Avino reports 1Q19 production results
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
Global Mining Review,
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (Avino) has announced its 1Q19 production results from its Avino property near Durango (Mexico).
The silver equivalent production in 1Q19 decreased by 6% compared to 1Q18, primarily due to a shutdown of mill for a period of seven days during the quarter to facilitate planned upgrades to the crushing circuit.
Consolidated production highlights for 1Q19 (compared to 1Q18)
- Silver equivalent production decreased by 6% to 615 019 oz*.
- Gold production decreased by 6% to 1813 oz.
- Silver production decreased by 13% to 268 399 oz.
- Copper production increased by 10% to 1 062 702 lb.
*In 1Q19, AgEq was calculated using metals prices of US$15.57/oz Ag, US$1304.40/oz Au and US$2.82/lb Cu. In 1Q18, AgEq was calculated using metals prices of US$16.77/oz Ag, US$1330/oz Au and US$3.16/lb Cu.
"The production results this quarter are reflective of the lower grades achieved, coupled with 7 days of lost production while upgrades to the crusher were being completed at the mill. The upgrades were significant to the overall operation as they will enable us to realise more consistent throughput from the crusher during the rainy season in Mexico." said David Wolfin, President and CEO.
"We continue to focus on profitable ounces and a considered approach to keeping costs controlled company-wide, particularly as we are experiencing lower metal prices."
The mill circuit configuration in 1Q19 was the same as 4Q18 where Mill Circuit 1 processed material from San Gonzalo, Mill Circuit 2 processed material from San Luis, Mill Circuit 3 processed material from Elena Tolosa and Mill Circuit 4 processed material from the AHAG's.
Copper grades increased by 14%, compared to 1Q18, and silver and gold grades decreased 27% and 18% respectively. The change in grades is due to variability in the deposit.
At San Gonzalo, the mine is approaching its end of life and the grades, recoveries and production have started to tail off. This is in line with our internal expectations.
Although recovery numbers look less favourable; due to the negligible cost of mining, the profit margin on this material is quite positive. We will continue to evaluate our feed and product mix to maximise profitability during the current metal price environment.
Quality assurance/quality control
Mill assays are performed at the Avino property's on-site lab. Check samples are sent to SGS Labs in Durango, Mexico for verification. All concentrate shipments are assayed by one of the following independent third party labs: AHK, and Inspectorate in the UK and LSI in the Netherlands.
Qualified person(s)
Peter Latta, P.Eng, MBA, Senior Technical Advisor, Avino and Jasman Yee P.Eng, Avino director, both of whom are qualified persons within the context of National Instrument 43-101 have reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/16042019/avino-reports-1q19-production-results/
You might also like
Komatsu introduces new wheel loader
Komatsu has announced the new WA700-8, offering enhanced power and efficiency.