Gatos Silver Reports Q1 2024 Production Results at Top End of Guidance
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The disclosed production results from Gatos Silver's CLG mine indicate a positive trend in operational efficiency, with an 11% increase in mill throughput compared to the previous year. This suggests an improved capacity for ore processing which is a critical factor in mining operations. The ability of the mine to sustain and potentially exceed the throughput rate of 3,500 tonnes per day could signify enhanced revenue streams and a better position in the market for Gatos Silver.
Moreover, the company's focus on debottlenecking and productivity improvements is a strategic move that can lead to reduced operational costs and increased margins. This is particularly relevant to investors as cost efficiency directly impacts profitability. The life extension opportunities mentioned could also imply a longer-term potential for revenue generation, which is a critical aspect for long-term investors.
From a financial perspective, the consistent performance near the top end of the guidance range is a strong indicator of Gatos Silver's operational reliability. This reliability can translate into greater investor confidence and potentially a more stable stock performance. The slight decrease in silver production, contrasted with increases in zinc, lead and gold production, reveals a diversification in metal output which could serve as a hedge against silver price volatility.
It's important to note that the use of different price assumptions for calculating silver equivalent production year-over-year could affect comparative analysis. The increase in calculated silver equivalent production using the 2024 price assumptions for the previous year's results demonstrates how sensitive these metrics are to fluctuations in commodity prices, which is a important consideration for investors with an interest in the resources sector.
The mining sector is influenced heavily by global economic trends and commodity prices. Gatos Silver's increased production and throughput rates may position the company favorably in a competitive market. However, it is essential to monitor the market's supply-demand dynamics, as an increase in production could lead to an oversupply, potentially driving prices down if demand does not keep pace.
Furthermore, Gatos Silver's progress in exploration efforts is an indicator of proactive management seeking to capitalize on the mine's full potential. The updated life of mine plan, expected in the third quarter, will provide valuable insights into the company's future prospects and could significantly influence the market's perception of its growth trajectory.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gatos Silver, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: GATO) (“Gatos Silver” or the “Company”) today announced production results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 at its
Dale Andres, CEO of Gatos Silver, commented: “The CLG mine delivered another strong quarter of operational results. Mill throughput for the quarter was more than 3,200 tonnes per day, an increase of
“We made good progress on mine debottlenecking and productivity improvements as we continue to advance towards our medium-term target to sustain throughput rates of 3,500 tonnes per day. We are also progressing our life extension opportunities beyond 2030, with an updated life of mine plan expected in the third quarter of 2024 and increased exploration efforts on near mine targets in the Los Gatos district during the quarter.”
Production Results (
CLG comparative production highlights are summarized below:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
| CLG Production ( | 2024 | 2023 |
| Tonnes milled (dmt) | 292,114 | 260,428 |
| Tonnes milled per day (dmt) | 3,210 | 2,894 |
| Feed Grades | ||
| Silver (g/t) | 284 | 329 |
| Zinc (%) | 3.99 | 3.93 |
| Lead (%) | 1.77 | 1.86 |
| Gold (g/t) | 0.28 | 0.30 |
| Contained Metal | ||
| Silver ounces (millions) | 2.37 | 2.43 |
| Zinc pounds - in zinc conc. (millions) | 15.8 | 14.0 |
| Lead pounds - in lead conc. (millions) | 10.1 | 9.5 |
| Gold ounces - in lead conc. (thousands) | 1.39 | 1.38 |
| Silver Equivalent ounces (millions)1 | 3.70 | 3.69 |
| Recoveries | ||
| Silver - in both lead and zinc concentrates | ||
| Zinc - in zinc concentrate | ||
| Lead - in lead concentrate | ||
| Gold - in lead concentrate | ||
1 For 2024, silver equivalent production is calculated using prices of
Mill throughput averaged 3,210 tonnes per day during the first quarter of 2024, which was the fifth consecutive quarterly increase, and was
Silver equivalent1 production for the first quarter of 2024 was 3.70 million ounces, similar to the first quarter of 2023 and tracking to the top end of the previously disclosed 2024 guidance range of 13.5 million ounces to 15.0 million ounces. Higher than anticipated silver grades, combined with the mill throughput rates noted above, contributed to the strong production level compared with guidance for the first quarter of 2024.
Silver production in the first quarter of 2024 was 2.37 million ounces,
Increased mill throughput rates were the result of continued debottlenecking and optimization efforts focused on achieving higher mining rates through increased productivity and improved mine plan flexibility. Higher milling rates were also a result of drawing down the surface stockpile during the quarter. Expectations were originally for a gradual increase in mill throughput and production through the year, but mill throughput in the first quarter was higher than anticipated. Our goal in the second quarter and remainder of the year is to sustain current mill throughput rates, although there may be potential to achieve additional increases with continued mine debottlenecking efforts.
About Gatos Silver
Gatos Silver is a silver dominant exploration, development and production company that discovered a new silver and zinc-rich mineral district in southern Chihuahua State, Mexico. As a
Qualified Person
Scientific and technical disclosure in this press release was approved by Anthony (Tony) Scott, P.Geo., Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Technical Services of Gatos Silver who is a “Qualified Person” as defined in S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding prospective drilling and exploration, life extension opportunities beyond 2030, timing of an updated life of mine plan, production guidance for 2024, expected or potential feed grades, mine debottlenecking, processing rates, and productivity improvements, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and such other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities commissions. Gatos Silver expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.
Investors and Media Contact
André van Niekerk
Chief Financial Officer
investors@gatossilver.com
(604) 424-0984
