Escondida began processing oxide ore at
the end of 1998
Oxide ore, which is mainly extracted from the Escondida pit, is sent to the oxide plant where it undergoes a size reduction process and is later agglomerated with sulphuric acid and deposited in leach heaps.
The heaps are irrigated with acid solution that once enriched is recovered and sent to the solvent extraction plant and then to the electro-winning shed where the cathodes are obtained. The copper cathodes are classified and sent by train to the Port of Antofagasta for shipment to the various clients.
