San Luis Potosi copper smelter

Copper smelting commenced at San Luis Potosi in 1890. The plant was purchased by Asarco in 1923 and subsequently the present smelter was constructed. In 1965, Mexican interests acquired 51% of the plant and this was increased to 66% in 1974 when IMMSA was formed, and subsequently to 68.8%. In 1978 the plant was expanded to the current capacity. The smelter treats 'dirty' concentrates and ores from polymetallic mines, mattes and speiss from lead smelters and concentrates from small local...