Taseko Mines said on Tuesday that construction at its 100%-owned Florence Copper project in Arizona is more than 90% complete and remains on schedule for first copper cathode production before the end of 2025.

The Vancouver-based miner reported over 900 000 project hours worked with no reportable injuries or environmental incidents to date. Around 330 workers are currently on site, down from peak levels in the first quarter.

“The first 18 months of construction has gone exceptionally well, demonstrating the quality and experience of our on-site owner’s team and contractors. Construction activities are advancing on plan and project areas will soon start the transition to commissioning,” said president and CEO Stuart McDonald.

He added that key milestones have recently been achieved. “In the wellfield, all the injection and recovery wells planned for the construction phase have now been drilled and completed. Drilling will recommence after plant commissioning to expand the current wellfield and allow for copper production to ramp up to the full 85-million-pound-per-year plant capacity. Also, last week, a key component of the site infrastructure was completed with APS (the local utility) energizing the site 69 kV electrical substation.”

The company is focusing on operational readiness ahead of commissioning, including staffing, training and workflow development.

“Operational readiness remains a key focus for site management. Hiring full-time staff, training, and developing operational workflows are all ongoing to ensure our team is well-positioned for commercial operations in just a few months. A detailed operating plan for the 2026 ramp-up is also being developed and will be finalized after acidification of the wellfield commences in the fall,” McDonald said.

He also highlighted the project's strategic value amid recent price gains in US copper markets. “Florence Copper will be the next major US supplier of domestically produced copper cathode. The potential for 50% tariffs on copper imports into the United States has driven the Comex copper price to record levels in recent weeks. It’s a great time to be bringing on a new US-based copper mine, and a high Comex copper price premium would provide a further boost to Florence Copper’s already strong project economics.”