Date: Thu, 20 Nov 1997 22:40:55 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Tue, 17 Jun 1997 15:10:14 GMT ETag: "dd483-bcd-33a6a8d6" Content-Length: 3021 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html ASARCO Southern Peru News
Southern Peru News


Southern Peru Copper To Expand
Sulfuric Acid Plant At Ilo Smelter

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 25, 1996 -- Southern Peru Copper Corporation (SPCC) announced today it will spend $35 million to expand the sulfuric acid plant installed in October 1995 at its Ilo, Peru smelter.

Southern Peru's President and Chief Executive Officer C.G. Preble said that the expansion will greatly reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from the smelter and will substantially improve on the ambient air quality in and around the city of Ilo. The expanded acid plant will increase the sulfur capture at the Ilo smelter from 18% to 30% and will also increase sulfuric acid production at the smelter from an estimated 180,000 tons in 1996 to 300,000 tons per year in 1998, the expected first full year of expanded plant operation.

Preble said SPCC's board of directors this morning approved immediate commencement of the project with a planned start-up in December, 1997. The current acid plant was designed to be expanded and will readily accommodate the additional equipment.

SPCC also utilizes an Intermittent Control Plan (ICP) to supplement the use of the sulfuric acid plant to reduce emissions during adverse weather conditions by curtailing production at the smelter.

Expansion of the acid plant is the most recent in a series of capital investment projects undertaken by Southern Peru Copper Corporation to improve the environment in its operating areas. SPCC earlier constructed a waste water processing plant for its Ilo camp, installed the existing acid plant and is building a new on-shore tailings impoundment.

SPCC is the largest mining company in Peru and operates two mines, a smelter and a refinery in the southern region of Peru, employing approximately 5,000 people. SPCC is listed on both the New York and the Lima Stock Exchanges (PCU). Shareholders in SPCC are ASARCO Incorporated (NYSE:AR) (54.1%); a subsidiary of the Marmon Corporation (15.0%); Phelps Dodge Overseas Capital Corporation (13.9%) and common shareholders (17.0%).



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Jerry W. Cooper (212) 510-1810
Donald M. Noyes (212) 510-1813


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