The polymetallic mine in Manaila, Suceava county, managed by the British company Vast Resources, has begun the commercial production of zinc, the company announced on Monday.

The firm is currently producing copper concentrate in the Manaila mine. Adding the production of zinc will increase its profitability, said Vast Resources general manager Roy Pitchford.

Vast Resources is listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies. The company became the majority stakeholder in the mine after acquiring a 51% stake in July 2015. Besides the Manaila mine, the British firm also owns an 80% stake in the polymetallic mine in Baita Plai, Bihor county.

In September, the company announced that it concluded a long-term contract with Swiss non-ferrous metal trader Transamine Trading for the sale of the total quantity of ore concentrate produced at Manaila.

The British company has invested over EUR 4.5 million in developing its operations in Romania.

editor@romania-insider.com