Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Pocket of high-grade copper lifts Minto output

Capstone Mining Corp. Jan. 13 said strong performance at its Minto Mine in Yukon Territory and Pinto Valley Mine in Arizona helped the company meet its guidance for 2015 copper production despite setbacks at the Cozamin Mine in Mexico. The three mines produced 26,000 metric tons of copper during the fourth quarter and 92,900 metric tons for the full year. At Minto, a pocket of high-grade underground ore in excess of three percent copper in close proximity to existing development was opportunistically mined and processed. As a result, Minto produced 4,400 metric tons of copper during the final three months of 2015, making it the strongest quarter for the mine. Total 2015 production at Minto was 16,400 metric tons of copper, exceeding the annual guidance of 15,500 metric tons. Stripping of the Minto North pit is proceeding well and the lower-grade ore was reached in December. Pinto Valley produced 60,800 metric tons of copper in 2015 and Cozamin produced 15,700 metric tons of the metal for the year.

- Shane Lasley