Guanajuato Silver Company (TSX-V:GSVR) has completed a 267m underground production ramp connecting its San Ignacio and Bolanitos mines in Mexico.
The company finished the 4m by 4.5m ramp ahead of schedule on 30 September, connecting San Ignacio to the Lucero mine within the Bolanitos complex.
Development commenced in May following detailed engineering and preparation work.
The ramp is expected to reduce operating costs through improved haulage rates and better ventilation. The connection will cut haulage times from San Ignacio to the Bolanitos processing facility and allow the use of larger haulage equipment.
Senior Vice President Mining Operations Rick Trotman says the completion marks the first major milestone in integrating the two operations.
“The completion of this connection tunnel is the first of many synergistic improvements that are planned as we move forward with a combined operation at the Bolanitos mines complex, which will include San Ignacio,” Trotman says.
During development, the ramp encountered several mineralised structures, including multiple Cecilia vein system projections.
Sampling returned ‘high-grade’ results including 3.25m @ 6.02 grams per tonne gold (Au) and 145g/t silver (Ag) on Cecilia number four; and 1.3m @ 2.68g/t Au and 15g/t Ag on Cecilia number three.
The company has initiated a drilling program to define potential resource additions from the encountered mineralisation.
Guanajuato Silver also intends to continue interconnecting the operations through a combined geological model, updated resources and reserves, and a property-wide exploration plan leading into 2027 mine forecasts.
Guanajuato Silver Company is a precious metal producer with a portfolio of producing silver and gold mines in central Mexico.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Guanajuato Silver Company
