| Premier Gold Mines Limited (“Premier” or “The Company”) (TSX:PG) is pleased to announce its fourth quarter and full year production results for 2018.
Q4 2018 Production Highlights: - Best quarterly gold production at Mercedes in 2018 with 22,465 ounces produced
- Continued processing of stockpiles at South Arturo with 577 ounces of gold produced
- Total quarterly silver production of 120,730 ounces
Full-Year 2018 Production Highlights: - Gold production of 89,699 ounces
- Silver production of 321,814 ounces
Gold production from South Arturo exceeded annual guidance, benefiting from a decision to accelerate processing of the Phase 2 ore stockpile. The Mercedes mine delivered second half production consistent with Company expectations. Steady improvements in the second half resulted in Q4 being the best quarter of the year with production of 22,465 ounces of gold. Table 1 below provides a summary of production results by mine site. Table 1: Q4 and Full Year 2018 Preliminary Production Results | Mine | Q4
Gold Production
(ounces) | Full Year
Gold Production
(ounces) | Q4
Silver Production
(ounces) | Full Year
Silver Production
(ounces) | | Mercedes, Mexico | 22,465 | 68,719 | 119,039 | 309,165 | | South Arturo, Nevada | 577 | 20,980 | 1,691 | 12,649 | | Consolidated Production | 23,042 | 89,699 | 120,730 | 321,814 |
“With Mercedes operations back on track, Premier exceeded its internal production expectations during the fourth quarter,” stated John Begeman, Executive Chairman of Premier. “Annual production met initial guidance. A strong fourth quarter combined with the development of two additional mine projects at South Arturo, is positioning the Company for a strong future”.
South Arturo Mine, Nevada
The South Arturo Mine, a joint venture operated by Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”), has delivered exceptional results since achieving commercial production. Processing of ore stockpiled from the Phase 2 open pit was intermittent during the fourth quarter with annual production exceeding guidance for the year.
Future production will come from two additional developments underway at the Property. Both the Phase 1 open pit and the El Nino underground mine are now under construction with production expected to ramp up late in the second half of 2019 at El Nino.
Mercedes Mine, Mexico
The Mercedes Mine continues to remain focused on cost reduction and developing new deposits to increase flexibility and productivity.
During the fourth quarter, development continued on the drift from the Lagunas mine to access the higher-grade Marianas deposit that is located on-strike to the northwest. Underground drilling at Marianas commenced late in the fourth quarter and will continue throughout 2019.
Exploration and resource definition drilling continue to be a priority at Mercedes. Surface and underground drilling programs are currently underway.
Q4 and year end 2018 financial results and conference call details:
Full financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, will be released before market open on March 7, 2019 and a conference call with senior management will be held at 10:00am EST.
Details for the conference call and webcast can be found below and will be accessible on the Company’s website.
Toll Free (North America): (+1) 888 390 0605
International: (+1) 416 764 8609
Conference ID: 10218835 |