MOLYBDENUM
RECOVERY
PROJECT

Turning mining waste into an opportunity:
Smart recovery of molybdenum from
tailings deposits.

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INTRODUCTION

This project transforms sludge generated from the solids removal process of clarified water from the Embalse Carén tailings storage facility into a valuable resource for the recovery of molybdenum still contained in the material. This creates economic value while reducing waste, applying the principles of the circular economy to enhance the sustainability of mining operations.

Objective: Reprocess sludge from clarified water to recover molybdenum.
Value Creation: Transform an underutilized mining by-product into a revenue-generating resource.
Operational Approach: Low-CAPEX strategy based on modular configuration and leasing of key processing units.
Time Horizon: Initial operation aligned with secured sludge availability (~6–7 months).
Focus: Rapid deployment, controlled costs, and early cash flow generation.

CURRENT
PROJECT STATUS

Progress to Date (Pre-Feasibility Stage)

Preliminary Material Characterization

Conceptual Process Design (Initial Stage)

Preliminary Technical and Economic Evaluation

Initial Cost Structure

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Sludge

FILTER
PLANT

FILTER PRESS
MAIN ASSET

FILTER
CAKE

~ 80% solids

EXPORTATION
to ASIA

Packaging

Ton Bags

DRIED PRODUCT

4,5% Mo

EXTERNAL
DRYING

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MOLYBDENUM RECOVERY PROJECT

MOLYBDENUM
RECOVERY
PROJECT