...and attempt to get a mental image of how big this project really is...

 "The reserve is contained in a single open pit that is approximately 3.1km long, over 1.2km wide at its widest point, with a maximum depth of approximately 500m below surface. Mineralization is open at depth."

In other words...the physical size of Las Cristinas when fully developed will be approximately 1.93 miles long by .75 miles wide by .31 miles deep.  That is one big F'n hole!  

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/images/EarthObservation/AMEC_story/Palabora_Figure2_H.jpg

http://www.limitthesky.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/world-largest-openpitmine4.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/5779580.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/5779580.jpg

http://www.limitthesky.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/world-largest-openpitmine1.jpg

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/images/EarthObservation/AMEC_story/Palabora_Figure2_H.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp2.blogger.com/_NpINLHeo8rM/RmE5PZtWn-I/AAAAAAAABUs/ZFo9OQCaVC4/s400/6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.crookedbrains.net/2007/06/worlds-biggest-hole-worlds-biggest-hole.html&h=300&w=400&sz=49&hl=en&start=28&tbnid=AEfNcEnUlvYTFM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbiggest%2Bhole%2Bopen%2Bpit%2Bmine%26start%3D21%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN