True North Copper limited

TNC Copper Sulphate Production Update: August 2023

True North Copper Limited (ASX:TNC) (True North, TNC or the Company) is pleased to provide an operational update for the month of August 2023 regarding its copper sulphate production at its Cloncurry Project (Queensland, Australia).


TNC has consistently increased copper sulphate production throughout August 2023, in tandem with the rise in soluble metal concentrations within the SX Plant production circuit.

The Company anticipates metal concentrations to continue rising throughout September 2023 (as consistent with testwork), until the plant achieves its projected production capacity (projected to be by the end of September 2023).

TNC has an exclusive offtake agreement with Kanins International for its copper sulphate production in Queensland.1

SUMMARY

  • Heap Leach operation is consistent with both metallurgical testwork and company projections.
  • Daily production will increase throughout September until plant capacity is achieved. The targeted capacity is 25 bags per day (bag weight averages between 900kg and up to 1.25t).
  • As of 29 August 2023, there was 70kt of crushed ore under leach, with an additional 50kt in Run-of-Mine stockpiles awaiting crushing.
  • Full payment for 20-bag shipments (approximately 20t) typically occurs within 5 days of production. Prices are set at the LME rate plus a premium. Average attributable price received for the month of August 2023 was US$8445 per metal tonne plus surcharge.
  • All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC) for this copper sulphate product are expected to be low and based on August 2023 production, AISC at steady-state is expected to be in the range of $0.8 - 1.40 per/lb AUD.
  • Mining restart studies at the Cloncurry Project for copper sulphide production will be finalised and announced during Q4 2023.

COMMENT

True North Copper’s Managing Director Marty Costello said:

“Commissioning of our SX Plant commenced in late June following refurbishment works. Despite a delay of approximately three weeks to our initial commissioning schedule, our sulphate production levels are now progressing as anticipated.

Production of copper sulphate is low cost, and its market value ensures we receive timely revenue, typically within 5 days post-production. Our decision to initiate production with existing oxide ore stockpiles was strategic, allowing us to solidify our operational foundation as exploration progresses at our Mt Oxide and Cloncurry Projects and we finalise mining restart studies.

With the planned commencement of mining at our Cloncurry Project, copper sulphate production is projected to constitute 20-25% of our annual metal output.

We're nearing the final stages of studies supporting the pending decision to resume mining operations at Cloncurry, which will allow us to commence copper concentrate production, and we expect to update the market in the December quarter.”

About TNC’s copper sulphate product

  • Contains greater than 24% copper content (generally between 24-26%), crystallised form and free flowing.
  • Copper sulphate is a mineral salt widely used in various industries, including agriculture, mining, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. Its applications range from agricultural fungicides, animal feed supplements, and soil sterilisation to electroplating and laboratory reagents.
  • TNC is paid (100% LME price + premium) for the copper content of each bag. Each bag carries up to 1.25 tonnes of product (see Figures 1 & 2 below of bags of copper sulphate at the Cloncurry Project ready for shipment).
  • TNC has an offtake agreement which requires all copper sulphate produced by the Company at its Queensland sites for the life of copper sulphate production from those sites to be purchased by Kanins International.

Figure 1. Bags of copper sulphate stored at the Cloncurry Project ready for shipment

Figure 2. Bags of copper sulphate stored at the Cloncurry Project ready for shipment

About TNC’s copper sulphate production

  • Since commencement of copper sulphate production2, copper concentrations in solutions have continued to increase. The current PLS grade is 1.2g/L and flows from heap are 39.1m3/hr. TNC expects this to increase as per testwork and operational metallurgical balance, until process and plant capacity is reached. Refer to Figures 3 and 4 below with respect to current plant production for August 2023 and monthly production forecast for the next 3 months.
  • TNC's operational team has delivered significant advancements in recent weeks as its operational knowledge and experience increases. Additionally, maintenance crews have transitioned from reactive measures, which were part of the initial plant commissioning, to now executing planned and scheduled programs.
  • As of 29 August 2023, current Run-of-Mine uncrushed oxide ores stocks are circular 50kt of ore transported from TNC’s Mt Norma mine site. This oxide ore is uncrushed (sizing 100mm- 800mm) and unleached grading approximately 2% (refer to TNC’s Prospectus Annexure A - page 2043).
  • All-In Sustaining Costs for this copper sulphate product are expected to be in the range of $0.8 - 1.40 per/lb AUD. August 2023 production is within this guidance.


Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from True North Copper limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.

TNC:AU
True North Copper

True North Copper Investor Kit

  • Corporate info
  • Insights
  • Growth strategies
  • Upcoming projects

GET YOUR FREE INVESTOR KIT

The Conversation (0)
True North Copper (ASX:TNC)

True North Copper


Keep reading...Show less

Lundin Mining Announces Updated Share Capital and Voting Rights

Lundin Mining logo (CNW Group/Lundin Mining Corporation)

TSX: LUN) (Nasdaq Stockholm: LUMI) Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin Mining" or the "Company") reports the following updated share capital and voting rights, in accordance with the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act: View PDF

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Copper pipes laid on top of each other in bundles.

Top 5 Copper Stocks on the TSX in 2024

The first quarter of 2024 began with copper prices remaining steadfast, staying within the US$8,000 to US$8,500 per metric ton (MT) range.

However, the end of the quarter saw the red metal gain momentum on the LME and surge to a quarterly high of US$8,973 on March 18 before moving to set a two-year high on the London Metal Exchange of US$9,869 on April 30.

The dramatic gains came on the back of tightening concentrate supply to Chinese smelters, who cut supply as competition between upgraders caused treatment charges to fall to their lowest point since 2010. While supply for refined copper was expected to shift into a deficit in 2025, the lowered output from smelters is looking to move that ahead to later this year.

Keep reading...Show less
spools of copper wire

Top 5 Junior Copper Stocks on the TSXV in 2024

Coming off a volatile 2023, copper started the new year trading in the US$8,000 to US$8,500 range in January and February.

However, the red metal saw significant gains starting at the end of February and through March as news of production cuts from Chinese smelters began to make headlines. The cuts came as supply for concentrates became tight, sending treatment charges to their lowest point since 2010.

The results of the cuts pushed the price of copper on the London Metal Exchange to a quarterly high of US$8,973 per metric ton (MT) on March 20. The price has continued to see gains and reached a two-year high of US$9,814 on April 24.

Keep reading...Show less
  Far Northern Resources

Far Northern Resources Quarterly Report 31 March 2024

During the March quarter 2024, Far Northern Resources Ltd (ASX: FNR) successfully raised $4.165 million and was accepted to admission to the official list of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Shares in FNR started trading on 12 April 2024. The initial Public Offering (IPO) raised $4,165,000 through the issue of 20,825,000 shares at an issue price of $0.20. The total undiluted shares on issue at the date of listing was 70,961,135 with FNR having a Market Capitalisation of $14,192,227 and an Enterprise Value (EV) of $10,027,227.

Keep reading...Show less
True North Copper (ASX:TNC)

Mining Exploration Entity or Oil and Gas Exploration Entity Quarterly Cash Flow Report

True North Copper Limited (ASX:TNC) (True North Copper, TNC or the Company) is pleased to provide its mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report.

Keep reading...Show less
True North Copper (ASX:TNC)

True North Copper March 2024 Quarterly Report

True North Copper Limited (ASX:TNC) (True North Copper, TNC or the Company) is pleased to provide the following quarterly update and Appendix 5B for Q3 FY24.

Keep reading...Show less
True North Copper

True North Copper Investor Kit

  • Corporate info
  • Insights
  • Growth strategies
  • Upcoming projects

GET YOUR FREE INVESTOR KIT

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×