First Quantum Minerals in its second quarter 2019 results gave an update on the Cobre Panama project, where production ramped up significantly with pre-commercial copper production of 30,896 t in the quarter, on track to produce 140,000 –175,000 t of copper as previously guided for the year. The first concentrate was shipped in June which signified the commencement of concentrate shipping for the operation.

Six of the eight mills were operational by quarter end with an additional mill becoming operational in Q3. The final ball mill is scheduled to be in operation early in Q4. Three of the four in-pit primary crushers are in operation with the fourth crusher in operation after the quarter end in July. The crushers allow double side dumping with the mine’s fleet of Liebherr ultraclass T284 haul trucks.

The tailings management facility deposition commenced in the northern and southern sectors of the facility and will commence in the eastern sector in the third quarter.

Approximately 80% of the operational workforce is now in place. Total project capital is now expected to increase by just over 6% to $6.7 billion, as a result of higher costs associated with construction completion and commissioning to further mitigate risks associated with and to accelerate the ramp-up of the large-scale project. The accelerated ramp-up has brought the anticipated commercial production forward, now expected by the end of Q3.