How Tartana’s $0.435M Upgrade Could Transform Copper Sulphate Output
Tartana Minerals has launched a targeted $0.435 million upgrade to its Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate plant, aiming to increase production capacity and reliability amid rising copper prices. The move follows positive test results on higher-grade pit fill material, potentially adding new feedstock without extra crushing.
- Commencement of $0.435 million plant upgrade to improve capacity and reliability
- Targeted production capacity increase to approximately 135 tonnes per month
- Copper sulphate sales linked to rising LME copper prices, currently around A$5,000 per tonne
- Positive test work on higher-grade pit fill material for heap leach stacking without crushing
- Seasonal flooding temporarily restricting site access, expected to clear soon
Strategic Upgrade to Enhance Production
Tartana Minerals Limited (ASX:TAT) has initiated a $0.435 million upgrade to its Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate plant located on its Tartana Mining Leases in Far North Queensland. This upgrade targets key components of the Solvent Extraction – Crystallisation plant, notably replacing the chiller circuit, a vital part of the crystallisation process. The company aims to improve plant reliability and increase throughput, with an estimated nameplate capacity of around 135 tonnes per month.
The decision follows an independent metallurgical review, underscoring Tartana’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainable production. The upgrade is staged, with fabrication already underway and installation expected within six weeks, subject to site access conditions.
Capitalising on Rising Copper Prices
Tartana benefits from a 100% offtake agreement with Kanins International, with product pricing linked directly to the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price. Given the current LME copper price exceeding US$13,000 per tonne, Tartana’s realised sale price for copper sulphate pentahydrate is approximately A$5,000 per tonne. This pricing dynamic significantly enhances revenue potential compared to historical levels.
Since May 2024, the company has produced over 1,400 tonnes of copper sulphate, generating $3.2 million in revenue despite lower copper prices at the time. The plant upgrade is expected to support more consistent production volumes, positioning Tartana to better leverage favourable market conditions.
Innovative Use of Higher-Grade Pit Fill Material
In late 2025, Tartana conducted test work on pit fill material, revealing an average recovered copper grade of 0.22%. Encouragingly, this material can be economically excavated and stacked onto existing heap leach pads without the need for crushing, simplifying processing and reducing costs. This approach not only adds valuable copper feedstock to the plant but also facilitates future access to primary copper ore deeper in the pit.
The company plans to commence mining in higher-grade zones identified within the pit fill, which are unconsolidated and readily stackable. This operational innovation could enhance feedstock quality and throughput without significant additional processing.
Operational Challenges and Outlook
Access to the Tartana plant is currently limited due to seasonal flooding over the Walsh River crossing, a typical occurrence at this time of year. Based on prior experience, Tartana expects site access to be restored within weeks, allowing the upgrade installation to proceed as scheduled.
Overall, the plant upgrade and strategic use of pit fill material represent a focused effort by Tartana Minerals to optimise production and capitalise on strong copper market fundamentals. The company’s approach balances prudent capital expenditure with operational improvements, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation in the near term.
Bottom Line?
Tartana’s targeted plant upgrade and innovative feedstock strategy position it to better capture copper price gains, but seasonal access risks remain a watchpoint.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Tartana achieve the estimated 135 tonnes per month production capacity post-upgrade?
- How will ongoing seasonal flooding impact operational continuity and upgrade timelines?
- What are the long-term implications of pit fill stacking on overall copper recovery and costs?
