Lake Shore Gold expands mill (Timmins Daily Press – December 12, 2012)

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Officials with Lake Shore Gold Corp. announced this week it has achieved a processing capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day. This is following the completion of the first stage of its 50% mill expansion.

The mill’s new capacity represents an increase of 25% from the previous capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day. The second stage of expansion, to a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day, is on track for completion during the second quarter of 2013.

“We are beginning to see the payback from a lot of hard work and investment over the last year,” said Tony Makuch, president and CEO of Lake Shore Gold “With increased mill throughput and improved grades, we are set to finish the year strong and to achieve full year production of over 85,000 ounces of gold.

“Equally important, with the progress being made at our mill and in completing our development and drilling programs at Timmins West Mine, we are looking to 2013 as a break-out year for the company, with significantly higher production, lower operating costs, and a sharp reduction in capital expenditures.

“Our balance sheet is strong and we are financed to take Timmins West Mine to full production at which time we will be generating positive free cash flow.”

Lake Shore’s mill expansion involves major upgrades to both the front end and back end of the mill.

In October 2012, the first components of the mill expansion were brought on line, including a new thickener, new thickener pumps and pumpbox, the new flocculants plant and water system upgrades.

To complete the first stage of the expansion, and increase throughput capacity to 2,500 tonnes per day, Lake Shore brought on line two new carbon-in-leach tanks, the new leach tailings screening plant, the new gland water pumping system and pump and piping upgrades to the secondary grinding circuit.

For the rest of this article, please go to the Timmins Daily Press website: http://www.timminspress.com/2012/12/12/lake-shore-gold-expands-mill