Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS), an Australian mid-tier base and precious metals producer, presented its FY26 strategy at the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum. The company has two producing operations and three development projects. Managing Director Andre Labuschagne outlined the company’s key priorities for the coming financial year, focusing on operational delivery, balance sheet management, and strategic growth initiatives. Aeris aims to increase copper equivalent production to between 40 and 49kt, driven by improvements at the Tritton and Cracow mines.
The company plans to repay its debt by August 2026 through a combination of operational cash flow and potential asset sales. Aeris is also evaluating hedging strategies to mitigate commodity price risk. Key operational targets include the Murrawombie Pit and Constellation project at Tritton, and Golden Plateau at Cracow. The company is focused on life extension opportunities at its existing operations, with significant exploration programs planned at both Tritton and Cracow.
Aeris is looking to unlock value for shareholders through greenfield exploration and potential external opportunities. This includes advancing the Stockman project and considering joint venture opportunities for its gold assets at Jaguar. The company also intends to simplify its portfolio by divesting its North Queensland assets, with indicative non-binding offers already received. This divestment could also release $6.5 million in restricted cash held against environmental bonds.
Guidance for FY26 includes copper production of 24-29kt, gold production of 44-56koz and silver production of 240-293koz. Mine operating costs are projected to be between $302 and $369 million, with sustaining capital expenditure of $57-$70 million and growth capital expenditure of $65-$80 million. Exploration expenditure is budgeted at $18-$23 million.
