The exploitation plan for the second half of 2024 includes areas with greater geological uncertainty, since the mine is operating at the end of its reserves.
In the third quarter of 2024, the San José mine, operated by Fortuna Mining, produced 510,741 ounces of silver and 3,771 ounces of gold with average head grades of 99 g/t Ag and 0.74 g/t Au, which reflecting a decrease of 25 and 28 percent, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The processing plant milled 188,212 tons with an average of 2,163 tons per day. Metallurgical recoveries were affected by increased upper level iron oxide material extracted during the period.
Silver and gold production during the nine months of 2024 totaled 1,954,028 ounces and 13,573 ounces, respectively.
The exploitation plan for the second half of 2024 includes areas with greater geological uncertainty, since the mine is operating at the end of its reserves. In the third quarter, production near former workings in the upper levels of the mine, which accounted for 46 percent of planned quarterly production, yielded 36 percent lower head grades and 28 percent lower tonnage than expected. The exploitation plan for the fourth quarter continues to cover areas of high geological uncertainty.
Exploration
The exploration program at the Yessi vein was completed during the quarter and the Company is now evaluating its economic potential alongside the resources at the Victoria vein. As the operation is expected to deplete its mineral reserves by the end of the year, management is evaluating the options of continuing operations, placing the operation on care and maintenance or activating a progressive closure plan.
