Key developments for Phase 1 construction and exploration results include:
– Construction of Phase 1 remains on time and budget and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2012. Phase 1 production is expected to average 30,000 ounces of gold per year. Phase 2, for which a feasibility study is being completed, is expected to contribute an additional 5 million ounces of silver and 5,000-10,000 ounces of gold per year.
– The mining fleet for Phase 1 has arrived and pre-stripping of the open pit mine began on December 9th and will continue during the first half of the year. Stockpiling of ore is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Ore is expected to be delivered to the heap leach pad by mid-2012.
– Engineering for the crushing, process plant and heap leach facilities has been completed. Pre-existing equipment has been disassembled and removed from site. The new crushing and process plant is expected to be completed by May-2012. (A photo library showing bi-weekly progress can be viewed by clicking here).