Ethiopia-focused gold producer Akobo Minerals has published its final operational update for June, noting that overall results exceeded the company’s previous May/June expectations of 10 kg, taking into consideration the remaining high-grade stockpile.

Akobo notes that the report is published ahead of the final smelting of all June material, as the company awaits delivery of a new furnace better suited to the doré specifications required by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

The company reports that total doré gold production to date totals about 30 kg, with doré gold bar contribution from May and June totalling about 10 kg.

Akobo says high-grade material stockpile, which totalled about 200 t from June, remains to be processed.

This, together with ongoing July production, will be converted to concentrate and smelted once the new furnace is commissioned later this month.

The company adds that the average grade is estimated at 30 g/t.

Mining operations remain focused on high-grade zones within the Segele orebody.

The company notes that the block model data and laboratory results confirm consistently strong grades in active production areas, with certain zones showing values of several hundred grams a tonne.

The process plant is undergoing several adjustments, including feed rate, water recycling and the Falcon concentrator setup.

The company says these remain works in progress as part of the commissioning of the gravity circuit, with the goal of optimising gold recoveries.

Smelting techniques and furnace operations are also being continuously refined to improve doré quality.

The rainy season has brought operational challenges, including difficult working conditions on site and in the region with increased cases of malaria.

Despite this, Akobo says the team at Segele continues to demonstrate strong commitment, maintaining steady progress across mining and processing activities.

With continued access to high-grade ore, stable operations at the plant and further technical upgrades under way, the company anticipates a strong production performance for July and the period ahead.

The new furnace installation will further enhance smelting efficiency and ensure full compliance with National Bank doré standards.