Trekor Metals' output rose in the third quarter, driven by higher ore grades and improved mill performance.

The company on Thursday said it has produced 41 million pounds of copper, benefiting from a 12% increase from its Gibraltar mine and higher output from the Florence Copper production facility in Arizona.

From Gibraltar, its mine in British Columbia, the company produced 34 million pounds of copper and 380,000 pounds of molybdenum, benefiting from strong grades and increased mill throughput and improved SX/EW plant performance.

From Gibraltar, the company now expects to produce 115 million to 120 million pounds of copper, up from previous expectations of 110 million to 115 million pounds. However, it noted that its higher grades have been mined, and now expects lower grades in the fourth quarter.

Trekor said that the Florence Copper ramp-up continued in the period, with total copper cathode production rising 36% to 7 million pounds.

Chief Executive Stuart McDonald noted that the company is behind its initial plan for its wellfield expansion at the Florence Copper facility. "Drilling rates have improved in recent months, but we are still about three months behind our original plan," McDonald said.