San Gonzalo Bulk Sampling Program Update

 

VANCOUVER, BC - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported on the San Gonzalo Bulk Sampling Program in Mexico. Since January 15 of this year, the mining contractor (DMG) has advanced a total of 119 metres of the 4m x 4m decline with about 111 metres to go before reaching the San Gonzalo vein. At the current rate of advance, it is expected the decline will be completed by late March to early April. The mining method selected for the bulk sample is shrinkage/stope with drifts heading East and West from the point of the decline intersection with the vein.

It is interesting to note during the advance of the decline, a small vein was intersected on February 4.ÊMineralization and rusty brown staining of the vein material were noted. This is encouraging and suggests that there could be other potential unknown parallel veins or structures that could be encountered while driving the ramp.

Construction of the mine surface facilities near the entrance to the decline is making good progress, the fuel storage tank with its containment is nearly complete and foundations for the mechanic shop and mine office have been poured with roof and cladding to be installed.

At the process plant, the issues with the power company (CFE) have been resolved and commissioning of the new jaw crusher has been completed with no major mechanical or electrical deficiencies. The 41/4ft Symons cone crusher with all new bushings and socket liner is slated for testing this together with the 8x6 ball mill.

Laboratory supplies are currently being purchased in preparation for putting the mine laboratory facilities back into service with the hiring of the assayer. The new AA machine is now on site and commissioning, training and testing is scheduled to begin once a suitable date with the supplier can be arranged.

Metallurgical testing of stockpile material has been completed by SGS Labs in Durango. The results show a reasonable copper concentrate of about 18% copper can be generated with approximate recoveries of 78%, 72% and 60% for copper, silver and gold respectively. According to the mine records, there are approximately 30,000 tons of older stockpile materials grading 0.41% Cu, 90g Ag/t and 1.1g Au/t that are available for tuning up the refurbished 250tpd plant circuit.

The company’s address is Suite 400, 455 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T1, (604) 682-3701, fax: (604) 682-3600.