Canadian mining company Equinox Gold has achieved commercial production at its Greenstone gold mine in Canada, following the steady progress through October.
The milestone signals significant advancement in the operation, with the mine now on track to become one of Canada’s largest and highest-grade open-pit gold mines.
In the third quarter, the Greenstone mine processed an average of 14,300 tonnes per day (tpd), reaching 53% of its design throughput and producing 42,400 ounces of gold at a 79% recovery rate.
During this period, the mine also managed several multi-day shutdowns to address operational issues identified during the ramp-up process.
By 5 November, the Greenstone gold mine increased throughput to an average of more than 20,400tpd, representing 76% of its design target.
The mine’s crushing and grinding circuits demonstrated full production capacity, with crushing output surpassing 32,000tpd and milling exceeding 27,000tpd. Gold recovery rates reached daily highs over 90% and averaged 78% through October.
According to Equinox Gold, the mine’s current focus is on further improving plant availability and enhancing recovery rates.
At its full production, the Greenstone mine is expected to produce an average of 390,000 ounces of gold annually for the first five years and approximately 330,000 ounces per year over an initial 15-year mine life.
Equinox Gold president and CEO Greg Smith said: “With the Greenstone Mine continuing to ramp up and generating positive operating cash flow, we are pleased to announce commercial production at our newest and largest gold mine.
“This milestone marks the culmination of three years of construction and commissioning, accomplished during the challenges of a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures.”
Located in Ontario, the Greenstone mine is expected to become one of Canada’s largest and highest-grade open-pit gold mines. The project achieved its first gold pour in May this year.
The full ownership of the Greenstone mine was acquired by Equinox Gold from certain funds managed by Orion Mine Finance Management in April 2024.
