Introduction
Anglo Asian Mining PLC (AIM: AAZ), a prominent mining company, has officially started production at its Gilar underground mine, situated at the Gedabek site in Azerbaijan. This development marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy in the region, focusing on both copper and gold extraction.
Main Body
The company has set ambitious production targets for the Gilar mine, planning to extract around 2,000 tonnes of ore daily, with a ramp-up to a monthly output of 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes. According to the maiden JORC mineral resource estimate released on December 11, 2023, the Gilar deposit is rich in resources, containing 6.10 million tonnes of mineralization. This includes an average grade of 0.88% copper, equating to nearly 54,000 tonnes of copper, and 1.30 grams of gold per tonne, totaling over 255,000 ounces of gold.
Following the announcement of production commencement, Anglo Asian’s shares surged by 7% in London, elevating the company’s market value to £169.9 million ($226.9 million). Despite this positive market response, the company faced challenges in 2024, producing only 16,760 gold-equivalent ounces due to a partial environmental shutdown. Operations, however, resumed by year-end.
Looking ahead, Anglo Asian is strategically positioning itself to transition into a multi-asset, mid-tier copper and gold producer by 2029, with copper expected to become its primary product. The company plans to bring four new mines into production between 2025 and 2029, namely Gilar, Zafar, Xarxar, and Garadag. This move aligns with the global surge in demand for copper, driven by the energy transition and electrification trends. However, questions remain: Can Anglo Asian manage environmental concerns effectively while scaling up operations? And how will geopolitical dynamics in the region impact its long-term plans?
Opinion and Analysis
The launch of the Gilar mine comes at a critical time when copper is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of the green economy, essential for renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles. Anglo Asian’s focus on copper production by 2029 is a strategic bet on this trend, but it must navigate environmental and regulatory challenges, as evidenced by the 2024 shutdown. Investors appear optimistic, as reflected in the share price increase, yet sustained growth will depend on operational stability and the successful rollout of its additional mining projects.