Copper production in Q4 2020 exceeded budget with 14,332 tonnes, an 8.5% increase on Q4 2019.
This is the second highest quarterly copper production and represents the fourth consecutive quarter where copper production exceeded 13,000 tonnes.
A new annual production record of 55,890 tonnes of copper was achieved in 2020, with the 2020 guidance met notwithstanding the operating challenges and the mandatory stoppage in
9 million tonnes of ore milled were processed in Q4 2020, reporting a consistent quarterly throughput.
The increase in copper production, when compared with Q4 2019, is mainly attributable to higher ore milled and better metallurgical recoveries
Despite COVID-19, mining operations have continued normally with enough equipment on site to maintain the higher production levels required for the full operation of the expanded plant.
On-site concentrate inventories at the end of Q4 2020 were approximately 12,180 tonnes. All concentrate in stock at the beginning of the Period and produced during the Period was delivered to the port at
Copper prices increased during Q4 2020 compared with Q3 2020, with an average realised price per pound of copper payable, including the QPs closed in the Period, of
Cash operating costs for the Period are expected to be towards the upper end or slightly above the 2020 cost guidance provided owing mainly to the Euro strengthening against the
Local exploration at Proyecto Riotinto has focused on results from core drilling confirming the presence of unmined sulphides around
At San Dionisio, mapping of old workings and full geological interpretation has been completed. A mining consultant is finalising the evaluation of the existing resource to incorporate into future mine plans. Mineralisation at San Dionisio consists of copper stockwork and polymetallic massive sulphides.
'The year ahead will see the progression of optimisation and exploration initiatives designed to drive our future growth. A key priority continues to be to protect our workforce and the local communities surrounding our projects and we would like to thank our entire team for their contribution and adherence to our exceptional requirements, designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, over the past 12 months.'
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) no 596/2014.
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Atalaya is an AIM and TSX-listed mining and development group which produces copper concentrates and silver by-product at its wholly owned Proyecto Riotinto site in southwest
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