamada
Phone: 212-207-0574
Mobile: 646-584-9556
Email: jewelle-k.yamada@sumitomocorp.com
Ms. Amy Babcock
Phone: 212-207-0567
Email: amy.babcock@sumitomocorp.com
New York, NY – July 29, 2020 – Minera San Cristóbal, one of the largest silver, zinc and lead mines in the world and wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, was part of a project awarded High Commendations by the Coalition for Energy Efficient Comminution (CEEC). The High Commendations in Operations went to a paper submitted by CRC Ore, titled “Gangue Rejection in Practice – The Implementation of Grade Engineering® at the Minera San Cristóbal l Site.” This paper shares the prediction and outcomes of a Grade Engineering® pilot at the Minera San Cristóbal operations in Bolivia. The work identifies ore amenability and levers to optimize up-front rejection of gangue before processing.
In its ninth year, this year’s CEEC Medal nominations attracted 23 high quality submissions from around the world that displayed exciting site improvements and innovative ideas for future technologies. Of the 23 submissions, only five are shortlisted for recognition. CEEC Director and Medal Evaluation Committee Chair Dr Zeljka Pokrajcic said this year’s nominations reflected industry trends to install renewables, consider embodied energy and emissions, and the continued embracing of technologies such as pre-concentration and coarse flotation.
Minera San Cristóbal (MSC) and CRC Ore began development of their Grade Engineering® (GE) project on site in Bolivia toward the end of 2018. Based on their findings from this operation to date, the project team estimates that GE could extend MSC’s mine life by two years. Ultimately, this project, set to continue for two more years, is expected to create new value in mine development, while reducing environmental burdens typically incurred by mining activity.
Regarding the findings submitted in the nomination, CEEC CEO Alison Keogh said, “This approach highlights the scale of the opportunity for mining leaders to invest in unlocking hidden value for shareholders through productivity step-change while significantly reducing impact on the environment.” “Our team at Minera San Cristóbal has a strong history of implementing sustainable practices throughout its mining operations, as well as within the community in which it operates,” said Mitsuhiro Hirano, General Manager of Mineral Resources, Sumitomo Corporation of America. “We are extremely proud of the innovative work the team is doing in collaboration with CRC Ore, and look forward to seeing the further value this project will impart for the MSC mine and the mining industry.”
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About Minera San Cristóbal
Located in the province of Nor Lípez in the Department of Potosí, Minera San Cristóbal is the most important mining undertaking of Bolivia. The operations combines the use of state-of-the-art technology with a constant qualification of all the workers, a strict control of industrial and occupational health and safety, environmental preservation and social commitment to the communities. MSC aims to contribute to development of the region where it operates, the Department of Potosí and the country as a whole.
About CEEC
CEEC is the acronym for the Coalition for Energy Efficient Comminution. CEEC was established by a visionary group of mining industry leaders, who recognised the need to provide a platform for effective communication of the latest technical findings on efficient comminution practices. CEEC’s vision is to accelerate the implementation of eco-efficient comminution practices through promotion of supporting data and industry benefits. CEEC is a global initiative, providing access on the most current technical scientific papers and field studies to the worldwide mining industry. CEEC is an independent not-for-profit corporation. CEEC is led by a board of directors, and enjoys the patronage of industry luminaries.
About Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York City, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) has eight offices in major U.S. cities. SCOA is the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s leading traders of goods and services. As an integrated business enterprise, the firm has emerged as a major organizer of multinational projects, an expediter of ideas, an important international investor and financier, and a powerful force for distribution of products and global communications through a network of offices worldwide. Its core business units include Tubular Products, Environment and Infrastructure, Steel and Non Ferrous Metals, Transportation and Construction Systems, Chemicals and Electronics, Media and IOT Applications, Real Estate, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Food. For more information, visit www.sumitomocorp.com.
About CRC Ore
CRC ORE is a not for profit organization funded by the Australian Federal Government and the global minerals industry. CRC ORE commenced in mid-2010 and after its initial 5-year funding term, was awarded a further 6-years of funding until July 2021. Despite the current difficult business cycle in the minerals sector, CRC ORE has achieved support of over $110m in investment to achieve critical mass and capacity. This includes $34.4m in federal funding, with the remaining investment through Mining, METS and Research participants.