After acquiring Gibraltar in 1999, Taseko restarted operations in 2004. The company recognized the long-term potential of Gibraltar’s large resource base and embarked on a program to increase copper reserves and modernize and expand its mining and processing capacity.

Taseko’s modernization plan commenced in 2007 with the construction of a 34-foot SAG mill, conversion of rod mills to ball mills and full replacement of the flotation recovery system, along with the addition of new mining equipment. Once complete in 2008, these modifications increased processing to 46,000 tpd.

Beginning in 2009, Phase II modifications at Gibraltar were designed to allow the new SAG mill to achieve its design capacity of 55,000 tpd by increasing capacity in other circuits of the concentrator. This included: addition of an in-pit crusher and conveyor system; enhanced regrind and cleaner flotation capacity; installation of a two-stage tailings pumping system; a new coarse ore stockpile and SAG mill direct feed system; and, further mining fleet upgrades.

The third phase of Taseko’s modernization plan, known as Gibraltar Development Plan 3 (GDP3), commenced in the spring of 2011 – including construction of a standalone 30,000 tpd concentrator built adjacent to the existing 55,000 tpd facility for a combined design capacity of 85,000 tpd. Other GDP3 components included a new molybdenum recovery facility and mining fleet enhancements.