Sierra Gorda Quarterly Attributable Payable Copper Output Rises 17%; Fourth Grinding Line Project Enters Execution

Published: Oct 19, 2026 10:47 (GMT+8)

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South32 reported on October 19 that attributable payable copper production from Chile’s Sierra Gorda mine reached 18,700 tonnes in the quarter ended September 30, 2026, up 17% quarter on quarter on its 45% ownership basis. Payable copper-equivalent production rose 11% to 22,400 tonnes. Copper feed grades increased from 0.41% to 0.46%, more than offsetting temporary wet-weather disruptions. Sierra Gorda also paid South32 a record quarterly cash distribution of US$153 million. Execution of the fourth grinding line project has commenced. The expansion is expected to increase processing capacity by approximately 25% to 60 million tonnes a year on a 100% basis, with first production targeted for mid-FY2030 and full production rates in FY2031. The project carries estimated capital expenditure of US$725 million. Joint venture partner KGHM expects construction to finish by the end of 2029, with full production capacity reached in the second half of 2030. At Australia’s Cannington silver-lead-zinc mine, payable zinc-equivalent production fell 27% quarter on quarter to 59,200 tonnes. Temporarily reduced paste backfill availability delayed access to planned stopes, prompting the operation to supplement mill feed with lower-grade stockpiles. South32 maintained FY2027 production guidance of 92,000 tonnes.

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