Taseko Florence Copper Project Begins Cathode Production in Arizona

Taseko Mines Florence

Taseko Florence Copper project has reached a major milestone with the start of copper cathode production in Arizona. The company said production began earlier this week and expects its first cathode harvest within days. It also expects 30-35mn lbs of copper output from the Florence Copper project this year. As a result, Taseko Florence Copper project is moving from construction into commercial production.

This matters because the Florence Copper project gives Taseko a new source of Arizona copper cathode at a time when US copper supply remains strategically important. The company had already signaled in January that production was close after construction finished in the fourth quarter. Now the project has entered its next phase with actual cathode output. Therefore, Taseko Florence Copper project is becoming one of the more important near-term US copper ramp-ups.

Florence Copper Project Ramp-Up Now Depends on Wellfield Expansion

Florence Copper project still has more work ahead before reaching full production capacity. Taseko said it must expand wellfield operations to continue ramping output. The company currently has three drill rigs at the site and will add a fourth rig within the next week. As a result, the pace of wellfield expansion will directly shape how quickly the Florence Copper project reaches full operating potential.

This is important because early production milestones often attract attention, but ramp-up execution determines the project’s real long-term value. A smooth wellfield expansion would improve confidence in the company’s operating plan. However, delays could slow the path toward higher Arizona copper cathode volumes. Meanwhile, the current 2025 guidance gives the market a clear first benchmark for performance.

Taseko Copper Production Gains Support Beyond Florence

Taseko copper production is also expected to improve beyond Arizona. The company expects output at its Gibraltar mine in British Columbia to rise to 110-115mn lbs in 2026 from 98mn lbs in 2025. Gibraltar also produced 2.2mn lbs of copper cathode last year. Therefore, Taseko copper production is being supported by both a new US project and a stronger Canadian base.

The broader financial picture remains mixed. Taseko reported an annual loss in 2025, although it returned to quarterly profit in the fourth quarter. That makes the Florence Copper project even more important to the company’s growth story. Consequently, stronger production from Florence and Gibraltar could become central to improving financial performance over the next year.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This start-up matters because Florence is no longer a development promise. It is now a producing copper asset with clear near-term output targets. If Taseko manages the wellfield ramp-up effectively, Florence could become a more meaningful part of the North American copper supply story.