Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX:AMI, OTC:AUMTF, FRA:YTR) has secured the final regulatory approval required to lift processing capacity at its Peak operations in New South Wales to 1.2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), supporting plans to increase mining and processing rates across its Cobar Basin operations.
The company’s wholly owned subsidiary Peak Gold Mines Pty Ltd has received a Notice of Determination from Cobar Shire Council approving an increase in the Peak processing plant throughput rate from about 800,000 tonnes per annum to 1.2Mtpa.
The development consent clears the way for Aurelia to operate the plant at the expanded rate once its supporting infrastructure projects are completed.
Interim chief executive officer Martin Cummings said the approval aligned permitted processing capacity with Aurelia’s broader growth plans.
“The receipt of this development consent is an important milestone, aligning the approved processing capacity with our growth plans to increase mining and processing rates across our Cobar Basin operations,” he said.
Peak plant expansion advances
Aurelia’s expansion program is being supported by the Tailings & Water Management Project, Tertiary Ball Mill Project and Crushing & Materials Handling Expansion Project.
The company has already completed a key component of the upgrade, commissioning a new 22-metre tailings thickener in June 2026.
The thickener is expected to improve water management and tailings deposition while supporting higher metal recoveries and lower cyanide reagent consumption.
Construction of the Tertiary Ball Mill Project is progressing to schedule, with commissioning expected during the first quarter of FY27.
Planning is also continuing for the Crushing & Materials Handling Expansion Project as Aurelia works towards higher mining rates across its operations.
“The process plant expansion is already well advanced, with the new tailings thickener commissioned in June 2026,” Cummings said.
“The Tertiary Ball Mill Project is progressing to schedule, with commissioning expected in Q1 FY27, while planning for the Crushing and Materials Handling Expansion Project continues in line with the broader mine ramp-up.”
Supports production growth
The expanded processing capacity is intended to accommodate growing volumes from Aurelia’s mining operations, with increasing material already accumulating on its run-of-mine stockpiles.
When the tailings thickener was commissioned in June, then managing director and CEO Bryan Quinn said the upgrade would support increased throughput while improving recoveries and reducing processing costs at higher volumes.
Aurelia is targeting 40,000 tonnes of copper equivalent production in FY28, with the additional Peak processing capacity forming part of the infrastructure required to support that objective.
Next steps
Commissioning of the Tertiary Ball Mill is expected in Q1 FY27, while Aurelia will continue planning and development work on the Crushing & Materials Handling Expansion Project.
The company will progressively bring the expanded Peak processing capacity into use as mining rates increase across its Cobar Basin operations.
About Aurelia Metals
Aurelia Metals has operations in the Cobar Basin of New South Wales.
Its Peak operation includes underground mining and processing infrastructure, with the company investing in increased plant capacity as part of plans to lift production across its portfolio.