Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. reported production results of Oyu Tolgoi for the fourth quarter and full of 2018. For the quarter, the company produced 22,863,000 tonnes of Open pit material mined against 28,929,000 tonnes a year ago. Ore treated was 9,361,000 tonnes against 10,838,000 tonnes a year ago. Concentrates produced was 189,000 tonnes against 205,400 tonnes a year ago. Production of copper was 41,500 tonnes against 45,300 tonnes a year ago. Production of gold was 117,000 tonnes against 35,000 tonnes a year ago. Production of silver was 238,000 tonnes against 285,000 tonnes a year ago.


For the full year, the company reported total open pit material mined of 91,310,000 tonnes against 105,921,000 tonnes a year ago. Ore treated was 38,738,000 tonnes against 41,177,000 tonnes a year ago. Concentrates produced was 724,900 tonnes against 722,500 tonnes a year ago. Production of copper was 159,100 tonnes against 157,400 tonnes a year ago. Production of gold was 285,000 tonnes against 114,000 tonnes a year ago. Production of silver was 914,000 tonnes against 974,000 tonnes a year ago.

The company provided operating guidance for the year 2019. Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 125,000 tonnes to 155,000 tonnes of copper and 180,000 ounces to 220,000 ounces of gold in concentrates for 2019. Open-pit operations are expected to mine Phase 4 throughout the year. Mill throughput for 2019 is expected to be approximately 40 million tonnes. Underground lateral development is expected to advance 15 to 16 kilometres during 2019.