Seguela Project Preparing For First Gold Production

VANCOUVER - David Whittle, Chief Operating Officer - West Africa of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., said, “Construction activities are nearing completion despite worldwide supply chain challenges. We are pleased to report commissioning remains on schedule for Q2 2023.” Mr. Whittle added, “Our operational teams are being assembled with an experienced core leadership group already hired and preparing for first gold production.” Mr. Whittle concluded, “This will mark a significant milestone for Fortuna with the Seguela Gold Project, located in Côte d’Ivoire, also exhibiting growth potential given the quantity of Inferred Resources and the exploration success on the property to date.”

With the completion of construction rapidly approaching, operational readiness has increasingly become the focus in preparation for commissioning of the processing plant, which is due to commence early in the second quarter of 2023. As a result of the dedicated efforts of the Seguela management and site teams, the project is well positioned for this transition which also represents a significant milestone for the Company. Mota-Engil, the mining contractor, has established their temporary facilities on site to support initial mining activities with construction of the permanent mining services area infrastructure progressing well. The mining fleet required for initial mining activities is on site and has been commissioned.

Mining preparations are underway with the Antenna Stage 1 pit having been cleared and grade control drilling in progress. The ROM pad and Antenna pit haul road areas have been cleared in preparation for their construction this month.

Following the completion of the aforementioned milestones, Lycopodium, EPC contractor, will conduct a rigorous performance test of the processing plant before the end of the third quarter.