Diversified base metals mining company Lundin Mining has commenced commercial production at Eagle mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, US.
The mine is said to be a high-grade nickel-copper mine, which began operations in September 23 ahead of schedule.
The company claims the achievement was made within two months of start-up and well before the target of the first quarter of 2015.
Lundin Mining president and CEO Paul Conibear said: “The team at Eagle mine has done an excellent job in accelerating the ramp-up and delivering commercial operations ahead of expectations.
“Going forward, the Eagle mine will be significant to the earnings and cashflow of Lundin Mining, and a major employer and economic contributor in northern Michigan.
“We wish to thank all employees, contractors and the community for their efforts in bringing the mine into commercial production safely, and sooner than expected.”
As defined by the company, commercial production is the ability to maintain average production metrics of 75% of designed throughput and 75% nickel recovery, which have met the target grade for nickel concentrate (11% – 16%) for one month.
Lundin Mining has operations and projects in Chile, Portugal, Sweden, Spain and the US, producing copper, zinc, lead and nickel.
The company holds a 24% equity stake in the world-class Tenke Fungurume copper-cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Freeport Cobalt Oy business.