Record copper production at Sepon mine in 2012

Copper production at MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon (MMG LXML Sepon) hit a new high of 86,295 tonnes in 2012, an increase of 9% over 2011.

Contributing to this achievement was the record result from the final quarter of 2012, with 23,459 tonnes of copper cathode produced.

Sepon’s copper plant is now consistently operating above the original design capacity of 80,000 tonnes of copper cathode per year.  The increase is due to process plant improvements.

Production of gold doré bars (which contain gold and small quantities of silver) was within stated guidance, with 70,275 ounces produced.

“Everyone at Sepon worked together to achieve these excellent results, of which we can all be proud. The record production was achieved by a persistent focus on safety that also resulted in Sepon being an even safer place to work,” said Rick Watsford, General Manager.

“In 2013, safety will remain our first priority, and we will continue to seek productivity and efficiency improvements.  We will also continue to investigate options for processing primary gold, which if viable, would extend the mine life for gold at Sepon,” he said.

MMG LXML expects to produce 83,000 – 88,000 tonnes of copper cathode and 45,000 – 55,000 ounces of gold in 2013.

Tax and royalty payments for 2012 will be made in March.

Sepon copper awaiting delivery to customers (photo MMG / Bart Verweij)

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