December 04, 2008

Xstrata Copper establishes a technology group in Antofagasta

Xstrata Copper's North Chile Division has announced the establishment of a Technology Development group in the city of Antofagasta to support Xstrata Copper's operations and growth strategy in South America.

The new Xstrata Copper technology platform will complement and draw upon the technological expertise provided by Xstrata Technology, based at Brisbane in Australia and Xstrata Process Support, based at Sudbury in Canada.

In particular, the group will focus on adding value to Xstrata Copper’s significant pipeline of Brownfield and Greenfield expansion projects in the region. The phase four expansion at Altonorte and the leaching of molybdenum concentrates, ESP dust and oxide and sulphide ores are among the Technology Development group’s initial areas of investigation.

Mr Jon Evans COO of Xstrata Copper North Chile Division said that "The primary focus for this group will be in the areas of leaching where we believe we have a competitive advantage compared to our peers.”