Canadian-based SilverCrest Metals has achieved the first pour of gold and silver at the Las Chispas mine in Sonora, Mexico.
The milestone pour on June 30 consisted of 312 kilograms of dore – about 9,200 ounces of silver and 100 ounces of gold.
SilverCrest reported that its underground mining rates have increased during the quarter, with production from stoping and in-vein development in a number of veins and via two mining methods. The processing plant is expected to utilize low-grade historic stockpiles through the ramp-up, reducing the reliance on underground mine production at the start of the operation.
Overall, the plant commissioning at Las Chispas is in line with its goal to mark nameplate capacity of 1,250 t/d.
“The plant started in late May 2022 and milled an estimated 12,700 tonnes of low-grade ore during June 2022. Metallurgical recoveries are expected to reach feasibility study parameters in 2023 and results observed to date are tracking toward these objectives,” the company said.
CEO N. Eric Fier added that Las Chispas is still eyeing commercial production in the fourth quarter of this year.
COO Pierre Beaudoin said: “We are pleased with the initial trajectory of the plant commissioning. While it is still early days in the plant ramp-up, we are encouraged by some of the operating indicators. Underground mining rates and our knowledge of the deposit continue to increase, which will be key data, along with plant performance, to incorporate in our updated technical report … to be released in 1H23.”
SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas property, which resulted in numerous high-grade precious metal discoveries.
Source: SilverCrest Metals