First Majestic Silver Corp.: Achieved Record Production of 2.6M Silver Eqv. Ounces (2.3M Silver Ounces) in Q4; Produced a Record 9.1M Silver Eqv. Ounces (8.3M Silver Ounces) in 2012
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/09/13 -- First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX: FR)(NYSE: AG)(FRANKFURT: FMV) ("First Majestic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company's fourth quarter and full year 2012 production results.
Highlights
-- Total production increased by 5% to a new quarterly record of 2.6
million silver equivalent ounces
-- Total silver production increased by 5% to a new quarterly record of 2.3
million ounces
-- Silver production amounted to 90% of total metal production in the
fourth quarter
-- A new yearly record of 9.1 million silver equivalent ounces were
produced representing a 20% increase from 2011
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Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
December 31, September 30,
Consolidated 2012 2012 % Variance
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Ore processed/tonnes milled 701,618 666,688 5%
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Total production - ounces of
silver equivalent 2,562,926 2,438,085 5%
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Silver ounces produced 2,311,146 2,205,237 5%
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Ag grade (g/t) 176 167 5%
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Ag recovery (%) 58% 62% (5)%
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Pounds of lead produced 3,751,074 3,307,944 13%
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Equivalent ounces from lead 114,293 99,263 15%
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Gold ounces produced 1,540 1,537 0%
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Equivalent ounces from gold 86,124 91,690 (6)%
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Pounds of zinc produced 1,363,330 844,953 61%
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Equivalent ounces from zinc 36,927 24,577 50%
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Tonnes of iron ore produced 4,432 4,673 (8)%
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Equivalent ounces from iron ore 14,436 17,318 (17)%
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Total underground development
(m) 14,802 14,595 1%
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Diamond drilling (m) 25,940 44,670 (42)%
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The total production in 2012 reached 9,110,452 equivalent ounces of silver, representing a 20% increase over 7,562,494 equivalent ounces of silver produced in 2011.
The equivalent silver production for 2012 consisted of 8,260,434 ounces of pure silver, representing a 14% increase from the prior year, 13,240,889 pounds of lead, representing a 68% increase from the previous year, 4,952,899 pounds of zinc, representing a 2,671% increase from the previous year, 18,329 tonnes of iron ore, representing an 85% increase from the previous year, and 4,221 ounces of gold, representing an increase of 175% compared to the previous year. Total silver production in 2012 as a percentage of total metal production amounted to 91%.
Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO, stated, "Another great year which marked our ninth year of consecutive record growth in silver production. Our team once again deserves recognition of this great achievement. We look forward to a great 2013 with the Del Toro mine coming on line and the expansion currently underway at the La Guitarra mine."
The Company has elected to provide guidance for 2013 production estimated in a range from 12.3 to 13.0 million ounces of silver equivalent or 11.1 to 11.7 million ounces of pure silver. On a year-over-year comparison, this 2013 estimate represents an increase of 34% to 42% of pure silver production maintaining First Majestic's status as the silver industry's growth leader. The Company remains on a very aggressive growth plan over the next few years with the ongoing development of the Del Toro Silver Mine, La Guitarra Silver Mine, and the La Luz Silver Project.
January 12, 2013 is the planned date for commencement of phase one production at Del Toro at 1,000 tpd through flotation, which will allow for the production of lead and zinc concentrates. By the end of the second quarter, management expects phase two of production (1,000 tpd flotation and 1,000 tpd cyanidation) to commence allowing for the production of silver dore bars. The Company remains on schedule for the final phase of production (2,000 tpd flotation and 2,000 tpd cyanidation) by mid-2014 at which time Del Toro is expected to become the Company's largest operation and is projected to produce approximately 6 million ounces of silver per year annualized.
This exploration program for 2012 consisted of 135,769 metres of diamond drilling compared to 56,713 metres drilled in 2011. The total underground development completed in 2012 amounted to 57,267 metres compared to 37,311 metres developed in 2011. It is further anticipated that new updated NI 43- 101 Technical Reports will be released on each of the Company's projects in 2013, beginning with the San Martin Silver Mine in the first quarter.
With respect to the fourth quarter production results, total ore processed at the Company's four operating silver mines, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine, the San Martin Silver Mine and the La Guitarra Silver Mine, amounted to 701,618 tonnes milled in the quarter representing a 5% increase over the previous quarter. The average silver head grade in the quarter for the four mines increased 5% from the previous quarter to 176 g/t of silver. The overall combined recoveries of silver decreased from 62% to 58%.
