Aim-listed Bushveld Minerals’ production for the three months ending March 31 was 943 t of vanadium, compared with the 973 t produced in the March 2022 quarter.
The company recorded an increase in sales for the first quarter, at 1 028 t, owing to increased sales out of inventory.
It secured a third-party low-silica feed for Vanchem to support more stable production rates at no additional cost.
Bushveld also completed construction and cold commissioning of the Belco electrolyte plant.
Group production guidance for the full year is maintained at between 4 200 t and 4 500 t.
“We are on track to meet annual group production and cost guidance. Vanchem’s power curtailment solution with the local municipality, announced recently, has so far provided a more reliable feed of electricity contributing to improved operational stability in the months of March and April.
“In addition, securing third-party, low-silica feed for Vanchem will support more stable production going forward. Vametco performed consistently against the comparable period in 2022, albeit there was disruption as a result of high rainfall and work to replace the secondary crusher,” says Bushveld CEO Fortune Mojapelo.
“I’m pleased to report our sales volumes increased by 20% in the quarter after we decided to draw down on Vanchem’s inventory from 2022. During this drawdown phase, we undertook a two-week maintenance at the facility,” he adds.