The life of Rio Tinto's Kennecott Utah Copper Bingham Canyon mine in Salt Lake City is to be extended by 11 years as the diversified miner injects more funding into the project.
The company announced on Tuesday afternoon that it would invest $660m over the next seven years to increase the life of the mine from 2018 to 2029.
"This investment highlights the additional value we can create by the efficient investment of capital at existing tier one assets. It will secure low cost copper, gold and molybdenum production for the next two decades," said Chief Executive Andrew Harding.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
"We continue to evaluate underground options that will further extend the life of Bingham Canyon, which has already been in operation for more than 100 years."
The additional funding will go towards the construction of mine infrastructure and new equipment to support pushing back the south wall of the mine. First ore from the south wall push back isn't expected until 2017 though.
The investment is expected to enable annual average production of 180 thousand tonnes of copper, 185 thousand ounces of gold and 13.8 thousand tonnes of molybdenum from 2019 through to 2029.
By 14:38, shares were trading 2.38% higher (+70.5p) at 3,033p.
BC
-
How to find the best luxury hotel dealsKnowing how to find the best luxury hotel deals can help holidaymakers enjoy high-end experiences without the sky-high costs. We reveal how to bag the best value for less.
-
Frozen thresholds could push ‘tax freedom day’ to latest date this centuryTax freedom day is the point in the year you stop earning for the taxman and start earning for yourself. A rising tax burden could push it to 12 June this year – the latest date since 1982.
