ACG Metals has moved its Gediktepe mine in Türkiye into the ramp-up phase after producing its first copper concentrate from the sulphide operation. The first concentrate was produced on Aug. 31, following commissioning activities at the plant. The milestone marks the transition from Gediktepe’s previous gold and silver heap-leach operation toward copper and zinc concentrate production.
Sulphide Plant Moves Into Ramp-Up
ACG will now concentrate on increasing plant throughput, recoveries and concentrate quality as the operation progresses toward planned full production by the end of 2026. The company has maintained its 2026 production guidance of 20,000-22,000 tonnes of copper equivalent, while all-in sustaining costs are forecast at $2.40-$2.60 per lb of copper equivalent. The sulphide processing circuit is more complex than the oxide heap-leach operation previously used at Gediktepe. Its performance will depend on consistent production of saleable concentrates while handling variations in ore characteristics.
Throughput and Recoveries Become Key Metrics
The ramp-up will be assessed through ore throughput, metal recoveries, concentrate grades and payable production, rather than processing volumes alone. ACG must demonstrate that the plant can sustain its designed throughput and achieve copper and zinc recoveries capable of supporting the company’s cost guidance.
Gediktepe provides ACG with exposure to copper production through an existing project moving from commissioning into operations. The company is also operating in Türkiye, an established mining jurisdiction with infrastructure and access to European and regional metal markets. The first-concentrate milestone shifts the project’s focus from construction and commissioning to operational execution, with sustained plant performance, concentrate quality and recoveries becoming the main indicators during the ramp-up.
