Curipamba-El Domo Mining Project Advances Towards Targeted July 2027 Operation

The Curipamba-El Domo project, a medium-scale polymetallic mining initiative, is advancing in the Las Naves canton, Bolívar province, located in Ecuador's central Sierra region. Commercial operation of the El Domo open-pit mine is scheduled to commence in July 2027. This timeline was confirmed by Salazar Resources on September 9, 2026, with Fredy Salazar, president and CEO, reiterating the expectation for operations to begin in July 2027.

The project is a joint venture, with Canadian companies Salazar Resources holding a 25% stake and Silvercorp Metals Inc. owning the remaining 75%. Silvercorp operates the project through its Ecuadorian subsidiary, Curimining. The El Domo deposit contains proven and probable mineral reserves totaling 7.13 million tons, including copper, gold, silver, zinc, and lead. The mine's operational life is estimated at 11.5 years, excluding the construction phase.

Initial capital costs for the project amount to $283.7 million, with operating costs over the mine's lifespan calculated at $416.3 million. Construction, which began in January 2025, is fully financed. Accumulated capital expenditures at El Domo reached $66.2 million by June 30, 2026. Silvercorp received a $43.9 million payment on July 31, 2026, as part of a $175.5 million streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals, bringing total proceeds from this agreement to approximately $87.8 million.

Recent developments include the completion and operation of the temporary camp, ongoing earthworks for the permanent camp, and the acquisition and shipment of main equipment for the processing plant and water treatment station to Ecuador. The contract for the plant's construction has been formalized with the same contractor responsible for the Mirador mine's flotation plant. Pre-stripping for the open pit has also begun, with approximately 4.1 million cubic meters expected to be carried out. The project workforce, which includes personnel from nearby communities, is increasing as construction progresses.

María Eulalia Silva, executive president of the Chamber of Mining of Ecuador (CME), anticipates the project will contribute to national production from the second half of 2027, with 2028 marking its first full year of operation.

What to watch

Stakeholders should monitor the project's adherence to its July 2027 commercial operation target. The progress of the permanent camp construction and the installation of processing equipment are key indicators. The project's contribution to national mineral production, particularly in its first full year of operation in 2028, will be a significant metric.

Sources: eluniverso.com.