Consistent performance in Q4 2021 with production exceeding expectations at 13,885 tonnes of copper due to better metallurgical recoveries which offset the slightly lower head grade.
A new annual production record of 56,139 tonnes of copper was achieved in 2021, exceeding Atalaya's increased guidance despite operational challenges and risks related to COVID-19 restrictions throughout the year.
In Q4 2021, 3.8 million tonnes of ore were milled with a copper recovery of 87.16%.
On-site concentrate inventories at the end of Q4 2021 were approximately 5,254 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 2021 compared with Q4 2020 and Q3 2021, with an average realised price per pound of copper payable, including the QPs closed in the Period, of
All-in Sustaining Costs ('AISC') for 2021 are expected to be slightly below the lower end of the revised 2021 cost guidance due mainly to the
2022 Production Guidance
Atalaya's operating budget for 2022 was set in early
On this basis, full year 2022 copper production is estimated to be in the range of 54,000 to 56,000 tonnes.
Grade mined during 2022 is expected to be slightly higher than in 2021 owing to pit sequencing. In addition, the plant optimisation initiatives mentioned below are expected to further support copper production.
During
The Company is actively monitoring energy prices on a daily basis and is identifying potential measures that could be implemented in response. In the event that energy prices remain at elevated levels for a sustained period, possible measures could include temporary modifications to the mine plan, curtailment of throughput during periods of peak energy prices or reductions in discretionary expenditures.
Proyecto Riotinto optimisation
During Q4 2021, some cost reduction initiatives were implemented including an expert system to control the SAG mill operations, resulting in lower energy consumption as well as associated reduction of CO2 emissions.
Permitting of a 50 MW solar plant for self-consumption has advanced and construction is expected to start in the next few weeks.
Flotation improvements have been implemented during 2021 with the use of new reagents focused on increased recoveries.
Tailings thickening capacity to be increased in 2022 to recover water with high pH resulting in a reduction of lime consumption.
Contact:
Tel: + 44 20 3757 6880
About
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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