Nevada Copper has engaged mining contractor Redpath USA to implement its ramp-up strategy for its underground copper mine at Pumpkin Hollow, in Nevada.

The company commenced production at the underground mine in December and is now entering into a new phase of development supporting its ongoing operations. It said it has “high confidence” in Redpath’s ability as a partner during the ramp-up to full commercial production in 2020.

Redpath replaces the previous mining contractor and will be the company’s principal underground mining contractor going forward, Nevada Copper said. “Redpath is a highly experienced mining contractor with experience of delivering complex projects both internationally and in Nevada, ahead of schedule and under budget,” it added.

Matt Gili, Chief Executive Officer of Nevada Copper, said: “Nevada Copper made the transition to producer in Q4 (December quarter) 2019 and we have developed a clear, straightforward strategy for ramping up our Pumpkin Hollow underground project to full commercial production. Redpath is considered throughout the mining industry as the partner of choice for production ramp up and we are excited to be working with them during this important period of growth.”

Nevada Copper has previously said it is focused on ramping up the mine, in Yerington, to reach nameplate capacity in the first half of 2020.

The 2017 prefeasibility study plan for the underground mine outlined a 5,000 t/d project able to produce some 50 MIb/y (22,680 t/y) of copper, 8,000 oz of gold and 150,000 oz of silver over a 13.5-year life at all-in sustaining costs of $1.96/Ib of copper. It also laid the foundations for a larger integrated project that includes open-pit development and could increase throughput to 70,000 t/d.