07:59 AM EST, 11/04/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Ero Copper ( ERO ) traded 1.7% lower at last look Tuesday in New York Stock Exchange pre-market trading as the company reported a maiden inferred resource estimate for the Xavantina operation in Brazil based on sampling.

The resource estimate was a result of the company's initiative in 2024 aimed at capturing value from stockpiled gold concentrates produced in small but high-grade quantities since processing operations began in 2012.

Ero said it has sampled about 20% of the total stockpile volume of about 60,000 cubic meters, resulting in a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate of 29,000 ounces of gold contained within a 24,000-tonne sample grading 37.4 grams per tonne gold.

Additional sampling campaigns are underway, Ero said.

"We are extremely proud of the work we are doing at Xavantina to extend mine life, enhance safety, improve productivity, and pursue multiple studies aimed at increasing total production for years to come," chief executive officer Makko DeFilippo said.

Meanwhile, Ero said it completed initial shipments of 3,000 tonnes of gold concentrate in October, and expects to ramp up shipments through the end of the year, selling 10,000-15,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter.

The company also entered into a sales contract for expected 2025 gold concentrate volumes while also continuing exploration efforts at the mine.

"The successful mechanization of the Xavantina operations and the start of gold concentrate sales, set against a backdrop of US$4,000 gold, represent incredibly rewarding achievements for our entire team," DeFilippo added.