MINEX Forum

Tag: production

  • Lindian Resources Reports Progress on сRare Earths Project Ahead of Q4 2026 Production

    Lindian Resources Reports Progress on сRare Earths Project Ahead of Q4 2026 Production

    Lindian Resources Limited has announced significant advancements in the construction and operational readiness of its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, with first production slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. The company is on track for front-end commissioning by late October 2026, with practical completion expected in November 2026. As mining operations ramp up, ore is being mined and stockpiled in preparation for commissioning, while construction of the process plant and tailings storage facility (TSF) is progressing rapidly.

    The company is concurrently enhancing its operational capabilities across multiple regions, including Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Perth, to support the Kangankunde project and its recently acquired SARECO MREC Processing Facility in Kazakhstan. Lindian’s Executive Director, Zac Komur, highlighted the importance of this phase, noting that construction, mining, and operational readiness are advancing together, which is crucial for a smooth transition to production.

    Key infrastructure developments include the completion of the first phase of a 33kV powerline and ongoing water supply infrastructure enhancements, both critical for the commissioning of the process plant. The construction of the TSF is also on schedule, with civil works advancing towards completion by the end of October 2026.

    In addition to the project’s physical advancements, Lindian is focused on building its operational team, with key personnel being recruited and transferred to ensure a skilled workforce is in place for the upcoming production phase. The company is also expanding its corporate and operational support capabilities in Perth, further strengthening its position as it moves towards production.

    Overall, Lindian Resources is making significant strides in its efforts to establish the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project as a key player in the global rare earth supply chain, with the potential for substantial production capacity and strategic partnerships enhancing its market position.

  • Eldorado Gold Achieves First Ore Crushing Milestone at Skouries Project

    Eldorado Gold Achieves First Ore Crushing Milestone at Skouries Project

    Eldorado Gold Corporation has announced a significant milestone at its Skouries copper-gold project located in Northern Greece, with the first ore successfully processed through the newly commissioned crushing circuit. This development marks the transition of the project into the commissioning phase, which is a crucial step towards full production. The company is targeting the production of copper-gold concentrate in the third quarter of 2026, with plans for commercial production to commence in the fourth quarter of the same year, contingent on the completion of final site energization and commissioning activities.

    The successful crushing of the first ore is a testament to the effective operation of the front-end processing systems at Skouries. The company has reported that commissioning activities are progressing across various operational areas, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and concentrate handling. Eldorado Gold has also taken proactive measures to ensure that commissioning readiness is maintained, including the addition of supplemental generators to provide interim power while awaiting final site energization from the Greek power authority.

    With an ore stockpile of approximately 3.9 million tonnes, the open pit mining operations at Skouries are running ahead of schedule, allowing for a steady ramp-up of the processing plant. This stockpile is expected to support the commissioning and first year of production, reducing risks associated with the initial operational phase. Eldorado Gold’s CEO, George Burns, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, highlighting the team’s commitment to completing the remaining steps safely and methodically as they work towards the first concentrate production.

  • Anglo Asian Mining Achieves Record First-Half Production as Demirli Copper Mine Ramp-Up Accelerates

    Anglo Asian Mining Achieves Record First-Half Production as Demirli Copper Mine Ramp-Up Accelerates

    Anglo Asian Mining Plc has reported record half-year production results, driven by the accelerated ramp-up of its Demirli copper mine in Azerbaijan. The company’s copper output surged to 5,129 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026, a 38% increase from the 3,711 tonnes produced in the first quarter. Demirli alone contributed 3,250 tonnes of copper during Q2, while the company’s Gedabek operation added 1,879 tonnes. Total first-half copper production reached 8,840 tonnes, a dramatic rise from just 1,188 tonnes in the same period last year. The company also generated a $39.9 million increase in net cash during the quarter, ending June with $69.8 million in cash and reducing debt to $12.2 million. Concentrate sales for the first half totaled 58,577 dry metric tonnes, valued at $125.9 million, with Demirli accounting for $71.4 million of that revenue. Gold production reached 12,329 ounces and silver output hit 92,855 ounces in the half year. Anglo Asian has reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 20,000–25,000 tonnes of copper, 28,000–33,000 ounces of gold, and 170,000–210,000 ounces of silver, with Demirli expected to reach steady-state production during the third quarter. The record performance underscores the successful execution of the company’s growth strategy in Azerbaijan’s mining sector, positioning Anglo Asian for continued strong output in the second half of the year.

     

  • Chromium Leads Albania’s Mining Sector in Production and Permits

    Chromium Leads Albania’s Mining Sector in Production and Permits

    Chromium continues to be the mineral with the greatest weight in Albania in terms of the number of permits granted for exploitation, as well as the quantity produced. The annual publication by the National Agency of Natural Resourcesreveals that a total of 920 thousand tons of chrome were produced in 2023, primarily for export.

