Central Asia Metals (CAML), the operator of the Kounrad copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia, reported mixed production results for 2024 but remains optimistic for 2025.
Key highlights:
- Copper Production: Full-year output at Kounrad reached 13,439 tonnes, within guidance but slightly lower than 2023’s 13,816 tonnes.
- Zinc and Lead Production: At Sasa, zinc-in-concentrate production totaled 18,572 tonnes and lead-in-concentrate production 26,617 tonnes, both slightly below guidance and 2023 levels.
- Safety Record: Kounrad reported zero lost time injuries, while Sasa had two incidents.
- Strategic Progress: Significant advancements were made at Sasa, including near-completion of the dry stack tailings (DST) plant, transition to paste-fill mining, and the central decline project.
Financials and Outlook:
CAML ended 2024 with a strong cash position of $67.6 million. For 2025, the company targets:
- Copper: 13,000–14,000 tonnes
- Zinc-in-concentrate: 19,000–21,000 tonnes
- Lead-in-concentrate: 27,000–29,000 tonnes
CEO Gavin Ferrar expressed confidence in achieving 2025 production guidance, citing experience gained during the 2024 transition to paste-fill mining and the anticipated operational launch of the DST plant in Q1 2025.
