Govt looks at reactivating Corocoro Cu mine – Bolivia
Source: BNamericas
metalsplace.com
Bolivia's government has announced it is evaluating the reactivation of the Corocoro copper mine in the Pacajes province of La Paz department.
State miner Comibol is carrying out a technical evaluation of the project to determine its feasibility and the possible investment sum, a press official at the country's mining ministry told BNamericas.
There will be more definite information about reactivation plans by mid-March, according to the executive.
The decision to reconsider Corocoro was prompted by current high metals prices on the international market and the restructuring of Comibol, the official said, adding: "The government is definitely intent on reactivation."
Comibol's restructuring, a project undertaken by the administration of President Evo Morales, would give the entity new functions including the role of regulator to Bolivia's mining sector, but no progress has been made so far.
The Corocoro mine, previously operated by mining cooperatives, was closed in 1985 due to low metals prices and a reorganization of mining territories, the official said.
The government also plans to look at building a copper smelter and a cable factory to substitute imports, state news agency ABI reported.
"If we produce copper, we can begin producing our own cables to distribute a network of cables throughout the country and abroad with added value," mining minister Guillermo Dalence was quoted as saying.
The Corocoro mine is located in the Bolivian altiplano, 175km south of La Paz. |
