Trigon moves to underground mining

Copper miner Trigon Metals proceeded to underground mining this month as it reached 70% production capacity, the company said.

Trigon commenced production from underground ahead of schedule, having announced underground training and the first blast on 5 February.

The build-up to commercial production levels has gone smoothly and exceeded Trigon management’s expectations.

Rennie Morkel, president and chief operating officer, said the development will bring increased copper production for Trigon.

“Congratulations to our homegrown owner-operated underground mining teams. Re-asserting Kombat as an underground copper-producing mine is a tremendous achievement for the operation, the company and our community. Going forward, we will look for opportunities to grow production underground, which in turn should increase our copper production and our profitability,” Morkel said.

“My sincerest appreciation to the entire Kombat team, under the guidance of our VP of operations, Fanie Muller, for their tireless efforts in achieving this important milestone for the future of Kombat,” he added.

Growth

Jed Richardson, CEO and executive chairman, said Trigon was on course to become more profitable.

“Increased grade from underground has profoundly impacted our metal production, making each tonne more profitable. It has improved recovery in the mill and increased the grade of the concentrate. The Kombat mine has been primarily an underground mine through its 45-year history. Our experience is now showing us why,” Richardson said.