Central Asia Metals Reports Q1 2025 Operations Update
Why we think this is neutral
The Q1 2025 operations update from Central Asia Metals plc (CAML) presents a mixed picture. While the company maintained safe operations with zero lost time injuries, the decline in copper production at Kounrad and the lack of progress updates on the Sasa capital projects raise some concerns. The encouraging exploration results from the Arthrath project provide a positive outlook, but the overall operational performance appears to be in line with expectations rather than exceeding them.
Key Points
- Zero lost time injuries at Kounrad and Sasa operations
- Kounrad copper production of 2,852 tonnes, down 268 tonnes year-on-year
- Sasa zinc-in-concentrate production of 4,603 tonnes and lead-in-concentrate production of 6,608 tonnes
- Sasa's Dry Stack Tailings (DST) Plant became operational by the end of the quarter
- Sasa's transition to paste-fill mining and the Central Decline project are progressing
- Encouraging exploration results from Aberdeen Minerals' Arthrath project in Scotland
- FY2025 production guidance reiterated
- Completing a material transaction remains a key focus
Summary
Central Asia Metals plc (CAML) has reported its Q1 2025 operations update, highlighting zero lost time injuries at both the Kounrad and Sasa operations. Copper production at Kounrad was 2,852 tonnes, down 268 tonnes year-on-year, due to planned scheduling of lower-grade dumps. Zinc-in-concentrate production at Sasa was 4,603 tonnes, and lead-in-concentrate production was 6,608 tonnes. The company's Dry Stack Tailings (DST) Plant at Sasa became operational by the end of the quarter, and the transition to paste-fill mining and the Central Decline project are progressing. Exploration results from the Arthrath project in Scotland were encouraging. CAML reiterated its FY2025 production guidance, but completing a material transaction remains a key focus.