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Highlights
- Steady Copper Production at Kounrad: Achieved copper production of 13,439 tonnes, within guidance.
- Challenges at Sasa Mine: Zinc and lead production slightly below expectations but significant progress in capital projects.
- Strong Financial Position: Ended 2024 with a cash balance of $67.6 million, supporting future growth.
Central Asia Metals (LSE:CAML) has provided its Q4 and full-year 2024 operational update, outlining its performance at both the Kounrad copper recovery plant in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia.
Kounrad Performance:
At Kounrad, the company maintained a strong safety record, with zero lost time injuries (LTIs) reported for 2024. Copper production reached 13,439 tonnes, firmly within the company’s guidance range. This achievement reflects the ongoing efficiency and reliability of the Kounrad dump leach, solvent extraction, and electro-winning (SX-EW) copper recovery process.
Sasa Performance:
Sasa’s zinc and lead production for 2024 was slightly below the lower end of the guidance range. Zinc-in-concentrate production amounted to 18,572 tonnes, while lead-in-concentrate production totaled 26,617 tonnes. Despite this, significant progress was made on capital projects at the site, including the transition to paste-fill mining, the completion of the Central Decline, and the near-completion of the Dry Stack Tailings (DST) plant. These developments are expected to contribute to future operational efficiency at Sasa.
Financial and Strategic Developments
Central Asia Metals ended 2024 with a solid cash position, reporting $67.6 million in cash as of December 31, 2024. This financial strength positions the company well to continue advancing its projects and pursuing growth opportunities.
In addition to operational activities, Aberdeen Minerals, in which CAML holds a 28.4% interest, completed its 2024 exploration drilling campaign, with assay results expected in Q1 2025. The company also emphasized its commitment to building a project pipeline, which remains a key focus for continued long-term success.
Outlook for 2025
For FY2025, Central Asia Metals has set production guidance as follows:
- Copper: 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes
- Zinc-in-concentrate: 19,000 to 21,000 tonnes
- Lead-in-concentrate: 27,000 to 29,000 tonnes
Additionally, the DST plant at Sasa is expected to be fully operational in Q1 2025, enhancing operational efficiency. With the continued exploration and strategic project development, the company is well-positioned to meet its targets for the year ahead.
