MONTRÉAL, 07 nov. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aya Or & Argent Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) (“Aya” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the new processing plant at the Zgounder silver mine has started processing ore. The Zgounder plant is now fully mechanically complete, commissioning in real conditions is progressing well and a silver pour is planned for November (watch the video here).
Main highlights
- The start-up of the new factory is almost complete:
- All subsystems are mechanically complete.
- All primary systems have been activated.
- Introduction of a first batch of ore to the plant on November 4:
- Commissioning of the ball mill in real conditions went well.
- More than 4,000 tonnes have been processed as of November 7.
- A machining rate of 95 tonnes per hour was achieved, providing further confidence in the ramp-up process.
- Low-grade ore is sent to the crusher, then to the reactors and counter-current settling circuits, and the rejects are sent to the tailings pond.
- A silver flow is expected in November.
- The ramp-up to commercial production will take place during Q4:
- The ramp-up of production is underway. The team aims to achieve commercial production by the end of the fourth quarter.
- It is expected to reach design capacity at steady state in Q1-2025.
“We are very pleased to highlight Zgounder’s imminent transition from commissioning to ramp-up”declared Benoit La Salle, president and CEO. “This new milestone marks another achievement by our dedicated team who, over the past two years, have worked to transform Zgounder into a leading global silver producer on budget. We expect to announce commercial production by the end of the year and execute on production growth plans at Zgounder, supported by a silver market that benefits from strong fundamentals. »
“In parallel with the ramp-up, we are delighted to announce that Zgounder has just received ISO 9001 certification – an achievement that reflects our team's commitment and quest for excellence. »
Commissioning of the ball mill in real conditions
Certification ISO 9001
Aya is also proud to announce that the Zgounder silver mine has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. This prestigious certification encompasses all stages of the mining process, from geological exploration to delivery of silver-bearing gold bars, and demonstrates the Company's commitment to rigorous quality and management standards.
About Aya Or & Argent Inc.
Aya Gold & Argent Inc. is a growing Canadian silver producer operating in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Aya is the only pure silver mining company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It operates the high-grade Zgounder silver mine and explores its properties along the high-potential South Atlas Accident, several of which contain former producing mines and historic resources. In addition to its Moroccan mining assets, Aya also owns the Tijirit gold project located in Mauritania, which, following the September 12, 2024 announcement, will be developed by Mx2 Mining, a new gold growth company spun off from a split.
Aya's management team maximizes shareholder value by anchoring sustainability at the heart of its production, resources, governance and financial growth plans.
For more information, please visit the Aya website at www.ayagoldsilver.comor contact:
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of that term under applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”), which reflect management's expectations regarding future growth and prospects. Aya's affairs (including timelines and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities. Where possible, terms such as “anticipate”, “aim”, “potential”, “expect”, and other similar expressions or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “ could” or “should” occur, “will occur,” “will occur” or “likely” be implemented or achieved, have been used to identify forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding the in-service schedule, expected silver pour date, expected date of declaration of commercial production in Q4, the achievement of nominal capacity at steady state at the beginning of 2025, and the timing of the publication of information by the Company in connection with the above. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflects management's current beliefs based on information currently available to it and based on what, in management's opinion, constitute reasonable assumptions, Aya has not there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, opinions and analyzes made by management taking into account its experience, current conditions and its expectations regarding future developments that management believes to be reasonable and relevant but which could prove to be inaccurate. These assumptions include, among other things, the ability to advance commissioning, ramp-up and steady-state production as planned and the ability to obtain all required government approvals, the accuracy of mineral reserve estimates and mineral resources (including, but not limited to, ore tonnage and grade estimates), the price of silver, exchange rates, fuel and electricity costs, future economic conditions, future estimates of anticipated free cash flow, and courses of action. Aya cautions the reader not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements include: risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and obtaining permits, changes in economic conditions, global variations prices for silver and other important inputs, changes to mine plans (including, but not limited to, processing throughput and recovery rates being affected by metallurgical characteristics) and other factors, such as delays in the execution of projects, many of which are beyond Aya's control, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Aya's 2023 Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2024 and other documents of Aya filed with securities regulatory authorities, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, Aya's update dated May 28, 2020 concerning the relative importance of its assets as well as the studies relating to its non-significant assets still remains applicable as of the date hereof. Aya undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements if assumptions relating to such plans, estimates, projections, opinions and views should change. Nothing herein should be considered an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities of Aya. Any reference to Aya also includes its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/793634a4-f090-48c8-a319-c1b2e1253109/fr
