has reduced and fines content increased. These upstream improvements provided the foundation for a broader, integrated optimization effort across the concentrator. Building on this progress, the structured Mine-to-Process program progressed to optimization of comminution and flotation, supported by detailed surveys, ore characterization, modelling, simulation and throughput forecasting. Opportunities were identified to increase the total grinding throughput (from both grinding lines) by up to 14% but with some coarsening of the target product size. Integrated simulations across comminution and flotation indicated the increase in throughput and coarser grinding product size would, for a fixed concentrate grade, reduce overall copper recovery by ~1% if downstream constraints were not addressed. However, flotation debottlenecking and optimization identified quick-win and major CAPEX opportunities. Simulations indicate that the quick-win measures may improve overall copper recovery by ~1.5% while maintaining concentrate grade, with further gains possible via major CAPEX initiatives. Subsequent implementation of the quick-win initiatives has demonstrated the expected benefits. A summary of key activities and events is provided below: • In 2021, a significant increase in throughput (~10% increase compared to 2020) was achieved for the Phase I grinding line following the optimization study carried out in 2020. • Since early 2022, mechanical issues with the Phase I grinding line ball mills have constrained throughput. Chinalco is addressing these issues. • In May 2020, Phase II grinding line commenced operations (mean of 1,890 tph in 2021) • Since then, the throughput of the Phase II grinding line has steadily increased up to 2,220 tph. The design throughput (2,550 tph) has not been reached but should be achievable after implementation of all Hatch recommendations from the Phase II grinding line optimization study. • An audit and debottlenecking of the flotation circuit was carried out in parallel to the Phase II grinding circuit optimization study in May 2023. • Implementation of quick wins and several of the mid to longer-term initiatives has already delivered measurable improvements in throughput, operational stability, and metallurgical performance. This paper documents the structured methodology and practical implementation of the integrated Mine-to-Process strategy at Toromocho, from conceptual opportunity identification to implementation across drill and blast, comminution, and flotation. 2. METHODOLOGY The integrated optimization project at the Toromocho operation was executed using a structured Mine-to-Process methodology implemented progressively across the mining and processing value chain. The structured methodology takes an integrated approach, avoiding optimization of processes in isolation, which can result in suboptimal results for the overall operation. This approach considers the impact of variable feed ore characteristics on each stage (mining, comminution and flotation) as well as the interactions between each stage. The approach combined ore characterization, operational audits, plant surveys, analysis of historical operating data, development of semi-mechanistic and site-specific models, and
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