FLORENCE, AZ — Taseko Mines Limited reported that its Florence Copper facility produced 1.5 million pounds of copper cathode during the first quarter of 2026. The SX/EW plant began operations in mid-February, and the first cathodes were harvested by the end of that month — marking the first new copper production from a greenfield facility in the U.S. since 2008. Solutions have been flowing in the wellfield since late 2025, and initial copper leaching and production align with the company’s projections.
Stuart McDonald, President and CEO of Taseko, said: “We are happy with the results from the first months of in-situ copper production at Florence. With the successful start-up behind us, the focus is turning to the production ramp-up. Additional newly constructed wells are now being integrated into the system, which will allow for higher solution flows and copper production in the coming weeks. Wellfield expansion continues, with four drills currently operating and a fifth expected to commence shortly.”
Taseko has locked in a fixed price for all sulphuric acid needed at Florence Copper through 2026. The acid is a key production input, pumped underground to dissolve copper from the rock. McDonald said the company anticipates strong financial performance as Florence Copper production grows.
