OUTLOOK 2017
For 2017, the Company expects a production level of 4.0 to 4.1 million Ag eq oz (at a 70:1 ratio) from its Mexico operations. An updated NI 43-101 resource estimate for the GMC will be released later this month, however, due to necessary cut-off dates, recent high grade drill results will not be included in this estimate. Commissioning of the new tailings storage facility at Topia and resumption of milling is expected in the first quarter, with the gradual processing of ore stockpiled during the shutdown to be conducted through the balance of the year.
Completion of the recently announced acquisition of the Coricancha Mine in Peru is anticipated to take place before the end of the first quarter. Initial activities will include evaluations of current mine and processing infrastructure, underground drilling, and initiation of a Preliminary Economic Assessment. Depending on the outcome of the latter, development in support of operations is expected to commence in early- to mid-2018. A resource update is also scheduled for the second quarter 2017.
For the reported periods of 2016, the Company delivered reductions in cash cost and All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC") of 60% and 31% respectively. For 2017, the Company expects cash cost to increase due to increases in site costs and increased expenditures on definition drilling aimed at reducing grade variability and improving mine planning. AISC is also expected to increase due to the increase in cash cost and greater investment in drilling, development and capital projects. In particular, AISC will reflect the non-recurring capital expenditures in the new tailings facility at Topia which will primarily be incurred in the first quarter of 2017. Based on current plans and projections, the Company's cash cost and AISC guidance for 2017 is US$5.00 – 6.00 and US$14.00 – 16.00, respectively.
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert F. Brown, P. Eng., who is the Qualified Person (QP) for the Guanajuato Mine Complex and the Topia Mine under the meaning of NI 43-101. Aspects relating to mining and metallurgy are overseen by Ali Soltani, Chief Operating Officer for Great Panther.
