By KRWG News
Silver City – Plans for restarting mining and milling operations at Freeport-McMoRan's Chino Mines remains on schedule. A first quarter report says the copper mine near Silver City is currently producing small amounts of copper from existing leach stockpiles.
The Silver City Daily Press reports the company began rehiring workers Nov. 1 after 600 workers were laid off when work at the mine slowed.
Freeport officials say incremental annual production is expected to be 100 million pounds in 2012 and 2013, and 200 million pounds in 2014.
The company says costs for the project associated with equipment and mill refurbishment are expected to be approximately $150 million.
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Information from: Silver City Daily Press, http://www.scdailypress.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.