Mining News
SilverCrest completes construction, starts commissioning activities at its Las Chispas gold and silver project in Mexico
(Kitco News) - SilverCrest Metals (TSX: SIL) announced today that Ausenco Engineering has completed construction and handed over the Las Chispas processing plant to SilverCrest, ahead of the schedule.
Importantly, the company said that the processing plant commissioning is now underway with the plant expected to reach commercial production in Q4 2022.
Other construction activities handled directly by SilverCrest (road, bridge, dry stack tailings facility, temporary diesel power plant and assay lab) have also been completed, the company added.
SilverCrest noted that while the final capital costs incurred remain to be settled, the capital cost of the Las Chispas gold and silver project is anticipated to be below the US$137.7 million budget estimated in the feasibility study.
CEO N. Eric Fier commented, "We are extremely proud to achieve this key milestone, ahead of schedule and under budget. I commend all who have been involved in the project to date and thank our stakeholders, including local communities, for their continued support. Completing construction marks a significant de-risking step as we move towards becoming a high-grade precious metal producer."
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and near-term production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts.
The company's top priority is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico, where it has completed construction of its Las Chispas gold and silver project and is proceeding with commissioning.
B2Gold to acquire Oklo Resources and its Dandoko gold project near Fekola mine for A$91 million |