Hillgrove’s Kanmantoo copper mine reached record production levels in October.
The mine, near Murray Bridge, produced 4,306 tonnes of copper in concentrate for the last quarter, a 25 per cent increase over the previous quarter, the company’s latest report said today.
The October month production of 2,014 tonnes copper is a monthly record for the mine.
It follows moves by Hillgrove to change mining operations contractors.
“The transfer of management and operation of mining to Hillgrove has been completed successfully and is now fully ramped up,” the company reported.
“Significant productivity improvements were implemented through September and October, and shift crews were fully established by early November.
“Initial equipment fleets are complete, with larger excavators now ordered.
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“Mining rates are now in line with FY14 plan requirements, and will continue to be ramped up early next year with increased stripping requirements for the life of mine plan.”
In July this year Hillgrove announced a mutual termination of its Mining Services contract, and a move to owner operated mining with some specialised contractors.
A fully leased mining fleet was mobilised, a Hillgrove mining workforce was employed, specialised blast hole drilling was engaged on contract, and explosives suppliers arranged. The company said the ramp up of mining back to planned rates was completed during the quarter.
Hillgrove shares opened today at 8.7 cents, well up on the 5.2 cents level it hit just before it announced the operational changes.
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