Taseko announces First Cathode Harvest at Florence Copper
Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO) (NYSE American: TGB) (LSE: TKO) is pleased to announce its Florence Copper operation in Arizona has harvested the first copper cathodes from its recently completed commercial production facility.
Late February, Taseko announced the start-up of Florence Copper’s electrowinning plant and the commencement of copper production. Last week, the first copper cathodes were harvested, representing the first new copper production from a greenfield facility in the United States since 2008.
Once Florence Copper achieves its nameplate capacity of 85 million pounds of LME Grade A copper metal per year, Taseko will become the third largest copper cathode producer in America. The operation is expected to produce a minimum of 1.5 billion pounds of copper over the next 22 years.
Stuart McDonald, President & CEO of Taseko, commented “The production of first copper in Arizona represents a landmark achievement for the Florence Copper team and a major milestone for Taseko, as we continue our journey to become a leading North American copper producer.”
Florence Copper is the first greenfield site globally to employ ISCR, a unique and low-cost method of producing copper metal which delivers compelling environmental advantages over conventional mining.
With copper production in the U.S. essentially flat in recent years, and global copper demand continuing to rise, Florence Copper represents an important step forward for America’s critical minerals strategy.
“Producing LME Grade A copper cathode for America’s manufacturing sector, including automotive, semiconductor, defense/aerospace and AI data centers, will meaningfully strengthen US manufacturing and supply chain security,” McDonald said. “All of the copper metal produced at Florence will remain in the United States to help address America’s growing reliance on copper imports at a time of burgeoning global demand.”
“The journey to first production at Florence Copper – from envisioning a stand-alone ISCR operation, to undertaking the extensive test work and permitting, and ultimately completing construction on-time and on-budget – is a testament to the resourcefulness, purpose and commitment of the entire Taseko team,” McDonald said.
“We are proud to be making copper in the United States, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business as a leading North America-focused copper producer.”
For further information on Taseko, see the Company’s website at tasekomines.com or contact:
Investor enquiries: Brian Bergot, Vice President, Investor Relations – 778-373-4554
Media enquiries: Sean Magee, Vice President, Corporate Affairs – 604-351-2550
Stuart McDonald
President and CEO
