LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Atalaya Mining has approved the construction of the first phase of an industrial-scale plant that utilises the 'E-LIX' system, it announced on Thursday, which would produce high-value copper and zinc metals from the complex sulphide concentrates sourced from Proyecto Riotinto.
The AIM-traded firm said the plant was expected to unlock "significant value" from its portfolio of polymetallic resources in the Riotinto District, by materially increasing the recoveries of copper, zinc, lead and precious metals from complex sulphide ores.

It explained that, by producing high-purity metals on-site, transportation costs, treatment charges and penalties associated with producing and delivering conventional concentrates would be reduced.

The plant was also expected to reduce Atalaya's carbon footprint through a reduction in land and sea freight, and by using power from Proyecto Riotinto's planned solar plant.

"The E-LIX system offers Atalaya a unique opportunity to unlock significant value from its portfolio of deposits that contain complex polymetallic mineralisation," said chief executive officer Alberto Lavandeira.

"Atalaya has worked together with Lain Technologies for many years in order to test, refine and demonstrate the E-LIX process, providing the company with confidence in its potential.

"In addition to enhancing recoveries, E-LIX will eliminate penalties associated with deleterious elements and reduce the costs of transportation and energy, thereby improving the company's carbon footprint."

At 1149 GMT, shares in Atalaya Mining were down 1.33% at 429.2p.

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