Taseko Mines' Florence Copper Project 90% Complete, Anticipates First Production in 2025

Taseko Mines reports that construction at its Florence copper project in Arizona is 90% complete and on schedule for first copper cathode production by year-end 2025. The project remains on track, with activities advancing despite challenging weather conditions. The company's shares rose 6.3% in Tuesday's trading following the update.

Taseko Mines Ltd. has reported significant progress on its Florence copper project in Florence, Arizona, with construction nearing completion. As of late June, the commercial production facility was over 90% complete, and the project remains on schedule for first copper cathode production by the end of 2025 [1]. This update comes despite challenging weather conditions that have not hindered the project's advancement.

The Vancouver-based mining company has worked over 900,000 project hours with no reportable injuries or environmental incidents to date. Stuart McDonald, Taseko's Chief Executive Officer, noted that the first 18 months of construction have gone exceptionally well, showcasing the quality and experience of the on-site owner’s team and contractors [2]. Construction activities are advancing on plan, and the project areas will soon transition to commissioning.

Notable milestones achieved include the completion of all injection and recovery wells planned for the construction phase in the wellfield. Drilling will recommence after plant commissioning to expand the current wellfield and allow for copper production to ramp up to the full 85 million pound per year plant capacity. Additionally, a key component of the site infrastructure was completed last week, with Arizona Public Service energizing the site's 69 kilovolt electrical substation [1].

Operational readiness remains a key focus for site management. Taseko is hiring full-time staff, training, and developing operational workflows to ensure the team is well-positioned for commercial operations in the coming months. A detailed operating plan for the 2026 ramp-up is also being developed and will be finalized after acidification of the wellfield commences in the fall [2].

The company's shares rose 6.3% in Tuesday's trading following the update, reflecting investor confidence in the project's progress and the potential for Florence Copper to become a major U.S. supplier of domestically produced copper cathode [1].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/taseko-mines-posts-progress-on-construction-of-florence-copper-project-ce7c5cddd889fe25
[2] https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/738-tsx/tko/184148-taseko-provides-construction-update-on-florence-copper-project-3.html