Commissioning Update For The Magino Mine

TORONTO - Argonaut Gold Inc. reported that wet commissioning activities at its Magino Mine are well underway, with the introduction of ore into the crushing circuit, and ore into the grinding circuit. The Company is now guiding towards a first gold pour soon.

"The initial 48-hour run of the mills was completed and the requisite re-torquing of the grinding mills, mechanical inspections and some minor repairs and modifications have begun. Milling is scheduled to resume on June 4th. Initial results during commissioning indicate that throughput targets in the crushing and grinding circuits should be easily achieved, and the team is now working on achieving design availabilities as we work through instrumentation, electrical, and communications issues that are common in the startup of a process plant of this size. Furthermore, the tailings commissioning is complete, and all operating permits have been received to operate the plant and tailings management facilities. Overall, the ramp up to commercial production remains on schedule and is expected in the third quarter," said Chuck Hennessy, Vice President, Canadian Operations.