SRT Mining Group today reported quarterly copper production of 48,200 tonnes for the second quarter of FY2026 — exceeding guidance of 30,000 tonnes by 61% and representing the company's third consecutive record production quarter.
The result was driven by two key factors: the continued ramp-up of ore production from the Eastern Lens ore zone, which returned consistently higher grades than the resource model forecast, and record plant availability of 94.2% — the highest recorded in the company's 17-year operating history at Turner River.
Eastern Lens performance
The Eastern Lens, a high-grade extension to the main Turner River ore zone, was opened in Q4 FY2025. Drilling ahead of mining has continued to confirm grades significantly above those modelled at the time of resource estimation. During Q2 FY2026, ore sourced from the Eastern Lens averaged 3.1% CuEq — versus the 2.4% resource model average — contributing materially to the above-guidance copper recovery outcome.
Mine planning has now been revised to incorporate the higher Eastern Lens grades through to at least the end of FY2027, which is expected to support continued above-guidance production outcomes into the Stage 5 expansion commissioning period.
"Three consecutive record quarters is not something you get by accident. It reflects the quality of the ore we're mining right now and the performance of a plant team that refuses to accept that last quarter's numbers represent the ceiling."
Atulya Chaturvedi, Managing Director & CEO
Gold production
Gold production for Q2 FY2026 was 38,400 ounces, exceeding guidance of 26,700 ounces by 44%. The above-guidance gold result reflects the elevated gold credits in the Eastern Lens ore and improved carbon-in-leach circuit performance following a maintenance shutdown completed in Q1 FY2026. The CIL circuit achieved gold recovery of 81.4% in Q2 — up from 74.6% in the prior quarter.
Plant performance
Plant availability of 94.2% for the quarter reflects the completion of a comprehensive SAG mill liner change-out programme initiated in FY2025. Planned maintenance shutdowns were completed ahead of schedule in both April and May, contributing to the record availability figure. The maintenance team has now established a 12-week rotating liner inspection programme that is expected to sustain availability above 92% through to Stage 5 commissioning.
Outlook
SRT Mining Group will provide FY2026 full-year production guidance with its Q3 FY2026 quarterly report, expected in early September 2026. Construction of the Stage 5 expansion remains on schedule, with first ore through the new circuit targeted for Q3 FY2027.