ECU warms up at Velardena

As part of its preproduction phase, ECU Gold Mining (ECU-M) has begun processing ore at its Velardena gold and silver mine in Mexico.

The mill is treating an average of 380 tons per day by direct cyanidation, seven days a week.

The source of the material currently being processed is low-grade stockpiles and development ore.

Direct operating costs are estimated to be US$45,000 per week, though the company is, at present, pulling in US$55,000 per week.

The company reports that 20% of the processed ore is coming from workings at the main mine. By September, this figure is expected to rise to nearly 60%.

Official startup is scheduled for late in the year, when daily production is projected to be 1,000 tonnes.