Record Quarter for Aya Gold & Silver Inc. at Moroccan Zgounder Silver Mine
Aya Gold & Silver posts record output of 1.3M oz at Morocco’s Zgounder Mine, with 29% growth driven by higher grades, recovery, and throughput.
Aya Gold & Silver Inc., the Canadian-listed precious metals producer, has reported a record quarter at its flagship Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco, marking a significant milestone in the company’s operational expansion. For the three months ending 30 September, Aya produced approximately 1.3 million ounces of silver, a remarkable 29% increase over the previous quarter. This achievement underscores the success of its ongoing ramp-up strategy and continuous improvements in ore processing and plant efficiency at Zgounder.
The company’s operational metrics reveal impressive gains across several key performance indicators. Mill throughput averaged around 3,326 tonnes per day (tpd), an increase of roughly 11% compared to the previous quarter and about 23% above the mine’s original nameplate capacity. This higher throughput demonstrates the successful implementation of process optimizations and better ore management. The average head grade, a measure of the silver content in the ore processed, rose by approximately 4% to 146 grams per tonne (g/t Ag), while silver recovery improved to 92.5%, up from 86.5% in the prior quarter. These enhancements stem from the optimization of the plant’s processing circuit, reflecting effective technical adjustments and a well-coordinated operational team.
This record-breaking quarter not only validates the company’s ramp-up strategy but also highlights the growing strength of Morocco’s mining industry, which is emerging as an increasingly attractive hub for precious metal investment. Aya Gold & Silver’s performance positions it well to capitalize on future growth opportunities within the Moroccan silver sector, while also contributing to the country’s broader industrial and export diversification goals. Sustained improvements in efficiency, grade control, and throughput at Zgounder could translate into stronger margins and enhanced long-term shareholder value, further cementing Aya’s role as a key player in Africa’s evolving mining landscape.
Mini-Glossary
- Throughput (tpd): The amount of ore processed by the mill each day, measured in tonnes per day.
- Nameplate Capacity: The designed or nominal production capacity of a plant or facility under ideal conditions.
- Head Grade (g/t Ag): The average concentration of silver (in grams per tonne) contained in the ore fed into the mill.
- Silver Recovery (%): The percentage of silver successfully extracted from the ore during processing.
- Ramp-Up Strategy: The planned, gradual increase of production levels as operations stabilize and efficiencies improve.