Kanmantoo Copper Mine Hits 1.8Mtpa Run Rate as Emily Star FID Advances
Hillgrove Resources' Kanmantoo Copper Mine has reached its targeted 1.8 million tonnes per annum run rate, while the company advances the Emily Star Stage 2 project with a Final Investment Decision expected sooner than planned.
- Kanmantoo achieves 1.8Mtpa throughput in June 2026
- Emily Star Stage 2 FID moved up to September quarter
- Ramp-up aligns with company’s operational guidance
- Comprehensive June quarter results due mid-July
- Ongoing drilling supports growth and investment timing
Kanmantoo Mine Meets Production Milestone
Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX:HGO) has confirmed its flagship Kanmantoo Copper Mine in South Australia achieved a run rate of 1.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in June 2026, hitting the company’s ramp-up target. This milestone reflects steady improvements in both mining and milling operations, which together sustained the annualised throughput rate.
The achievement is a key operational marker, demonstrating Hillgrove’s ability to unlock latent capacity at Kanmantoo’s processing plant and deliver on production forecasts. Investors can expect a detailed breakdown of financial and operating metrics in the upcoming June 2026 Quarterly Report, scheduled for release in the week commencing 20 July.
Emily Star Stage 2 Investment Decision Accelerated
In a notable development, Hillgrove has brought forward the Final Investment Decision (FID) for its Emily Star Stage 2 project to the September quarter, earlier than previously anticipated. This acceleration is underpinned by ongoing drilling, geotechnical studies, and financial assessments that have provided sufficient data to support an informed decision.
CEO Bob Fulker emphasised the company’s disciplined, risk-based approach, noting that the team is confident in advancing this next growth phase while remaining adaptive to new information. The move signals Hillgrove’s intent to maintain momentum in expanding its copper production profile amid a tightening global market.
Operational Context and Growth Prospects
Hillgrove’s ramp-up to 1.8Mtpa throughput at Kanmantoo aligns with prior guidance and complements recent exploration success, including deeper copper-gold mineralisation discovered at Kanmantoo. These findings bolster the mine’s resource base and support a potential extension of its operational life.
Meanwhile, the Emily Star project continues to deliver high-grade copper-gold intersections, reinforcing the economic case for expansion. The earlier FID reflects growing confidence in the project’s technical and financial viability, positioning Hillgrove to capitalise on favourable market conditions.
Hillgrove’s strategy also includes leveraging its existing infrastructure and processing capabilities to optimise production growth, with a clear focus on validating technical assessments ahead of committing capital.
Bottom Line?
Hillgrove’s operational progress at Kanmantoo and expedited Emily Star decision highlight a company poised to enhance its copper output, but investors should watch for detailed quarterly results and the execution of the Stage 2 investment plan.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the June quarter financials confirm sustained profitability at 1.8Mtpa throughput?
- How might the accelerated Emily Star FID impact Hillgrove’s capital expenditure and funding needs?
- What are the risks if new drilling or geotechnical data alter the Stage 2 project’s assumptions?