    “Albania is known for its significant potential in chrome ore compared to other Mediterranean and Balkan countries,” the report states. As of December 31, 2023, there were 236 active exploitation licenses in the chrome mining sector. Production activities are concentrated in the Bulqiza district, with around 120 active permits, followed by Kukës, Tropoja, and Hasi.

    By the end of 2023, 920,769.98 tons of chrome ore were produced, mainly for export. The main chromium deposits are located in the Ophiolites of the Eastern Belt area, stretching from Tropoja and Kukës to Bulqizë, Shebenik, and Pogradec. Lesser development has been identified in the ophiolites of the western belt.

    Geologically, chrome ore in Albania is found in three main regions:

    • Northeast Region (Ultrabasic Massif of Tropoja and Kukës);
    • Central Region (Ultrabasic Massif of Bulqiza and Lura, which is the most important);
    • Southeast Region (Shebenik-Pogradec Ultrabasic Massif).

    The publication also notes that in 2023, there were 552 active usage permits, mainly in Bulqiza, Krujë, Berat, Tirana, or Librazhd. Besides chrome, which holds the majority of active permits, limestone ranks second with 137 permits, according to the National Agency of Natural Resources.

  • Kazakhstan Ministry of Industry and Trade Reports Growth in Metallurgy Sector

    Kazakhstan Ministry of Industry and Trade Reports Growth in Metallurgy Sector

    The Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Kazakhstan, Kanat Sharlapayev, shared the results of the metallurgy industry’s progress. He announced that from January to April of 2024, there was a 5.1% increase in production, as reported by the department’s press center. Sharlapayev highlighted that by 2025, steel and pig iron production is expected to increase to 4 million tons and 3 million tons, respectively. Additionally, the production of flat rolled products is projected to reach 2.6 million tons according to government plans. Several companies, including KazMinerals, “KazZinc,” and “Kazakhmys,” will contribute to the growth of copper production, while “KazZinc” is tasked with lead and zinc production, and the “Kazakhstan Aluminum Plant” will ramp up aluminum production.

  • Coal Production Decline in Kazakhstan’s Deposits in February 2024

    Coal Production Decline in Kazakhstan’s Deposits in February 2024

    According to data from the second month of 2024, coal production in Kazakhstan’s deposits decreased to 9.083 million tons, marking a 9.6% decline compared to February of the previous year. While various types of coal are mined in the country, coal accounts for the majority. The beginning of the year has seen a decrease in coal production of this type by 11.3%.

  • Kazakhstan’s Iron Ore Production Surges in February 2024

    Kazakhstan’s Iron Ore Production Surges in February 2024

    Kazakhstan’s iron ore extraction witnessed a significant surge in the second month of this year, with over 4.187 million tons extracted, marking a 37.5% increase compared to February 2023, according to data provided by the National Statistics Bureau. Production of iron ore agglomerate also experienced a notable uptick, growing by 44.8% for the month. However, in comparison to January 2024, it declined from 475.5 to 456.1 thousand tons. Positive dynamics were also observed in the production of iron ore concentrates, reaching 5.699 million tons in February, marking a 15.9% and 12.3% increase compared to the same month last year and the preceding month of this year, respectively. Additionally, Kazakh mining plants saw a significant rise in the production of non-agglomerated iron ore, with 2.661 million tons processed in February, a 44.9% surge compared to the previous year. The production of iron ore pellets also intensified, reaching 474.8 thousand tons, a 38.8% increase compared to 2023, albeit failing to surpass January’s figures, showing a 2.2% decline. Anticipation is high for a noticeable increase in iron ore extraction following the commencement of operations at the Lomonosovskoye deposit in the Kostanay region, slated for 2025.

  • Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister Visits UK for Forum on Ore Processing and Circular Economy

    Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister Visits UK for Forum on Ore Processing and Circular Economy

    Iran Sharhan, Vice Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, undertook a working visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the “Mineral Processing and Circular Economy” business forum from March 11 to 15, 2024. The primary purpose of the trip was to explore British opportunities in critical raw materials.

    During the forum, Kazakhstan and the UK signed a Roadmap for Strategic Partnership in Critical Minerals, marking a new chapter in their relationship in sustainable mineral resources.

    In a meeting with the UK’s Minister of Industry and Economic Security, Nusrat Ghani, Iran Sharhan emphasized Kazakhstan’s principles of exchanging raw materials for technology and integrating into the global value chain. He also invited British companies to participate in investment projects in Kazakhstan.

    Minister Nusrat Ghani praised the work of both countries in forming a long-term partnership and expressed confidence in the swift implementation of the signed Roadmap, considering it a significant event in the development of cooperation between London and Astana in the field of critical minerals.

    The event also included meetings between entrepreneurs from both countries to discuss the development of cooperation in the field of critical raw materials and to present specific projects.

    The visit also included familiarization trips to the production sites of British companies, where their production capacities and technologies were presented.

    All these activities were organized with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.