First Majestic Produces a Record 2.44 Million Silver Equivalent Ounces in Third Quarter
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/10/12 -- First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic" or the "Company") (TSX: FR)(NYSE: AG)(FRANKFURT: FMV)(WKN: A0LHKJ) is pleased to announce that total production at its four operating mines in Mexico for the third quarter ending September 30, 2012, reached 2,438,085 equivalent ounces of silver, representing a 36% increase compared to the same quarter in 2011. Total silver production for the quarter consisted of 2,205,237 ounces of silver, representing a 29% increase compared to the same quarter in 2011. In addition, 3,307,944 pounds of lead and 844,953 pounds of zinc were produced representing increases of 75% and 100%, respectively, compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Also, 1,537 ounces of gold was produced, representing an increase of 276% compared to the third quarter of 2011.
Keith Neumeyer, CEO and President of First Majestic, states, "I would like to congratulate the entire First Majestic team for their efforts at reaching the milestone of producing over 2 million ounces of pure silver for the first time in the Company's history in a single quarter. With the additional production from La Guitarra, total silver production grew well past the 2 million ounce mark. Over the next several quarters as Del Toro begins to ramp up production and La Guitarra is further expanded, we can envision attaining the next major milestone of producing 3 million ounces of pure silver per quarter."
Production Details Table:
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Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
September 30, September 30, %
Consolidated (all mines) 2012 2011 Variance
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Ore processed / tonnes milled 666,688 530,159 26%
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Total production - ounces of
silver equivalent 2,438,085 1,791,770 36%
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Silver ounces produced (pure
silver) 2,205,237 1,708,865 29%
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Combined Silver Grades (g/t) 167 188 (11)%
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Combined Silver Recoveries (%) 62 53 16%
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Pounds of lead produced 3,307,944 1,891,991 75%
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Equivalent ounces from lead 99,263 54,319 83%
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Pounds of zinc produced 844,953 0 100%
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Equivalent ounces from zinc 24,577 0 100%
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Gold ounces produced 1,537 409 276%
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Equivalent ounces from gold 91,690 20,648 344%
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Equivalent ounces from iron 17,318 7,939 118%
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Other Developments:
Following the successful acquisition of Silvermex Resources Inc. ("Silvermex") which closed on July 3, 2012, the Company immediately established full operating control of the La Guitarra Silver Mine located in the State of Mexico. The Company's current portfolio of four producing silver mines now consists of the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine, the San Martin Silver Mine and the La Guitarra Silver Mine.
The total ore processed during the quarter at the Company's four operating silver mines amounted to 666,688 tonnes milled, representing an increase of 8% over the previous quarter. The average head grade in the quarter for the four mines increased by 2% over the previous quarter to 167 g/t of silver. The combined silver recoveries increased from 59% in the second quarter to 62% in the third quarter of 2012.
There are currently 17 diamond drill rigs operating at the Company's four operating mines and at the Del Toro Silver Mine. The Company completed 44,670 metres of diamond drilling in the quarter compared to 35,965 metres of diamond drilling in the second quarter 2012, representing a 24% increase over the prior quarter. The expanded exploration program consists of definition drilling to define Reserves and Resources at the Company's four operating mines, and to assist in mining activities at the Del Toro Silver Mine which is being prepared for production by the end of the year. In addition, the current drilling program will be included in an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report, as the Company's objective is to complete new Technical Reports for each of the Company's mines in 2013.
The Company's underground development in the third quarter consisted of 14,595 metres compared to 13,627 metres of development in the second quarter of 2012.
At the La Encantada Silver Mine:
-- In the third quarter, the processing mill averaged 4,625 tpd of blended
ore throughput. The three operating ball mills continue to process fresh
mine ore at a rate of approximately 1,800 tpd with the remaining balance
of throughput coming from reprocessed tailings. Silver recoveries and
grades continue to show positive operating improvements as a result of
the increase in fresh ore from the mine.
-- As previously disclosed, underground development is currently focused on
areas within the mine that contain lower levels of manganese to assist
in higher recovery rates. The primary areas of focus have been the San
Francisco vein and the Milagros Breccia pipe. During the quarter these
areas came into production and are further anticipated to contribute to
an overall higher grade and higher recovery for the operation.
-- Due to the extensive underground exploration program underway, a new
high-grade breccia pipe called "990" was discovered showing silver
grades in the range of 400 g/t to 500 g/t. This new discovery is
currently being developed and will be in production late in the fourth
quarter.
-- Two underground diamond drill rigs are currently active at La Encantada.
A new NI 43-101 Technical Report is expected to be released before the
end of the second quarter of 2013.
-- A total of 4,715 metres have been drilled in the third quarter compared
to 5,451 metres of drilling in the second quarter of 2012. In addition,
a total of 3,328 metres of underground development was completed in the
third quarter compared to 3,535 metres of development in the second
quarter of 2012.
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine:
-- The new dual-circuit processing mill at La Parrilla averaged 2,116 tpd
of throughput in the third quarter, representing a 4% increase from the
prior quarter.
-- The new tailing filters were fully operational in the third quarter
allowing the mill to operate on approximately 80% of recycled water.
Recycling mill waste water is not only cost efficient and
environmentally friendly, it also reduces the operational risk in case
local water supplies are threatened by natural disruptions such as
severe droughts. La Parrilla is now the second operation under control
by First Majestic that utilizes this new environmentally friendly
technology.
-- An aggressive exploration program with diamond drilling, both
underground and on surface, has indicated the continuation of the
Rosarios vein system both at depth and along strike which is connecting
the San Marcos vein with the Rosarios vein system. This area is
currently being developed at Level 9 to connect the San Marcos mine and
the Rosarios mine. This connection is expected to be completed during
the fourth quarter.
-- Three diamond drill rigs are currently operating, two on surface and one
underground. The total metres drilled during the third quarter amounted
to 9,201 metres compared to 6,816 metres drilled in the previous
quarter. Development completed in the quarter totaled 5,122 metres
compared with 5,247 metres developed in the second quarter.
-- As part of the current expansion program, an intensive underground
development program and a new ramp system is under construction
including a new production shaft of which a raise boring machine has now
completed 480 metres of the pilot shaft. In addition, 350 metres of
development at Level 11 which will become the new underground rail
system connecting the different underground areas to the shaft was
completed during the quarter. This investment is expected to improve
logistics and the transportation of ore to the mill, ultimately reducing
overall costs.
-- Following the conclusion of a regional geophysics program in the second
quarter, a regional exploration drill program is being designed to
target geological anomalies in far reaching areas within La Parrilla's
large 69,460 hectare land package. This program is expected to commence
during the second quarter of 2013. These regional anomalies, never
explored by modern techniques, are expected to be included in a newly
updated NI 43-101 Technical Report expected to be released in early
2013.
At the San Martin Silver Mine:
-- The construction of two new large leaching tanks designed to replace
some older and smaller leach tanks remains on time and on budget. This
program is part of First Majestic's regular campaign of improving
operations by replacing older equipment with newer, cleaner and more
efficient systems. Further mill improvements are scheduled for 2013 and
will include, new clarification filters, new tailings filters to
recirculate water, and to improve environmental conditions.
-- The early results of the exploration drilling program at the
Rosarios/Huichola veins continue to return very positive results;
showing further definition of the North/South system of veins that were
previously unknown. Five drill rigs are currently active within the San
Martin property. The Company is planning to release an updated NI 43-101
Technical Report prior to the end of 2012.
-- Total metres drilled in the third quarter amounted to 9,405 metres
compared to 12,066 metres drilled in the previous quarter. In addition,
1,809 metres of development were completed in the third quarter of 2012
compared to 2,172 metres of development in the second quarter of 2012.
At the Del Toro Silver Mine:
-- Construction and development at the Del Toro Silver Mine is well
underway with initial production expected to reach 1,000 tpd by year
end, 2,000 tpd by the third quarter of 2013, and 4,000 tpd by mid-2014.
-- During the quarter, the Company received the final Environmental Impact
Statement permit from the Mexican government (SEMARNAT) approving the
cyanidation circuit and the enlarged processing facilities at the Del
Toro Silver Mine. This was the final permit needed to achieve the
targeted mill capacity of 4,000 tpd by mid-2014.
