en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hillgrove Resources (ASX: HGO) has achieved an operating rate of 1.8 million tonnes per annum at its Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia, a milestone reached in June.

During the month, both mining and processing operations achieved an annualized operating rate of 1.8 Mtpa.

Comprehensive financial and operational results will be provided in the June quarterly report, scheduled for release in the week starting July 20.

The company has also brought forward the final investment decision for Emily Star Stage 2 to the September quarter, earlier than previously expected. This decision is based on ongoing drilling, geotechnical, and financial evaluation activities.

CEO Bob Fulker stated that achieving this operating rate "demonstrates the team's ability to continue executing as planned and to capitalize on potential processing capacity." Fulker added: "We now have sufficient information to take action, and our disciplined, risk-based approach allows us to move ahead, integrate new data as it becomes available, and maintain momentum. Our focus remains on validating technical and economic assessments so that we can confidently advance to the next phase of growth."

The company's decision to accelerate the Emily Star final investment decision reflects confidence in the project's technical and economic parameters. The company continues drilling and evaluation work to support the investment decision.

Hillgrove Resources is an Australian copper producer focused on expanding the scale of its flagship asset—the underground operations at the Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia—while advancing a growing portfolio of regional critical mineral exploration projects.