Las Cruces is currently working in the future PMR project (Poly Metallurgical Refinery). An underground mine will be developed to exploit a new polymetallic deposit located beneath the previously exploited site (2009-2020). Additionally, the world’s first polymetallic refinery of its kind will be built, using technology patented by CLC, to produce four refined metals: copper, zinc, lead, and silver.
Unique Technology
The technology of this project represents an innovation in global mining by completing the “mine-to-metal” process. This model, with which CLC has so far produced the purest copper on the market (99.999%), has been refined and expanded to process polymetallic ore.
This material is abundant in the Andalusian Pyrite Belt, but until now, it has been very complex to process due to the difficulty of separating its various components under optimal conditions of efficiency and profitability. This technology will not only make internal resources viable but also open the possibility of processing external polymetallic material from other deposits.
Investment
Once operational, the project is expected to have an activity period of at least 20 years, with an estimated investment of over 800 million euros, supplemented by an additional investment for the implementation of energy self-supply installations using renewable energies. Direct employment during operation will reach 900 people.
European Green Deal
CLC Polymetallic Refinery project is fully aligned with the European Green Deal, as the metals produced at Las Cruces will supply European industry with strategic raw materials for the energy and digital transition, reducing dependence on external markets such as China.
These are key metals for electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage batteries. For example, an electric vehicle requires four times more copper than a conventional combustion vehicle.
Sustainability: Renewable energy, encapsulated waste, regenerated water
The new project plans to use renewable energies such as solar, both in the industrial plant and in mineral transport operations. Additionally, in environmental terms, the carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) is estimated to be up to 90% lower compared to conventional metal production chains, thus contributing to the decarbonization goal of our economy.
The PMR project incorporates the best environmental techniques: sustainable water use, encapsulated mining waste (CLC does not have tailings ponds), a 90% reduction in carbon footprint (thanks to on-site mineral processing, eliminating the need to transport it to a smelter), electrical and thermal supply through renewable energies, as well as the progressive environmental rehabilitation of all areas affected by mining operations.