JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim- and Botswana-listed copper production and exploration company African Copper has narrowed its third-quarter copper-in-concentrate output by 3%, producing 2 499 t for the three months ended December 31.

Similarly, the volume of ore processed narrowed by a marginal 2% to 212 246 t, largely as a result of a planned ten-day plant shutdown in November to replace the mill girth gear and mill pinion, and to reinforce the pinion sole plate.

However, following the plant upgrade, milling throughput increased from 67 619 t in November to 83 920 t in December, also increasing copper produced in-concentrate from 743 tonnes in November to 1 12 t in December. 

During the three months, sulphide ore from the company’s Botswana-based Thakadu pit constituted 99% of the total volume processed, with aggregate recoveries approaching 87%.

“Shortages of high-grade sulphide ore from the Thakadu pit impacted October and November production levels, primarily owing to poor performance of the mining contractor in stripping sufficient hanging wall waste to expose sulphide ore for mining,” African Copper said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, heavy rains in late January over the ore transport route from the company’s Thakadu mine to its nearby flagship Mowana operation narrowed January production levels to 1 124 t of copper.

“The rains led to flooding of the Lepashe river and impeded trucking operations for several days,” said the copper explorer.

GEOLOGY AND EXPLORATION 

Meanwhile, outcrop mapping and soil sampling were carried out over the high gravity anomaly south-west of the Nakalakwana target over the period.

A thorough review of all geological data in the Phute area was completed and possible targets for future reverse circulation drilling identified. 

In addition, a ground magnetic survey was completed around the Thakadu pit to aid in the determination of the geological structure and the reasons for termination of copper mineralisation east of the pit.

“Logging of the five geotechnical boreholes north of the current Mowana openpit was completed and samples for geotechnical testwork selected. The testwork results will be incorporated in studies for the proposed Mowana underground mine,” African Copper stated.