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Highlight

  • AUQ share price increased by 21% to AUD 0.039 on 7 August 2025 following an operational update.

  • Newly commissioned tailings filter presses are expected to increase plant efficiency from 65% to up to 90%.

  • Monthly copper-gold concentrate production is projected to rise to 3,000–3,200 DMT with the upgrade.

Alara Resources Limited (ASX:AUQ) saw its share price rise by 21% to AUD 0.039 on 7 August 2025, following the announcement of a major production upgrade at its Al Wash-hi Majaza Copper-Gold Project in Oman. The upgrade centres on the commissioning of new interim tailings filter presses (TFPs), expected to significantly increase output and operational efficiency at the copper-gold processing plant.

New Filter Presses Commissioned to Increase Production to 90% Capacity

The newly installed TFPs were sourced from China and are currently operating in semi-automatic mode under the supervision of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives. With this upgrade, Al Hadeetha Resources LLC (AHRL) – the project operator in which Alara holds a 51% interest – expects a ramp-up in production levels from the current 62–65% operational efficiency to approximately 85–90% of the plant’s design capacity.

This increase is attributed to reduced unplanned stoppages and enhanced processing throughput. The projected monthly production of copper-gold concentrate is expected to rise from approximately 2,376 dry metric tonnes (DMT) to 3,000–3,200 DMT. The upgraded capacity reflects improvements in average production rates from 3.3 tonnes per hour to 4.2–4.44 tonnes per hour.

Interim Upgrade Ahead of Permanent TFP Installation

Prior to this installation, plant efficiency had been gradually improved from around 50%, due to operational adjustments and modifications made to the original filter press. The commissioning of the interim TFPs serves as a bridge solution while procurement is underway for a permanent unit.

Once the permanent TFP is installed, the plant is expected to operate at or near full design capacity, potentially unlocking further upside in concentrate output. Alara indicated that this development marks a critical step in the optimisation of its Oman operations.

Ongoing Oman Project Development

Beyond the Al Wash-hi Majaza Project, Alara is continuing its exploration efforts across other Omani assets, including:

  • Block 7 (Daris JV)

  • Mullaq and Al Ajal licences (Al Hadeetha JV)

  • Block 8 (Awtad Copper-Power Metal JV)

  • Block 22B (Al Hadeetha Mining LLC JV)

These projects form part of Alara’s broader development strategy to advance exploration and resource definition in Oman’s copper-rich regions.

Company Statement

Alara Resources Managing Director, Atmavireshwar Sthapak, noted the commissioning of the interim filter presses as a key milestone for the Al Wash-hi plant. He stated that the upgrade enhances reliability and supports the company’s goal of achieving higher production levels. The improvement is aligned with Alara’s efforts to drive near-term operational improvements across its asset portfolio.

About Alara Resources

Alara Resources is an Australian-based base and precious metals producer with an operational focus in Oman. The company is engaged in copper-gold mining and processing through Al Hadeetha Resources LLC, as well as active exploration under multiple joint ventures.