The Company developed 14,802 metres underground in the fourth quarter, compared to 14,595 metres of underground development completed in the previous quarter. Development has been focused on increasing the Reserve and Resource preparation ratios at the four operating mines and further mine preparation at Del Toro in advance of phase two of production through cyanidation expected to commence in mid-2013.
Also, the diamond drilling programs in the fourth quarter totalled 25,940 metres of exploration drilling over 168 holes for a 2012 annual total of 135,769 metres of drilling completed over 674 holes at the Company's four mines, and at the Del Toro Silver Mine.
As a result of the efforts and work completed in 2012, some of the improvements and advances made during the year included:
At the La Encantada Silver Mine
-- A third ball mill was successfully installed bringing the fresh mine ore
milling capacity to 1,800 tpd, an increase of 800 tpd. The increase in
processing ore from the mine relative to ore from old tailings assisted
in improving overall grades and recoveries at the processing plant.
-- Underground development was 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 year these areas came into production
and are further anticipated to contribute to an overall higher grade
improvement and higher recovery for the operation.
-- Due to the extensive underground exploration program underway, a new
high-grade breccia pipe called "990" was discovered early in 2012 which
is currently being defined showing silver grades in the range of 230 g/t
to 500 g/t. This new area was brought into production late in the fourth
quarter of 2012 and is expected to improve the fresh ore grade feed to
the mill.
-- A total of 3,186 metres were drilled in the fourth quarter compared to
4,715 metres of drilling in the third quarter of 2012. In addition, a
total of 3,554 metres of underground development was completed in the
fourth quarter compared to 3,328 metres of development in the third
quarter of 2012.
-- A new NI 43-101 Technical Report is planned for release prior to year
end 2013.
At the La Parrilla Silver Mine
-- The new 2,000 tpd dual-circuit processing mill at La Parrilla was
commissioned in early 2012 and exceeded annual production guidance as a
result of higher recoveries and throughput levels.
-- New tailing filters were installed 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.
-- 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 which is starting to be developed in
early 2013. In addition, there was 589 metres of development at Level
11, which will become the new underground rail transportation system
connecting the different underground areas to the shaft was completed in
2012. This investment is expected to improve logistics and the
transportation of ore to the mill, ultimately reducing overall costs.
This shaft is planned for completion in early 2014.
-- Following the conclusion of a regional geophysics program in 2012, a
regional exploration drill program was designed to target geological
anomalies in far reaching areas within La Parrilla's large 69,460
hectare land package. This regional drill program is expected to
commence in the second half of 2013.
-- The total metres drilled during the fourth quarter amounted to 4,618
metres compared to 9,201 metres drilled in the previous quarter.
Development completed in the quarter totaled 5,198 metres compared with
5,122 metres developed in the third quarter of 2012.
At the San Martin Silver Mine
-- The construction of two new large leaching tanks designed to replace
some older and smaller leach tanks was completed in 2012. 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 and new tailings filters to
recirculate water and to improve environmental conditions.
-- The preliminary results of the exploration drilling program at the
Rosarios/Huichola veins continues to return very positive results,
showing further definition of the North/South system of veins that were
previously unknown. The Company is planning to release an updated NI 43-
101 Technical Report within the first quarter of 2013.
-- Total metres drilled in the fourth quarter amounted to 4,361 metres
compared to 9,405 metres drilled in the previous quarter. In addition,
1,966 metres of development were completed in the fourth quarter of 2012
compared to 1,809 metres of development in the third quarter of 2012.
At the Del Toro Silver Mine
-- Wet commissioning of the 1,000 tpd flotation mill was initiated in the
third week of December and completed on January 6, 2013. Ore is
scheduled to be introduced into the circuit in the coming days with
first production scheduled to commence on January 12th.
-- All permits and approvals have been received from the State of Durango
for the 115,000KW power line which is required for phase two production
of 2000 tpd scheduled for mid-2013. Construction of this new power line
began on January 2, 2013. Permits from the State of Zacatecas remain
outstanding but are in the final stages of completion. The plan calls
for construction to be completed in April 2013. For the first phase of
production at 1,000 tpd, power will be supplied by the current 34,000 KW
power line plus portable diesel generators.
-- In August 2012, 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.
