Luca Mining Corp. has successfully completed the construction of its fully owned Tahuehueto gold mine in Durango State, Mexico. The mine, which is fully permitted and features a processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day (tpd), has been operational on a pre-production basis for several months and is now set to ramp up to commercial production by the end of September.
Currently, processing rates average 450 tpd, with the company expecting to reach commercial levels of approximately 800 tpd, or 25,000 tonnes of ore per month, by the end of September. Tahuehueto, which spans 121 square kilometers, hosts a significant epithermal gold vein system. Notably, less than 10% of the prospective area has been explored. The project is located within a renowned mining region, near the historic San Dimas gold mine, which has produced over 11 million ounces of gold.
Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “We are extremely pleased with our progress at the Tahuehueto Gold Mine. Processing rates are currently averaging 450 tpd and we expect to steadily increase over the coming weeks to reach commercial production in September 2024. Tahuehueto is set to become a cornerstone asset for Luca, with a target of at least 50,000 oz Au Eq* annual production. We are also excited about discovering new high-grade gold zones with significant mineable widths, which we plan to explore underground in the upcoming months.”
The company has also completed the installation of a third filter press, which facilitates dry stack tailings. This method offers several advantages over traditional techniques, including reduced water usage, lower environmental risks, safer storage, and more efficient future reclamation. The enhancement is expected to support the mine’s increased production capacity and operational efficiency.
Luca Mining is also advancing its underground development efforts, with resource drilling expected to commence soon. The focus will be on new, high-grade zones, which are anticipated to bolster the company’s resource base and overall asset value.
With these developments, Luca Mining positions itself for sustained growth and profitability, bolstered by increased production and ongoing exploration and development efforts.
