Australian miner Consolidated Zinc’s contained metal production was reported at 264mt of zinc and 98mt of lead in October, as stated in the company’s press release. The company stated that October marked the best month in 2020 in terms of zinc and lead recoveries to concentrates at Plomosas Mine.
The company reported higher contained metal production in October on the back of improved head grades as ore mining increased and resulted in consistently higher recoveries of zinc and lead concentrates. The improved production figures resulted in a reduction in operating costs per ton of zinc and lead.
At Plomosas Mine, recoveries were 72pc for zinc to zinc concentrates and for lead it was 39pc lead to lead concentrates. The company termed it to be the best recoveries to concentrates this year. The final production figures will be included in December quarter reports.
The company’s operates at Chihuahua, Mexico, which has been designated as red zone with non-essential businesses required to close. Mining has however been termed as an essential business and Consolidated Zinc is taking precautions and has increased testing its employees. Some of their administrative staff had or have COVID-19, said the company but its hasn’t yet affected their production or has had minimal impact on operations, said the company.
Consolidated Zinc owns 100pc of the historic Plomosas Mine, located 120km from Chihuahua City, Mexico.