Glossary

Process aimed at removing impurities (purification) from a metal by physical, chemical, or electrical methods (or by a combination of these).

Energy obtained from sources that are naturally replenished and virtually inexhaustible, but flow-limited by the amount that is available per unit of time.

Economically mineable part of resources determined by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study, which must disclose relevant information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other factors that demonstrate at the time of reporting, that economic extraction may be justified. They are subdivided into probable and proven reserves, according to their confidence level.

Mineral concentration of intrinsic economic interest that has been partially studied to quantify its metallic content with a limited confidence level, meaning that economic aspects may not have been completely eveluated. They are sub-divided in inferred, indicated and measured resources, according to the confidence level.

Deposit formed by the interaction between fluids derived from granites and carbonate rocks.

Process in which a metal is transformed from solid to liquid state through the application of high temperatures (fusion), aimed at separating certain elements from other minerals and impurities.

Also called "open pit" mine, that is developed on the surface of the land, by removing (stripping) the upper layers of bedrock in order to reach semi-buried ore deposits. This technique is usually preferred when commercially useful deposits are close to the surface.