JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Europe-focused copper producer Atalaya Mining produced 8 752 t for the third quarter, ended September, indicating a 97% quarter-on-quarter increase, which is in line with its aim of producing between 23 500 t and 27 000 t before year-end.
The miner’s recoveries also increased to 83.6% during the quarter, with a recovery rate of 84.72% achieved.
The company said Tuesday that it would now focus on ramping up its production at the Proyecto Riotinto copper mine, in Spain, to 9.5-million tonnes a year, reaching nameplate capacity at year-end.
This follows its water treatment plant now being fully operational after successful commissioning during the quarter, with the subsequent dewatering of the Cerro Colorado openpit progressing according to plan.
CEO Alberto Lavandeira noted in a statement that the company was pleased with the plant's performance during the quarter. “We focused on removing bottlenecks in the plant, which resulted in production substantially increasing and the recovery rate rebounding and exceeding its previously stated target rate for the plant.”