Avino Silver and Gold Mines Ltd.: San Gonzalo Bulk Sampling Program Update
June 23 2010 - 10:10AM
Marketwired
Avino Silver and Gold Mines Ltd. ("Avino") (TSX VENTURE:
ASM)(OTCBB: ASGMF)(BERLIN: GV6)(FRANKFURT: GV6) is pleased to
report that milling operations commenced on May 22, 2010, with the
treatment of stockpiled ET copper ore from the main Avino vein from
past mining. As of June 15 and according to information provided by
mine personnel, a total of 3106 tonnes were processed for the
production of 104 tonnes of concentrate grading 9.6% Cu and 1.08kg
Ag/t. Daily copper and silver recoveries ranged from about 25 to
80% depending on the oxidized condition of the feed. Efforts are
now being focused on improving the copper concentrate grade and to
treat the less oxidized material. The following is a report on the
plant start up and commissioning for the various unit operations:
The crushing plant operated a total of 61hrs for 38%
availability at a finish crush size of minus 12mm. The majority of
the downtime was attributed to a full fine ore bin. Other downtime
items included the replacement of the screen motor, screen deck and
the cone crusher motor pulley. In general, the crushing equipment
performed well. However, dusty conditions were noted at all the
transfer points and this problem is being addressed with the
installation of water sprays. As for the large percentage of
oversized rocks in the feed, it is being rectified with the rental
of a large rock breaker. The operating schedule for the crushing
plant is one 8hr shift per day, five days a week.
Initial feed rate to the mill has been set at 8 to 9tph and will
be ramped up once the new shipment of grinding balls arrives. It is
expected by that time most of the mechanical and electrical issues
for the grinding and flotation circuits have been addressed and
will have stabilized. Total tonnes processed to June 15 are
3106tonnes. The operating time was 335.5hrs representing 86.5%
availability. The main cause of the mill downtime was the loss of
process water due to pump failure. A new pump and spare have been
ordered to ensure this problem will not occur in the future.
Likewise spare motors for the flotation cells have been ordered as
well. The mill operating schedule is three 8hr shifts per day and
five days per week.
The mine assay lab is now fully functional and has been
providing plant control assays on a daily basis. However, check
samples have been sent to SGS in Durango to confirm the mine lab
results and to provide gold assays which the mine lab is unable to
do at this time.
Other than the naturally free floating muddy slimes, thickening
operations have been normal with no majors issues noted. Plans are
in place to introduce flocculent or additional lime to improve the
clarity of the thickener overflow.
As for filtration, the cycle time for cake pick up and blow off
need adjusting. In addition, the current vacuum pump is undersized
and plans are in place to install a larger vacuum pump.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
David Wolfin, President
This release contains statements that are forward-looking
statements and are subject to various risks and uncertainties
concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk
Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with
Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein
represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based
on information currently available. The Company does not assume the
obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contacts: Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. David Wolfin
President 604.682.3701 604.682.3600 (FAX) ir@avino.com
www.avino.com
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