#Orvana Minerals #Don Mario #Bolivia #Copper Cathodes

Orvana Minerals Achieves Breakthrough in Bolivia's Copper Production

Orvana Minerals Corp., a prominent multi-mine mining company, has announced a significant milestone with its Bolivian subsidiary, Empresa Minera Paitití S.A. (EMIPA). On September 16, 2026, EMIPA successfully produced its first copper cathodes as part of its Oxides Stockpile Project (OSP) at the Don Mario site. This moment follows the recent production of their first gold-silver doré bar just days earlier, reflecting the dual achievements of the newly expanded operations.

Context of the Achievement

The announcement emphasizes the progress of EMIPA's processing operations, which are set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Don Mario Plant. This facility, located in southeastern Bolivia, has been experiencing a ramp-up phase that is pivotal for regaining productivity levels after previous restrictions due to the depletion of mineral reserves.

The current project aims to utilize the oxide materials that were stockpiled during earlier mining activities, effectively breathing new life into the facility and optimizing resource recovery. As reported, the OSP's capabilities now allow for the simultaneous extraction of both copper and gold-silver from the same ore, showcasing a remarkable metallurgical capability that enhances operational efficiency.

Details of Production

Juan Gavidia, the CEO of Orvana, highlighted the importance of this production milestone, stating, "The production of copper cathodes marks a second key milestone in the ramp-up of EMIPA's oxides processing operations." He further elaborated on the company's focus on enhancing mechanical reliability and operational stability, with the goal of achieving higher throughput rates as operations stabilize.

Despite some initial challenges during the ramp-up process, where performance lagged behind expectations, there have been promising signs of improvement as the plant continues its transition towards stable operations. The target processing rate is set at approximately 1,700 tonnes per day, a critical benchmark for maximizing output and efficiency.

Understanding the Processing Flow

To achieve these advancements, the Don Mario Plant has undergone significant upgrades, including an expanded operational flow that incorporates acid leaching as well as solvent extraction and electrowinning for copper cathodes. The integrated approach efficiently translates leach solutions into a valuable finished product, while concurrently processing residues through additional recovery circuits for gold and silver.

Orvana has shared a detailed conceptual flowsheet of the operations, illustrating how each component interacts within the overall production process. This strategic approach not only maximizes recovery but also showcases the plant's capability to pivot and meet diverse metal production needs as market demands evolve.

Looking Ahead at Future Goals

As EMIPA continues to navigate the challenges of ramp-up, the immediate focus is to achieve consistent mechanical performance across all processing circuits, a key factor in supporting increased processing rates. Following the verification of successful doré and copper production, the management is committed to stabilizing operations, increasing throughput, and controlling costs.

Notably, due to recent ramp-up performance, Orvana has withdrawn its previous fiscal 2026 production guidance, indicating a cautious and measured approach as they progress through the operational stabilization phase. The coming months will be crucial as they work towards achieving reliable and improved operational metrics.

The anticipated operational update is expected in mid-October 2026, providing stakeholders with insights into the ongoing developments at the Don Mario site and the broader implications for Orvana's growth trajectory in the mining sector.

Conclusion

Orvana's latest achievements in Bolivia underscore their strategic advancements in copper production, highlighting the essential role of the Don Mario operation within their portfolio. As they advance toward efficient, stable operations, investors and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these developments can influence broader market dynamics within the mining industry.