What's Happening?
Orvana Minerals has commenced a phased restart of its Don Mario processing plant in Bolivia. The Bolivian subsidiary, Empresa Minera Paitití (EMIPA), has begun by reactivating the comminution and thickening circuits to supply feed to the gold-silver circuit. Performance testing of these circuits is expected to continue until mid-January 2026. The copper circuit, part of the plant's expansion, is scheduled for commissioning in the latter half of January 2026. A controlled ramp-up of all circuits is planned from February to April 2026. The expansion includes new facilities for copper oxide processing and upgrades to the gold-silver and detox circuits to enhance throughput and technological performance. The project also involves improvements in power
generation, laboratories, and personnel training. Final on-site pilot testing is underway, and results will inform revised metal production estimates.
Why It's Important?
The restart of the Don Mario plant is a significant milestone for Orvana Minerals, as it aims to enhance its processing capabilities and increase metal production. This development is crucial for the company’s strategic growth, particularly in the gold, copper, and silver markets. The phased approach to restarting the plant is designed to manage commissioning risks and validate plant performance, which is essential for ensuring operational stability and efficiency. The expansion and upgrades are expected to improve the plant's output and reduce operational costs, potentially increasing profitability. This move could also have broader economic implications for Bolivia, contributing to local employment and economic activity.
What's Next?
Orvana Minerals plans to continue with the controlled ramp-up of the Don Mario plant, with all circuits expected to be fully operational by April 2026. The company will release updated production estimates once the pilot testing results are validated. Stakeholders, including investors and local communities, will be closely monitoring the plant's performance and its impact on Orvana's financial health. The success of this project could influence future investments in the region and set a precedent for similar mining operations.
