Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Atalaya Mining (TSX:AYM) is increasing its full-year copper production guidance following a strong third quarter, during which it produced 13,933 tonnes of the industrial metal.
Atalaya currently produces copper concentrates and silver byproduct at its wholly-owned Proyecto Riotinto site in southwest Spain. The operation comprises an open-pit mine and a modern 15 Mtpa processing plant.
During Q3 2021, the plant processed 3.9 million tonnes of ore, equivalent to a throughput rate of nearly 16 Mtpa. This included a planned SAG mill maintenance shutdown that was previously scheduled for Q4.
Copper recoveries of 87.29% were better than budgeted and helped to offset the impact of the mill shutdown and lower grades, resulting in only a modest decrease in copper production compared with previous quarters.
Year-to-date, Atalaya’s Proyecto Riotinto site has produced 42,670 tonnes of copper from 12 million tonnes of ore milled, for an average recovery rate of 85.76%.
Given the latest quarterly results, the company now expects output to reach 54,000-56,000 tonnes for the year, which is 2,000 higher than its original guidance.
Shares of Atalaya Mining surged 6.5% by 12:20 p.m. EDT on Thursday. The copper miner has a market capitalization of C$821.5 million.
