Capstone Mining Corp. (TSX:CS) has safely started ramping up operational activities at its Cozamin mine in Zacatecas, Mexico, following the Mexican Federal Government announcement on May 12, 2020 that mining is an essential industry.
“I am very proud of the way our team at Cozamin has handled the difficult challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Darren Pylot, President and CEO of Capstone.
“The rigorous safety controls and prevention measures put in place earlier this year will continue to be our top priority as the site returns to full operations.
“Over the past six weeks, some reduced mining and milling activities took place, which will allow for a safe and efficient ramp-up to full operating levels within two weeks. As a result, we expect there to be minimal impact on our guidance.”
Mr Pylot said Cozamin’s underground expansion remains on track for completion by the end of 2020 and is expected to increase production to a new annual run rate of approximately 50-55 million pounds of copper and 1.5 million ounces of silver in 2021.
Also, an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate remains on track for late 2020, The 200-hole drill program was 85% completed prior to the suspension of non-essential activities.
Drilling completed to date will be used to upgrade Inferred Mineral Resources to the Indicated category and subsequent conversion to Mineral Reserves to target doubling the mine life.
The latest positive drill results pointing to higher grades and wider intercepts than in the current Mineral Reserve estimate were released on April 23, 2020, accompanied by a webcast conference call hosted by Brad Mercer, Capstone’s SVP, Operations & Exploration.
