PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Abra base metals mine, in Western Australia, has become cash flow positive, marking a major milestone for owner Galena Mining.
Galena on Friday reported that during July, concentrate shipments from Abra had reached 9 254 t with the project generating A$17-million in revenues, with the process plant having milled over 105 000 t of ore.
“Abra has always had a target of reaching positive cash flows in the second half of 2023 following commissioning and ramp-up in the first six months of the year,” said Galena MD Tony James.
As infrastructure has been put in place to allow expansion of ore production, underground contractor Byrnecut has mobilised additional equipment and manning resources to planned levels to achieve steady state production.
The 1.2-million-tonne-a-year Abra project required a capital spend of A$170-million to develop, and will produce 95 000 t/y of lead and 805 000 oz of silver over a 16-year mine life.