During assaying, the value of copper and the value of gold in the ore is determined and a monetary value per tonne is placed on the material. When this value exceeds a particular threshold, workers start processing the material.
Subsequently, the material is processed through a mill where the minerals get floated. In particular, the copper and gold minerals both float and are then concentrated. This process, called upgrading, creates a concentrated material that is approximately 23% copper. Gold is also captured in the concentrate.