The company is pleased to announce a record quarterly silver production of 439,149 ounces in Q2 2021 at an average head grade of 297 grams per tonne silver from its Zgounder Silver Mine in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Key Highlights
- Produced 439,149 ounces (“oz”) of silver (“Ag”) in Q2 2021 compared to 389,132 oz of Ag in Q1 2021
- Improved silver recovery of 84.2% at the flotation plant in Q2 2021 compared to 81.9% in Q1 2021
- Successful four-day planned shutdown at the flotation plant
Q2 2021 Production
| Q2 2021* Production |
Q1 2021 Production |
|
| Tonnes processed | 56,318 | 48,472 |
| Average grade (g/t Ag) | 297 | 296 |
| Silver ingots produced (oz) | 174,786 | 190,621 |
| Silver in concentrate for sale produced (oz) | 264,364 | 198,511 |
| Total silver produced (oz) | 439,149 | 389,132 |
| *Q2 2021 numbers are preliminary and are subject to final adjustment. |
“For a third consecutive quarter, Zgounder’s operational performance demonstrated the robustness of the operational changes implemented into the turnaround last year. Production is now running at a steady run rate, with tonnes, grades and recoveries coming in ahead of full-year guidance. First-half silver production is now tracking well over the midpoint of our 2021 guidance, driven by our operating team’s commitment to improving efficiencies and best execution,” said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO.
Ongoing Operational Optimisation
Silver recovery for the flotation plant improved to 84.2% in Q2 2021 from 81.9% in Q1 2021. The slight decrease in Q2 2021 recoveries to 78.8% at the cyanidation plant compared to 83.7% in Q1 2021 was expected and has been budgeted for during the hot summer months.
In the quarter, plant availabilities reached 86% and 93% for the flotation and cyanidation plants, respectively. Availability at the flotation plant was impacted by a four-day planned shutdown. The maintenance plan is progressing well, and overall availability increased compared to the previous quarter.
Q2 2021 Financial and Operational Results
Aya’s Q2 2021 financial results will be released before the market opens on August 13, 2021.
