Explore Sections
Minera Tres Valles integrated mining process maximizes copper recovery through precise extraction and advanced XRT ore sorting.
The MTV Process — agglomeration, heap leaching, and SX-EW — produces 99.99% copper cathodes with low environmental impact.
This efficient, technology-driven model strengthens Chile’s leadership in responsible copper production.
At Minera Tres Valles, we recognize the vital role that artisanal and small-scale mining plays in creating employment and supporting the growth of our surrounding communities. That’s why our business model integrates and supports local small and medium-sized miners as valued partners in our supply chain.
These miners operate either from their own deposits or from mining properties provided by Minera Tres Valles through commodatum agreements established with local mining unions, all in alignment with the State’s Regulatory Mining Framework.
By purchasing ore from independent producers, we help sustain local livelihoods and promote the Coquimbo Region’s development.
GCR Group
People & Culture
Corporation Service Company
251 Little Falls Drive | Wilmington, DE 19808
At Minera Tres Valles, copper production follows a precise multi-stage process designed for maximum efficiency and purity.
The ore is first crushed and agglomerated with a small addition of salt to optimize leaching conditions. It then undergoes an extended heap leaching cycle — from initial rest to continuous irrigation — allowing copper to dissolve gradually and be recovered from the ore.
Finally, through Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW), we refine the solution into high-purity cathodes (99.99%). This integrated process ensures high recovery rates, minimal waste, and a low environmental footprint, demonstrating our commitment to responsible and efficient copper production in Chile.
In copper production, crushing plants are the first key step in processing mined ore. It breaks down large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces, typically in multiple stages.
This size reduction is essential to prepare the ore for further processing —such as grinding, leaching, or flotation— so that valuable copper minerals can be efficiently extracted.
The ORML Project (Old Ripios Massive Leaching) offers an innovative and cost-effective solution to access old copper ore inventory without expensive material movement. By injecting leaching solutions directly through a mesh of vertical holes, the process optimizes acid consumption and makes largescale leaching economically viable.
Our Vertical Hole Leaching (VHL) technology revolutionizes the leaching process by improving acid efficiency and unlocking higher recovery rates than conventional methods.
We use the Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW) process to produce high-purity copper cathodes (99.99%) directly from our operations in Chile’s Coquimbo Region. This proven technology ensures consistent quality and responsible production aligned with Chile’s leadership in sustainable mining.
This modern and environmentally responsible method allows us to recover copper from oxide ores with high efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
During the Solvent Extraction phase, copper is separated and concentrated from the leach solution using advanced organic solvents. The process continues with Electrowinning, where an electric current deposits copper onto cathodes — creating premium-grade copper ready for the global market.
Through this proven SX-EW technology, Minera Tres Valles ensures consistent quality, operational efficiency, and responsible production aligned with Chile’s leadership in sustainable mining.
