Spence
- Ownership: 100 per cent
- Products: Copper cathode
- Location: Spence is located 1,700 metres above sea level, in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile
The Spence copper cathode operation, located in the northern region of Chile near the mining town of Sierra Gorda, 150 kilometres north east of Antofagasta, was officially opened on 25 March 2007.
When it reaches design capacity in the third quarter of calendar year 2007, Spence will produce 200,000 tonnes of copper cathode per year.
Operations
Spence operations include an open pit mine, sulphide leaching and oxide processes, and an SX-EW process.
Ore is crushed, agglomerated, and transferred to leach pads at a rate of 50,000 tonnes/day. Sulphide and oxide ores are leached on separate dynamic (on – off) pads. Solvent extraction consists of four trains in a series-parallel configuration with extraction stages for both oxide and sulphide Pregnant Leach Solution.
Copper is electrowon to produce cathodes at a nominal rate of 200,000 tonnes per year.
Cathode is transported to either ports of Antofagasta or Mejillones for shipping to customers.
Employment
Spence employs 670 people directly and 400 indirectly.
Working With Us
Spence's workforce has increased significantly over the past two years as it has moved into operation. The current workforce comprises people from Chile, Australia, Peru, Colombia, the United States and Britain. We are committed to operating with a diverse workforce that also supports and includes members of the local community.
Our development programs have positioned Spence as a preferred employer, attracting high performing professionals and operators.
Spence offers a generous salary and a range of benefits that can be tailored to suit employees' circumstances. Standard benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Catastrophe Insurance and Dental Care. Optional benefits include a range of bonuses and scholarship offerings, and a voluntary retirement fund.
Graduates
We seek Graduates with high development potential. We aim to have our Graduates achieve a sense of belonging, responsibility and commitment that aligns with our strategic objectives.
With an ‘on the job’ training focus, our Graduates are offered:
- Language Training - English for the Spanish speakers and Spanish for the English speakers.
- Technical training, incorporating our commitment to Zero Harm.
- Mentoring and close supervision by Spence management.
At the end of the second year of employment graduates are eligible to transfer to another BHP Billiton operation.
Work Experience and Training Programs
Spence offers two programs: one for Operators and Maintainers, and one for Professionals.
We run a training program for Operators and Maintainers every four months which focuses principally on operational activities. The Professional program is offered every summer. The numbers required and disciplines sought depend on the business’ requirements at the time.
Individuals for the operational programs are sourced from relevant technical training institutions, while the professionals are principally sourced from Universities throughout Chile.
Community programs
Spence wants to be recognised as a 'good neighbour' within areas of influence where it operates. Community activities include: programs for local development support, programs for facilitating work opportunities and a social monitoring program.
History
The BHP Billiton Board approved the development of Spence in October 2004. Spence (named for geologist Colin Spence) was discovered in 1996 during an exploration project by Rio Algom (purchased in 2001 by Billiton). The first cathode was produced on 6 December 2006. Ten days later, Spence exported its first product to the Asian market.
The capital cost was approximately US$1 billion. Safety during the construction period was excellent and was recognised through various awards including the Sernageomin award and the John T. Ryan award.
Contact Us
Minera Spence S.A.
BHP Billiton - Base Metal
General Borgoño 934, Oficina 1201- Piso 12
Antofagasta, Chile
Phone: (56 55) 647800
