Thompson Creek Metals’ Mount Milligan mine has begun producing copper-gold concentrate, the company announced September 24.
Production at the mine began this month, according to a Thompson Creek press release. About 500 tonnes of concentrate has been produced so far.
Thompson Creek expects to start shipping the concentrate, which is being stored at the mine, for refinement in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Mount Milligan’s mill is still considered to be in its startup phase. Currently, the mill can process between 1,500 and 2,000 tonnes of ore per hour. At full capacity, the mill will be able to process 2,750 tonnes per hour.
“The production of copper-gold concentrate is another important milestone for Mount Milligan and our company,” said Kevin Loughrey, chairman and chief executive officer of Thompson Creek.
“The phased startup of the operation continues to be on schedule and we expect to achieve commercial production in the fourth quarter.”
The $1.5 billion open-pit mine is located about 150 kilometres northwest of Prince George.
Mount Milligan is expected to produce an average of 81 million pounds of copper and 194,500 ounces of gold per year over an estimated 22-year lifespan.