-- Total metres drilled in the fourth quarter amounted to 5,687 metres
compared to 11,365 metres drilled in the previous quarter. In addition,
2,870 metres of development were completed in the fourth quarter of 2012
compared to 3,150 metres of development in the third quarter of 2012.
-- Development within the three mines (San Juan, Perseverancia/San Nicolas
and Dolores) has produced 97,700 tonnes of stockpiled ore on surface in
the last few quarters which will be the initial feed for the mill at the
planned rate of 1,000 tpd. Further development in the first half of 2013
will be focused on preparing the mines for phase two of production
(1,000 tpd flotation and 1,000 tpd cyanidation) in the second half of
the year.
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.
-- The Company plans to increase production levels from the current
capacity of 350 tpd to 500 tpd at the beginning of February 2013. During
the third and fourth quarter of 2012, foundations for a new ball mill
were constructed. Spare flotation cells were also sent from the La
Encantada mine to add to the flotation capacity. The installation of
these new components is almost complete.
-- An underground development program was implemented in order to meet the
mill's higher capacity for this 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 one million
silver ounces in 2013.
-- 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.
-- Total metres drilled in the fourth quarter amounted to 8,088 metres
compared to 9,984 metres drilled in the previous quarter. In addition,
1,214 metres of development were completed in the fourth quarter of 2012
compared to 1,186 metres of development in the third quarter of 2012.
-- The concentrates being produced at La Guitarra through the 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.
-- 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 or fourth quarter of 2013. At 1,000 tpd throughput through
cyanidation, production is anticipated to reach over two million ounces
of silver dore production per year annualized.
At the La Luz Silver Project
-- The permit for the restoration of the old historic buildings at the
Santa Ana Hacienda was received in August 2012 and the construction of
the previously announced Thematic and Cultural Park which will include a
mining museum has begun. In addition, cleaning of the impressive
underground workings has been completed to rehabilitate this historic
mine for public access. This new cultural facility and mining museum
will form part of a "Sustainable Development Project" which will provide
permanent long term jobs to the local communities.
-- The Sustainable Development Project includes a jewelry school which
completed its first course with a total of 13 students graduating. Also,
music and craftsman (trade) schools began their first courses with more
than 60 students, paying special attention to individuals between the
ages of 10 to 20 years of age. Additionally, public baseball and
football fields were built within the El Potrero community.
-- To date, the Baseline Study and the Geo-hydrologic Study have been
completed.
-- The Environmental Impact Statement, the Risk Study, and the Change of
Use of Land Studies are expected to be presented to government
authorities in late 2013 or early 2014 subject to the legal orders
presently in progress.
-- The Company has submitted three different legal orders in order to
obtain the authorization to present its final permit applications. To
date, the Company has obtained one positive resolution and expects the
remaining orders to be authorized in 2014.
-- As announced on December 16, 2012, First Majestic entered into a
friendly agreement with Orko Silver Corp. to acquire all the issued and
outstanding shares of Orko at an exchange ratio of 0.1202:1.
-- It is expected that this acquisition will close in late February 2013.
-- Subject to closing, the Company expects to release a new Preliminary
Economic Assessment (PEA) on La Preciosa with optimal mine plan in the
second half of 2013.
At the Plomosas Silver Project 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 planned to commence in the second half of 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 producing company focused on silver production in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing its business plan of becoming a senior silver producer through the development of its existing mineral property assets and through acquisition of additional mineral assets which contribute to the Company achieving its aggressive corporate growth objectives.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" of "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, respectively. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates; the estimated cost and timing of development of our development projects; the timing of completion of exploration programs and preparation of technical reports; the effects of laws, regulations and government policies on our operations, including, without limitation, the laws in Mexico which currently have significant restrictions related to mining; obtaining or maintaining necessary permits, licences and approvals from government authorities; and continued access to necessary infrastructure, including, without limitation, access to power, land, water and roads to carry on activities as planned.
These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of silver, gold, base metals or certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada or Mexico; the Company's cash flow and availability of alternate sources of capital; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining or development, including those currently enacted in Mexico; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; the Company's title to properties; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form, under the caption "Risks Relating to First Majestic's Business".
Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Contacts:
First Majestic Silver Corp.
Keith Neumeyer
President & CEO
Toll Free: 1.866.529.2807
info@firstmajestic.com
www.firstmajestic.com