Orion to ramp up copper production to 30ktpa and zinc to 65ktpa
Following the release of the definitive feasibility studies (DFS) for both the Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (PCZM) and the Okiep Copper Project (OCP) Flat Mines Project on 28 March 2025, the focus in the June 2025 quarter turned to developing a project development and execution strategy as well as sourcing the required funding to enable the development of the projects.
Orion Minerals is a base metals company which is developing two complementary base metal production hubs in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, a richly endowed mineral province and well-established mining jurisdiction.
The Company is targeting first production from its key development projects late 2026 / early 2027, with the aspirational goal of ramping up copper production to more than 30ktpa and zinc production of 65ktpa when both projects are in steady state production.
The key focus of the June 2025 Quarter was progressing project funding as well as moving into a project execution phase, specifically at PCZM. The pre-eminent agenda is achieving first concentrate production from Phase 1 (Uppers) at PCZM and dewatering the mine and completing other early works to prepare for development of Phase 2 (Deeps). The goal is to have first concentrate production from the Uppers by Christmas 2026.
In parallel, Orion is viewing the DFS for Flat Mines as a baseline that requires further optimisation over the coming months. Work on the optimisation has commenced, as has planning for early works.
Transitioning from an exploration and studies-based company to a project development and execution company, will bring about core changes within Orion. The planning for these changes commenced during the quarter and will gain momentum during the September 2025 quarter.
