Core Insights - The company has successfully completed a technical upgrade plan at the Kipushi zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of schedule, resulting in significant increases in zinc production and operational efficiency [1][2] Group 1: Technical Upgrade and Production Capacity - The technical upgrade plan, initiated in September 2024, aimed to increase the processing capacity of the plant from 800,000 tons per year to 960,000 tons per year, and was completed ahead of schedule [1] - Following the upgrade, the plant achieved a record zinc concentrate production of 5,545 tons within seven days after an August shutdown, equating to an annualized capacity of 290,000 tons of zinc [2] - The plant also set a record for zinc concentrate production of 1,052 tons in a 24-hour period, translating to an annualized capacity of 340,000 tons of zinc, considering equipment utilization [2] Group 2: Safety and Operational Improvements - The project team has maintained an industry-leading safety record, with no lost time injuries (LTI) reported from the start of construction in September 2022 to the completion of the recent upgrade in June 2024 [2] - An upgrade to the backup power system is ongoing, with the addition of 6 megawatts of backup generators expected to be operational in the fourth quarter, ensuring power supply during grid instability [2] Group 3: Sales Agreements and Financing - The company signed a three-year off-take agreement with Mercuria for one-third of the remaining high-grade zinc concentrate production from the Kipushi plant, along with a $20 million financing loan from Mercuria at a SOFR 6% interest rate [3] - Additionally, a previous agreement was made with CITIC Metal and Trafigura to secure off-take for two-thirds of the zinc concentrate production [3]