Update on Campo Morado Mining Performance Yesterday, mid-tier producer Luca Mining (LUCA.v, LUCMF) provided an update on its increased mining performance at Campo Morado with the successful completion of the first two stages and commencement of stage three.
Partnering with Ausenco Mxico, the Campo Morado Improvement Project aims to enhance metallurgical performance, increase mill throughput, sustain plant performance, and boost operating cash flow at the operation.
Stage 1 focused on a comprehensive geometallurgical program to optimize sampling, training, procedures, and process controls with stage 2 targeting sustainable operations and improved plant reliability. These initial stages have already yielded significant financial benefits, primarily through a 53% improvement in copper recovery compared to the same period in 2023—rising from 44.7% to 68.5%.
Stage 3 involves modest but crucial modifications to the processing plant, such as:
- Upgraded metallurgical sampling systems
- Modernized reagent dosing systems
- Enhanced air flow monitoring and control in flotation cells
- Installation of next-generation pH/ORP probes
- Addition of a new bulk rougher concentrate surge tank
- Modifications to the bulk regrind circuit for two-stage regrinding
These enhancements aim to produce three high-quality, saleable concentrates of copper, lead, and zinc and LUCA expects to test the copper-lead separation process by the end of the year, with full project completion anticipated by Q2 2025.
CEO Dan Barnholden commented on the success of the improvements, stating:
"The improvements at Campo Morado have been an outstanding success to date and moving to Stage 3 of this program demonstrates Luca's commitment to ongoing improvement at our assets
We intend to produce three clean, fully saleable and higher value concentrates of copper, zinc, and lead, which will have an immediate, positive impact on revenues and, ultimately, cash flow."
Ramping up production to 100k gold equivalent ounces in 2025 with a multi-mine strategy and only a $78M Market Cap, LUCA has a range of additional incoming milestones including commercial production at its Tahuehueto gold mine and a significant drill campaign at both projects, all expected in Q4 2024.
Full News Release: https://lucamining.com/press-release/?qmodStoryID=6639096705901100
Posted on Behalf of Luca Mining Corp.