Sandfire Resources Ltd (SFR.AU) saw its shares plummet 5.07% during intraday trading on Thursday, following the release of its quarterly production results and updated guidance.

The company reported preliminary copper equivalent production of 34.5 kilotonnes for the March quarter, down from 36.1 kilotonnes in the same period a year earlier. The decline was attributed to operational challenges at its key assets, including high rainfall and unplanned maintenance at the Matsa operation in Spain, and a delayed transition to higher-grade ore at the Motheo operations in Botswana.

While Sandfire maintained its full-year production guidance, it now expects volumes to be in the lower half of the forecast range. Additionally, the company reduced its capital expenditure guidance for fiscal year 2026 by AU$15 million to AU$225 million, partly due to delays at its Kalkaroo project in South Australia.