Central Asia Metals’ copper-zinc production outpaces last year

Staff Writer | June 10, 2026 | 9:13 am Markets Europe Russia and Central Asia Copper Lead Zinc

Kounrad processing plant in Kazakhstan. Credit: Central Asia Metals

Central Asia Metals (AIM: CAML) says operational efficiencies have allowed it to produce more copper and zinc through the first five months of 2026 than the same period last year.

From January to May, copper production from its Kounrad operation in Kazakhstan totalled 5,141 tonnes, surpassing last year’s 4,953 tonnes, while the Sasa mine in North Macedonia produced 7,566 tonnes of zinc in concentrate, versus 7,397 tonnes in 2025.

Alongside higher production, the UK-listed miner also reported significantly higher realized prices for the metals through the five-month period. Copper averaged $13,076/t, a near 40% increase from last year’s $9,377/t. Average zinc prices was 19% higher at $3,299/t.

For lead, CAML said it experienced historically low levels of treatment charges, which have turned negative, which boosted Sasa’s revenues. During the five months, the average received price for lead concentrates dipped slightly, offsetting a marginally higher production at 11,142 tonnes in 2025.

Commenting on the results, CEO Gavin Ferrar pointed to an emphasis on production efficiency that has allowed the company to take full advantage of the high metals prices. “H1 2026 is shaping up to be a highly profitable and cash-generative period for the group, supporting our stated dividend policy,” he said.

Group outlook

Looking ahead, CAML expects to meet its full-year production guidance of 12,000-13,000 tonnes of copper, 18,000-20,000 tonnes of zinc concentrates and 26,000-28,000 tonnes of lead concentrates. For copper, it pointed to a typically stronger second half at Kounrad, given the positive effects of warmer weather on dump-leach operations.

The company is also set to expand its portfolio beyond the European and Central Asian regions, having announced last week its proposed acquisition of Cygnus Metals (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG) and its high-grade copper-gold project in Quebec, Canada.

“The transaction combines a highly cash-generative business with a very prospective copper development asset, giving both sets of shareholders exposure to a diversified base metals mining company,” Ferrar said in a press release on Wednesday.

Shares in CAML closed the session 3.4% higher, trading at a market capitalization of £240.3 million ($179.5 million) in London.