Efforts to enhance its footprint in Chile through the acquisition of resources have been highlighted by Canadian copper exploration company Marimaca as an effective way of complementing the development of the miner’s flagship Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD), located in the major copper mining region of Antofagasta, Chile.

Marimaca is undertaking a comprehensive regional exploration programme to expand its resource base, especially around its recently acquired assets, which include the Pampa Medina and Madrugador projects, in northern Chile, which have seen “promising” results, the company says.

The company also completed a reinterpretation of the historical geological data for the two projects, and about 10 000 m of exploration drilling at Pampa Medina, with the results suggesting the two deposits are part of a much larger, manto-style mineralised system which extends more than 5 km by 4 km.

Historical and current drilling also confirm consistent and broad zones of oxide copper mineralisation over a relatively large area.

These outcomes “strongly support” the hypothesis that Pampa Medina could represent the central hub of a regionally extensive mineralised system, potentially genetically linking several nearby deposits.

“This could have significant implications for the project . . . as it could result in a material expansion of the resource base, propelling the future of Marimaca from an already significant producer to a district-scale player,” says Marimaca president and CEO Hayden Locke.

Pursuing resource expansion at the MOD and advancing district-scale exploration at Pampa Medina positions the company prominently among the few greenfield copper developers, globally.

“These initiatives demonstrate the . . . commitment to building a significant copper resource in Chile and solidifying its presence in one of the world’s most important copper-producing regions,” the company outlines.

Infrastructure Importance

Infrastructure is of “fundamental importance” to large-scale industrial projects, whether that be in transport and logistics, energy, water or communications.

Marimaca’s proximity to key infrastructure significantly reduces its capital cost requirements and increases operational efficiency while reducing execution and ongoing operational risk, the company says.

The MOD, near the Port of Mejillones, in the Antofagasta region, facilitates the import of necessary equipment and consumables for construction and operations, as well as the export of the company’s copper products.

Access to the Antofagasta region’s international airport and existing road networks ensures seamless logistics, while the local populations of Mejillones and Antofagasta help to supply the local skilled workforce required for the project.

With other existing companies operating in the area, Marimaca has secured mutually beneficial agreements, such as a water option agreement for using recycled seawater from a local power company, in the bay of Mejillones.

Community Engagement, Transparent Permitting

Marimaca hosted its first open house event in Mejillones on May 22, 2024, to foster direct dialogue with the local community and outline project developments.

The format of the event, attended by about 80 people from the local community, allowed for an interactive question-and-answer session with Marimaca management and core team members.

The company also highlights that its proactive approach to permitting demonstrates a commitment to responsible project development and maintaining its social licence to operate.

In February, Marimaca received the Consolidated Request for Clarifications, Rectifications and/or Extensions, which serves as a mechanism for mining companies to address aspects of their permits, licences and environmental approvals.

This milestone, Marimaca MD Jose Antonio Merino says, validates the company’s developmental timeline and underscores its commitment to global standards for environmental and social risk management.