Atalaya Miningplc said May 4 that the temporary tailings disposal at its Riotinto copper project in Spain has now been lifted.

In April, the government of Spain's Andalucia region orderedthe company to halt the deposition of tailings but following a satisfying inspectionhas allowed the company to use the facilities with immediate effect.

The company also said it has commenced commissioning of the expansionproject with new mills coming online, targeting production of 9.5 million tonnesper annum.

Atalaya was confident that any production losses from the temporarysuspension will be offset by the early startup of the new expanded plant.