Vancouver, B.C. MAG Silver Corp. (TSX / NYSE American: MAG) (“MAG” or “MAG Silver”) reports production from the Juanicipio Project (56% / 44% Fresnillo plc (“Fresnillo”) and MAG, respectively) for the first quarter (“Q1”) ending March 31, 2023. March 2023 marked a significant achievement for Juanicipio as it produced and sold its first commercial lead and zinc concentrates. In addition to the initiation of feed to the Juanicipio mill, surplus mineralized material continues to be processed through the nearby Saucito and Fresnillo beneficiation plants (100% owned by Fresnillo) delivering incremental operating cash flows. Feed to the Juanicipio mill was predominantly from low grade stockpiles that were designated for commissioning.
As reported to MAG by the project operator Fresnillo, 222,023 tonnes of mineralized material from underground stopes and low grade stockpiles were processed during the three months ended March 31, 2023 at an average silver head grade of 363 grams per tonne (“g/t”).
Total Juanicipio production for Q1 based on provisional estimates before offtake agreement adjustments, totaled 2,249 thousand silver ounces and 6,047 gold ounces. MAG expects to release its full financial and operational results on May 10, 2023.
Roughly 30% of the tonnes processed in Q1 were processed at the Juanicipio beneficiation plant, which, considering consistent mill feed only commenced in late February 2023, represents a notable performance. The focus now shifts to steady state operations, attaining the 4,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”) nameplate and achieving commercial production. During March 2023, milling rates were around 60% of design, yielding an average of 2,476 tpd with rates occasionally reaching up to 3,900 tpd. Performance over the last 3 weeks has improved with the comminution circuit consistently delivering rates of 3,700 tpd as well as a decrease in unplanned stoppages. As the plant approaches design capacity, higher grade mill feed has been introduced with a commensurate improvement in silver recovery rates and concentrate grades.
“With the initial concentrate shipments behind us our attention is now on achieving commercial production at Juanicipio. We have experienced some really promising days with milling rates at or around 4,000 tonnes per day. Our goal is to transform these good days into solid quarters and solid quarters into outstanding years,” said George Paspalas, MAG Silver’s President and CEO. “The successful execution of the commissioning paves the way for steady state operations at 4,000 tpd, positioning MAG as a top-tier silver producer with a focus on cash flow generation and return on capital invested.”
Qualified Person: All scientific or technical information in this press release including assay results referred to, and Mineral Resource estimates, if applicable, is based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of, or has been approved by Dr. Peter Megaw, Ph.D., C.P.G., a Certified Professional Geologist who is a “Qualified Person” for purposes of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“National Instrument 43-101” or “NI 43-101”). Dr. Megaw is not independent as he is an officer and a paid consultant of MAG.
About MAG Silver Corp. (www.magsilver.com)
MAG Silver Corp. is a growth-oriented Canadian development and exploration company focused on becoming a top-tier primary silver mining company by exploring and advancing high-grade, district scale, precious metals projects in the Americas. Its principal focus and asset is the Juanicipio Project (44%), being developed with Fresnillo Plc (56%), the operator. The project is located in the Fresnillo Silver Trend in Mexico, the world's premier silver mining camp, where the operator is currently advancing underground mine development and commissioning a 4,000 tonnes per day processing plant. Underground mine production of mineralized development material commenced in Q3 2020, and an expanded exploration program is in place targeting multiple highly prospective targets at Juanicipio. MAG is also executing multi-phase exploration programs at the Deer Trail 100% earn-in Project in Utah and the recently acquired Larder Project, located in the historically prolific Abitibi region of Canada.
For further information on behalf of MAG Silver Corp.
Contact Michael J. Curlook, Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications |
