Avino Mine Performance Increased Production In 2019
VANCOUVER - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported silver equivalent production in Q4 2019 decreased by 15% compared to Q4 2018 and directly corresponds to the marginal amount of production San Gonzalo contributed due to the mine’s planned stoppage. However, overall production results were higher compared to Q3 2019 due to the Avino mine performing well from a grade, throughput and mill availability perspective. The Avino Historic Above Ground (AHAG) material also performed well throughout the quarter. In lockstep, the decrease in silver production and consolidated silver grade in 2019, compared to 2018, can also be attributed to the decreasing grade and planned shutdown at San Gonzalo.
The Mexican mining industry has not been immune to the civil unrest, labour disputes and uncertain economic conditions that has been seen across Latin America, but Avino continues to work closely with all stakeholders and communities surrounding the Avino mine, to avoid any disruptions and ensure continuous efficient operation. Avino continues to value its employees, contractors, suppliers and managers for the professional and fair conduct.
“During Q4 2019 we achieved higher production compared to Q3 2019, due to the higher grades at the Avino Mine achieved during the month of November as a result of a mine sequence that included a significant portion of a geological gold lens within the Avino mine resulting in higher gold grades sent to the mill and ultimately, recovered, said David Wolfin, President and CEO”. “In addition, some metallurgical improvements made earlier in the year have improved gold recovery. Although Avino’s full year 2019 production results were lower compared to 2018, they were within our internal expectations of between 2.4 million and 2.6 million silver equivalent ounces. I’m very proud of all the work we were able to accomplish in 2019 and I want to personally thank all the Avino personnel for their efforts. We look forward to a prosperous 2020 and a more expansive exploration program across our property in and around the Avino mine.”
In 2020 Avino is expected to transition full production from the Avino mine as San Gonzalo is now exhausted and only a small amount of AHAG material remains. In developing the underground connection between the two portals, required for efficient underground traffic and an increased rate of material being brought to the surface, Avino has experienced some delays due to some training shortages for certain equipment. This connection is planned to be completed in the first quarter of 2020 so that full production from the Avino mine can be achieved.
Overall, silver equivalent production at Avino increased by 7% compared to Q4, 2018, as a result of increased gold and silver grades during the quarter as well as the increase in gold recovery. Mill feed at Avino increased by 6%, which helped maintain the mill throughput at maximum capacity despite the drop off from San Gonzalo. San Gonzalo reached the end of its current resources in Q4 and mining was stopped. As mentioned previously, it will remain open for continued exploration at different underground levels.
AHAG material throughput was up 13% this quarter compared to Q4 2018, helping to offset the decreased throughput from San Gonzalo. The decreasing silver and gold grades, however, indicate that Avino is reaching the end of this material as we transition to full production at the Avino mine. Mill assays are performed at the Avino property’s on-site lab. Check samples are sent to SGS Labs in Durango, Mexico for verification. Gold and silver assays are performed by the fire assay method with the gravimetric finish for the concentrates and the AAS methods for copper, lead, zinc and silver for the feed grade samples. 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.
The company’s address is Suite 900, 570 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1, (604) 682-370, www.avino.com.