Central Asia Metals, a copper producing company focused on base metals in Central Asia, has announced a production update for its Kounrad SX-EW plant in Kazakhstan. This facility is the Operations Focus for International Mining’s June issue of the magazine, currently at the printers. Highlights include 10,000 t of copper produced in just over 12 months since operations started and record monthly production achieved in April 2013 of 1,114 t of copper. 

Q1 2013 production of 1,675 t exceeded planned levels by 26%.

Kounrad’s total production output since the start of operations at the end of April 2012 has now exceeded 10,000 tonnes. This was achieved over a period that included the commissioning, ramp-up and the first winter of operations during which severe weather conditions were experienced. Kounrad’s operational capability during all weather conditions, especially the winter months, is well demonstrated. How this was achieved is explained in the article.

Nick Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are pleased to have reached a total production of 10,000 t of copper at Kounrad, following a new record for monthly output in April.  Kounrad is operating beyond our expectations and production achieved for 2012 and Q1 2013 is testament to this fact. We have been able to maintain steady-state production in challenging weather conditions and look forward to achieving our target of 10,000 t for 2013.”