Taseko Mines says Florence commercial production facility 90% complete

Taseko Mines (TGB) updated the progress at its 100%-owned Florence Copper project in Florence, Arizona. At the end of June, construction of the commercial production facility was over 90% complete, and the project remains on schedule for first copper cathode production before the end of this year. Over 900,000 project hours have been worked with no reportable injuries or environmental incidents on the project to date. Currently, there are approximately 330 construction and support personnel on site, down from the peak levels in the first quarter. Stuart McDonald, CEO, commented, “The first 18 months of construction has gone exceptionally well, demonstrating the quality and experience of our on-site owner’s team and contractors. Construction activities are advancing on plan and project areas will soon start the transition to commissioning. A few notable milestones have recently been achieved. In the wellfield, all the injection and recovery wells planned for the construction phase have now been drilled and completed. 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. Also, last week, a key component of the site infrastructure was completed with APS energizing the site 69kV electrical substation.”