Xtract Resources says its joint venture partner in the Silverking copper/silver project, in Zambia, has started initial production at the operation with the processing of mixed oxide-sulphide ore through the flotation plant.
It points out that Oval has recently upgraded the plant to support increased capacity and is targeting an optimised throughput rate of 28 t hour.
“Production is now being progressively ramped up and, while concentrate grades remain variable as the balance between oxide and sulphide material evolves, the plant’s demonstrated ability to recover oxides is encouraging.
“We are continuing reagent optimisation work to improve overall copper recovery. The team is now completing its fifth blast in the openpit, bringing operations closer to predominantly sulphide ore and more stable operating conditions,” comments Xtract chairperson Colin Bird.