Description

Water for processing activities is obtained from Salar de Maricunga (Maricuga Salt Lake), which is located 50km southeast of La Coipa. A water pump system collects water from five wells and is piped to the site for industrial uses. Mercury occurs naturally in La Coipa's ore body at a rate of aproximately 30 grams per tonne, and passes through the metallurgical process generating mercury fumes.

According to the company, "in 1998 a new plan for Merrill-Crowe precipitate management was implemenented. This consists of mercury recovery through advanced-design retort-condensers that allow strict control of fumes. With the start-up of this pyrometallurgical process, La Coipa has fulfilled short, medium and long term commitments contained in plans presented to the authorities." Mercury-related illnesses have been reported and there have been numerous union complaints due to mercury poisoning.