The figure now stands at 116 million oz. silver within 23.9 million tons grading 4.9 oz. silver per ton, 0.33% tin and 0.57% zinc.
To arrive at the figure, Sunshine used a cutoff grade of 1.75 oz. per ton and a stripping ratio of 5.4-to-1. However, the company expects to reduce the stripping ratio as a result of a halo of zinc mineralization around the main deposit.
Meanwhile, the projected daily mining rate has been boosted to 6,600 tons, or 9 million oz. silver annually, assuming a 78% recovery for silver. Tin and zinc recovery stand at 63% and 41%, respectively. Sunshine estimates cash costs to fall below US$2 per oz. silver, net of byproduct credits.
A final feasibility study is expected in the next month, following which a production decision is expected. Capital costs for mine construction are projected at US$120 million.
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