Minto output down as mine looks beyond 2017

Capstone Mining Corp. April 11 reported that its Minto Mine in the Yukon produced 5,500 tons of copper during the first quarter.

The company said grade for the quarter was lower than originally planned due to mine plan sequencing changes affecting timing of ore to the mill.

A number of changes were made to optimize the mine plan in anticipation of the extension of operations at Minto beyond 2017 and to reduce re-handling costs.

As a result, more low-grade, partially oxidized ore was directed to the mill causing recoveries to be slightly behind plan, offset by higher throughput.

Capstone's three producing mines - Minto, Pinto Valley (Arizona) and Cozamin (Mexico) - produced a combined 20,900 metric tons of copper, with additional by-products of zinc, molybdenum, lead, silver and gold.

-SHANE LASLEY