The copper production profile for Lundin Mining’s Candelaria has been improved over the life-of-mine and next ten years says the miner in its latest operational update. Re-phasing of the open pit mine plan, increased planned production from underground mines, mine fleet reinvestment and initiatives to increase mill capacity have all contributed to the improved production profile.

An updated NI 43-101 Technical Report is being completed and is expected to be released before the end of 2017.

The latest open pit plan considers new phase designs, production sequences and a change in pit ore excavation and truck loading methodology. It also addresses recent instability in a localised area of the pit’s east wall and a slide which occurred October 31, 2017. Both have impacted 2018 and 2019 production forecasts. Production guidance for 2017 remains unchanged. Candelaria attributable copper production guidance of 104,000 to 109,000 t in 2018 is less (20%) than the previous outlook for the year. As a result of the recent slide and to take a more conservative approach in mining this area of the pit, the near-term plans have been altered to focus on waste push backs above the area prior to mining where the slide occurred. In the meantime, low grade stockpile ore will make up the difference in mill feed.

Forecast copper production over the next ten years has increased in aggregate by approximately 290,000 t (20%) with particular focus on improvements in years 2021 and beyond.