CuDeco has suspended mining and processing at its Rocklands copper operation.

The company said today it was anticipated the suspension would last until September 10 to allow for critical maintenance work.

It said the process plant ball mill had been due for a reline next week, however the company was bringing forward and extending the planned maintenance shutdown.

CuDeco said it would also undertake a number of business improvement projects and financial assurances during this period.

“This suspension is vital for Rocklands’ operations and the future of this important asset for Cloncurry,” CuDeco chairman Peter Hutchison said.

“During this period our major shareholder representatives will continue to progress a number of funding initiatives which have been in active discussion for some time now and which we are confident will provide effective solutions to immediate and longer-term funding requirements.

“This time will also be used by the company to reset our operation and refine our business model so that once our financing arrangements are successfully secured we can achieve the full potential of our project for the benefit of all parties who have supported the company to date.”