Atalaya Mining Plc : - Third Quarter 2021 Operations Update and Increase in 2021 Guidance

Atalaya Mining Plc (AIM: ATYM, TSX: AYM) is pleased to announce its operations update for the third quarter of 2021 ('Q3 2021' or 'the Period').

Proyecto Riotinto Operating Highlights

Copper production in Q3 2021 remained strong at 13,933 tonnes, and Atalaya is now increasing its production guidance for the full year 2021.

The plant processed 3.9 million tonnes of ore during Q3 2021, equivalent to a throughput rate of nearly 16 Mtpa, which included a planned SAG mill maintenance shutdown in the Period (previously scheduled for Q4 2021).

Recoveries of 87.29% were better than budgeted and helped to offset the impact of the mill shutdown and lower grades, resulting in only a modest decrease in copper production compared with previous quarters.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions during the Period, mining operations have continued normally with mining rates consistent with plant performance (including the planned mill shutdown). From 1 October 2021, Proyecto Riotinto reviewed some of the COVID-19 safety measures as the number of cases and the severity decreased significantly during Q3 2021.

On-site copper concentrate inventories at the end of Q3 2021 were approximately 4,232 tonnes. All concentrate in stock at the beginning of the Period was delivered to the port at Huelva.

Average spot copper prices moved from US$4.40/lb in Q2 2021 to US$4.25/lb during the Period. Atalaya's average realised price increased to US$4.31/lb from US$4.27/lb in the previous quarter. When excluding the QPs, the realised price during Q3 2021 was US$4.24/lb. On a year-to-date basis, the realised price has been US$4.08/lb and US$4.17/lb including and excluding QPs, respectively.

Cash operating costs for the Period are expected to be below full year 2021 cost guidance owing mainly to the Euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate together with higher copper production and better recoveries. Further details on costs will be provided with the Q3 Financial Statements due to be reported in mid-November.

Proyecto Riotinto Optimisation

During Q3 2021, some cost reduction initiatives were implemented including an expert system to control SAG mill operation that resulted in lower energy consumption as well as associated reduction of CO2 emissions.

Permitting of a 50 MW solar plant for self-consumption has advanced significantly and final permits are expected in the next weeks, with construction to start immediately after. The selection of construction contractor for the solar plant is ongoing.

Flotation improvements are being investigated with the use of new reagents focused on increased recoveries.

Reserves and Resources Updates at Proyecto Riotinto

Following an independent reserve estimate which confirmed a long mine life at the Cerro Colorado open pit, studies have advanced focusing on the addition of new resources contained in satellite deposits at Proyecto Riotinto.

Work is ongoing on the preparation of a NI 43-101 compliant technical report for the San Dionisio and San Antonio deposits. A significant portion of the resources at San Dionisio is potentially mineable by open pit and further polymetallic mineralization could be exploited using underground mining methods at both the San Dionisio and San Antonio deposits.

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