Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) has achieved a milestone in its operations, reporting record production figures for the first quarter of 2025 at its flagship Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco. The company produced 1.07 million ounces (oz) of silver during the quarter, representing a 192% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The significant growth in production during Q1 2025 is attributed to increased mining and processing rates following the mine’s expansion. Silver production surged by 192% to 1,068,652 ounces, compared to 366,362 ounces in Q1 2024, while tonnes processed rose by 207% to 249,743 tonnes from 81,331 tonnes last year. Silver recovery remained steady at 82%, though mill availability slightly declined to 91% from 96% (-5%). Mine production also increased by 82%, reaching 194,661 tonnes compared to 106,880 tonnes in the same period last year.
This surge in production comes just three months after Aya declared commercial production at Zgounder on December 29, 2024. Benoit La Salle, President and CEO of Aya Gold & Silver, expressed optimism about the company’s performance: “It was a record quarter driven by strong production and silver sales averaging more than $32.00/oz. With mining rates steadily increasing in line with our plan, we are positioned for a solid ramp-up and a strong second half of 2025”.
Aya’s operational improvements were pivotal to achieving these results. The company reached a mining rate of 2,163 tonnes per day during the quarter. Adjustments to reagent dosages and optimization of mill operations contributed to steady improvements in mill capacity and throughput efficiency. Additionally, January marked the transition from producing silver concentrate to exclusively producing silver doré bars, a move that increased revenue per ounce by approximately 15%.
Raphaël Beaudoin, Vice President of Operations at Aya Gold & Silver, highlighted the importance of these advancements: “This strong early performance reflects increased mine and processing rates despite planned shutdowns and seasonal rainfall. The plant is currently operating at design capacity and above, with room for improvement as we debottleneck various parts of the plant”.
Aya anticipates further recovery improvements throughout the year as more fresh rock is introduced into the plant and operations continue to be optimized. These advancements align with the company’s strategy to ramp up production and enhance profitability during the second half of the year.
Aya Gold & Silver Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a rapidly growing silver producer with operations centered in Morocco. The company operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and explores properties along Morocco’s South-Atlas Fault, a region known for historical mining activities.
