TKO (US:TKO) Globenewswire·2025-10-15 11:00Core Viewpoint - Taseko Mines Limited has made significant progress at its Florence Copper project, with the commencement of wellfield operations marking the start of commercial production, while also reporting strong operational results from its Gibraltar Mine in the third quarter of 2025 [1][2][4]. Florence Copper Project - Final regulatory approvals have been received, and wellfield operations are now starting, indicating the beginning of the commercial production facility [2]. - The SX/EW plant area has achieved substantial completion, with commissioning scheduled to run alongside wellfield operations, and first copper cathode production expected in approximately three months [3]. Gibraltar Mine Operations - In the third quarter, Gibraltar Mine produced 27.6 million pounds of copper, including 900 thousand pounds of copper cathode, and 560 thousand pounds of molybdenum, reflecting increases of 39% and 211% respectively compared to the previous quarter [4]. - Mill throughput reached the design capacity of 85,300 tons per day, with copper recoveries averaging 77% for the third quarter and 83% for September [4]. - Copper head grades were reported at 0.22%, showing improvement over the previous two quarters, although still behind plan [4]. Future Outlook - Mining at Gibraltar is advancing deeper into the Connector pit, with expectations of further production increases in the fourth quarter, although the production shortfall from recent months will not be fully recovered [5]. - Annual copper production for 2025 is projected to be between 100 to 105 million pounds [5]. - With rising copper prices and a focus on critical mineral supply security, the timing is favorable for Taseko to introduce a new source of refined copper in the U.S. [5].