-- Following the successful platform construction and foundation pouring in
the first half of the year, mechanical installations continued in the
quarter at the crushing, flotation and thickeners areas. The
construction of the 1,000 tpd flotation plant is 75% completed. Initial
start-up of operations is estimated for the last week of November.
-- Final testing of the sewage water treatment plant was completed during
the third quarter. Once the mill construction is completed, First
Majestic is looking forward to being able to recirculate the waste water
from the town of Chalchihuites back into a collection facility for
treating and reuse not only saving the environment but also conserving
water in the region.
-- Six drill rigs are active; three on surface and three underground.
During the quarter, 36 holes were completed for a total of 11,365
metres. Drilling continues in order to infill previous holes, and test
for additional resources and to upgrade previously defined Measured and
Indicated Resources.
-- Underground development is continuing into the very prospective
Perseverancia mine and the recently discovered San Nicolas chimney. The
Company released an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report on August 21,
2012, which included some of the new resources discovered in this area.
The results revealed an increase in silver grade of the overall Measured
and Indicated Resources by 20% to 175 g/t.
-- Development at the San Juan mine for preparation for the upcoming
production stage continued during the quarter. Ore continues to be
extracted to surface from the San Juan mine. During the quarter, a total
of 22,365 tonnes have been mined at Level 9 adding to the mined ore from
the second quarter bringing the total stockpile of ore on surface to
56,562 tonnes at quarter end. In addition, the new pump station, new
powder magazines and the initial work of a new underground shop are
underway. The total development at Del Toro for the third quarter was
3,150 metres in the three mines; San Juan, Perseverancia/San Nicolas and
Dolores.
At the La Guitarra Silver Mine:
-- On July 3, 2012, the Company successfully completed the acquisition of
Silvermex which resulted in the La Guitarra Silver Mine becoming the
Company's fourth producing silver mine.
-- Following the acquisition, an aggressive exploration program was
developed across multiple areas of interest covered by the 39,714
hectares of mining claims within the Temascaltepec mining District. The
results of this exploration program are expected to be included in an
updated NI 43-101 Technical Report scheduled for release by the end of
2013.
-- The Company plans to increase production levels from the current
capacity of 350 tpd to 500 tpd at the beginning of 2013. An underground
development program is being implemented in order to meet the mines for
a first ramp up. It is expected that throughput during 2013 will be
maintained at 500 tpd which will result in silver production at La
Guitarra reaching approximately 1 million silver ounces for the year
2013.
-- The concentrates being produced at La Guitarra through the old flotation
circuit are currently being shipped to the La Parrilla mill for leaching
in the cyanidation process and are being converted into silver dore bars
which are reducing smelting and refining costs and expected to improve
the overall economics of the La Guitarra Silver Mine.
-- Permitting for a 1,000 tpd cyanidation processing facility will commence
in the next few months with a planned commencement of construction in
the third quarter of 2013. At 1,000 tpd throughput from cyanidation,
production is anticipated to reach over 2 million ounces of silver dore
production per year in 2014.
At the Rosario Silver Mine and other assets:
-- First Majestic is reviewing the exploration program for the adjacent
Rosario and San Juan properties in the Sinaloa Mexico mining area. This
exploration program is being planned to commence in early 2013. The
Company is also assessing its portfolio of other exploration properties
to determine if these additional properties fit within the Company's
production portfolio.
First Majestic is a silver producing company with operations focused in Mexico. The Company is aggressively pursuing its business plan to become a senior silver producer through the development of its existing assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional assets that contribute to achieving its corporate growth objectives.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of First Majestic Silver Corp. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of silver and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, hedging practices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of First Majestic Silver Corp. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the integration of acquisitions; risks related to international operations; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of current reclamation activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business - Risk Factors" in First Majestic Silver Corp.'s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2011, available on www.sedar.com, and Form 40-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although First Majestic Silver Corp. has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. First Majestic Silver Corp. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Contacts:
First Majestic Silver Corp.
(604) 688-3033 or Toll Free: 1.866.529.2807
(604) 639-8873 (FAX)
info@firstmajestic.com
www.firstmajestic.com