Xtract Resources has announced the start of initial production at its Silverking copper-silver project in Zambia, marking an important milestone as the operation transitions from development into early-stage production. The project, which is being advanced in partnership with Oval Mining, has begun processing mixed oxide and sulphide ore through its flotation plant as efforts continue to increase throughput and optimise plant performance.
The commencement of processing represents a significant step in the project’s development, with ore from the open pit now being treated while the operation gradually ramps up towards steady-state production.
To support higher production levels, Oval Mining has completed upgrades to the flotation plant, increasing its processing capacity and targeting an optimised throughput of approximately 28 tonnes per hour. The improvements are designed to enhance operational efficiency as mining advances into areas containing a greater proportion of sulphide ore, where processing conditions are expected to become more consistent.
Xtract Resources reported that production is being progressively increased, although concentrate grades remain variable during the transition from oxide to sulphide material. Despite these early operational challenges, the company said the plant has successfully demonstrated its ability to recover oxide material, providing a solid foundation for further optimisation.
The project team continues to refine processing operations through ongoing reagent optimisation, with the objective of improving copper recovery rates and maximising overall plant performance as production stabilises.
Mining activities are also progressing steadily, with the completion of the fifth blast in the open pit bringing operations closer to the primary sulphide ore zones. Access to these deeper mineralised zones is expected to support more stable processing conditions and improved concentrate quality as the mine develops.
Xtract Resources Executive Chairman Colin Bird said the project continues to make encouraging progress as the operation moves through the early stages of production.
“Production is now being progressively ramped up. While concentrate grades remain variable as the balance between oxide and sulphide material evolves, the plant’s demonstrated ability to recover oxides is encouraging,” Bird said.
He added that optimisation work will continue to focus on improving copper recoveries as mining advances into the higher-grade sulphide zones, positioning the operation for more consistent production in the months ahead.
The Silverking project forms an important part of Xtract Resources’ broader strategy to expand its presence in Zambia’s copper sector, where the company continues to develop assets within one of Africa’s premier copper-producing regions.
With mining and processing activities now underway, the project has entered a new phase of development. As throughput increases and plant optimisation continues, further operational updates are expected as Silverking progresses towards stable commercial production and contributes to Zambia’s growing copper industry.
