Capstone Copper has produced the first saleable copper concentrate at its Mantoverde development project (MVDP) in Chile, as the copper-gold mine advances commissioning and ramps up to full production levels.
“First saleable copper concentrate production at MVDP is a significant milestone for Capstone. This achievement is a testament to our dedicated and skilled teams, who continue to work towards a safe and efficient ramp-up to nameplate operating rates. MVDP remains on track and on budget with our guidance previously disclosed,” said CEO John MacKenzie.
“In July, we plan to release an updated feasibility study for our Santo Domingo project, followed by a feasibility study for our Mantoverde optimized project later in the quarter, which will define the next phases of our value-accretive production growth in the district.”
Key commissioning milestones at the MVDP include:
- First ore to the primary crusher – completed in Q4 2023.
- First ore to the grinding circuit – completed in Q1 2024.
- First saleable concentrate – completed in Q2 2024.
- Achievement of nameplate operating rates – expected during Q3 2024.
MVDP is expected to enable the mine to process 236 million tonnes of copper sulphide reserves over a 20-year expected mine life, in addition to existing oxide reserves. Mantoverde is an open-pit mine mine located in the province of Chañaral, Atacama Region, 56 kilometers southeast of the city of Chañaral.
Source: Capstone Copper