After a difficult start-up period, with new technology and a developing workforce, Thompson Creek Metals has announced full commercial production at Mount Milligan Mine.
Thompson Creek said the mine achieved commercial production on Feb. 18, 2014, which they defined as having been at 60 per cent or more of mill design capacity for 30 days.
Thompson Creek Metals has been struggling with low molybdenum prices, as its operating mines Thompson Creek in the United States, and Endako near Fraser Lake, both are primarily molybdenum operations.
Mount Milligan represents a major diversification of Thompson Creek’s operations.
During the release of their full 2013 financials, Thompson Creek reported producing 10.4 million pounds of copper and 20,374 ounces of gold from Mount Milligan.
The new copper-gold mine took nearly three years to construct and cost more than expected, but has managed to find the workers necessary for operation despite skilled worker shortages.
Mount Milligan Mine is located between Fort St. James and Mackenzie.