JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – First copper production from base metals miner Weatherly International’s Tschudi copper mine, in Namibia, is now expected in February.
The Aim-listed company, which previously expected production to start in the second quarter of this year, on Friday said the project was “well ahead of its original schedule”.
“The crushing and processing plant is now in full operation and functioning effectively. We are using a proven technology to extract high-grade copper in a low-cost operation,” commented CEO Rod Webster.
“The Tschudi team has taken great strides forward over the last few weeks in delivering the project ahead of schedule and on budget. Tschudi, once in operation, will deliver significant benefit to our shareholders,” chairperson John Bryant added.
The Tschudi copper mine is expected to produce 17 000 t/y of copper cathode over an 11-year mine life.
Weatherly International also operates the Otjihase and Matchless underground mines – the Central Operations – in Namibia, but warned earlier this month that these operations were unsustainable at current production levels and copper prices.