Atico Mining Corporation, based in Vancouver, shared its operating outcomes for the second quarter of 2026, showing that 1,465 ounces of gold and 2.08 million pounds of copper were produced at the El Roble mine. Released on August 6, 2026, the data pointed to consistent progress in some aspects and notable challenges in others, especially around gold production, which was affected by current mining conditions.
Copper output slightly reduced, gold output sharply down
The quarter saw total copper production at 2.08 million pounds, a 4% reduction compared to the second quarter of 2025. Despite this, the company achieved a 10% improvement in copper grades, which now average 1.91%. Meanwhile, gold production fell significantly by 38%, dropping to 1,465 ounces, largely because operations temporarily moved through a lower-grade gold area at the mine.
The average daily processing volume was 786 tonnes, representing a 5% decline from the previous year. Gold head grade also declined, reaching 1.25 grams per tonne, down 40% year-over-year. Copper recovery remained stable at 92.3%, but gold recovery showed a substantial increase, rising by 18% to 68%.
Looking ahead to reserve updates and operational improvements
Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO of Atico, stated in a press release that the mine performed as expected during the period. He highlighted the company’s goals for the second half of the year, including the release of an updated reserve report and the optimization of new equipment to access higher-grade ore zones. These initiatives are expected to contribute to increased production and improved operational performance in the coming months.
The El Roble mine, located in the Choco region of Colombia, is a high-grade underground operation focused on copper and gold. With a daily processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes, the mine is projected to have reserves lasting until the first quarter of 2027. This assessment, valid as of March 12, 2024, supports Atico’s exploration and development plans as it continues to work on expanding its operations.
Atico has identified a promising geological feature on its land—specifically, a 10-kilometer-long boundary between volcanic rocks and pelagic sediments. This area is currently undergoing surface drilling to evaluate its potential for new VMS (volcanogenic massive sulfide) type mineralization.
Technical oversight and future objectives
The technical accuracy of the report was verified by Thomas Kelly, an advisor to Atico and a qualified individual under National Instrument 43-101 standards. Kelly ensures that the technical data included in the release aligns with the reports and data Atico has compiled. This verification is essential for maintaining transparency and credibility in the company’s operations.
Atico remains focused on its exploration and development initiatives across Latin America. The company currently operates the El Roble mine and is working on the high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. Additionally, Atico is actively pursuing the acquisition of advanced-stage projects. Detailed information, including a full NI 43-101 technical report, is available on SEDAR+ and the company’s official website.
For investor-related questions, the company has provided contact details for Igor Dutina in Investor Relations at +1.604.633.9022. Atico is listed under the trading symbols TSX.V: ATY and OTCQX: ATCMF. The company notes that neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider is responsible for the accuracy of the release, and no securities regulatory authority has approved the contents of the report.
The company highlighted the importance of its long-term reserves, which are based on proven and probable mineral reserves totaling 828 thousand tonnes averaging 2.49% Cu and 2.20 g/t Au. These reserves, established as of March 12, 2024, are foundational to Atico’s operations and future expansion. The reserve estimate also indicates a life of mine until Q1-2027, which provides a clear timeline for planning and development activities.
Atico is also working on optimizing the efficiency of its operations at the El Roble mine by leveraging new equipment and processes. This includes gaining further access to higher-grade ore zones, which are expected to enhance production in the second half of the year. By targeting these improvements, Atico aims to deliver consistent performance and maintain its position as a growth-oriented company in the mining sector.
The El Roble mine has undergone significant upgrades since Atico obtained control on November 22, 2013, increasing its processing plant capacity from a historical 400 tonnes per day to a current nominal capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day. These upgrades have been central to the mine’s ability to meet production targets and support the company’s overall strategy for growth and sustainability in the region.
Furthermore, Atico is actively engaging in exploration activities on its larger land package in Colombia. The focus on the 10-kilometer geological contact offers significant potential for discovering new mineralized zones. These ongoing surface drilling efforts are part of a strategic approach to maximize the value of the company’s asset base and ensure continued resource expansion.
The company’s commitment to exploring and developing high-grade projects is also reflected in its La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. This project is currently in the development phase and represents a key growth opportunity for Atico. With the company’s focus on both existing operations and new projects, Atico aims to strengthen its market position and deliver long-term value to its stakeholders.