Mexican company, SilverCrest Mines has reported gold and silver production increase in the Q1 of 2012 from the Santa Elena Mine in Sonora, Mexico. This value is greater when compared to Q1 of 2011.
Gold production increased 198% to 9,405 oz, silver production increased 108% to 134,528 oz, crushed ore tones increased 26% to 264,977, gold ounces to pad up 67% to 13,342, and silver ounces to pad up 48% to 354,850.
SilverCrest Mines’ President, J. Scott Drever commented that operations at the Santa Elena mine delivered significant gold and silver production. When compared to Q1 of 2011, this is the second quarter where the company had operated at full production rates. Throughout the operation, the crusher averaged about 2,900 t per day for Q1 of 2012, in contrast to a plan of 2,500 t per day. Drever further added that the grades and the open pit tonnes tracked closely with the company’s sample grades and expenditure is likely to be consistent by about $8 per silver equivalent ounce. In view of this strong quarter, SilverCrest intends to realize its 2012 production guidance of 33,000 oz of gold and 435,000 oz of silver.
SilverCrest Mines is a precious metals producer and its headquarters are located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company’s property, Santa Elena Mine lies 150 km towards the northeast of Hermosillo, close to Banamichi in México. The mine is an epithermal silver and producer. The company has planned a three-year expansion program to increase metal yield at the Santa Elena Mine. Additionally, reconnaissance campaigns are defining a polymetallic deposit at the La Joya property located in Durango, Mexico.