Canadian mining company Equinox Gold achieved its first gold pouring at the restored Aurizona gold mine located in northeastern Brazil. The Aurizona gold mine, which has reserves of 971,000 ounces (oz) at 1.52 grams/ton gold, will produce 136,000 oz of gold per year.
In addition to achieving the first gold discharge in the open-pit mine, Equinox Gold said it has obtained the license from the Environmental Agency of the State of Maranhão (SEMA) to operate the project. The license marks the final operating permit for the Brazilian gold mine, which will have an initial life of 6.5 years. The initial life of the mine is based on reserves found in the Piaba and Boa Esperança shafts, which can be extended through successful exploration along existing reserves.
The total production of the Aurizona gold mine has been estimated at 885,700 oz of gold.
“Pouring the first gold at Aurizona is an important milestone for the company and is the result of the hard work and dedication of the Equinox Gold team and our contractors,” Equinox Gold CEO Christian Milau said. “Achieving this milestone without lost time injuries has been another important accomplishment for the Aurizona team.”
