First Quantum Minerals Cobre Panama RtDuet Delay Accounting

First Quantum’s proven Project Execution model aims to build and commission our own plants with the recent start-up and smooth ramp-up of the Cobre Panama project being our latest success. For this project, FQM engaged Mipac as the main automation contractor to provide Cobre Panama with a world class digital control infrastructure. Just as importantly however, it was the mineral processing, commissioning and plant optimisation knowledge that Mipac brought with them that was one of the various key enablers that allowed a successful ramp-up of the plant.

Mipac have been none other than a trusted partner throughout our Cobre Panama project where they were engaged to provide around-the-clock support for the OSIsoft PI System, RtDuet and MPA. Not only did Mipac provide an easy-to-use service desk portal where we were able to log issues and simply find solutions to common problems through a library of rich how-to articles, they also offered a direct line in the need for emergency support. The Mipac team has continuously demonstrated a high standard of excellence, providing Cobre Panama the best products, services and support. The attention to detail in designs and implementation is outstanding. Mipac’s genuine and dedicated engineers supported our team from inception of implementation of the PI system and new PI components (including a PI Integrator and Power BI reports), all the way through to concept development of a new architecture that helped boost performance and reliability and increased security to meet the growing demands and requirements for 24x7 support. Mipac has worked side by side with me and team on all challenges during and after implementation. Not a milestone was missed through the course of the project due to the commitment Mipac demonstrated as a pivotal partner helping us achieve optimal results. Mipac has understood the requirements and demands of our site and have delivered equally as demanded.

We are very pleased with the performance of the smelter. The achievement of over 100% of nameplate capacity, in just three months from startup, is unprecedented. It is a credit to the design and project teams and illustrates the strong capabilities of the operations management and staff.