Despite first quarter losses, Taseko is optimistic their Florence Copper facility (pictured) will be able to offset low copper production. Courtesy of Taseko Mines.

Taseko Mines showed improved production and lower operating costs per pound, but still posted losses, according to its first quarter results released Wednesday.

Taseko produced 24.9 million pounds of copper at its Gibraltar mine in British Columbia in the first quarter, an eight per cent increase over the 23 million pounds it produced in Q1 of 2018. It’s total operating costs per pound dropped to US$2.21 per pound produced, down from US$2.33 the year before. However, the company mined 23.3 million tonnes of ore in the first quarter, a decrease from 26.7 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2018. According to Taseko, a long cold spell took its toll on Gibraltar’s shovel fleet.