Lion One Metals (TSX-V:LIO) has reported a 21% increase in quarterly gold production following the return of its former director of operations.
The company recovered 3,291oz of gold from its Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji during the June quarter at an average head grade of 4.3 grams per tonne gold. Production increased from 2,726oz in the previous quarter.
Mill performance improved steadily throughout the quarter, achieving a record quarterly recovery of 84.9% compared to 71.7% in the previous quarter. The mill achieved a record monthly recovery of 87.7% in June.
“We’re very pleased with the strong rebound in performance in the latter half of this quarter,” CEO Ian Berzins says.
“Mine and mill performance improved across every metric compared to the previous quarter, including significant improvements in gold production, gold recovery, and mine development.”
The company processed 27,985 tonnes of mineralised material during the quarter, averaging 308 tonnes per day — above the nameplate capacity of 300 tonnes. Mill utilisation reached 90% for the quarter.
Underground mine development totalled 1,652m during the quarter, representing a 28% increase from the previous quarter’s 1,288m.
The company achieved a record monthly development rate of 587m in May.
The flotation circuit was successfully commissioned during the quarter and now operates continuously, contributing to the improved metallurgical performance.
Lion One attributes the production rebound to Eric Setchell returning as director of operations in May.
The company incurred no lost-time incidents during the quarter, with a total recordable incident frequency of 4.37 compared to 6.55 in the previous quarter.
“We are working to return production to levels achieved at the end of 2025 and ultimately surpass those levels as development at Tuvatu continues,” Berzins adds.
Lion One Metals is a Canadian junior gold producer focused on advancing its 100%-owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji, supported by an extensive exploration licence package covering the Navilawa Caldera.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Lion One Metals
