Canadian mining company Hudbay Minerals has started pit development of the Pampacancha copper and gold project in Peru having secured full access to the site.

The announcement follows the completion of the final land user agreement for the high-grade copper and gold satellite deposit.

The Pampacancha copper and gold project is located nearly 7km from Hudbay Minerals’ Constancia mine and processing facilities.

Peter Kukielski – Hudbay Minerals President and CEO said: “We are very pleased to have completed the final land user agreements at Pampacancha and we remain on track for first production in the second quarter of 2021, in line with guidance.

“This major milestone was achieved due to collaboration between the community and the Constancia team, which further demonstrates Hudbay’s strong social license to operate in Peru.”

Earlier this year, the Canadian mining company began pre-development activities at the Pampacancha copper and gold project. These include construction of a haul road and site preparation work among others which will let Hudbay Minerals shortly begin pre-stripping activities.

According to Hudbay Minerals, the Pampacancha project is estimated to contribute to an increase in the production of copper and gold at the Constancia mine from 2022 to 2025 as the higher grades are included in the mine plan.

  Constantica mine, Hudbay Minerals, Pampacancha, Pampacancha project, Peru, Peter Kukielski