Central Asia Metals (LSE:CAML) reported that both of its producing assets delivered output in line with 2025 guidance, with the Kounrad operation producing 13,311 tonnes of copper and the Sasa mine generating 17,881 tonnes of zinc-in-concentrate alongside 25,156 tonnes of lead-in-concentrate. Safety performance remained strong across the group, with one lost time injury recorded at Kounrad and none at Sasa during the year. The company ended 2025 with a robust cash position of $80.1m.
During the year, the group initiated a wide-ranging efficiency programme at Sasa aimed at improving operational performance. Measures include targeted headcount reductions, deeper geological understanding of the orebody and enhanced mine planning. Central Asia Metals also achieved its 2026 target for environmentally preferable tailings storage ahead of schedule, reflecting progress on its sustainability objectives.
Looking ahead, 2026 production guidance reflects a gradual decline at Kounrad, consistent with its mature profile, offset by higher expected output at Sasa as improvement initiatives take effect. The company is also stepping up its exploration efforts in Kazakhstan and increasing investment in Aberdeen Minerals’ Arthrath project, reinforcing its strategy of optimising existing operations while building future growth options in base and battery metals.
From a market perspective, Central Asia Metals continues to demonstrate financial strength and balance sheet stability, supported by ongoing share buybacks that enhance shareholder returns. While technical indicators suggest the shares may be overbought in the near term, valuation remains reasonable and supported by an attractive dividend yield. Operational challenges at Sasa remain a key focus but are being actively addressed through targeted strategic actions.
More about Central Asia Metals
Central Asia Metals plc is an AIM-listed base metals producer operating the Kounrad dump-leach SX-EW copper facility in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia. The group also maintains an exploration and project appraisal focus in Kazakhstan and holds a strategic minority interest in Aberdeen Minerals’ nickel-copper-cobalt Arthrath project in Scotland. Central Asia Metals targets long-life, low-cost copper, zinc and lead assets, while using subsidiaries such as CAML X and CAML XD to expand its pipeline of battery and base metals opportunities.
Leave a Reply