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Central Asia Metals PLC on Thursday reported full-year 2025 production within guidance at its Kounrad copper operation in Kazakhstan and Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia, while issuing lower copper but higher zinc and lead production guidance for 2026 and announcing a share buyback. The mining firm focused on Kazakhstan and North Macedonia said copper production at its Kounrad dump-leach operation totalled 13,311 tonnes in 2025, within guidance and only slightly below the 13,439 tonnes produced in 2024. Zinc-in-concentrate production at Sasa came in at 17,881 tonnes, while lead-in-concentrate output reached 25,156 tonnes, both also within the revised guidance ranges set in July. For 2026, Central Asia Metals expects copper production of 12,000 to 13,000 tonnes, reflecting the gradual decline typical of dump-leach operations. By contrast, it guided for increased output at Sasa, forecasting zinc-in-concentrate production of 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes and lead-in-concentrate production of 26,000 to 28,000 tonnes, as operational improvements begin to take effect. Chief Executive Officer Gavin Ferrar said: ‘Kounrad achieved an excellent production result in Q4 2025, resulting in full-year output only fractionally below that of 2024 despite the effect that adverse weather had on production in the early months of 2025. This is particularly pleasing given the record high copper prices achieved during the quarter. ‘As we have always made clear, the nature of dump-leaching means that Kounrad’s output will naturally reduce gradually over time, which is reflected in our 2026 production guidance. Our focus remains on keeping the operation as efficient as possible to maximise Kounrad’s industry-leading profit margins.’ The company said the Sasa review is now in the implementation phase, with initiatives underway to improve understanding of the orebody and tighten cost control. The miner ended December with cash of $80.1 million and $900,000 drawn under an overdraft facility, giving net cash of $79.2 million. Looking ahead, the group said capital expenditure in 2026 is expected to be $14.5 million to $17.5 million, largely focused on Sasa, alongside $3.0 million to $3.5 million of exploration spending. The company’s shares were down 2.9% at 186.60 pence in London on Thursday morning. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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