Today we announced our first quarter 2019 production result producing 114,369 tonnes of copper and 57,151 tonnes of zinc in the three months to 31 March.
“Las Bambas produced 101,452 tonnes of copper in copper concentrate, a 17% improvement on the prior corresponding period, while also managing the impact of sustained disruption to transport logistics”, said MMG CEO Geoffrey Gao.
Community blockades at Yavi Yavi, a stretch of public national road approximately 136km from the operation, and subsequently, near the mine entrance restricted the movement of inbound and outbound logistics at Las Bambas during the quarter.
Following a meeting with community, Government, Ombudsman and Church representatives in Lima on 6 April 2019, and Government meetings with the district of Challhuahuacho, community representatives agreed to lift the roadblocks. Unrestricted inbound logistics were restored on 12 April and on 13 April concentrate logistics was re-established.
“Dugald River continued to perform strongly, producing 38,665 tonnes of zinc in zinc concentrate, a result that is 35% above the prior corresponding period. Importantly, the team achieved this result while also managing the impacts of extreme wet weather and flooding events in North Queensland,” CEO Geoffrey Gao said.
The impact of severe flooding events around Dugald River and the Cloncurry to Townsville rail corridor temporarily impacted production and concentrate transport during the quarter. Alternate trucking arrangements and the opening of a temporary rail transfer facility at Hughenden has restored access to Townsville port.
Kinsevere produced 12,539 tonnes of copper cathode in the quarter with production impacted by lower ore grades, reduced pit access and reduced plant throughput. Rosebery produced 18,486 tonnes of zinc in zinc concentrate with continued strong performance from mine and mill.
MMG expects to produce around 450,000 tonnes of copper and 250,000 to 270,000 tonnes of zinc in 2019.
To view a full copy of the first quarter production report, visit www.mmg.com.