Construction is scheduled to begin later this year at Salares Norte (above) and be completed in early 2023. (Photo: Gold Fields)
Gold Fields has given Texas-based engineering firm Fluor notice to proceed with its Salares Norte open-pit gold mine in Chile. Fluor is providing comprehensive engineering, procurement and construction management services for the project located in the Atacama region of northern Chile situated approximately 14,000 feet above sea level.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year and be completed in early 2023. When fully operational, the mine will produce an estimated average of 400,000 ounces of gold per year over a 11.5-year mine life. The project will be managed by Fluor’s Santiago, Chile, office.
Fluor has worked with Gold Fields since 2016 when it completed the prefeasibility study for the project.
“This award is a tribute to the close working relationship that our team has developed with Gold Fields since first starting work on the prefeasibility study four years ago,” Fluor Mining and Metals President Tony Morgan said. “Fluor’s innovative engineering and construction approach has demonstrated how we have been able to provide solutions to the challenges this project has presented by its remote, arid and high-altitude location.”
Fluor’s scope of work includes the engineering, procurement of permanent plant material, tendering, award and post-award services for major construction and primary services contracts, as well as construction management and pre-commissioning support.
