Khoemacau Reports Higher Copper Production and Reaffirms 2026 Output Forecast

Khoemacau Reports Higher Copper Production and Reaffirms 2026 Output Forecast. Khoemacau Copper Mining has reported increased copper production during the second quarter of 2026 while maintaining its full-year production guidance, citing improved ore grades and confidence in stronger operational performance during the remainder of the year.

The company produced 11,423 tonnes of copper in concentrate during the quarter, representing a 7% increase compared with the previous quarter. Production was also broadly in line with levels recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

According to Khoemacau, the improvement was driven by higher ore grades, which averaged 1.62% compared with 1.59% in the second quarter of last year. Metallurgical recovery remained stable at 88.2%.

The company said the stronger ore grades were achieved as mining activities progressed into higher-grade sections of the Zone 5 orebody. It expects to continue accessing these areas throughout the rest of 2026.

Despite the increase in copper output, ore milled volumes declined by 6% year-on-year, while ore mined volumes were also lower. Khoemacau attributed the decline to earlier mine development delays and reduced equipment availability.

To address these challenges, the miner said it continues to prioritise underground mine development and the refurbishment of older equipment. It added that the introduction of new mining machinery is expected to improve productivity and reduce operational constraints in the coming months.

Silver production totalled 370,877 ounces during the quarter, increasing by 13% from the previous quarter but declining by 6% compared with the same period in 2025. The company attributed the year-on-year decrease primarily to lower ore throughput.

Khoemacau has maintained its 2026 copper production guidance of between 48,000 and 53,000 tonnes. The company said stronger equipment utilisation, continued mining in higher-grade zones, the arrival of new mining equipment and the phased commissioning of refurbished fleet units are expected to support improved performance during the second half of the year.