Mexico-based Avino Silver and Gold Mines produced 1,808,172lb (820mt) copper in the first quarter of 2020, up by 70pc from a year ago, according to the company’s production update. This was a record copper production from the Avino mine near Durango, Mexico.
Production improved from Q1FY2019 due to higher than expected grade, better throughput and mill availability. The mine produced 262,238 ounces of silver in the quarter.
The mine site is currently on care and maintenance mode with a skeleton staff in compliance with Mexican government’s orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The government ordered the suspension of all non-essential activities including mining to help fight against the pandemic. On April 2, Avino temporarily shut operations at the mine until April 30. Avino plans to restart operations as soon as the company secures permission from authorities.
Avino affirmed that the company is flexible financially and operationally to cope with the changing situation.