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At Bucim, every phase of copper production is handled with precision, expertise, and long-term responsibility. The process begins with detailed geological research and continues through extraction, processing, and delivery of refined copper products, all under a strict system of planning and control. The company operates using proven industry standards and is actively investing in the modernization of its equipment and processes to further improve consistency, efficiency, and ore utilization. Sustainable mining is not treated as a requirement, but as a core principle-protecting the environment, optimizing resources, and ensuring safe, responsible operations. Bucim’s approach to responsible resource management and environmental care forms the basis of its long-term position within the copper mining sector.
At Bucim, the production process begins with geological exploration, where we conduct extensive surveys and drilling to identify viable copper deposits. This helps determine the quantity and quality of ore, ensuring the extraction is economically and environmentally sustainable.
Once the ore body is confirmed, copper ore is extracted through open-pit mining. The process includes drilling, controlled blasting, and transporting the material to the crushing facilities.
After the ore is extracted from the open pit, it is sent to the crushing stage, where large blasted rocks are mechanically reduced into smaller pieces. This size reduction is essential, as it prepares the ore for efficient downstream processing
Flotation is the key process used to separate copper minerals from the surrounding rock. After crushing and grinding, the ore is mixed with water, air, and reagents so that copper minerals attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface as concentrate. At Bucim, flotation is carefully controlled to ensure high recovery, efficient water recycling, and responsible management of tailings.
Bucim’s SX/EW facility enables the efficient recovery of copper from lower-grade ore and residual materials. Through solvent extraction, copper ions are selectively separated from the solution, and then, in the electrowinning stage, they are deposited onto cathode plates to produce high-purity copper cathodes.
Bucim produces two copper products, each derived through different technological processes and intended for different segments of the copper value chain.
Copper concentrate is produced through the flotation process. Bucim’s ore typically contains 0.2–0.3% copper (with an average of 0.24% Cu) and 0.20–0.22 g/t of gold. Through flotation, these valuable minerals are significantly enriched into a high-quality concentrate. The final copper concentrate, which also contains small quantities of gold and silver, is transported to external smelters for further metallurgical processing and serves as a primary raw material for the smelting industry.
Bucim also produces high-purity cathode copper through the SX/EW process. This technology enables the recovery of copper from lower-grade materials, producing cathodes with 99.999% purity, ready for direct use in industrial manufacturing without the need for additional smelting.
The combination of these two products allows Bucim to be a flexible and reliable supplier to both smelters and end-industry customers.
Environmental responsibility is integrated into every stage of Bucim’s operations. Water used in flotation is continuously recycled to reduce consumption and protect local water resources. Tailings and other waste materials are managed through controlled, monitored systems designed to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term stability.
Air quality, dust emissions, and noise levels are regularly measured and closely monitored, in line with ESG standards and regulatory requirements. Through these practices, Bucim works to maintain a safe environment, reduce its ecological footprint, and operate in a transparent and responsible manner.
Finished cathode copper is packaged and delivered to smelters, mainly in Europe, for further processing into products for a range of industrial applications.
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