4 Apr 2017 07:00
4 April 2017
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CENTRAL ASIA METALS PLC
("CAML" or the "Company")
Q1 2017 Production Update
Central Asia Metals plc (AIM: CAML) today provides a Q1 2017 production update for the Kounrad dump leach, solvent extraction and electro-winning ("SX-EW") copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan ("Kounrad").
Summary:
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Β· | Q1 2017 copper production of 3,357 tonnes (Q1 2016: 3,207 tonnes) |
Β· | Q1 2017 copper sales of 2,839 tonnes (Q1 2016: 2,550 tonnes) |
Β· | On schedule to commence leaching from Western Dumps, April 2017 |
Β· | On track to achieve 2017 production guidance of between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes |
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Kounrad Q1 2017 copper production of 3,357 tonnes is 4.7% higher than that achieved in Q1 2016. Copper sales during Q1 2017 were 2,839 tonnes (+11.3% vs. Q1 2016), and these sales were predominantly through the Company's offtake partner, Traxys.
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During the quarter, CAML carried out a piping modification that allowed the operation of a hybrid intermediate leaching circuit, enabling a higher overall recovery of copper from the covered winter blocks. The impact on the pregnant leach solution ("PLS") grade into the SX-EW plant was positive and resulted in record copper output for the month of February of 1,074 tonnes, a 24% increase on February 2016 production.
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Kounrad's copper continued to be of a high quality, with the renewal of 850 cathodes in the EW facility as partial replacement of the circuit inventory undertaken during the quarter. A further 1,400 pieces are expected on site in July and will be fitted shortly thereafter, thus completing the first five year replacement programme of all anodes and cathodes.
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Final preparations were undertaken on the Western Dumps pipeline and pumping system in readiness for commissioning of the Stage 2 Expansion in April 2017.
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Taking seasonal variations into account, the Company is on track to achieve its 2017 copper production guidance of between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes.
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For further information contact:
Central Asia Metals plc Β Nick Clarke, Executive ChairmanNigel Robinson, CFOLouise Wrathall, Investor Relationslouise.wrathall@centralasiametals.com Β | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7898 9001 |
Peel Hunt (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Β Matthew Armitt Ross Allister Β | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 |
Mirabaud Securities (Joint Broker) Β Peter Krens Β | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7878 3362 |
Bell Pottinger (PR Advisers) Β Lorna CobbettAarti IyerMarianna Bowes Β | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3772 2500 |
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Note to editors:
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Central Asia Metals, an AIM-listed UK company based in London, owns 100% of the Kounrad SX-EW copper project in Kazakhstan. The Company also has a 75% equity interest in Copper Bay Ltd, which is a private company that has conducted a definitive feasibility study at its copper project in ChaΓ±aral Bay, Chile. In November 2016, Central Asia Metals signed a framework agreement to acquire an effective 80% interest in the Shuak copper exploration property in northern Kazakhstan. For further information, please visit www.centralasiametals.com.
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