ASIAN Mineral Resources (AMR) exceeded its 2015 production targets at the Ban Phuc Nickel-Copper Project. The operation milled 447,746 tonnes, which was 18% above the target for the year.

This resulted in production of 8607 tonnes of nickel contained metal in concentrate compared to the previous year’s total of 6854 tonnes. There were 4011 tonnes of copper contained metal in concentrate produced, up from 3439 tonnes in 2014. The average nickel mill recovery of 87.4% was also above the target and above the 2014 average of 85.2%.

There were no reportable environmental incidents and the safety performance exceeded the annual targeted 25% improvement in LTIFR.

The company completed all mined capital development scheduled in 2015 ahead of schedule while the tailings dam construction was completed for the full current life of mine.

Revenue for the year was US$74.8 million, down from the $87.8 million of 2014. This was primarily due to reduced prices with the average realised nickel price for 2015 being $6.24 per pound, down from $8.81 the previous year.

AMR is confident of adding to the resource base of the project with ongoing exploration success at the nearby Kingsnake prospect. Geological mapping and trenching identified a 1.2km mineralized zone at surface with surface EM identifying the presence of EM conductors at depth.

The company’s CEO Evan Spencer said, “We are extremely pleased with AMR’s performance given the extremely low commodity pricing environment throughout 2015. Operational performance continued to achieve increased productivities enabling AMR to exceeded target production and sales volumes.

“Despite the sustained drop in nickel price throughout 2015, increased production levels combined with our strong focus on efficiencies and cost reductions strategies enabled us to maintain cash flow going forward. At the same time, AMR remains committed to pursuing growth opportunities, on our near-mine exploration and regional exploration targets with a priority focus on Kingsnake where exploration activities remain ongoing.”

AMR commenced commercial production from its Ban Phuc project in mid-2013. The project currently produces more than 8600 tonnes of nickel and 4000 tonnes of copper per annum contained in concentrate, plus a cobalt by-product.

In addition to in and near-mine expansion projects, Ban Phuc provides a cash-generative operating platform from which AMR can continue to focus on developing a new nickel camp within its 150sqkm of concessions located throughout the highly-prolific Song Da rift zone.