Aurelia Metals Reports 12% Rise in Mineral Resources and 17% Ore Reserve Growth

Overview of 2025 Resource and Reserve Growth

Aurelia Metals Limited (ASX – AMI) has released its 2025 Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement, revealing significant growth in its mineral inventories. The Group’s Mineral Resource estimate rose by 12% to 29 million tonnes, while Ore Reserves increased by 17% to 5.5 million tonnes as of 30 June 2025. These gains underpin a Group Production Target of 8.6 million tonnes, supporting an approximately eight-year mine life at an expanded processing rate.

Chief Executive Officer Bryan Quinn highlighted the company’s disciplined exploration and operational excellence as key drivers behind these results, particularly the expansion of copper-dominant tonnes that strengthen Aurelia’s position in a commodity with robust global demand.

Peak Operation – Copper Takes Centre Stage

The Peak Operation, Aurelia’s flagship asset, demonstrated remarkable growth with a 19% increase in copper Mineral Resources to 19 million tonnes at 1.8% copper and 0.7 grams per tonne gold. Even more striking is the 50% increase in copper Ore Reserves to 3 million tonnes at 1.8% copper and 1.6 grams per tonne gold. The Peak Copper Production Target stands at 4.7 million tonnes, reflecting higher grades and tonnage.

This copper growth is supported by updated geological models, additional drilling, and improved economic parameters. The company is also advancing the Great Cobar Project, a high-grade copper development within the Peak Operation, which offers significant expansion potential through underground exploration drilling.

Federation Mine – Production Commences Amid Resource Refinement

Federation Mine, located 15 kilometres south of Nymagee, commenced commercial production in July 2025. While its Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates decreased by 8% to 4.4 million tonnes and 2.2 million tonnes respectively, this reflects mining depletion and updated geological interpretations following close-spaced underground drilling.

The Federation Production Target is set at 3.5 million tonnes with strong potential for future increases as infill drilling progresses, particularly in deeper zones. Metallurgical test work and early processing at the Peak Processing Plant confirm the viability of producing saleable base metal concentrates from Federation ore.

Nymagee and Queen Bee Projects – Exploration Successes

The Nymagee Project saw a substantial 70% increase in Mineral Resources to 3.9 million tonnes, driven by successful surface drilling campaigns that extended high-grade mineralisation and discovered new lenses. Drilling continues to target Nymagee as a potential future ore source for Aurelia’s processing plants.

The Queen Bee Project, located near the Peak Operation, also recorded a 21% increase in Mineral Resources to 680,000 tonnes at 2.4% copper. Recent drilling has helped define the southeastern boundary of the deposit, supporting its potential for future development.

Operational and Economic Assumptions

Aurelia’s Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates are prepared in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 and incorporate detailed mining, metallurgical, and economic assumptions. The company uses Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-offs tailored to each deposit and mining method, reflecting current commodity prices, metallurgical recoveries, and operational costs.

Processing occurs primarily at the Peak Processing Plant, which is undergoing upgrades to increase throughput from 800,000 tonnes per annum to approximately 1.1–1.2 million tonnes per annum. The plant produces separate concentrates for copper, zinc, and lead, alongside gold-silver doré bars.

Long-term offtake agreements with Trafigura Pte Ltd and refining arrangements with ABC Refinery ensure stable logistics and market access for Aurelia’s products.

Environmental and Community Engagement

All operations are conducted under appropriate development consents and mining leases, with comprehensive environmental management plans in place. Aurelia actively engages with local communities through consultative committees and voluntary planning agreements, ensuring social license to operate and addressing environmental impacts such as dust, noise, and water management.