Capstone Copper Corp. announced that first saleable copper concentrate was produced at its Mantoverde Development Project ("MVDP") in Chile, as the mine advances commissioning and ramps up to full production levels. The unchanged key commissioning milestones at the MVDP include: First ore to the primary crusher - completed in fourth quarter 2023; First ore to the grinding circuit - completed in first quarter 2024; First saleable concentrate - completed in second quarter 2024; and Achievement of nameplate operating rates - expected during third quarter 2024.

MVDP is expected to enable the mine to process 236 million tonnes of copper sulphide reserves (which represent approximately 20% of total sulphide resources) over a 20-year expected mine life, in addition to existing oxide reserves. The MVDP involves the addition of a sulphide concentrator (nominal 32,000 ore tonnes per day) and tailings storage facility, and the expansion of the existing desalination plant and other minor infrastructure.