Santacruz Silver Completes Veta Grande Mill Expansion
VANCOUVER - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported that expansion of milling capacity at its Veta Grande Project, in Mexico, to 750 tpd has been completed. The mill is anticipated to be operating at full capacity by early in the second quarter 2018. Currently the mill is operating at 450 tpd and will ramp up in stages until it reaches the new designed capacity.
Management will next focus on enhancing mining efficiencies including the construction of an underground tunnel system that will connect the Veta Grande, San José, Armados and La Flor veins. Upon completion, all underground mining areas will be connected by a new ore haulage level. The consolidation of the underground operations will significantly improve operating efficiencies and is expected to have a positive impact on cash operating costs.
Carlos Silva, Santacruz's COO stated "I commend our Technical Team for achieving this significant milestone ahead of schedule. This new increased milling capacity will allow us to shortly achieve positive cash flow at the Veta Grande operations. Our exploration programs will keep advancing to establish and increase our mineral resources with the eventual plan to further expand mill capacity at this historical silver rich mining district of Veta Grande".