Production rates are well known, so these are more confirmatory than of intense interest. But, in summary, USA is on track for ag eq production of about 4.5 million oz in 2012.
Points of interest will be the labour and cost compression measures begun at Drum in Q3 and continued, such that cash costs will be significantly reduced. Forward guidance will be of most interest, because, as investors, we are always forward looking. In addition, guidance of gold production levels for 2013 will also be of great interest
Progress at Coeur will also be of great interest. The Coeur mine, which is fully funded and under re-development with expected production by year-end or early 2013 at an annual production rate of 500,000 oz of ag/year, will increase mill utilization rates ( which will reduce unit costs ) and boost 2013 production to over 5 million oz of ag eq per year:
At Galena, the new Lead zone which holds potential for over 100 m oz of silver, is being proposed for a bulk sample in order to fast track production.
Recent drill results for all 3 mines have been very encouraging and point towards significant upward revisions in resource levels, when 43-101 is updated in the first half of 2013.
Drilling continues, with results pending.
In summary, Q3 will be a very interesting quarter and one that should give us a strong perspective of future gains in production and consequences for reductions in cash costs per oz.
From what I can gauge, ex. the 5 million oz + of silver forecast? for 2014 is a slam dunk...way to low....elevating Ag ex. to about 10 million oz. by TheRock contr. thanks good info