Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA, OTCQX: AYASF) has officially announced the commencement of commercial production at its wholly owned Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco. This significant milestone comes less than two months after the new processing plant began operations, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it strives to enhance its position in the silver mining sector.
The Zgounder mill initiated ore processing on November 4, 2024, with the first silver pour occurring shortly thereafter on November 27. By December 29, the mine had successfully met its criteria for commercial production, having processed a total of 45,683 tonnes of ore over a thirty-day period. This achievement reflects an impressive average processing rate of 1,523 tonnes per day (tpd), which corresponds to 76% of the mill’s nameplate capacity of 2,000 tpd. Notably, during the final days leading up to the declaration of commercial production, throughput reached an impressive average of 1,834 tpd, peaking at 2,152 tpd on December 27.
The operational performance of the new processing plant has shown consistent improvement. The mill operated at an availability rate of 75% initially, which has since increased to approximately 86% in late December. Silver recovery rates have remained stable at around 79%, indicating robust processing capabilities and effective management of resources[1][4].
Benoit La Salle, President and CEO of Aya Gold & Silver, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the team involved in building and ramping up operations at Zgounder. He emphasized that this milestone not only reflects operational success but also positions Aya as a competitive player in the global silver market.
The construction of the new processing facility began in mid-2022 with an ambitious target to declare commercial production by late 2024. The expansion is anticipated to significantly increase output from Zgounder, which is already recognized as one of Morocco’s most important silver mines. Following this expansion, Aya aims to quadruple its annual silver production capacity to approximately 6.8 million ounces.
The company has laid out plans for continued ramp-up activities throughout early 2025, with expectations to reach full nameplate capacity shortly thereafter. This growth strategy is underpinned by a strong financial foundation and a commitment to sustainable practices within the mining industry.
Aya Gold & Silver is focused on increasing production and establishing a framework for innovative Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) financing within the mining sector. The company is dedicated to meeting its sustainability objectives and decarbonization targets as it progresses with its operations at Zgounder.
With over 600 full-time employees engaged in operations at Zgounder and a fully funded expansion plan in place, Aya Gold & Silver is poised for significant growth while maintaining its commitment to responsible mining practices.
The declaration of commercial production at the Zgounder Silver Mine marks a critical step forward for Aya Gold & Silver Inc., showcasing its operational capabilities and strategic vision for growth in the silver market.
