Aurelia Metals Gains Approval to Triple Copper and Zinc Ore Processing in NSW

Aurelia Metals

Regulatory change enables increased throughput from Federation to Peak, positioning Aurelia Metals for base metal growth

New Permit to Expand Ore Haulage Capacity

Australian metals producer Aurelia Metals has received approval to triple ore processing capacity at its New South Wales operations. Authorities granted consent for the company to move up to 600,000 tonnes per year of ore from its Federation mine to the Peak processing center. This change removes a key bottleneck that had limited haulage to only 200,000 tonnes per year since mid-2024.

The Peak facility extracts zinc, copper, lead, and gold from mixed metal ores. The expanded permit supports Aurelia's ongoing ramp-up at Federation, enabling fuller utilization of its processing infrastructure.

Production Ramps Up Amid Mixed Industry Trends

Between October and December 2024, Aurelia processed 16,500 tonnes of Federation ore, yielding 55 tonnes of copper, 626 tonnes of lead, 1,263 tonnes of zinc, and 502 ounces of gold. The company now plans to increase throughput in 2025, bucking a broader trend of production slowdowns among Australian miners.

While Aurelia expands, other producers are retreating. IGO paused its Forrestania nickel project in late 2024 and announced the Nova mine closure by 2027. Globally, Glencore reduced copper output by 6% in 2024, citing declines in Chile and Peru, and unplanned disruptions in the DRC.

Market Context and Copper Price Volatility

Despite market headwinds, Aurelia’s move aligns with long-term optimism for base metals. The LME copper price has shown wide fluctuations, ranging between $8,620/t and $10,857/t over the past year. As of 27 March 2025, LME copper stood at $9,787/t, reflecting ongoing supply uncertainties and demand outlook tied to green energy investments.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Amid a global pullback in copper and nickel production, Aurelia’s expansion in New South Wales sends a signal of long-term resilience. Strategic processing upgrades—like the Federation-Peak scale-up—could prove vital as volatility defines the next phase of the metals cycle.