Cyprium to restart Cu operations at W Australia Nifty site with 6,000 t/yr cathode plan

Cyprium Metals

Cyprium to restart Cu operations at W Australia Nifty site as it prepares a phased return to copper cathode production. Cyprium Metals will restart operations at the Nifty complex near Port Hedland. Cyprium to restart Cu operations at W Australia Nifty site with a target of 6,000 tonnes per year of copper cathode. Therefore, the project is positioning for deliveries that begin next year.

The restart plan begins with cathode operations and then moves toward open-pit reactivation. The company expects operations to resume in mid-2026. Meanwhile, it plans to releach existing heap leach pads to recover additional copper volumes. As a result, near-term output can rely on existing infrastructure before new mining ramps.

Glencore offtake secures 100% cathode output and start-up materials

Glencore signed an offtake agreement last year for Nifty copper cathode. Glencore will buy 100% of cathode output and also take off-spec material during start-up. Meanwhile, Glencore will provide technical assistance during the restart of Nifty’s two processing plants. Therefore, the offtake reduces sales risk and tightens operational support.

This structure also signals how traders are shaping copper supply chains. It links restart execution to assured market access and technical guidance. However, ramp success will still depend on metallurgy, uptime, and stable leach performance. As a result, the first quarters of production will set credibility for longer-term expansion.

Approvals advance first phase, but sulphide plans need a new operating pathway

Cyprium has received several environmental and regulatory approvals for the first phase. These approvals allow the cathode restart to proceed. Meanwhile, the company said it must submit a new mine operating plan for sulphide ore recovery and processing. Therefore, the longer-term strategy requires a distinct permitting and planning track.

The phased approach can reduce upfront capital exposure. It can also generate cash flow while the company prepares sulphide development. However, sulphide processing often adds complexity and requires tighter compliance and engineering. As a result, Cyprium to restart Cu operations at W Australia Nifty site as a near-term cathode story, while sulphides remain the next major milestone.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Restart projects can deliver fast copper units when infrastructure already exists. Meanwhile, offtake-backed ramp plans can still fail without stable leach kinetics and plant reliability. Therefore, Nifty’s most important KPI will be consistent cathode quality and recovery in the first year.