MMG LXML Sepon (Sepon) achieved new quarterly and year-to-date production records during the third quarter 2015, driven by record milling tonnes and operational efficiencies.
Sepon produced 24,062 tonnes of copper cathode during the quarter, 3% higher than the previous quarter and 11% higher the same period in 2014. Year-to-date production of 68,694 tonnes of copper cathode is 7% higher than the same period 2014. This is despite processing lower grades, harder ores and more carbonaceous ores.
Sepon General Manager Suresh Vadnagra said that the records demonstrate the importance of the operation’s ongoing work to improve asset utilisation.
“Through a focus on optimising plant performance through asset utilisation and plant improvements, we have been able to increase milling rates and improve current efficiency. These improvements are extremely valuable under current low prices,” Mr Vadnagra said.
“I would like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the Sepon team in delivering these improvements, which have allowed us to sustain production despite lower milling grades and harder transitional Type II ores.
“We are continuously reviewing further opportunities to improve production as mining grades decline and as we progress through the Sepon mine plan,” he said.
A targeted exploration program is also underway in areas adjacent to the mine.
Production guidance for Sepon is unchanged and MMG expects produce 80,000-87,000 tonnes of copper cathode during 2015.
During the third quarter, Sepon also congratulated 15 new graduates on completing the operation’s trade traineeship program. Delivered in partnership with the Savannakhet Technical and Vocational School (STVS), the program includes pre-employment training, business management and administration education and workshop experience.
More than 100 trainees have graduated with formal technical and administrative qualifications since Sepon established a partnership with STVS in 2000.
Sepon General Manager Suresh Vadnagra congratulated the 15 graduates saying that this is a further demonstration of our commitment to build Lao mining capability.
MMG is a global resources company which explores, develops and mines base metals deposits around the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, MMG is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
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