R3D Resources has produced its first 28-bag shipment of copper sulphate, ready for collection at the Tartana mine site near Chillagoe.

It comes as wet conditions continue to hamper operations, with water levels at the Walsh River crossing nearest to the Tartana site making truck transportation difficult.

“It is very exciting to announce the milestone of the first shipment of copper sulphate which is ready for pick up by our offtake partner Kanins,” R3D managing director Stephen Bartrop said.

“This is an important milestone and it means that Tartana’s copper sulphate is now entering the Australian technical grade market.

“We are also encouraged with the increase in the copper price which is now around $US9000 per tonne.

“We have a positive outlook for the copper market, influenced by electric vehicle market and energy transition. A potential appreciating Renminbi will also make it cheaper for Chinese consumers.”

Minimum shipments are 28 bags weighing about 1.2 tonnes each, with the product comprising 25 per cent copper.

R3D said production was expected to continue early next week, pending supply of reagents and additional pumps.

The heap leach-solvent extraction plant at Tartana previously operated for about a decade under other owners before being placed in care and maintenance in 2014.

R3D restarted copper sulphate production late last year after refurbishing the plant.