#Sweden #Stockholm #mining #Boliden #Production

Boliden's 2026 Production Guidance

Boliden has officially announced its production guidance for 2026, projecting growth across all seven of its mining operations. The executive team, led by President and CEO Mikael Staffas, expresses a bullish outlook, aided by higher ore grades from open-pit mines and the advancement of significant investment projects. Staffas mentioned, “With intensified exploration programs at Somincor and Zinkgruvan, we are optimistic about our potential for long-term value.”

Key Highlights from the 2026 Guidance
For the year 2026, Boliden estimates capital expenditures to dip to 15 billion SEK. This includes a substantial portion—6.5 billion SEK—allocated specifically to waste rock mining, processing, and ongoing dam construction efforts. It's noteworthy that capital outlays for the Odda project are anticipated to exceed initial estimates, contributing to some budgetary adjustments.

• - Aitik: The Aitik mine is expected to see improvements in copper grades during the latter half of the year, aiming for an average copper grade of 0.18%. Even though throughput is still limited due to diorite intrusion, it's forecasted to rise to 41 million tonnes.
• - Boliden Area: At this site, gold grades are projected to be slightly lower compared to the previous year, with an increase in throughput anticipated at about 1.8 million tonnes.
• - Garpenberg: This location has received an expanded environmental permit allowing for increased production despite an ongoing appeal process. The throughput is estimated to reach approximately 3.7 million tonnes, alongside a zinc grade of 2.9% and a silver grade of 95 grams per tonne.
• - Kevitsa: An uptick in mining tax is expected to impose an additional cost of around €20-30 million, while copper grades will rise slightly to 0.24%. Nickel grades and throughput are expected to remain at current levels.
• - Odda Expansion: The completion of the Odda expansion project is postponed by two months, with first feeding planned for the upcoming first quarter. The impact of planned maintenance shutdowns in the smelting business area is projected to decrease operating profit by 450 million SEK.

Production Projections by Mine
In summary, Boliden's 2026 production projection is as follows:

• - Aitik: Copper at 0.18%, throughput at 41 million tonnes
• - Boliden Area: Zinc at 3.0%, throughput at 1.8 million tonnes
• - Garpenberg: Zinc at 2.9%, throughput at 3.7 million tonnes
• - Kevitsa: Copper at 0.24%, throughput at 10 million tonnes
• - Somincor: Projected copper grades at 1.7g/tonne, zinc grades at 6.7g/tonne
• - Tara: Zinc grades at 5.6g/tonne, throughput at 1.8 million tonnes
• - Zinkgruvan: Zinc grades at 7.0g/tonne, copper grades at 2.0g/tonne, throughput at 1.1 million tonnes

These insights into production strategies at Boliden signify not just internal operational goals but set the stage for enhanced market performance. The anticipated decision from environmental regulators and ongoing investments highlight Boliden's commitment to sustainability while pursuing economic growth. Boliden invites industry analysts and media representatives for a detailed presentation via a live webcast following the announcement of its production guidance.