Offering an update on the commissioning process at the Mount Milligan project, Thompson Creek Metals Co. has announced that the primary crusher and conveyor is operational. The mine, which has been stockpiling ore, is now positioned to deliver it to the crusher.
A phased concentrator start-up is pending in Q3, meanwhile, as are the first ore feed and concentrate production; all grinding and flotation circuits are expected to be operational in Q4.
CEO Kevin Loughrey hailed the progress and those behind it. “Our employees and contractors have been working diligently to keep the project on schedule,” he said. Upon start-up, “we expect commercial production to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.”
At the Thompson Creek Mine, molybdenum production for Q2 increased by 74% to 4.4 million lb over Q2 2012. Q2 2013 production was further aided by higher grade ore, resulting in higher recovery and production. Q2 cash costs were also enhanced by the absence of stripping costs related to the next phase of mining.
