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Location
- Physiography & Climate
The geomorphology of the property consists of gently rolling hills with grassy vegetation interspersed with steep rocky ridges raising 150-200 metres. Base levels of the surrounding valleys are approximately 3,000 meters A.S.L., with peaks rising to over 5,000 meters. Elevations on the Haquira property range from approximately 3,500 to 4,600 meters. Rock outcroppings are somewhat limited, although the quartzite units form the prominent hills and cliffs. Locally, there are well developed “peaty” soil profiles, which effectively mask much of the property geology. The main mineralized areas are located in areas primarily used for animal grazing and lesser so for potato cultivation.
The terrain has been subject to Alpine glaciations; resistant ridges are where moderately-developed cirques formed. Erosion was more advanced in lower-elevation areas thus resulting in the rolling topography with shallow valleys.
Rainfall is abundant between December and March and nocturnal freezing temperatures are reached during the winter months of June to August (Table 2). In sum, it is a high-altitude, temperate climate. The following information was gathered from the meteorological station de SENAMHI, which operated until 1974, located in Antabamba.
Table 2: Average monthly precipitation and temperature for the Haquira area.
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Minimum
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Month
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Maximum
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Month
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Total monthly precipitation
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0.8 mm
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June
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288.7
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February
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Average monthly temperature
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9.4 ºC / 49 ºF
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November
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13.3 ºC / 56 ºF
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June
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