Kombat Copper Mine production from the underground averaged 552 tonnes per day in April 2024 and in May, production went up to 1,000 tonnes per day on four occasions.
Trigon Metals restarted mining operations from the open pit in May 2023, and the underground first blast was conducted on February 5, 2024.
The company says it has achieved commercial production from the underground operations where production was at 70% over 30 days.
Ore processing occurs at the refurbished Kombat plant, with an operating capacity of 30,000 tonnes per month (30ktpm).
Plans are underway to increase the capacity to 60,000 tonnes per month (60ktpm) to accommodate ore from both underground and surface sources.
Dewatering continues at the Kombat mine, where water is pumped at 2,800 m 3 /hour, well above the in-flow rate of 1200 m 3 /hour.
The mine is now dewatered to 315m below the shaft collar.
Backup power capacity is in place to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for underground pump systems.
Trigon chief operations officer Rennie Morkel said re-asserting Kombat as an underground copper-producing mine is a tremendous achievement for the operation, the company and the community.
Morkel added that in the future, they will look for opportunities to grow production underground, which should increase copper production and profitability.
“My sincerest appreciation to the entire Kombat team, under the guidance of our VP Operations Fanie Muller, for their tireless efforts in achieving this important milestone for the future of Kombat,” Morkel said.
Trigon CEO Jed Richardson said increased grade from underground has profoundly impacted the company’s metal production, making each tonne more profitable.
“It has improved the mill’s recovery and increased the concentrate’s grade.
“The Kombat mine has been primarily an underground mine through its 45-year history. Our experience is now showing us why,” he added.
