CuDeco gets green light to bring Queensland copper mine back online

Queensland copper producer CuDeco has been allowed to restart production at its Rocklands mine.

CuDeco (ASX:CDU) was ordered by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines to halt operations at the end of November after a number of issues were identified with the processing plant.

While the company still has to address further issues with the gravity circuit, it has been permitted to go ahead with the installation of a native copper circuit bypass.

Processing operations will recommence using the new bypass circuit, which CuDeco had been planning to install for “some time”.

Shares held steady to close at 31c on Monday. CuDeco’s share price has retreated 37.5c from a six-month peak of 48c in August.

CDU shares over the past six months. Source: Investing.com

CuDeco has vowed to prevent a repeat of the issues that lead to the forced shutdown of the Rocklands operation, which employs around 300 workers and contractors.

“The health and safety of our workforce is the highest priority,” chief Gongyang Jiang said.

“We sincerely regret this incident and are determined to take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and sustainable operation for the benefit of the whole community.”

CuDeco has faced commissioning problems at Rocklands in recent months. The mine had to undergo a long, unplanned shutdown in October due to issues with the ball mill that affected copper grades.