Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation reported a significant decrease in production from its El Roble mine for Q1 2025, with copper production down 33% and gold production down 28% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to unexpected challenges in rock quality during the transition to new mining areas [1][2]. Production Results - Copper production for Q1 2025 totaled 2.23 million pounds, a decrease of 33% from 3.34 million pounds in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - Gold production for Q1 2025 was 1,553 ounces, down 28% from 2,156 ounces in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - The total tonnes of ore mined decreased by 13% to 56,467 tonnes from 64,873 tonnes in Q1 2024 [4]. - The tonnes processed in Q1 2025 were 54,978, a 16% decrease from 65,787 tonnes in Q1 2024 [4]. Operational Metrics - Average tonnes processed per day in Q1 2025 were 773, down 5% from 811 in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - The copper head grade was 1.97%, a decrease of 22% from 2.51% in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - The gold head grade was 1.40 grams per tonne, down 15% from 1.64 grams per tonne in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - Copper recovery improved to 93.6%, up 2% from 91.8% in Q1 2024, while gold recovery remained stable at 62.7% [4][8]. Future Outlook - The CEO indicated expectations for progressive improvements in production during the second and third quarters of 2025, aiming to recover the planned development and preparation rate [2]. - The El Roble mine has Proven and Probable mineral reserves estimated at 828 thousand tonnes, with an average grade of 2.49% Cu and 2.20 g/t Au, projected to last until Q1 2027 [9]. Exploration and Development - The company is actively exploring the larger land package and has identified numerous target areas for VMS type mineralization, which is the focus of the current surface drill program at El Roble [10]. - The El Roble mine has been upgraded since Atico gained control in 2013, increasing its nominal processing capacity from 400 tonnes per day to 1,000 tonnes per day [7].
Atico Produces 2.23 Million Pounds of Cu and 1,553 Ounces of Au in First Quarter 2025