Avino Silver and Gold Mines Ltd. (“Avino” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the October 2013 production results from its San Gonzalo mine and Avino Mine surface stockpile operations located on the Avino property near Durango, Mexico. 

October production from the San Gonzalo Mine and Avino Mine surface stockpiles are presented below along with a comparison with September output from both areas:

Silver equivalent was calculated using a 65:1 ratio for silver to gold. Mill production figures have not been reconciled and are subject to adjustment with concentrate sales. Year-to-date and calculated figures may not add up due to rounding.

“We are pleased to report another consistent month of operations at the mine and mill; further demonstrating the reliability of our operations” 

— David Wolfin, President, CEO & Director, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.

San Gonzalo

Comparative production numbers from October and September 2013 at San Gonzalo, as well as 2013 yearly totals are reported as follows:

Silver equivalent was calculated using a 65:1 ratio for silver to gold, Mill production figures have not been reconciled and are subject to adjustment with concentrate sales. Year-to-date and calculated figures may not add up due to rounding.

October Highlights

·        Tonnage processed was slightly higher in October than September due to the extra operating day, despite mill availability being lower during the month.

·        Silver and gold feed grades were lower in October as more development material was processed.

·        Silver recovery was higher in October, whereas gold was lower

·        The above factors resulted in a slight decrease in silver production, while gold production was lower by 5.3% compared to September.

Circuit 2 — Avino Mine Stock Piles

Comparative production numbers from October and September 2013 from the Avino Mine stock pile operation, as well as 2013 yearly totals are reported as follows:

Silver equivalent was calculated using a 65:1 ratio for silver to gold, Mill production figures have not been reconciled and are subject to adjustment with concentrate sales. Year-to-date and calculated figures may not add up due to rounding.

October Highlights

·        Gold and silver feed grades were up significantly during the month, resulting in a 40% increase in gold production and a 4.1% increase in silver production, albeit recovery of both metals were lower.

·        Concentrate grade was also lower, resulting in the 16% increase in concentrate tonnes produced.

·        Mill availability was 3.1% lower due to power outages and regular maintenance.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Mill assays are performed at the mine’s on-site lab. Check samples are verified by Inspectorate Labs in Reno, Nevada. San Gonzalo concentrate shipments are assayed at AH Knight in Manzanillo, Mexico. The Avino stockpile concentrate shipments are assayed at LSI in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Qualified Person(s)

Avino’s projects are under the supervision of Chris Sampson, P.Eng, Avino Consultant and Jasman Yee P.Eng, Avino Director, who are both qualified persons within the context of National Instrument 43-101. Both have reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release.

About Avino

Avino’s mission is to create shareholder value through profitable organic growth at the Avino property. We are committed to managing all business activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner while contributing to the well-being of the community in which we operate. 

Management remains focused on the following key objectives:

1.      Maintain profitable mining operations at San Gonzalo while decreasing operating costs and improving efficiency;

2.      Develop the Avino mine for mineral production, expand mill output from 500 to 1,500 tpd;

3.      Continue to review and develop plans to process the oxide tailings resource from previous milling operations (PEA issued in 2012);

4.      Continue to explore regional targets on the property followed by other properties in our portfolio.