Quadra improves at Robinson

Vancouver — After setbacks caused by nature and various technical issues, Quadra Mining (QUA-T, QADMF-O) has improved the operating performance of the Robinson copper mine near Ely, Nev.

The mine produced 31.6 million lbs. copper and 22,262 oz. gold in the fourth quarter of 2005, which the company says is within its revised guidance for the quarter.

Quadra reduced its production estimates last year after wet weather in the second quarter caused premature slope movement in a portion of the Tripp-Veteran pit. The subsequent de-weighting program temporarily reduced mining rates and head grades.

A total of 18 million tonnes was mined in the latest quarter, with 3.4 million tonnes processed in the mill. Grades averaged 0.57% copper and 0.34 gram gold per tonne.

The company says all aspects of production met targets, with the exception of copper recoveries, which averaged 73.5% for the period. Gold recoveries averaged 61.5%, ahead of revised guidance, reflecting the benefits of a newly installed gravity circuit.

For the full year 2005, the Robinson mine produced 126.2 million lbs. copper, within the expected range of 120-127 million lbs. Gold production for the year totalled 81,000 oz., well above the expected rate of 75,000 oz.

Quadra is now commissioning a newly installed molybdenum recovery circuit at Robinson. The company will soon release an updated resource estimate for the open-pit project.