The 2018 PEA defined a 7-year mine life with a peak production rate of 12,700 oz Au per year from a 400tpd mining rate from multiple cut-and-fill stopes on different vein systems in the underground mine. Ore grades in the San Francisco vein are on average significantly higher than in other veins, so the mine plan includes a degree of blending from different veins to produce a consistent mill feed grade.
The cut-and-fill stoping is sequenced bottom-up and backfill is provided by a combination of run-of-mine waste and supplemented, when necessary, with surface waste.
The Pinos Mine project is construction ready, and the schedule indicates a 12-14 month construction period. The major mill equipment is already available, and much of the historical upper levels mine development is still accessible.