Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSX-V: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) is pleased to report on Q3 2023 operation results from the Farellon Copper-Gold-Iron mine located near La Serena, Chile.
The Company extracted a total of 8,116 tonnes of mineralized Cu-Au material and processed 7,152 tonnes during Q3 2023 at Farellon. This represents a 2% and 9% reduction respectively from the Q2 production and processing figures. Copper grade remains constructive with recovery at 1.72% in Q3, down slightly by 2% from the previous quarter. Waste removal decreased by 22% to 2,556 tonnes in 2023 thus providing improved operational returns. Sales of 263,232 pounds of copper in 2023 Q3 generated approximately US$639,458 in revenue (after processing costs), a decrease of 14% over the Q2 revenue figure, impacted by lower sales and a weaker copper market in the previous quarter.
President and CEO Alastair McIntyre comments: “Farellon continues to generate positive returns and excellent grade. Mine planning continues to focus on developing access to deeper, higher-grade areas of the mine while readying areas to the SW to support additional production capacity as we move closer to transitioning the processing of Farellon’s production to the plant. This work provides the opportunity to expand our production output to maximize the processing capacity in support of a stronger bottom line.”
At the end of September 2023, the Company had 656 tonnes in stockpiles at the Farellon site and a total of 1,944 tonnes of stockpiles at the El Peñón mill site. An additional 8,331 tonnes of lower-grade material are stockpiled at the Farellon site and ready to be shipped for processing at the El Peñón facility over the next several months. In addition, the Company currently has 1,335 tonnes of material in process with ENAMI. This material will be processed for sale and the revenue will be realized in the coming months.
Figure 1. Quarterly Review of US$ Revenue and Copper Pounds Sold
Period | Mined | USD Revenue* | Cu Pounds Sold | Copper Grade |
Q1 2022 | 9,843 | $908,419 | 295,199 | 2.06% |
Q2 2022 | 10,742 | $967,685 | 310,062 | 1.96% |
Q3 2022 | 13,440 | $692,731 | 297,403 | 1.87% |
Q4 2022 | 11,340 | $691,103 | 295,397 | 2.05% |
Q1 2023 | 7,675 | $822,764 | 307,104 | 1.90% |
Q2 2023 | 8,315 | $745,162 | 294,162 | 1.75% |
Q3 2023 | 8,116 | $639,458 | 263,232 | 1.72% |
* After processing costs
Figure 2. Mined, Processed, Waste Removed and Cu Grade by Quarter 2021-2023
Figure 3. Processed Material, Income vs. Mining Costs by Quarter 2021-2023
Mining during the third quarter focused on the extension of the Hugo decline to the 336 m level where 2,270 tonnes were extracted as production began in mid Q3. High grade copper values are observed in the 336 m operating level with initial sales returning >2% copper from the material shipped and sold. Extraction of mineralized material continued at the 344 m level where a total of 4,925 tonnes were extracted from the mine. Mining was completed on 352 m level in the NE direction where 826 tonnes were extracted. Extension of the Hugo Decline to the 328 m level is planned to begin in Q4 2023.
Figure 4. Mining on the 344m N level
Figure 5. Mining on the 344m N level
Figure 6. Miners Prepare Advance on the 336 m level
Figure 7. Miners Prepare Advance on the 336 m level
Altiplano has generated over US$13.5 million from the recovery and sale (after processing costs) of more than 5.9 million pounds of copper with an average grade of 1.8% Cu (2018 Q1-2023 Q3). Cash flow has been re-invested into equipment, underground drilling, expanding underground development at Farellon, enhancing ventilation to increase productivity and capacity, new underground development and exploration, and the start-up of the El Peñón fit-for-purpose mill and flotation plant located 15 km from the Farellon site.
About Altiplano
Altiplano Metals is a growing gold, silver, and copper company focused on the Americas. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets that include an operating copper/gold/iron mine and a state-of-the-art operating copper/gold and iron processing facility in the final stages of completion. Altiplano is focused on creating long-term stakeholder value through developing safe and sustainable production, reinvesting into exploration, and pursuing acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing on opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value. Altiplano trades on the TSX.V under the symbol APN and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol A2JNFG.
John Williamson, B.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this document.
Altiplano is part of the Metals Group of Companies, led by a dynamic group of resource sector professionals with a long record of success in evaluating and advancing mining projects from exploration through to production, attracting capital, and overcoming adversity to deliver exceptional shareholder value.
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