90 91 cerro de pasco The greatest investment of the XXth century The Cerro de Pasco Stone House was replaced by the company's imposing administrative building in La Oroya. pressurised water. After a deposition period, the cathodes were moved to the washing cells and melted at up to 450 degrees in one of three 160 tonne capacity pots for the refining process. By vigorous stirring with sodium hydroxide, the product foamed and the remnants of arsenic, antimony and tin were removed. Finally, the refined lead was molded into 45 kilogram bars for its subsequent sale. Despite the early success of the refinery and the international recognition it gained for the high quality of its products, the processes and methods used in the smelter were always under constant evaluation. The desire to optimise its processes and products, and the previously mentioned very high grade polymetallic quality of the mineral from the central highlands, as could be found in few places in the world, led the company to establish, in 1927, the Metallurgical Research Department of La Oroya, using the top protocols, equipment, and technology as well as the best qualified personnel. This brand new department was started under the direction of T.E. Harper Jr., under the supervision of R. Spilsbury, and developed innovative ideas regarding mineral treatment and metallurgical processes until the abrupt nationalisation of the company in the early 1970s. One of the first projects of this research centre was the experimental production of refined bismuth and the lead-bismuth alloy and others with low melting points. These investigations were of tremendous importance because later on, the company itself considered that these alloys became a relevant differential factor in the market to overcome the global financial crisis of the following decade. Another of the most notable contributions to this research department in those early days was the Spectography Laboratory, installed in 1940, which added modern scientific instruments for mineral analysis work. Using this equipment, these lab professionals, could very accurately identify the composition of a sample from the absorption and reflection of light beams on its surface. The spectrum analysis of each sample produced graphs that generated valuable information for decision-making with regard to the relevance of the mining activity being undertaken and the best metallurgical treatment applicable for each concentrate. Outside the smelter, it was difficult to differentiate the city from the company itself, as they were totally integrated, to the extent that Copper’s administrative headquarters were in fact a kind of town centre. Even the railway affected the traffic of some outlying streets through which the men in helmets and overalls passed, and who could be seen quickening their pace at the sound of the whistle that marked the change of shift. What’s more, the La Oroya whistle ended up substituting the Church’s bell tower as a way to tell time for the community. Over time, the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex continued to establish itself as the most important in South America and one of the most admired on the rest of the planet. Professionals from different corners of the world specialising in different fields such as engineering, geology, metallurgy, and laboratory research, among others, applied for positions to seek professional development in this promising project, which shone like a bright island among the imposing mountains of the gateway to The Andes. The impact of electrical power The fundamental basis for an industry of this size will always be the availability of power, whose generation varies historically in terms of technical alternatives as well as geographical customs and realities. Although the first hydroelectric power station had been built in 1880 in Northumberland, Great Britain, these energy sources would become popular in the early 20th century around the world due to the increase in the demand for power. For example, as early as THE DESIRE TO OPTIMISE PROCESSES AND IMPROVE PRODUCTS LED THE COMPANY TO CREATE, IN 1927, THE DEPARTMENT OF METALLURGICAL RESEARCH.
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