TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – TSX- and ASX-listed Equinox Minerals produced 28 111 t of copper in concentrate during the third quarter from its Lumwana mine, in Zambia, according to preliminary output figures.

The performance was an improvement on both the first (22 263 t) and second (24 413 t) quarters of 2009, after the company improved mine truck and shovel productivity and increased its equipment fleet.

Production and metallurgical recoveries during the quarter continued to be affected by the levels of mixed sulphide-oxide, or transitional, ore being mined, but Equinox said it expects this will become less of an issue as more consistent sulphide ore is exposed going forward.

“We continue to ramp up, predominantly focusing on improving material movement as our large Lumwana copper process plant has already demonstrated capacity to operate at and above design throughput levels,” said CEO Craig Williams.

The firm said it has stepped up its measures in preparation for the west season, following its experiences last year.

Diversion channels to control surface water ingress into the pit have been constructed, substantial sumps excavated for the collection of in-pit water and pumping capacity has been doubled since 2008.

All main ramps and roads have been also sheeted and surfaced with bitumen emulsion to improve road conditions, particularly during wet periods, Equinox said.

“Management believes that based on the work underway in preparation for the forthcoming wet season, a continuing focus on mining fleet productivity, the commissioning of further trolley-assist infrastructure to help improve truck cycle times and the increasing exposure of new sulphide ore zones, that the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to wet season conditions, should demonstrate additional improvement on quarterly production to date,” the firm said.

Full-year output is now forecast at about 110 000 t of copper, which is at the bottom end of the range provided in August.

At the time, the company said it expected copper production to be between 110 000 t and 120 000 t, compared with a previous forecast of 170 000 t.

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