The expansion is approximately three months ahead of schedule and capital costs are expected to total US$3 million versus the US$5 million originally budgeted. Production is anticipated to grow from 37,500 oz. gold this year to 75,000 oz. gold in 2015. Cash costs are also expected to decrease from US$750 per oz. to US$575 per oz. starting next year.
Commissioning is expected to commence during Q2, with the expansion fully operational during the second half of the year. El Gallo 1 is being expanded from 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd) to 4,500 tpd. In addition to the expansion, gold grades are expected to increase starting in 2015 from approximately 1.1 gpt to 2.0 gpt.
"Our team in Mexico, along with the company’s main contractor, SAR Servicios Tecnicos, has done a good job expanding the El Gallo 1 mine. Our skill set within Mexico continues to grow and this is an important learning experience should the company proceed with the construction of El Gallo 2. With the expansion and higher gold grades, we expect the mine to generate US$30 million in annual free cash flow before taxes starting next year (at a $1,300 gold price)", stated Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner.
