Coeur Mining’s production of lead and zinc was up by over 300pc to 16,556,000lbs (7509.67mt) in 2019 from the prior year, while zinc production was up 152pc to 17,103,000lbs.
In the December quarter, the company posted a 143pc growth in production of lead to 4,021,000lbs and zinc production was up 25pc to 3,865,000lbs from the prior year quarter.
Production (000’lbs) | Q4 2019 | Q4 2018 | % Change | 2019 | 2018 | % Change |
| Lead | 4,021 | 1,658 | 143% | 16,556 | 3,913 | 323% |
| Zinc | 3,865 | 3,083 | 25% | 17,103 | 6,781 | 152% |
Sales
Coeur Mining sold 4,021,000lbs of lead, up by 143pc in the December quarter from the prior year quarter and 3,865,000lbs of zinc was sold, up by 25pc in the December quarter. Annual sales of lead was up by over 434pc to 16,488,000lbs and zinc sales was up by 279pc to 18,155,000lbs.
Fourth quarter production was driven primarily by lower average recovery rates as a result of ongoing mill optimization initiatives. Mill stability initiatives throughout 2019 led to improved availability and more consistent operational performance late in the fourth quarter and January 2020. Mill availability has averaged nearly 90pc since mid-December. The company received the permit amendment application to operate at a year-round mining and milling rate of 1,000mt/day during the fourth quarter.