Central Asia Metals Reports Steady Production and Safety Performance in Q1 2024
Central Asia Metals has provided an operations update for the first quarter of 2024, highlighting steady metal production from its two main projects: the Kounrad copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia. The company reported zero lost time injuries at both sites during this period.
For the first quarter, Kounrad produced 3,120 tonnes of copper, slightly below the previous year's production of 3,336 tonnes. At Sasa, zinc production in concentrate amounted to 4,741 tonnes and lead in concentrate to 6,529 tonnes, with slight decreases compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Looking ahead, the company has set its full-year production guidance for 2024: 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes of copper, 19,000 to 21,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate, and 27,000 to 29,000 tonnes of lead in concentrate.
Despite facing challenges such as harsh winter weather and ongoing construction activities at Sasa, Central Asia Metals made significant progress towards completing the infrastructure required to transition to paste fill mining. The company expects this transition, scheduled for the second half of 2024, to facilitate higher production levels.
Additionally, the company announced plans to invest up to GBP5 million in Scottish copper and nickel explorer, Aberdeen Minerals, signaling its intent to expand its exploration efforts.
At the Sasa mine, operational metrics remained strong with mined and processed ore volumes closely matched at approximately 184,000 tonnes each. The mine continues to produce both zinc and lead concentrates, with Q1 2024 sales closely aligning with production figures.
The update also covered the company's commitment to transitioning to paste fill mining at Sasa. This includes the consistent operation of the Paste Backfill Plant and the nearing completion of the Dry Stack Tailings Plant, with dry commissioning expected in the latter half of 2024.
